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Slapshot #4

Positives & Penalties

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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B071XJXLJ1

One gorgeous hockey player plus one night of passion equals two pink lines...

Emma Winsor plans everything. Nothing surprises her. She's focused, goal-oriented, and disciplined. Her aspirations include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dancing on Broadway. She's also dating Kyle Underwood, Newport Beach Seagulls' winger, one of the hottest hockey players in the league. Things are great.

That all changes when she finds out she's absolutely, certainly, one-hundred-percent pregnant. She didn't plan for this. He didn't, either.

This type of thing isn't supposed to happen to them. But it does.

Both Emma and Kyle are crazy about each other, but when secrets start to come out, it's not certain if that bond will hold.

Emma now must decide if she's satisfied with their relationship as it is before she got pregnant or if she realizes she wants to go deeper, get more intimate and serious than they've ever been before. But first, she needs to tell Kyle she's pregnant.

142 pages, ebook

First published August 25, 2017

140 people are currently reading
407 people want to read

About the author

Heather C. Myers

123 books766 followers
Full disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 23 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.

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5 stars
96 (37%)
4 stars
82 (31%)
3 stars
61 (23%)
2 stars
15 (5%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
2,354 reviews14 followers
April 15, 2019
This was my least favorite book so far. I mean I liked Kyle and thought he was so sweet and patient, but Emma didn't like her very much. I was disappointed in her because in the previous books we kept reading how she was so sweet and the best thing to happen to Kyle, but I didn't feel that, she was selfish and too immature for my taste all she thought about was herself, I mean I get that she would be wary of people leaving her after being abandoned by her mother but dang girl you went out with Kyle for 2 years, 2! and you couldn't tell him about wanting to go to New York, she didn't have enough respect for him and that bugged me, Will still read the next books hope that main character is better than this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
April 3, 2019
Heather C. Myers is victorious with POSITIVES & PENALTIES, the fourth book in the Slapshot series. Dance studio owner, Emma Winsor, find herself pregnant with her long-term boyfriend, Newport Beach Seagulls' wing, Kyle Underwood, baby. It wasn’t in their plans, and now she needs to tell him. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

POSITIVES & PENALTIES is a heartfelt and compelling read. I like the characters. Emma has scars because her mother left her when she was three. As a result, she is afraid to get close to people. It creates a thought-provoking obstacle for the couple. Kyle is a good guy. He has an excellent perspective on life. He is trustworthy and faithful.

Despite dating for so long, Kyle and Emma have a lot of things they never shared with each other. The characters do some soul-searching and become stronger. This story is a great example of how the best-laid plans can be derailed. POSITIVES & PENALTIES is a warm and believable read. I recommend this story to lovers of contemporary romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
December 19, 2017
I'm still loving this series. Although, I will admit this one so far is probably my least favorite. However, it was still a great read. I was glad that Emma finally got over some issues and was able to make things work. It was actually kind of disappointing that she had to go there. Since we all know what a wonderful guy Kyle is. I hope to see more of their story is the series.
2,794 reviews40 followers
April 10, 2019
Positives & Penalties (Slapshot #4) by Heather C. Myers Positives & Penalties: A Slapshot Novel (Slapshot Series Book 4) By: Heather C. Myers
"Positives & Penalties" IS Another Absolutely Smok'n HOT Slap Stick Romance By Heather C. Myers!
They've been an Item for Quite awhile,
But is IT just a Casual Thing, or is IT Some Thing MORE!
All She knows... Is that She's been Hold'n Part of HerSelf BACK,
Ever Sooo Scared of giv'n ALL Her HEART,
When She's been Burned Before...
By the ONE that should Always be by HER Side!
But Now there's some "Positives & Penalties" to Deal with,
And He's Demanding a Deeper Commitment!
Dual Pink Lines, Hockey Puck Woes, Play OFF Tension, Friends who've always got your BACK, & Black Outs... WoW! There's Sooo Much Going ON in "Positives & Penalties!" Welcome to the Gulls... Hockey's finest!
I rarely give Coveted 5 STAR ratings; they're saved for Books/Items that Outshine, Outclass, & Outperform their competition... They've gotta give me something MORE! Heather C. Myers has won that Distinction for "Positives & Penalties;" Kudos Ms. Myers for your Stellar work!!!!!
I was granted an ARC of Heather C. Myers' "Positives & Penalties: A Slapshot Novel (Slapshot Series Book 4)" via B00|{$P®0UT, but I'm happy to recommend it to others because it's an excellent read... You're definitely going to want to read the entire series, because this book makes you want to know more, More, MORE about the characters involved around this TEAM!! I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Trust me, this is definitely a book you'll want to One-Click straight into your library because you'll read, Reread, & then READ it again & AGAIN. Don't miss out On this as it's a Surefire One-Click! All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
August 25, 2017
Emma Windsor is an extremely private person. Her father is the only one that knows her hopes & dreams. Everyone else, including her boyfriend Kyle, is only allowed as close as she wants them. Her mother left her & her father when Emma was only 3 & its colored all of her relationships since then.

