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Delay of Game
Passion and patriotism sizzle on the ice at the Winter Olympics.
It’s been a dozen years since two of the world’s best women hockey players, Niki Hartling and Eva Caruso, first competed against each another in the Olympic Games.
The pressure of the intense USA-Canada rivalry forced an end to their love affair, and both women moved on—Niki to coach and to marry, Eva to stretch out a playing career that her ravaged body can barely sustain anymore.
The Games are upon them once again. Eva wants one last chance to beat the Canadians and win hockey’s biggest prize. Niki, now a widow and single mother, strives to coach her country to gold, even as the obstacles against her mount. The locker room seems to have ears and there are few people Niki and Eva can trust.
Rivals and former lovers on hockey’s biggest stage, will Niki and Eva feel the same spark that first brought them together? And can they win on—and off—the ice with the whole world watching?
It’s been a dozen years since two of the world’s best women hockey players, Niki Hartling and Eva Caruso, first competed against each another in the Olympic Games.
The pressure of the intense USA-Canada rivalry forced an end to their love affair, and both women moved on—Niki to coach and to marry, Eva to stretch out a playing career that her ravaged body can barely sustain anymore.
The Games are upon them once again. Eva wants one last chance to beat the Canadians and win hockey’s biggest prize. Niki, now a widow and single mother, strives to coach her country to gold, even as the obstacles against her mount. The locker room seems to have ears and there are few people Niki and Eva can trust.
Rivals and former lovers on hockey’s biggest stage, will Niki and Eva feel the same spark that first brought them together? And can they win on—and off—the ice with the whole world watching?
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2017
22 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Richardson
34 books263 followersI'm the author of several lesbian romance novels published by Bella Books, including the Lambda Literary Award finalists "Last Salute" and "No Rules of Engagement". I'm a voracious reader, even more so now that I've retired from a 27-year career as a daily newspaper journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 11, 2017
The winner takes it all... or not...
I totally enjoyed Delay of Game, and this is so far my favorite book by the author. It is written really well and in many respects it is evident that Tracey Richardson is an experienced author who knows her stuff. The story is well structured with no plot holes, but with good pacing and dialogue. The characterization is particularly good with nicely done chemistry between the protagonists. We can feel their dilemmas, regrets, beliefs...
The plot is strong and very interesting so I was hooked from the first page and finished reading it within a day. The convincing romance is greatly spiced with sports intrigue and the uncertainty of who will come out as the winner. And not just the winner in sports, but in life values, too. The story told by Richardson is deeply satisfying in many ways and upon completion leaves the nice feeling of having read a good book. That feeling is known to every reader, and it is what we strive for when choosing a new book to read.
The hockey plays a nice role in the narrative without being overbearing. You really do not need to know a lot about it to enjoy the story.
All in all, a very good read that I recommend heartily to all romance fans.
4.5 stars, rounded up
Feb 11, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
I totally enjoyed Delay of Game, and this is so far my favorite book by the author. It is written really well and in many respects it is evident that Tracey Richardson is an experienced author who knows her stuff. The story is well structured with no plot holes, but with good pacing and dialogue. The characterization is particularly good with nicely done chemistry between the protagonists. We can feel their dilemmas, regrets, beliefs...
The plot is strong and very interesting so I was hooked from the first page and finished reading it within a day. The convincing romance is greatly spiced with sports intrigue and the uncertainty of who will come out as the winner. And not just the winner in sports, but in life values, too. The story told by Richardson is deeply satisfying in many ways and upon completion leaves the nice feeling of having read a good book. That feeling is known to every reader, and it is what we strive for when choosing a new book to read.
The hockey plays a nice role in the narrative without being overbearing. You really do not need to know a lot about it to enjoy the story.
All in all, a very good read that I recommend heartily to all romance fans.
4.5 stars, rounded up
Feb 11, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
February 17, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I was excited to read this book by Richardson. Growing up in the North East, Hockey is everywhere, but none is as exciting, for me, as watching the women's Olympic hockey. I enjoyed this read. But you do not have to be a hockey fan to enjoy this. If anything, I would have liked even more hockey, in this book.
The story is about Niki, a former Olympic hockey player, who is asked to coach team Canada. Everyone knows the gold medal game will come down to the USA vs Canada, as it does every Olympics. Niki, is surprised to find out the only veteran on team USA is her ex Eva. Niki and Eva, had a bad break-up. But they both never really got over each other. What happens when they see each other again, especially when it's on opposite sides of the ice?
I thought the romance part of the book was really well done. There was a ton of chemistry between the two mains. You could tell they were meant to be together, but would they ever be? I also found both mains to be very likeable.
When it came to the hockey, I actually would have liked a little more. Considering this is a story about coaching and playing at an Olympic level, I thought it was odd we didn't really know any players on Niki's team, and only one other player on Eva's team. Personally, I also found it a little hard to be cheering for Team Canada. Richardson made the USA coach out to be pretty evil, and the USA team more of the "bad team". Considering Team Canada wins almost every Olympics, it was harder to root and feel sorry for them, since they are definitely not the underdog.
Besides my personal sports opinions, it was a fun story that I got caught up in quickly. There was even a tiny bit of a mystery, that just added more excitement to the story. I think other readers will enjoy this, and as I said before, you do not have to be a hockey fan, to like this book.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
The story is about Niki, a former Olympic hockey player, who is asked to coach team Canada. Everyone knows the gold medal game will come down to the USA vs Canada, as it does every Olympics. Niki, is surprised to find out the only veteran on team USA is her ex Eva. Niki and Eva, had a bad break-up. But they both never really got over each other. What happens when they see each other again, especially when it's on opposite sides of the ice?
I thought the romance part of the book was really well done. There was a ton of chemistry between the two mains. You could tell they were meant to be together, but would they ever be? I also found both mains to be very likeable.
When it came to the hockey, I actually would have liked a little more. Considering this is a story about coaching and playing at an Olympic level, I thought it was odd we didn't really know any players on Niki's team, and only one other player on Eva's team. Personally, I also found it a little hard to be cheering for Team Canada. Richardson made the USA coach out to be pretty evil, and the USA team more of the "bad team". Considering Team Canada wins almost every Olympics, it was harder to root and feel sorry for them, since they are definitely not the underdog.
Besides my personal sports opinions, it was a fun story that I got caught up in quickly. There was even a tiny bit of a mystery, that just added more excitement to the story. I think other readers will enjoy this, and as I said before, you do not have to be a hockey fan, to like this book.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
April 9, 2023
➥ 1 Star *:･ﾟ✧
Unfortunately, when I see these types of Bella Books covers, my standards fall immediately. Mostly because of my bad experience with Ask, Tell. The common problem I have with these, is that their premises sound amazing and have so much potential, but everything about it feels flat and like something I could write in primary creative writing. And I'm honestly sorry for having to write it that way, because that's quite harsh. I do acknowledge that many sapphic authors are ignored by publishers so don't have as many opportunities to get good editors etc. But, that does not take away from the fact that this was a huge disappointment for me.
The premise sounded really fun and made me hope for something like Heated Rivalry or Him. I feel like it's not too much to ask for sexual tension (because of the rivals aspect), extremely romantic moments, explicit sex scenes, lots of content where the girls are competing against each other on the ice, and well-fleshed-out characters. That's what I was hoping for; I didn't get it.
