What do you think?
Rate this book
Music City Rollers #1
Lights Out Lucy
"It's not a matter of if you get hurt but of how bad and when."
I can't say they didn't warn me. Right now, I realize: I probably should have listened. Because if there's anyone who has no business playing a sport that requires a helmet, pads, and a liability waiver, it's this girl. The same girl who once knocked herself out during a game of backyard baseball. I stepped up to the plate, pulled the bat back a little too far to swing, and clocked myself in the back of the skull. Boom. Lights Out Lucy.
That's how I got my roller derby name. So yeah. Maybe I should have known better.
But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? That's the whole reason I laced up a pair of skates to begin with. Well, that and this other little confession I need to make. Amid all the estrogen and girl power that fuels the world of women's roller derby, this insanity may have started because of a guy. Eyeroll, I know. Sadly, today on the oval track, it's about to come to a very bloody end. And all this slow-motion introspection might be part of my life flashing before my eyes. I'm going down hard and fast, with a set of Atomic Turquoise wheels aimed right at my face. Lights Out Lucy, indeed.
I can't say they didn't warn me. Right now, I realize: I probably should have listened. Because if there's anyone who has no business playing a sport that requires a helmet, pads, and a liability waiver, it's this girl. The same girl who once knocked herself out during a game of backyard baseball. I stepped up to the plate, pulled the bat back a little too far to swing, and clocked myself in the back of the skull. Boom. Lights Out Lucy.
That's how I got my roller derby name. So yeah. Maybe I should have known better.
But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? That's the whole reason I laced up a pair of skates to begin with. Well, that and this other little confession I need to make. Amid all the estrogen and girl power that fuels the world of women's roller derby, this insanity may have started because of a guy. Eyeroll, I know. Sadly, today on the oval track, it's about to come to a very bloody end. And all this slow-motion introspection might be part of my life flashing before my eyes. I'm going down hard and fast, with a set of Atomic Turquoise wheels aimed right at my face. Lights Out Lucy, indeed.
Unknown Binding
Published April 24, 2018
About the author
Elicia Hyder
30 books1,120 followersElicia Hyder is a bestselling author of paranormal suspense and contemporary romance. You can get a FREE eBOOK by clicking this link: Get The Detective for FREE.
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 25, 2020
Lights Out Lucy by Elicia Hyder
2nd reading via Audible. Reminded me how much I enjoyed this story.
Amusing, energetic, and inspiring. Lucy often says she’s going to die while trying out for the women’s roller derby, but she continues through bruises, blisters and concussion. A powerful leader.
The audio was wonderfully narrated.
Lucy grows up? Not enough. Lucy comes into her own? Better. Lucy fights to become strong, resilient and successful at skating and life. Yes. Romance included.
A little sadness sprinkled throughout. That’s life, right? A mother’s passing and cancer touching many lives. You learn to adapt. In Lucy’s case, she decides Roller Derby is her jam. It doesn’t hurt that she is awesome at her day job. Now for the fun part.
A strong and entertaining read from beginning to end. You don’t want to miss this one. Sports, blood and bruises; none part of my regular reading material and certainly not something I would try, but I admire Lucy for giving it her all.
Excerpt:
“Seventeen!"
My lungs burned. My shins and calves twisted into knots. My lower back felt like someone had smacked me with a baseball bat.
"Eighteen!"
"Final minute!" Shamrocker screamed.
I fell again. This time coming down hard on my knees and on my wrist guard. My fingers smacked the floor, and I yelped with pain. But I got up. I got back-freaking-up.
"Nineteen!"
"Twenty!"
The whistle blasted, long and loud, rattling off the bleachers and metal ceiling. I skated off the rink and collapsed, my breath ripping violently through my chest. Hehn-hehn-hehn-hehn. I sounded like a goose with emphysema.
Olivia appeared over me. "You did it!"
No, I really didn't. But I couldn't answer over the fight for consciousness. The halogens above were casting a halo of light around her head. Either that or I was crossing over to the other side.
"Here." Styx handed me a water bottle.
Olivia pulled me up to sitting. I drank a few deep gulps, wishing it wasn't so very cold. My chest tightened with a cramp. "Is Zoey OK?" I asked when I could finally speak.
Styx nodded. "She's fine. She knew to not overdo it. You OK? You look like you might stroke out."
"I might." I was holding the twisted muscle in my side, just under my lungs.
She pointed to my hand. "Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to keep from getting a stitch in your side."