"How was it possible that two parallel pink lines could completely change her life?"

Could she let Kyle in? Would he stay or would he leave her? What did she know about being a mom?

Kyle is a star player for the Newport Beach Seagulls. He's normally on top of his game. Something is interfering with his concentration & skill. He's spending more time in the penalty box than making goals. He's been content to go with the flow in his relationship with Emma since he doesn't want to scare her off. Then he finds out she's kept something vitally important to her from him, her dream to dance on Broadway.

"Why," he began, picking his eyes up. They were filled with an emotion Emma had never seen in them before -hurt. And she was the cause of it. "Why couldn't you tell me?"

This showcased their relationship as far as he was concerned. She held back & wouldn't let him in & he didn't know if he could continue to take it. Could they find their way to a deeper, more meaningful relationship? Would finding out about the baby make it worse?

Ms. Myers has created a series around a hockey team & it's families. Even though this is one in a series, it can be read alone. The characters are well defined & relatable. Anyone can understand Emma's fears of people leaving & how it affects her life. The relationship between her & her father is close & very lovable. It seemed like she was a strong independent woman but yet there were flashes that made you think of a self centered spoiled girl. Kyle came across as too laid back at the beginning. As they each traveled their journeys, you began to see other sides of their characters. I really enjoyed this story & would recommend it to anyone who isn't offended by sexy romances & a little dirty talk.
Profile Image for Catherine Edwards.
110 reviews27 followers
August 25, 2017
Let me preface this review with I love this author and I love this series. That's what makes this review hard to write, but I did receive a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. So here it goes.

I love Emma and Kyle. Emma is an ambitious, independent woman. Kyle is an introvert that we don't know much about going into this book. Their novella in this series got me really excited for this book. I guess that could be part of the problem. I've loved all the other books in this series and was super excited about this book. Unfortunately, this story did not live up to my expectations. There just wasn't much of a build up to the conflict and the climax was very anticlimactic. The conflict basically boiled down into both of them being afraid to open up. While this fits with these characters' personalities, it isn't enough to be a main conflict. This is a great subconflict, but there needs to be more. Unfortunately, in this book there wasn't.

Please don't get me wrong, I liked seeing what was going on in the world of this series, as the books are semi chronological, with a bit of overlap in the stories. I also really liked getting to know Alex and Emma better. I just think that the novella about this couple and this book could be combined and it would be a complete novel. Not only that, but I hope when there are a few more books in this series, the author releases a big compilation.

Overall, this is a great look into the world and way to get to know two people in it better. It is a standalone ish. It really helps to read Grace on the Rocks, Book 2 of the Slapshot Prequel. And it makes me super excited for the next book in this series.