What most bothered me about this book was the storyline (I think). When I first read the synopsis of this book, I kind of skimmed it and assumed it was a rivals-to-lovers hockey romance. But no, the choice of storyline was much worse. Apparently, when Eva and Niki were young, they had a fling that was mostly sex but they were apparently in looove. Then, they got played and set up by someone who tried and succeeded at breaking them up. Then, Niki gets married to Shannon later on in her life. Shannon has a kid, Rory. Then Shannon dies of cancer, and then Eva and Niki...rekindle and begin their second chance romance.
That is so weird. Why would you choose to write it like that? There were so many weird comments in regards to Shannon. Firstly, Niki is always comparing Shannon to Eva and expressing why Eva is better than her? Then she also says something about feeling that it was selfish of Shannon to die and leave her here? And then talks about not ever fully loving Shannon and that she was just a convenience because she was reliable, stable, and whatever. Idk, I'm not able to put those things past me. Imagine falling for someone who constantly compares you to their dead wife, disrespectfully.
Like, 😀 que? Then Niki goes on to talk about how Shannon had been soo insecure whenever Eva was brought up and uh...I would be too? You literally just admitted that you didn't love her as much. Siri, play 'Glimpse Of Us'. And it's even worse because it's sapphic. Imagine a woman doing that to you? Or only picking you because you weren't as pretty as her last and didn't want to be reminded of her when she was with you? Or just because you were a convenient and logical fit. I'm just appalled, I would never recover.
Another huge problem I had with this book, was how much it dragged. The characters do not interact until 20%. That was the first warning sign that this would not be a good book. Another thing that caused this book to drag was the amount of inner monologue (and lack of dialogue). Not only were the paragraphs in general super long, but also, they would be endless and endless thoughts of the character. And I could not care less. That, in turn, also highlighted the lack of dialogue, let alone good dialogue. These characters barely talked to each other, I'm so serious. I just wanted some good banter, some swoony lines etc. but there was nothing.
Another thing to add about the writing was that we had such random time skips and they weren't marked with a chapter break or anything. They'd say they're going to the locker room, we don't get any inner monologue saying that they walked there or something, and then they're in the locker room? So odd, and it happened all the time. So, the writing was definitely a huge flaw of this book. At least it didn't try to be unnecessarily flowery though.
TW: self-harm/suicide (only in this paragraph and the next quote). I want to say that this was written in 2017 so maybe the author didn't know to be...sensitive, to making jokes about self-harm/suicide, but 2017 wasn't so long ago... It was just so out of pocket and caught me completely off guard, I could not believe I read that.
Anyway...in regards to the romance, it had no tension or even logical explanation. We are told they were so in looove all these years ago so we just have to pretend we believe that? The whole book is just them getting back together but there is no romantic development whatsoever, only an "I still love you" "Me too, let's get back together". And when they kissed, I was in shock because it had no build-up? At all? There was no tension at any given moment.
There were like 2 or 3 sex scenes but none were explicit really, and they were all quite cringy and not unique. I didn't enjoy them at all. The dialogue during was not cute and most scenes went fade-to-black. And there was again no tension leading up to it either.
The side-plot was even worse. I love when a romance book has a well-integrated and thought-out side plot, but this felt like the author chose to alternate romance and plot; 50 pages plot, 50 pages romance, 50 pages plot, 50 pages romance etc. It got boring, fast. The plot itself was incredibly boring, frustrating, and lackluster. It's all based upon a very contrived drama that is very unrealistic and just generally irrelevant imo.
The actual setup for the romance was also disappointing because these girls weren't playing against each other, one was coaching the opposite team and the other was playing in the opposite team. Which really only allows for empty threats of beating the other, but no tension whatsoever. Honestly, I think Kath/Eva would have been much more interesting with the whole friends-with-benefits but I'm your physiotherapist thing they had going on. Justice for Kathleen <3
"Take me, plunder me, possess me," her body screamed out. [?]
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
Unfortunately, when I see these types of Bella Books covers, my standards fall immediately. Mostly because of my bad experience with Ask, Tell. The common problem I have with these, is that their premises sound amazing and have so much potential, but everything about it feels flat and like something I could write in primary creative writing. And I'm honestly sorry for having to write it that way, because that's quite harsh. I do acknowledge that many sapphic authors are ignored by publishers so don't have as many opportunities to get good editors etc. But, that does not take away from the fact that this was a huge disappointment for me.
The premise sounded really fun and made me hope for something like Heated Rivalry or Him. I feel like it's not too much to ask for sexual tension (because of the rivals aspect), extremely romantic moments, explicit sex scenes, lots of content where the girls are competing against each other on the ice, and well-fleshed-out characters. That's what I was hoping for; I didn't get it.
➥ Eva (h) was bland. She's like every other bitch fr. She was hot at first because she had this fuckboy thing going on and she was like in a hot tub and stuff, but then she was talking about being quirky because she's italian and that makes her expressive and loud? And it's mentioned a lot. Girl, we get it, you're italian (but so clearly also american). It also bothered me that she would express her envy of Niki having a family, saying that she just like...wanted one so that she could come home to them waiting for her? And so that a family would fill her void? That's a bad mindset and reason to have children/a family. That stuff ends in divorce and disappointment.
➥ Niki (h) got on my nerves. She's canadian and...that's about it lol. She annoyed me a lot, particularly her...decisions in regards to Shannon (her dead wife lol). I felt like she had no reason to like Eva, but I cannot even fathom why Eva liked her.
➥ Rory (Shannon and now Niki's child) was okay. Typical child from any single-parent romance. Reminds me to not pop some because she literally wore a USA shirt to a game where her mom is the coach of Canada's team. And she did it multiple times...children eugh. Sometimes they're cute, but sometimes they provide insightful moments of clarity. I liked that she was bi though, that's cute. But, there was this weird thing where Rory had a crush on Eva too? Calling her hot and stuff...idk it personally made me uncomfy and I can't fathom why that would be a detail the author consciously chose to include lol.
What most bothered me about this book was the storyline (I think). When I first read the synopsis of this book, I kind of skimmed it and assumed it was a rivals-to-lovers hockey romance. But no, the choice of storyline was much worse. Apparently, when Eva and Niki were young, they had a fling that was mostly sex but they were apparently in looove. Then, they got played and set up by someone who tried and succeeded at breaking them up. Then, Niki gets married to Shannon later on in her life. Shannon has a kid, Rory. Then Shannon dies of cancer, and then Eva and Niki...rekindle and begin their second chance romance.
That is so weird. Why would you choose to write it like that? There were so many weird comments in regards to Shannon. Firstly, Niki is always comparing Shannon to Eva and expressing why Eva is better than her? Then she also says something about feeling that it was selfish of Shannon to die and leave her here? And then talks about not ever fully loving Shannon and that she was just a convenience because she was reliable, stable, and whatever. Idk, I'm not able to put those things past me. Imagine falling for someone who constantly compares you to their dead wife, disrespectfully.