I forced a smile. "Thanks for the tip.”
“The Duchess, the head coach of this sport I had no business being a part of, walked over. My smile faded. Forget the stroke. I'm dead. And this is my hell.
"What's your name?" The Duchess asked, looking down at me on the floor.
"Lucy," I answered, my stomach churning in knots.
The corner of The Duchess's mouth tipped up into an almost smile. "You don't sound too sure about that."
I cleared my throat. "Yes, ma'am. My name is Lucy Cooper."
"Well, Lucy Cooper, that was good work out there."
What the—?
Maybe she hadn't counted my laps.
"I didn't even come close to twenty-seven," I admitted.
"Most girls don't the first time," she said. "I'm talking about you getting up and finishing. You're scrappy. I like that."
Maybe I did have a stroke and didn't realize it. "Thank you."
She pointed at my face. "I'd better see you in October."
I nodded. "You will."
And I knew right then, she certainly would.”
Excerpt From Lights Out Lucy by Elicia Hyder
This material may be protected by copyright.
2nd reading via Audible. Reminded me how much I enjoyed this story.
Amusing, energetic, and inspiring. Lucy often says she’s going to die while trying out for the women’s roller derby, but she continues through bruises, blisters and concussion. A powerful leader.
The audio was wonderfully narrated.
Lucy grows up? Not enough. Lucy comes into her own? Better. Lucy fights to become strong, resilient and successful at skating and life. Yes. Romance included.
A little sadness sprinkled throughout. That’s life, right? A mother’s passing and cancer touching many lives. You learn to adapt. In Lucy’s case, she decides Roller Derby is her jam. It doesn’t hurt that she is awesome at her day job. Now for the fun part.
A strong and entertaining read from beginning to end. You don’t want to miss this one. Sports, blood and bruises; none part of my regular reading material and certainly not something I would try, but I admire Lucy for giving it her all.
Excerpt:
“Seventeen!"
My lungs burned. My shins and calves twisted into knots. My lower back felt like someone had smacked me with a baseball bat.
"Eighteen!"
"Final minute!" Shamrocker screamed.
I fell again. This time coming down hard on my knees and on my wrist guard. My fingers smacked the floor, and I yelped with pain. But I got up. I got back-freaking-up.
"Nineteen!"
"Twenty!"
The whistle blasted, long and loud, rattling off the bleachers and metal ceiling. I skated off the rink and collapsed, my breath ripping violently through my chest. Hehn-hehn-hehn-hehn. I sounded like a goose with emphysema.
Olivia appeared over me. "You did it!"
No, I really didn't. But I couldn't answer over the fight for consciousness. The halogens above were casting a halo of light around her head. Either that or I was crossing over to the other side.
"Here." Styx handed me a water bottle.
Olivia pulled me up to sitting. I drank a few deep gulps, wishing it wasn't so very cold. My chest tightened with a cramp. "Is Zoey OK?" I asked when I could finally speak.
Styx nodded. "She's fine. She knew to not overdo it. You OK? You look like you might stroke out."
"I might." I was holding the twisted muscle in my side, just under my lungs.
She pointed to my hand. "Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to keep from getting a stitch in your side."
I forced a smile. "Thanks for the tip.”
“The Duchess, the head coach of this sport I had no business being a part of, walked over. My smile faded. Forget the stroke. I'm dead. And this is my hell.
"What's your name?" The Duchess asked, looking down at me on the floor.
"Lucy," I answered, my stomach churning in knots.
The corner of The Duchess's mouth tipped up into an almost smile. "You don't sound too sure about that."
I cleared my throat. "Yes, ma'am. My name is Lucy Cooper."
"Well, Lucy Cooper, that was good work out there."
What the—?
Maybe she hadn't counted my laps.
"I didn't even come close to twenty-seven," I admitted.
"Most girls don't the first time," she said. "I'm talking about you getting up and finishing. You're scrappy. I like that."
Maybe I did have a stroke and didn't realize it. "Thank you."
She pointed at my face. "I'd better see you in October."
I nodded. "You will."
And I knew right then, she certainly would.”
Excerpt From Lights Out Lucy by Elicia Hyder
This material may be protected by copyright.
April 12, 2020
Lights Out Lucy
A Music City Rollers Novel
By: Elicia Hyder
Narrated by: Callie Dalton
Series: Music City Rollers, Book 1
This is a terrific humorous romantic comedy with an accident prone gal wanting to learn to play roller derby. First it was to see a guy but after that it was just determination! It's funny, it deals with multiple relationships such as her brother, father, boss, handsome guy, and team members. Great world building and character development!