I want to thank the author for the chance to read this book early. And yes, I did buy the book as well. Enjoy!
79 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2017
A good continuation of the series

This is the fourth book in the Slap Shot series. While they can be each read indepently, it definitely is better to read them in order. This is the continuation of Emma and Kyle's story that began in one of the prequels. Most of the characters make at least an appearance in each story. This story begins with Emma finding out she's pregnant. Her timeline estimates that she got pregnant during the trip to Las Vegas that the team took in the previous story. Emma and Kyle have been in a relationship for about two years but have kept things superficial. They are committed, but haven't had any discussions about their expectations or where they see the relationship heading. That is the focus of this story. How are they going to proceed now that there is a baby on the way? Emma has significant abandonment issues that have been affecting her relationship with Kyle and she needs to work through them before moving forward. The main problem with these books is the poor editing. At one point Kyle lives in a four bedroom house in a quiet, established residential neighborhood. Then he lives in a gated town home community. About three quarters through the book, a big problem starts with pronouns (she's pulling her hair to bring him closer). The stories are enjoyable and I will keep reading them but these careless errors are annoying and break the flow of the story.
Profile Image for Delacey.
1,195 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2017
3.5 stars
First off, reading the prequel first will give you a better sense of the couple and you find out how they started dating. I would have prefered to have that all together as a book, but understand that it was split due to two year period between books, and that it wouldn't line up chronologically with the other books/relationships in the series.

The story hooked me from the start. I enjoyed the story, yet it focused mostly on Emma's internal dialogue and her talks with everyone else but Kyle. There were only 5 scenes in which both the H&h were together. I just felt like we didn't spend enough time with them together. We get Kyke's POV in 2/18 chapters, which I appreciated, but could have used more insight from him. Finally, there were several spots in the book where the wording was awkward or had some extra or wrong words in it. Not sure if the final edit will have those corrected.

Overall, an enjoyable read, despite my gripes. * I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Ash Juillet.
660 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2023
This was a sequel to Grace on the Rocks, which I just finished reading before this, so it made it easier for me to understand the timeline of this book. Although, if I had read this series in a chronological order when it was released, I would have forgotten about Emma and Kyle by now. It's probably the fact that their romance was pretty forgettable (it just didn't have the right amount of chemistry for me to think of them long after the book was over - unlike Dean and Clara, and Negan and Kat). They were both too practical and logical for us to see their emotional sides, which only seemed to appear at the very end of the book and only because Emma was pregnant.

There was also a very significant lack of drama for us to remain interested in their lives. Obviously, we all knew they would end up staying together by the end, so the tension Emma kept on feeling throughout the book was useless.