Shannon hadn't been as strikingly beautiful as Eva, not by half. It was part of what had attracted Niki early on, those average looks - short brown hair, eyes the colour of over-processed milk chocolate (?), an unremarkable mouth, a body that was neither tall nor short, neither thin nor overweight. It was almost as though, having been burned once by a fire so hot and formidable, she was afraid to go near anything like it again.
Like, 😀 que? Then Niki goes on to talk about how Shannon had been soo insecure whenever Eva was brought up and uh...I would be too? You literally just admitted that you didn't love her as much. Siri, play 'Glimpse Of Us'. And it's even worse because it's sapphic. Imagine a woman doing that to you? Or only picking you because you weren't as pretty as her last and didn't want to be reminded of her when she was with you? Or just because you were a convenient and logical fit. I'm just appalled, I would never recover.
Another huge problem I had with this book, was how much it dragged. The characters do not interact until 20%. That was the first warning sign that this would not be a good book. Another thing that caused this book to drag was the amount of inner monologue (and lack of dialogue). Not only were the paragraphs in general super long, but also, they would be endless and endless thoughts of the character. And I could not care less. That, in turn, also highlighted the lack of dialogue, let alone good dialogue. These characters barely talked to each other, I'm so serious. I just wanted some good banter, some swoony lines etc. but there was nothing.
Another thing to add about the writing was that we had such random time skips and they weren't marked with a chapter break or anything. They'd say they're going to the locker room, we don't get any inner monologue saying that they walked there or something, and then they're in the locker room? So odd, and it happened all the time. So, the writing was definitely a huge flaw of this book. At least it didn't try to be unnecessarily flowery though.
TW: self-harm/suicide (only in this paragraph and the next quote). I want to say that this was written in 2017 so maybe the author didn't know to be...sensitive, to making jokes about self-harm/suicide, but 2017 wasn't so long ago... It was just so out of pocket and caught me completely off guard, I could not believe I read that.
Someone had turned on a radio or iPod, because Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” boomed from within. It was going to be a long four months if she had to listen to that kind of music in the locker room. She chafed at the thought of Rihanna and Britney too. Throw in some Pussycat Dolls and she’d for sure slit her wrists.
Anyway...in regards to the romance, it had no tension or even logical explanation. We are told they were so in looove all these years ago so we just have to pretend we believe that? The whole book is just them getting back together but there is no romantic development whatsoever, only an "I still love you" "Me too, let's get back together". And when they kissed, I was in shock because it had no build-up? At all? There was no tension at any given moment.
There were like 2 or 3 sex scenes but none were explicit really, and they were all quite cringy and not unique. I didn't enjoy them at all. The dialogue during was not cute and most scenes went fade-to-black. And there was again no tension leading up to it either.
The side-plot was even worse. I love when a romance book has a well-integrated and thought-out side plot, but this felt like the author chose to alternate romance and plot; 50 pages plot, 50 pages romance, 50 pages plot, 50 pages romance etc. It got boring, fast. The plot itself was incredibly boring, frustrating, and lackluster. It's all based upon a very contrived drama that is very unrealistic and just generally irrelevant imo.
The actual setup for the romance was also disappointing because these girls weren't playing against each other, one was coaching the opposite team and the other was playing in the opposite team. Which really only allows for empty threats of beating the other, but no tension whatsoever. Honestly, I think Kath/Eva would have been much more interesting with the whole friends-with-benefits but I'm your physiotherapist thing they had going on. Justice for Kathleen <3
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
April 14, 2020
I know nothing about ice hockey so I was a bit hesitant but I ended up liking it. Okay romance with likable main characters.
February 22, 2017
Richardson shoots and she scores with Delay of Game. What a great read.
Yes, I might be biased cheering for a Canadian author as she celebrates a sport we Canadians hold near and dear to our hearts. But here’s the thing. This book could have featured other Olympic team sports like soccer, softball or rugby sevens and been just as good. Richardson explores the nature of sport at this elite level; veterans pushing their worn out bodies for one more chance at that elusive gold medal, the enthusiasm and eagerness of youth given the chance to showcase their talents in front of a world audience, the politics, spying and demands placed on coaches and supporting staff to produce results for their respective countries. The athletes are more than the jerseys they wear and in Delay of Game the author gives us a rekindled romance between two strong women who made choices in the past which sent these once young lovers in different directions.
Niki, as coach of the Canadian team chose to leave her playing days behind for the security of an education, career and settled life with a wife and child to support and nurture. Now a widow, Niki struggles to fight the attraction she still feels towards her first love, Eva, the best player on the American team. Eva never stopped chasing her dreams, rushing through life with throwaway encounters, guarding her heart and never forgetting the woman who now stands in the way of her one last chance at gold.
I loved how Richardson weaves a story of deceit and intrigue alongside a beautiful love affair. Niki and Eva’s mutual attraction is a given and only made stronger when they are faced with deception and questionable behaviour by their fellow teammates and coaches. It was refreshing to have conflict coming from external forces and to see these women overcome their own differences and work together.
A pleasure to read from beginning to end.
4.5 stars
Yes, I might be biased cheering for a Canadian author as she celebrates a sport we Canadians hold near and dear to our hearts. But here’s the thing. This book could have featured other Olympic team sports like soccer, softball or rugby sevens and been just as good. Richardson explores the nature of sport at this elite level; veterans pushing their worn out bodies for one more chance at that elusive gold medal, the enthusiasm and eagerness of youth given the chance to showcase their talents in front of a world audience, the politics, spying and demands placed on coaches and supporting staff to produce results for their respective countries. The athletes are more than the jerseys they wear and in Delay of Game the author gives us a rekindled romance between two strong women who made choices in the past which sent these once young lovers in different directions.
Niki, as coach of the Canadian team chose to leave her playing days behind for the security of an education, career and settled life with a wife and child to support and nurture. Now a widow, Niki struggles to fight the attraction she still feels towards her first love, Eva, the best player on the American team. Eva never stopped chasing her dreams, rushing through life with throwaway encounters, guarding her heart and never forgetting the woman who now stands in the way of her one last chance at gold.
I loved how Richardson weaves a story of deceit and intrigue alongside a beautiful love affair. Niki and Eva’s mutual attraction is a given and only made stronger when they are faced with deception and questionable behaviour by their fellow teammates and coaches. It was refreshing to have conflict coming from external forces and to see these women overcome their own differences and work together.
A pleasure to read from beginning to end.
4.5 stars
January 19, 2019
What an enjoyable sports romance with great main characters and a lot of chemistry between them. They were meant to be for each other. But there is this big game ahead of them, the Olympic final in ice hockey, and they are on the opposite teams USA and Canada, one as a veteran player, the other as the head coach. Both fight really hard for that the gold medal will be hanging from their neck. Who'll win in hockey and in life?
For me, it could have been a little bit more about hockey, the training, the strategies, and the players. But on the other side, you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. There is a lot of rivalry and competitiveness, and about ethics in sport, how far are you willing to go to win this epic game?
The romance is exciting, about a second chance in love, and Richardson wrote a wonderful story about that, with a lot of chemistry between Eva and Niki, with regrets and hope.
I love a good sports romance, I'm a sportswoman myself, now more of a TV sports fan, than doing sport myself, because of some damaged joints :( But sport, in general, was always an important part in my life.