Narration was spot on!
I already listened to the second book, kinda listened to them out of order.
A Music City Rollers Novel
By: Elicia Hyder
Narrated by: Callie Dalton
Series: Music City Rollers, Book 1
This is a terrific humorous romantic comedy with an accident prone gal wanting to learn to play roller derby. First it was to see a guy but after that it was just determination! It's funny, it deals with multiple relationships such as her brother, father, boss, handsome guy, and team members. Great world building and character development!
Narration was spot on!
I already listened to the second book, kinda listened to them out of order.
September 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Trouble seems to find Lucy. She's a bit accident prone so, of course, she decides to try out for roller derby. One of my favorites things about this book was the friendships that Lucy makes with the other women trying out for the team. I love the confidence that Lucy gains and she brings that into other aspects of her life. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
May 4, 2018
So fantastically written I want to go watch a few real bouts, and my brain tells me it wants to play. My body is laughing at me. This is such a great book, I feel like I am Lucy while reading; I am as klutzy as she is. Wish I had the loving friends she has in real life. I didn’t want the book to end, and am now in end of book haze where fortunately there is an Epilogue.
October 4, 2020
I listened on audible and it was the second try that worked for me. Lucy was funny, sweet, clumsy, insecure and trying very hard to figure out who she is. So to figure it out she tries out for roller derby. I would not say this was her brightest move but it actually worked out for her. She gained confidence and friends, and learned she is stronger than she thought. I enjoyed the narrator as well. I'm already listening to Britches in Stitches, book 2.
September 17, 2019
this was super cute! but i feel like the book ended in the middle of the story. there was so much left unresolved. but that is a brilliant technique to get you to read the next book in the series. and it worked so well! i will be reading more of this for sure. i feel like i should say something about how i loved the romance in the book was really only secondary. this was a wonderful story of a young woman finding something to help move her through incredible pain and loss, something to propell herself forward and to help her find the gumption to stan up for her self.
September 28, 2020
Newest addition to my Favorite Books list
This book pulled me so much that I actually forgot i was reading I had become so immersed in the story. The characters were so real I wouldn't be surprised to run into one of them on the street.
The book itself is a story of female empowerment, friendship, and drama. Lucy discovers rollar derby when she wants to see the cute guy she plowed her car into. Tired of waiting for his call she takes things into her own hands and with the power of the internet discovers he sponsers the local roller derby team. Smart, if some what klutzy lady that she is. She goes to the teams next hometown bout and falls in love. Yep, West is there and he asks her out. Lucy also finds out that the team is excepting new meat (newbies) to be trained, no experience needed, to tryout for their team. Lucy not only makes new friends, she started a journey to a stronger, both physically and mentally person.
I love this book and recommend it to everyone. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This book pulled me so much that I actually forgot i was reading I had become so immersed in the story. The characters were so real I wouldn't be surprised to run into one of them on the street.
The book itself is a story of female empowerment, friendship, and drama. Lucy discovers rollar derby when she wants to see the cute guy she plowed her car into. Tired of waiting for his call she takes things into her own hands and with the power of the internet discovers he sponsers the local roller derby team. Smart, if some what klutzy lady that she is. She goes to the teams next hometown bout and falls in love. Yep, West is there and he asks her out. Lucy also finds out that the team is excepting new meat (newbies) to be trained, no experience needed, to tryout for their team. Lucy not only makes new friends, she started a journey to a stronger, both physically and mentally person.
I love this book and recommend it to everyone. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 17, 2020
This book was much more than I expected. It's a romance, sure. And West and Lucy make quite the pair. The author takes her time building their relationship, which allows for some really great human moments that end up being really funny. I appreciated that a lot.
I also liked the other focus of the book, which is really Lucy dealing with the upheaval her life has become the last year. A recently broken heart, a new job, a new city, and a new hobby. The friendships she makes is just as much a part of this story as the romance. I loved her journey towards a healing heart.
And it's funny. All the way through. There are little things here and there that will make you laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a heartwarming story of life.
I also liked the other focus of the book, which is really Lucy dealing with the upheaval her life has become the last year. A recently broken heart, a new job, a new city, and a new hobby. The friendships she makes is just as much a part of this story as the romance. I loved her journey towards a healing heart.