I like this author's books, but Emma and Kyle's story just couldn't resonate with me.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
August 25, 2017
I've been hooked on this series since the first book, and Emma and Kyle's story is just one more reason why. The blurb covers the story line pretty well, so I won't reiterate that here. This fourth book in the Slapshot series starts two years into Emma and Kyle's relationship and is more about Emma learning to trust. I loved Kyle's quiet patience with Emma even as she continues to hold back from him. Getting to see what's up with past favorites in the series is always a plus and I have to mention that this is most certainly a sports romance. Unlike so many other "sports" romances, this one does give some actual game play. We don't get quite as much in this one as in past books with the primary focus being on Emma, but the game play is there. Overall, the characters are likable and interesting and the story kept me turning pages, so another winner in this series.
3,374 reviews28 followers
April 7, 2019
Emma Winsor has had one dream ever since she can remember, to be go to New York and dance on Broadway. She has been in a relationship with Kyle Underwood for over a year and they are very happy. But when she misses a period and does a test she is not ready for the two pink lines that show up on the pregnancy test. And she doesn't know what to do. She doesn't feel like she can tell Kyle, he has so much on his mind at the moment. He hasn't been playing well as Newport Beach Seagulls' winger and Emma has felt he has been different with her. What is going on??
When Secrets start coming out will this pair be strong enough for each other??
This is a brilliant book. I couldnt put it down. So grab a cuppa turn your phone off and get ready for a amazing time reading this book Its a fantastic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
August 25, 2017
3.5 stars. Lips Positives & Penalties is the fourth book in the Slapshot series. While this is part of a series, it is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Though it helps to understand the story if you read the previous two books. There is mild violence though it is mostly confined to the hockey arena. The sex is hot and steamy so 18+.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The storyline is better than average and it was a good read. Unlike many sport romance books, this isn't an Insta-love story which is rare but I appreciate it. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author including more in this series.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,636 reviews28 followers
August 29, 2017
Over 3 prequels and 3 books I've fallen in love with the Slapshot group of characters and it saddened me to think that the trilogy was ending. *SPOILER* The seventh in a series on the Newport Gulls hockey team, Positives & Penalties is a romance seasoned with a flavor of hockey, now I read romantic suspense and some romance, but these books stand alone and I don't know how to categorize them. This is a very good, well-written book. I can't help but be amazed by the volume of writing she can produce in multiple romance genres. I'll read more by her in the future and look forward *SPOILER* to the next Slapshot novel, YES THERE WILL BE ANOTHER! Rumors & Roughing: Book 5 in the Slapshot Series releases October 27, 2017!
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
April 3, 2019
This is dramatic, romantic and interesting. Kyle is patient, sweet and romantic. Emma is insecure, stubborn and vulnerable. They've been dating for 2 years yet they don't know much about each other, because they don't talk about all of the important things in life. Emma doesn't let Kyle get too close, because she knows that he'll leave some day. Kyle has known for over a year that she's the one, but won't push Emma for a more committed relationship thinking she'll run rather than move forward. When Emma finds that she's pregnant, it makes her face her fear of Kyle abandoning her, and also whether she can forgive her mother for abandoning her. It's an interesting storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
2,200 reviews
April 6, 2019
This is book four in the Slap Shot series. This is such a strong, loveable series to read. Each book has it's own fantastic story and you get to learn the layers of these amazing characters. This book is about Emma and Kyle. They have appeared in other books as a fun, more casual style couple. As both characters are very career driven and wanting to make any heavy commitments but the news of an unplanned pregnancy rocks this couple to the core. This story is all about whether or not Emma and Kyle are ready to finalize their relationship but also when some secrets create twists and turns, can these make or break this couple?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,531 reviews27 followers
April 11, 2019
Emma has a very relaxed relationship with Kyle one of the players for the Newport Beach Seagulls They are committed to one another but have never discussed expectations or where they think they are going In the previous book the entire team went to Las Vegas That is going to have stunning consequences for Emma and Kyle when she discovers she is pregnant. Emma will need to let go of her walls that she has built and her and Kyle will finally have to make some decisions about where their lives are going and if it will be together. This is the fourth book in the series and though each can be read as stand alone I would recommend that you read the series in order as the characters continually flick in and out of the various story lines.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
August 25, 2017
I loved getting the chance to get a deeper look at the relationship between Kyle and Emma. They were such a cute pair in the prequels and their cameo appearances in the other previous books. This time around they have to face their fears and learn how to be vulnerable with each other - valuable lessons in any relationship. Emma needs to confront her past and Kyle has to stand up for what he wants in the future. They're a passionate pair in the best and worst ways and I certainly enjoyed watching them while they figured it out. There are some beautifully expressed words of advice in here that could be life lessons for all of us.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
625 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2017
This book was as endearing as it was titillating. The relationship between Emma and Kyle is not one that always goes smoothly, but there is so much love present between them that you get the sense that they could overcome just about anything together. In this book, they are embarking on a whole new adventure… parenthood. We get to see their relationship grow and change to meet this blessed challenge. Overall, I found this book to be impassioned and insightful, heartwarming yet provocative, romantic and utterly enthralling. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and sexy read.