Highly recommended
4.5 stars
For me, it could have been a little bit more about hockey, the training, the strategies, and the players. But on the other side, you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. There is a lot of rivalry and competitiveness, and about ethics in sport, how far are you willing to go to win this epic game?
The romance is exciting, about a second chance in love, and Richardson wrote a wonderful story about that, with a lot of chemistry between Eva and Niki, with regrets and hope.
I love a good sports romance, I'm a sportswoman myself, now more of a TV sports fan, than doing sport myself, because of some damaged joints :( But sport, in general, was always an important part in my life.
Highly recommended
4.5 stars
August 28, 2017
My biggest impression of this book is that it's solidly written and I think most people would enjoy it.
The main theme is a second chance love story where Eva and Niki, who were passionate first loves for each other over twelve years ago, meet again in present day as older and wiser women. Can they make it work this time or should they even try? This is a lesfic romance so you can guess the answer.
The reunion is extra complicated since Niki is still grieving and feeling guilty about her wife, who died three years earlier. Throw in that Niki is also a single mother to a precocious ten year old so she has other priorities to consider other than herself. That and she and Eva are working on the two main rival hockey teams playing in the Olympics raises a completely different ethics question. It's all a good mix for drama.
And, it doesn't end there. In a really surprising way, this story ends up being a good mystery of sorts, too, which adds some suspense. I didn't find the book to be predictable at all and there were some good twists.
Yes, the backdrop of the story is sports but the details aren't too heavy. As a layman reader, it was interesting and written well.
And, I enjoyed the exploration of Niki and Shannon, her deceased wife's, relationship that Niki does in retrospect. It felt realistic and it's not the usual kind of thing I find in these reads.
Despite any conflicts of interest the story presents, both Eva and Niki are likable characters that both are heavily anchored by integrity. They do have a ton of chemistry together and I was relieved that the cause for their initial breakup wasn't due to an affair. They have decent communication in the story and there are a couple of sexual scenes but they aren't too in-depth. Don't expect steamy.
For gripes, a really big turn off for me is that at one point Eva uses physical intimidation towards another person and, regardless of the outcome, it tainted my perception of her for the rest of the read. I've encountered that a couple of times in other reads and I just don't get it.
Also, though the leads have a strong connection, I felt their relationship wasn't explored all that much and was kept more at a surface level...perhaps because there were other dramatic plot lines to take care of. We get a hint of their previous issues but everything is sort of glossed over to make for present day happy circumstances.
Towards the end, the finale also had a certain cheesy element. Oh, well...It's at least a happy feel good thing.
Overall, I did enjoy this read. Recommend.
The main theme is a second chance love story where Eva and Niki, who were passionate first loves for each other over twelve years ago, meet again in present day as older and wiser women. Can they make it work this time or should they even try? This is a lesfic romance so you can guess the answer.
The reunion is extra complicated since Niki is still grieving and feeling guilty about her wife, who died three years earlier. Throw in that Niki is also a single mother to a precocious ten year old so she has other priorities to consider other than herself. That and she and Eva are working on the two main rival hockey teams playing in the Olympics raises a completely different ethics question. It's all a good mix for drama.
And, it doesn't end there. In a really surprising way, this story ends up being a good mystery of sorts, too, which adds some suspense. I didn't find the book to be predictable at all and there were some good twists.
Yes, the backdrop of the story is sports but the details aren't too heavy. As a layman reader, it was interesting and written well.
And, I enjoyed the exploration of Niki and Shannon, her deceased wife's, relationship that Niki does in retrospect. It felt realistic and it's not the usual kind of thing I find in these reads.
Despite any conflicts of interest the story presents, both Eva and Niki are likable characters that both are heavily anchored by integrity. They do have a ton of chemistry together and I was relieved that the cause for their initial breakup wasn't due to an affair. They have decent communication in the story and there are a couple of sexual scenes but they aren't too in-depth. Don't expect steamy.
For gripes, a really big turn off for me is that at one point Eva uses physical intimidation towards another person and, regardless of the outcome, it tainted my perception of her for the rest of the read. I've encountered that a couple of times in other reads and I just don't get it.
Also, though the leads have a strong connection, I felt their relationship wasn't explored all that much and was kept more at a surface level...perhaps because there were other dramatic plot lines to take care of. We get a hint of their previous issues but everything is sort of glossed over to make for present day happy circumstances.
Towards the end, the finale also had a certain cheesy element. Oh, well...It's at least a happy feel good thing.
Overall, I did enjoy this read. Recommend.
September 4, 2021
3. 5 stars
I'd only read a few stories by Tracey Richardson (The Candidate and The Campaign) and saw that this was just released with Anastasia Watley narrating. I've really enjoyed the books she has worked on so far and decided to give it a go. I found the former-lovers-to-sports rivals-to lovers story fine, though relatively predictable, with one exception much later on.
As much as I love Watley's work in general, I don't think she is ideally suited to narrating sports themed books. This story required her characters to fire up their teams and display bursts of emotion and while she is a really good narrator, her voice is like melted butter and not at all coach-like.
I appreciated being able to listen to it for free on Hoopla through my library. I often buy books I really love after listening to them there, but this won't be one of them. Not because of Watley, necessarily - it was a just okay experience for me. There was one delicious moment during a love scene that was memorable, but not enough for me to be able to truly recommend it.
I'd only read a few stories by Tracey Richardson (The Candidate and The Campaign) and saw that this was just released with Anastasia Watley narrating. I've really enjoyed the books she has worked on so far and decided to give it a go. I found the former-lovers-to-sports rivals-to lovers story fine, though relatively predictable, with one exception much later on.
As much as I love Watley's work in general, I don't think she is ideally suited to narrating sports themed books. This story required her characters to fire up their teams and display bursts of emotion and while she is a really good narrator, her voice is like melted butter and not at all coach-like.
I appreciated being able to listen to it for free on Hoopla through my library. I often buy books I really love after listening to them there, but this won't be one of them. Not because of Watley, necessarily - it was a just okay experience for me. There was one delicious moment during a love scene that was memorable, but not enough for me to be able to truly recommend it.
September 12, 2021
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a long time and now that it has been released on audiobook I decided to give it a try. Anastasia Watley is one of my favourite narrators but unfortunately, she doesn’t perform much lesfic so it’s always a treat to listen to one of her audiobooks.
To say that Niki Hartling and Eva Caruso have a history together is an understatement. Not only they competed against each other in an ice hockey Olympic final but they were also girlfriends. The pressure of competition tore them apart and now, 12 years later, they meet as opponents again, Nicky as Head coach of Canada and Eva as a player for the US. But despite the time that has passed and the old antagonism, their mutual attraction is as strong as those years ago.
Delay of Game is an entertaining sports romance featuring ice hockey at Olympic level. I admit I know nothing about ice hockey but the author makes it easy for readers to follow the sports scenes. It helps that the novel is more focused on the romance and on a mystery surrounding spying the opponents’ tactics than on the sport itself. There are a few scenes describing different matches but it’s not heavy on tactics or extremely detailed. It worked fine for me as I was more interested in the rest.
I have read a few of Ms. Richardson’s novels, my favourite is still Thursday Afternoons which surprised me for the level of chemistry and the heat of the sex scenes. Delay of Game is a close second in my preferences with also great chemistry between the main characters and very hot intimate scenes. This is the strength of this book, followed by the sport descriptions. There is a side of mystery too, related to some spying between rivals but personally, I thought that was the weakest part of the plot. I had to suspend disbelief around these issues as some parts like the handling of coaching by the hockey associations didn’t sound realistic to me. However, I’m hardly an expert so I didn’t mind it much.
As I said above, the audiobook was narrated by Anastasia Watley who is a fantastic performer. I particularly loved her narration of The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair. Her southern drawl for Laurel is absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, there are no southern accents in this one but her voices are distinct and her performance of the different characters is very good. Her overall narration, especially of the romance parts, is fantastic.
I recommend this to all sports fans. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hours, 46 minutes
Available in Scribd
To say that Niki Hartling and Eva Caruso have a history together is an understatement. Not only they competed against each other in an ice hockey Olympic final but they were also girlfriends. The pressure of competition tore them apart and now, 12 years later, they meet as opponents again, Nicky as Head coach of Canada and Eva as a player for the US. But despite the time that has passed and the old antagonism, their mutual attraction is as strong as those years ago.
Delay of Game is an entertaining sports romance featuring ice hockey at Olympic level. I admit I know nothing about ice hockey but the author makes it easy for readers to follow the sports scenes. It helps that the novel is more focused on the romance and on a mystery surrounding spying the opponents’ tactics than on the sport itself. There are a few scenes describing different matches but it’s not heavy on tactics or extremely detailed. It worked fine for me as I was more interested in the rest.
I have read a few of Ms. Richardson’s novels, my favourite is still Thursday Afternoons which surprised me for the level of chemistry and the heat of the sex scenes. Delay of Game is a close second in my preferences with also great chemistry between the main characters and very hot intimate scenes. This is the strength of this book, followed by the sport descriptions. There is a side of mystery too, related to some spying between rivals but personally, I thought that was the weakest part of the plot. I had to suspend disbelief around these issues as some parts like the handling of coaching by the hockey associations didn’t sound realistic to me. However, I’m hardly an expert so I didn’t mind it much.
As I said above, the audiobook was narrated by Anastasia Watley who is a fantastic performer. I particularly loved her narration of The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair. Her southern drawl for Laurel is absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, there are no southern accents in this one but her voices are distinct and her performance of the different characters is very good. Her overall narration, especially of the romance parts, is fantastic.
I recommend this to all sports fans. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hours, 46 minutes
Available in Scribd
July 5, 2022
Eva Caruso, an American hockey player, is hanging on, trying to eke out one last Olympics. But her torn up body is telling her something else. Still, she’s going to join the team once again to prove that she can go out with a gold. What she doesn’t expect to hear is the news that Eva’s first love, Niki Hartling, will be coaching the Canadian National Team. I can’t begin to tell a non sports person how big a deal it is to have a romance between an American hockey player and a Canadian one. Madness. It’s even crazier than going to the Crosstown Classic here in Chicago and seeing a couple split between a Cubs jersey and the other wearing White Sox.
Once upon a time, as very young stars, Niki and Eva fell head over heels for each other but life happened and they went their separate ways. Twelve years later, the Vancouver Olympics have brought them back together. The author does a great job of reuniting them in scenes filled with banter and sexiness. Both characters are hot as hell. Tension and angst stoke up the heat even more. I also appreciated Eva and Niki having quiet discussions where they unpack old hurts and make themselves vulnerable to one another. No histrionics, just honest talk between two adults.
I listened to the audiobook and Anastasia Watley turned up the fire as usual.
4.5 stars.
Once upon a time, as very young stars, Niki and Eva fell head over heels for each other but life happened and they went their separate ways. Twelve years later, the Vancouver Olympics have brought them back together. The author does a great job of reuniting them in scenes filled with banter and sexiness. Both characters are hot as hell. Tension and angst stoke up the heat even more. I also appreciated Eva and Niki having quiet discussions where they unpack old hurts and make themselves vulnerable to one another. No histrionics, just honest talk between two adults.
I listened to the audiobook and Anastasia Watley turned up the fire as usual.
4.5 stars.
January 22, 2018
With the Olympics coming up, it seemed like a good time to read this, and am I ever glad I did! First of all, I was kind of destined to love it since Niki is a professor at my old university and she trains her team in my current hometown. Secondly, this is a second chance romance done very, very well. It's sexy, sweet, and has the right amount of angst. I'd happily punch a couple of characters in the face, but alas. This was 4.5 stars for me rounded up because I had so much fun.
March 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Being a women’s sports fan and Tracey Richardson fan this was a good book choice for me. I enjoyed the hockey games, the romance and the mystery.
March 25, 2017
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
Set in the world of women’s international ice hockey “Delay of Game” is an excellent combination of sports based intrigue and rekindled romance.
Niki was one of the top players on the Canadian olympic team, now retired and teaching, she has moved on, married, become a parent and been widowed. When team Canada come knocking her first response is to say no, but her country and her team need her for the upcoming olympics. Eva is still playing and still one of the best on the young American team, but her body is giving out and its a constant struggle to get on the ice.
Their relationship ended bitterly many years before and they have avoided each other ever since, but now they are bound to meet in the run up to the olympics. Old feelings spark, rivalries run deep and some will do literally anything to win. When it comes to the crunch both women have to choose who they want to be, and where their loyalties lie.
This is a great read, fast moving, full of intrigue and action, on and off the rink. The spark between Eva and Niki is excellent, one having settled, literally, the other having spent her energy being a player in every sense of the word. The constant battle between their obvious passion for each other, Niki’s determination to stay loyal to her past and their commitment to their teams makes for great romantic tension and some hot sex.
Both women are interesting characters, well drawn and complex. You want both to succeed, clearly impossible for opposing teams, but off the rink you can't help but want them to work it out. The intrigue between the teams adds a great dramatic energy that lifts this above a straight forward romance. Even though it is obvious who is playing dirty Ms Richardson keeps the tension high until the very end, we may know who, but we don't know why - or if good will overcome.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, one of her best yet, and given they are all on my re-read pile that's saying a lot.
4.5 stars
Set in the world of women’s international ice hockey “Delay of Game” is an excellent combination of sports based intrigue and rekindled romance.
Niki was one of the top players on the Canadian olympic team, now retired and teaching, she has moved on, married, become a parent and been widowed. When team Canada come knocking her first response is to say no, but her country and her team need her for the upcoming olympics. Eva is still playing and still one of the best on the young American team, but her body is giving out and its a constant struggle to get on the ice.
Their relationship ended bitterly many years before and they have avoided each other ever since, but now they are bound to meet in the run up to the olympics. Old feelings spark, rivalries run deep and some will do literally anything to win. When it comes to the crunch both women have to choose who they want to be, and where their loyalties lie.
This is a great read, fast moving, full of intrigue and action, on and off the rink. The spark between Eva and Niki is excellent, one having settled, literally, the other having spent her energy being a player in every sense of the word. The constant battle between their obvious passion for each other, Niki’s determination to stay loyal to her past and their commitment to their teams makes for great romantic tension and some hot sex.