*I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
March 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Emma and Kyle's story is the most emotional one of the series in my opinion. Her mother left when she was three leaving a hole in her life of any maternal influences which affects all of her relationships. She keeps people at arms length and is subconsciously waiting for them to leave her too. Kyle is a naturally guarded person who keeps a lot to himself. Their relationship is stagnant and though exclusive almost casual in nature - they never discuss the important issues, dreams and future hopes in their lives. This all comes to a head when she finds herself pregnant and he is having professional problems.
3,221 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2019
Emma finds out she's pregnant at the beginning of the book. She's scared to tell anyone, especially Kyle. Despite the fact that they've been dating for over a year, they haven't been completely honest with each other about their hopes and dreams, and what they'd like for their future. Her friends, and especially her father, help her find her way out of the mess. She figures out how to right her part in the relationship, but faints at his house, and he finds out about the pregnancy at the hospital. Eventually, they figure out how to make it all work, and give me a happy ending!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,286 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2019
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Emma and Kyle. They have been dating for two years and things are at a standstill. Kyle is having difficulty focusing on the game and Emma is trying to keep him at arms length. Send they came back from Vegas this are crazy. But when Emma takes a pregnancy test and find a positive result, she freaks. This story is about learning to deal with pregnancy as well as all the other stress in their lives. Great continuation in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
945 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2017
I've really enjoyed every book in this series and this story is no exception. I loved our introduction to Kyle and Emma in Grace on the Rocks and this book is the continuation of seeing their relationship.

I love Kyle, his quiet strength and grit. Emma's character was pretty selfish in a lot of the story but while I wasn't her biggest fan initially, she came around (and so did I). I think their family is going to be really cute and can't wait to see more of them in later stories.

Really looking forward to the next book in this series
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
March 18, 2019
I liked this book. This book focuses on Emma and Kyle. This couple is happy with the status quo of their monogamous but undefined relationship. In fact, you could say everything is just perfect. All planned, maintained and just the way they want it. So, what happens when life sends them a little surprise? Emma has lots of emotional baggage and is all about controlling everything. Kyle is closed off. I found the drama and emotion in this story interesting and enjoyable. This is my freely posted, frank review.
942 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2019
A great sport romance read that has Kyle and Emma as the main characters , they are well developed , have been together for 2 years and yet when she gets pregnant she has doubts whether their relationship is strong enough to last a life time , a good read with an equally good storyline and great characters , with drama , angst , chemistry and much more

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
759 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2019
Kyle is such a gentleman, always thinking of Emma’s comfort despite that she is the cause of his upset. What a dream boat, if only all men were that considerate.

Not your typical romance but I like the way that the story unfolded, and Kyle and Emma are just too adorable not to fall in love with their characters, challenges and chemistry.

Perfect one seat reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
April 6, 2019
This is Emma and Kyle's story and it brings about their issues in the relationship once she becomes pregnant. I didn't read the beginning of their story and this starts when she realizes she is pregnant. Even though they obviously get their happily ever after, it does get confusing throughout as there are continuation and editing issues that make it hard to focus on their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
April 12, 2019
I am loving this series and getting to know all of the characters. Kyle and Emma's story is an emotional one. They go through so much and they are both private people just trying to survive. Emma doesn’t let people in because she feels like they are just going to leave her and Kyle keeps to himself. I love that they found each other and I was cheering for them from the first page until the last. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
150 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2017
Love this series

This series is like being among a group of your best friends . The characters are so well written . The emotions and passionate interaction between all the characters . Every time I pick up a Slapshot book I know I am in for a great read and a break from my life's worries . I recommend this series to anyone who needs or wants a happy few hours.
4,627 reviews
April 6, 2019
Emma and Kyle are crazy about one another but are they ready to be more than a couple and take the next step? To raise a child together?
The journey for these two to find themselves and whether or not they could survive facing their secrets and past, its a good one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,154 reviews33 followers
April 8, 2019
A well written story. This is the fourth book in this series. This story is about Kyle and Emma and can they overcome things and come together. Another great read in this series. Can't wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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