Both women are interesting characters, well drawn and complex. You want both to succeed, clearly impossible for opposing teams, but off the rink you can't help but want them to work it out. The intrigue between the teams adds a great dramatic energy that lifts this above a straight forward romance. Even though it is obvious who is playing dirty Ms Richardson keeps the tension high until the very end, we may know who, but we don't know why - or if good will overcome.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, one of her best yet, and given they are all on my re-read pile that's saying a lot.
July 14, 2018
I loved this book. I met my wife playing travel hockey in California and remember waking up so darn early in the morning to watch the Nagano Olympic gold medal game live. I also remember the Vancouver games where we just couldn’t get one past the Canadian’s goalie, who stood on her head in the gold medal game.
The 2 mains were really well written. It is clear the author knows hockey and has an intimate knowledge of the nuance of a locker room when it comes to keeping the team on the same page and showing solidarity even if you don’t always agree with the coach. I wish they would have dove more into how batshit Dani really was and wish Eva could have finished her career on her own terms, not at the hands of a dirtbag little shit, but life is not always fair and she got her HEA with Niki despite it all. I personally would never play for a coach that blew up my entire relationship again, but I also was never good enough to make it to the National team, so sometimes you have to eat your peas to get to the dessert. I also really liked Kathleen’s character being the friend Eva really needed even though it could have gone the other way when they decided to try the friends with benefits thing. I like how the author did not turn the trainer into the evil incarnate, but rather the mature, rational woman who was there for Eva when she could not go to anyone else, even Niki. I will definitely revisit this one again in the future.
The 2 mains were really well written. It is clear the author knows hockey and has an intimate knowledge of the nuance of a locker room when it comes to keeping the team on the same page and showing solidarity even if you don’t always agree with the coach. I wish they would have dove more into how batshit Dani really was and wish Eva could have finished her career on her own terms, not at the hands of a dirtbag little shit, but life is not always fair and she got her HEA with Niki despite it all. I personally would never play for a coach that blew up my entire relationship again, but I also was never good enough to make it to the National team, so sometimes you have to eat your peas to get to the dessert. I also really liked Kathleen’s character being the friend Eva really needed even though it could have gone the other way when they decided to try the friends with benefits thing. I like how the author did not turn the trainer into the evil incarnate, but rather the mature, rational woman who was there for Eva when she could not go to anyone else, even Niki. I will definitely revisit this one again in the future.
April 19, 2022
Love how passionate the MCs are for their beliefs and one another.
The dialogue, depth and detail provided by Richardsons creates a stronger connection to all characters.
Anatasia Watley is a new narrator for me, loved the emotion she provided.
Delay of Game was all around entertaining!
The dialogue, depth and detail provided by Richardsons creates a stronger connection to all characters.
Anatasia Watley is a new narrator for me, loved the emotion she provided.
Delay of Game was all around entertaining!
September 24, 2021
3.5 - I’ve been really in the mood for sapphic sports romances lately. Delay of Game Niki and Eva, two hockey players who used to be in a relationship before it crashed and burned at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Now for the 2010 Olympics Niki is Team Canada’s head coach while Eva is still playing for Team USA. Can they work out the issues they had in the past and rekindle their relationship despite trying to beat each other for the gold medal?
Having this story set against the backdrop of the Olympics was a lot of fun. It also provided good excuses for why Niki and Eva didn’t work out in the beginning and why it’s hard for them to get back together. Competing against one another and trying to have their country come out on top provided a lot of good tension. There was also an interesting mystery subplot going on about potential sabotage happening.
While I did enjoy the chemistry between Niki and Eva it sometimes felt like their romance was taking a backseat to other parts of the plot. Also, at times I wasn’t a fan of how Niki’s relationship with her late wife was explored. It seemed like the author was trying to minimize the importance of that relationship to make Eva seem like she’s always been “the one.”
But overall I thought this was a fun, queer romance set in the world of ice hockey.
Having this story set against the backdrop of the Olympics was a lot of fun. It also provided good excuses for why Niki and Eva didn’t work out in the beginning and why it’s hard for them to get back together. Competing against one another and trying to have their country come out on top provided a lot of good tension. There was also an interesting mystery subplot going on about potential sabotage happening.
While I did enjoy the chemistry between Niki and Eva it sometimes felt like their romance was taking a backseat to other parts of the plot. Also, at times I wasn’t a fan of how Niki’s relationship with her late wife was explored. It seemed like the author was trying to minimize the importance of that relationship to make Eva seem like she’s always been “the one.”
But overall I thought this was a fun, queer romance set in the world of ice hockey.
November 6, 2017
I really enjoy Tracey Richardson's writing. Her characters are rich emotionally and mentally, they have a past as well as a present and a future. They have attractions and yet they bring complexity, baggage if you will, that must be worked through before the novel's climax. In other words, they feel real. DELAY OF GAME has additional excitement because the novel is set just before the Vancouver, B.C., Olympics. The main characters, Niki and Eva, were once lovers. They played hockey on opposing teams--USA and Canada--which led to misunderstandings and the end of their relationship. But neither of them ever forgot, and now they are matched up again. Niki is a widow with a daughter and is also a coach; Eva is at the end of her playing career. They are still on opposing sides. Even speaking to each other is fraught with conflict. How do you root for them both? This is one of Richardson's best novels!
December 1, 2022
Tracey Richardson is one of those authors whose books always seem like a safe bet if I’m not sure what to read. I stumbled upon Delay of Game in audio format, because it is read by Anastasia Watley, and I have enjoyed her narrations in the past.
Also, disclaimer; my only experience with ice hockey is watching The Mighty Ducks movie’s when I was a kid.
Niki and Eva were each other’s first loves, first heartbreaks and rivals competing for Gold at the Olympic games. When betrayal sends them on different paths, they spend years avoiding each other, but never truly healing.
Twelve years have passed and once again the two are thrust into each other’s lives, where they are forced to confront their feelings, while once again competing for Gold. Eva is in the American Ice Hockey team and Niki is the head coach of the Canadians.
Delay of Game isn’t just about the developing relationship between the two MCs, though the chemistry is there, and the sex scenes super-hot. But there is also the excitement and build-up to the finals and the mystery of who seems to be determined to end both Eva and Niki’s careers. It’s fast-paced, and with Watley as the narrator, a book I’d definitely recommend.
Also, disclaimer; my only experience with ice hockey is watching The Mighty Ducks movie’s when I was a kid.
Niki and Eva were each other’s first loves, first heartbreaks and rivals competing for Gold at the Olympic games. When betrayal sends them on different paths, they spend years avoiding each other, but never truly healing.
Twelve years have passed and once again the two are thrust into each other’s lives, where they are forced to confront their feelings, while once again competing for Gold. Eva is in the American Ice Hockey team and Niki is the head coach of the Canadians.
Delay of Game isn’t just about the developing relationship between the two MCs, though the chemistry is there, and the sex scenes super-hot. But there is also the excitement and build-up to the finals and the mystery of who seems to be determined to end both Eva and Niki’s careers. It’s fast-paced, and with Watley as the narrator, a book I’d definitely recommend.
March 3, 2017
As a sport lover this was the book for me. I really enjoyed reading about the hockey and Olympics, probably would have loved for it to have played more of a role in the book. The drama did overshadow the hockey in the end which worked but for me personally I would have enjoyed the drama to have be on the ice instead of off of it. If that makes sense.
Loved the characters, chemistry worked well. Rory was a good addition and thought she added to the couples dynamic.
Good fun read :)
Loved the characters, chemistry worked well. Rory was a good addition and thought she added to the couples dynamic.
Good fun read :)
March 29, 2018
Niki Hartling is a single mother as she is recently a widow when she gets offered the coaching position for Canada's Olympic women's hockey team. Meanwhile, Eva Caruso wants to win gold that's eluded her for several Olympics. Once lovers, will the two be able to regain the feelings they had for one another and will their relationship be able to survive after the results of the Olympic games?
Overall, it was an interesting story, but I would've liked to have read more about hockey rather than the mystery behind certain things. Also, I would've liked to have known the players on team Canada as well as the others on team USA. Perhaps I would've given it a full five stars if the previously mentioned were present.
The chemistry between Eva and Niki was undeniable and it all you wanted was to root for them and their love for each other. The secondary characters were either likeable or hateful.
This was my first book by Tracey Richardson and it definitely won't be my last.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-J5
Overall, it was an interesting story, but I would've liked to have read more about hockey rather than the mystery behind certain things. Also, I would've liked to have known the players on team Canada as well as the others on team USA. Perhaps I would've given it a full five stars if the previously mentioned were present.
The chemistry between Eva and Niki was undeniable and it all you wanted was to root for them and their love for each other. The secondary characters were either likeable or hateful.
This was my first book by Tracey Richardson and it definitely won't be my last.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-J5
April 14, 2017
Loved this story!
Richardson has given us another winner of a book! Her two protagonists were so well developed. The backdrop of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver really creates intensity and excitement and intrigue as well as the love story between Nikki and Eva. Overall a wonderful story!
Richardson has given us another winner of a book! Her two protagonists were so well developed. The backdrop of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver really creates intensity and excitement and intrigue as well as the love story between Nikki and Eva. Overall a wonderful story!
February 10, 2023
Delay of Game features a sweet second chance romance, mixed in with a lot of ice hockey antics. I've grown up and lived in Australia, so didn't really know what to expect from the ice hockey storyline, but it kept me engaged throughout. I actually think I enjoyed the ice hockey storyline more than the romance, but I think that was due to the very quick reinstated feelings between Eva and Niki.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Anastasia Watley's narration. All in all, pick this up if you're wanting a sports themed novel with a light romance.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Anastasia Watley's narration. All in all, pick this up if you're wanting a sports themed novel with a light romance.
February 21, 2017
Tracey Richardson gives us one of her best books as she centers her story around a sport that is as important to her as it is to main characters Eva and Niki. This story of first loves unexpectedly rekindling their passionate romance, when each have grown and fulfilled different pieces of their lives, was amazing. The writing quality was excellent. The depth of the story in the solidity of the background provided, the insight into the characters present lives and what drives them to try to change course back to each other, and the suspense of Eva and Niki working together to ensure the powers that plotted against them in the past don't have a chance to spoil their love, or their beloved sport, was so satisfying. This book will leave your reader's mind happy and your heart whole.
March 20, 2017
A book about hockey? All I can say is... AT LAST! And it's a well written one by Ms. Richardson, who knows the sport probably like the back of her hand.
Throw in an equal amount of romance and some unethical behavior by certain members of the main teams and you have a well rounded book that held my interest from beginning to end. This book is definitely 1 of my favorites by this author.
Throw in an equal amount of romance and some unethical behavior by certain members of the main teams and you have a well rounded book that held my interest from beginning to end. This book is definitely 1 of my favorites by this author.
February 14, 2018
With the Olympics starting, I finally purchased and read this book. I'm so glad I did! I loved this beyond words. It's probably one of my favourite books ever. I'll definitely be buying the paperback for my collection. The balance of romance and tension was so darn good.
As well, I loved the way the author captured the incredible feeling you get when you skate. Sharp blades and the cold air. So perfect. And oh my goodness, the way the author captured the energy of the crowd chanting "Ca-na-da." That moment was so real. I felt like I was there, or even watching the game on TV. It was so darn real, and so inspiring, and very nearly made me tear up! Brilliant book. And brilliant show by my home country!
As well, I loved the way the author captured the incredible feeling you get when you skate. Sharp blades and the cold air. So perfect. And oh my goodness, the way the author captured the energy of the crowd chanting "Ca-na-da." That moment was so real. I felt like I was there, or even watching the game on TV. It was so darn real, and so inspiring, and very nearly made me tear up! Brilliant book. And brilliant show by my home country!
February 23, 2017
Detailed score: 3.5 rounded up (just)
A burning question when I picked up this book was 'will I enjoy it if I know nothing about ice hockey'? My answer is - as long as you're interested in having an elite sport as the driver of the plot in your story, then yes. The descriptions of the plays (understandably) assumes some knowledge on behalf of the reader - although the author does make a valiant effort to describe them - but none so much that I was completely taken out of the story.
Our leads were 2.5 dimensional...? Not totally flat but not quite well rounded enough for me to fully engage with them. I could tell them apart in certain bits but at others their voices merged together on the page. I 'bought' them as a couple, but not completely.
Likewise the plot. It mainly avoided my 'tell not show' pet hate but fell into it at times. The plot was gripping enough to have me stay up a bit later than I should have to finish the book - but I wasn't totally in. I liked the romance and pwoarrrr scenes but they could have been better.
Overall - a solid, if unremarkable, read.
A burning question when I picked up this book was 'will I enjoy it if I know nothing about ice hockey'? My answer is - as long as you're interested in having an elite sport as the driver of the plot in your story, then yes. The descriptions of the plays (understandably) assumes some knowledge on behalf of the reader - although the author does make a valiant effort to describe them - but none so much that I was completely taken out of the story.
Our leads were 2.5 dimensional...? Not totally flat but not quite well rounded enough for me to fully engage with them. I could tell them apart in certain bits but at others their voices merged together on the page. I 'bought' them as a couple, but not completely.
Likewise the plot. It mainly avoided my 'tell not show' pet hate but fell into it at times. The plot was gripping enough to have me stay up a bit later than I should have to finish the book - but I wasn't totally in. I liked the romance and pwoarrrr scenes but they could have been better.
Overall - a solid, if unremarkable, read.
November 2, 2023
I'm really struggling to grasp why this book has a nearly 4-star rating because I'm not sure what I just read. The only thing saving Delay of Game from a 1-star rating is the fact that it kept me reading--mostly to find out how the ridiculousness of the plot would be resolved. And it was. Laughably and unbelievably so, but it was resolved.
I came into this novel with a lot of optimism given the average rating and because I love a rivals-to-lovers story. And there aren't many rivalries as intriguing to me as the USA-Canada women's hockey rivalry. I don't even like hockey, but there's something about how these teams are always competing for 1st and 2nd that makes this interesting. Plus, I'm American and Canadian. But Delay of Game is preposterous. And the romance isn't very romantic. It was a massive disappointment, especially for my first Tracey Richardson novel.
I can't even write about the ridiculousness of this plot without giving too much away and/or boring you even trying to explain it. But there's a mystery here. You wouldn't know this from the synopsis on the book, but it's pretty central to the plot. Someone is trying to sabotage Niki Hartling (Canada's Head Coach)/Team Canada. Richardson narrows down the suspects early on, though I kept expecting her to surprise me here, but she didn't (it may have been more intriguing had she gone where I hoped she would). It's the why and how of the mystery that takes the entirety of the novel to solve. And there are repercussions that would never make sense if any of this actually happened. It was laughable in its absurdity. Because nothing about this mystery was believable.
Okay, so the mystery is ridiculous, but maybe the romance will save the day? Nope! I'm constantly amazed when I see adults in novels behaving in ways that defy reason, especially when the stakes are so high and optics alone would derail a lifetime of plans and dreams. Niki and Eva were college teammates and girlfriends for four years. They were each other's first loves. Their romance is tested by the Nagano Olympics, where women's hockey is making its Olympic debut. The problem is that Niki is Canadian and Eva is American. Due to some unethical tactics by other actors, they break up. And it's a breakup that fuels contempt and hatred. The problem, according to Richardson, is that first loves are hard to forget. Fast forward 12 years and Niki is the Head Coach of Team Canada and Eva is hoping she can try for gold one more time as the lone veteran of the American team. It's inevitable that their paths cross. And while 12 years has done a lot to defuse their mutual hatred, it's done little to quell their desires. So despite their protestations that they can't be involved--at least until after the Olympic Games, they can't seem to keep it in their pants. And it puts both of their careers in jeopardy because they can't help but act like horny teenagers. I honestly don't get it. Plus, Richardson relies too much on the idea that you don't ever get over your first love, rather than showing us why they're still good for each other today.
If you want to read a much better romance that centralizes this rivalry, please go read Unadulterated Something , one of my favourite sapphic sports romances, and avoid this novel, unless you go into this book thinking of it as farcical comedy.
I came into this novel with a lot of optimism given the average rating and because I love a rivals-to-lovers story. And there aren't many rivalries as intriguing to me as the USA-Canada women's hockey rivalry. I don't even like hockey, but there's something about how these teams are always competing for 1st and 2nd that makes this interesting. Plus, I'm American and Canadian. But Delay of Game is preposterous. And the romance isn't very romantic. It was a massive disappointment, especially for my first Tracey Richardson novel.
I can't even write about the ridiculousness of this plot without giving too much away and/or boring you even trying to explain it. But there's a mystery here. You wouldn't know this from the synopsis on the book, but it's pretty central to the plot. Someone is trying to sabotage Niki Hartling (Canada's Head Coach)/Team Canada. Richardson narrows down the suspects early on, though I kept expecting her to surprise me here, but she didn't (it may have been more intriguing had she gone where I hoped she would). It's the why and how of the mystery that takes the entirety of the novel to solve. And there are repercussions that would never make sense if any of this actually happened. It was laughable in its absurdity. Because nothing about this mystery was believable.
Okay, so the mystery is ridiculous, but maybe the romance will save the day? Nope! I'm constantly amazed when I see adults in novels behaving in ways that defy reason, especially when the stakes are so high and optics alone would derail a lifetime of plans and dreams. Niki and Eva were college teammates and girlfriends for four years. They were each other's first loves. Their romance is tested by the Nagano Olympics, where women's hockey is making its Olympic debut. The problem is that Niki is Canadian and Eva is American. Due to some unethical tactics by other actors, they break up. And it's a breakup that fuels contempt and hatred. The problem, according to Richardson, is that first loves are hard to forget. Fast forward 12 years and Niki is the Head Coach of Team Canada and Eva is hoping she can try for gold one more time as the lone veteran of the American team. It's inevitable that their paths cross. And while 12 years has done a lot to defuse their mutual hatred, it's done little to quell their desires. So despite their protestations that they can't be involved--at least until after the Olympic Games, they can't seem to keep it in their pants. And it puts both of their careers in jeopardy because they can't help but act like horny teenagers. I honestly don't get it. Plus, Richardson relies too much on the idea that you don't ever get over your first love, rather than showing us why they're still good for each other today.
If you want to read a much better romance that centralizes this rivalry, please go read Unadulterated Something , one of my favourite sapphic sports romances, and avoid this novel, unless you go into this book thinking of it as farcical comedy.
February 12, 2018
5 gold stars
I thought this book earned its 5 stars. I love the storyline it was well written and with the winter Olympics going on right now. I read this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable and I could see them. I definitely recommend this book.
I thought this book earned its 5 stars. I love the storyline it was well written and with the winter Olympics going on right now. I read this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable and I could see them. I definitely recommend this book.
April 28, 2017
Delay of game fantastical
I really loved the characters. Eva sounded totally hot (with a Italian butch flare)and Nik seemed mature and athletic and capable and a mom who really loves her daughter. They were super steamy together. I gave 4 instead of 5 because the plot was a little weak in some areas (i.e. Nik not coaching then suddenly coaching, Eva having things happen at the end that don't fly with her personality. The bad guys just suddenly disappear at the end and there wasn't a satisfying moment of in thier face thing at the end. I liked the Hockey chapter titles but there was very little hockey scenes and very little game time details. Although Eva got to show off. I was hoping Nik would get on the ice and show some of her team her hockey playing skills. Great read. JLNicky
I really loved the characters. Eva sounded totally hot (with a Italian butch flare)and Nik seemed mature and athletic and capable and a mom who really loves her daughter. They were super steamy together. I gave 4 instead of 5 because the plot was a little weak in some areas (i.e. Nik not coaching then suddenly coaching, Eva having things happen at the end that don't fly with her personality. The bad guys just suddenly disappear at the end and there wasn't a satisfying moment of in thier face thing at the end. I liked the Hockey chapter titles but there was very little hockey scenes and very little game time details. Although Eva got to show off. I was hoping Nik would get on the ice and show some of her team her hockey playing skills. Great read. JLNicky
May 2, 2018
I was hopeless to NOT like this book; it is about women and hockey..
Post PyeongChang 2018 I was in Women's Hockey withdrawal and this was absolutely what I needed. I liked the intrigue and the scandal, the chemistry and the characters, and obviously the hockey. You want to cheer for the players, you want to be in the locker room, you want a specific team to win.
I do tire of books that as soon as there is any sort of relationship advancement that the characters jump to cutesy nicknames like "lover" and "my love" as I find that wholly unrealistic, however I was able to overlook this while wondering what was going to happen next in the games and deceit.
This is a good, quick read, and I really enjoyed it.
Post PyeongChang 2018 I was in Women's Hockey withdrawal and this was absolutely what I needed. I liked the intrigue and the scandal, the chemistry and the characters, and obviously the hockey. You want to cheer for the players, you want to be in the locker room, you want a specific team to win.
I do tire of books that as soon as there is any sort of relationship advancement that the characters jump to cutesy nicknames like "lover" and "my love" as I find that wholly unrealistic, however I was able to overlook this while wondering what was going to happen next in the games and deceit.
This is a good, quick read, and I really enjoyed it.
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