And it's funny. All the way through. There are little things here and there that will make you laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a heartwarming story of life.
November 1, 2020
This was a very informative book about roller derby. It was fun and spoke to my competitive spirit. I really enjoyed the strength of the main character Lucy. In her pursuit to do something for herself, she showed strong will, determination, forgiveness and was an overall well rounded person. She could not help that she was accident prone. A very interesting read.
May 7, 2018
I love Lights Out Lucy! As a big fan of Elicia's other books, I was excited to go on this Derby journey with her. While it covers all of the typical romance journey (meet, fall in love, things get screwed up and fixed, HEA), what truly made this book special is Lucy's journey into discovering who she is as a person and what she is made of. Elicia's personal roller derby experience made the book authentic, but also relatable. Before I was halfway done, I was already figuring out where and when the closest roller derby bout would be held so that I could attend. Now I'm hooked - on roller derby and Lights Out Lucy.
Note: I received the book as an ARC, but then purchased my own copy from the author at a convention.
Note: I received the book as an ARC, but then purchased my own copy from the author at a convention.
April 24, 2018
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC from the author*
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this was how light it felt. All my stress melted away with the easy humor and flow of the story, and after a few chapters in, I could easily say that this book felt like a ball of light that I could hug to my chest to feel all the good things I did. I liked it that much. Lucy was at times silly, but more often than not, she was endearing, adorable with her ladylike, bashful yet playful nature, and I just really liked how someone who'd known loss and anger could still be so... innocent. She wasn't naive, and I loved that she was so clumsy, but she was also like... light as a feather. She did things right, she did her thing, and even the end blew me away. I loved, loved, loved how the author handled the ending. It was so perfect.
Roller derby always sounded really interesting but after reading this and the author's note on what it meant to her, it definitely MAKES me want to try it, or at least watch a game or attend a bout. It was full of hot moments with crushes, stress at work (with major payoffs), empowering life lessons, and all around great, good feeling moments of... just being alive and doing your best. Like God, I'm still low key tripping over how sweet but deep-touching it was. It's a definite recommend that you read this.
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this was how light it felt. All my stress melted away with the easy humor and flow of the story, and after a few chapters in, I could easily say that this book felt like a ball of light that I could hug to my chest to feel all the good things I did. I liked it that much. Lucy was at times silly, but more often than not, she was endearing, adorable with her ladylike, bashful yet playful nature, and I just really liked how someone who'd known loss and anger could still be so... innocent. She wasn't naive, and I loved that she was so clumsy, but she was also like... light as a feather. She did things right, she did her thing, and even the end blew me away. I loved, loved, loved how the author handled the ending. It was so perfect.
Roller derby always sounded really interesting but after reading this and the author's note on what it meant to her, it definitely MAKES me want to try it, or at least watch a game or attend a bout. It was full of hot moments with crushes, stress at work (with major payoffs), empowering life lessons, and all around great, good feeling moments of... just being alive and doing your best. Like God, I'm still low key tripping over how sweet but deep-touching it was. It's a definite recommend that you read this.
April 12, 2018
What a fresh, fun, feel-good, contemporary romance by Elicia Hyder! I adored accident-prone Lucy and her determination to challenge herself by stepping outside her comfort box to try something new. I enjoyed her evolution in both her personal and work life and cheered her on the entire way. From her unlikely introduction to West (I mean, come on, how many of us meet the man of our dreams by rear-ending his truck while we're both stopped at a red light?), to learning to stand up for herself, to opening herself to new challenges, and her heart to new people, she's a woman I liked, admired, and supported. Hyder does a good job of weaving emotional themes of grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing throughout the story without losing the light, fun feel and introduces readers to several characters whose stories I'm hoping we'll have the opportunity to read. You can count me in for the whole series!
March 22, 2019
For accident-prone Lucy Cooper, a sport that involves balance and speed on eight tiny wheels is the last thing she should try. But she forgoes the warning bells clanging in her head and signs up to see what she’s made of—and perhaps impress the super hot guy who invited her to her first Music City Rollers bout. Lucy knows that she won’t pass fresh meat training unscathed. "It's not a matter of if you get hurt, but of how bad and when."
(I was given this Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. Plus, spoiler-free.)
I loved Lights Out Lucy! Elicia Hyder’s ninth novel blended sports and office romance with a ton of bumps and bruises beneath the seams—for Lu anyway. Lucy’s propensity for accidents infused with dry wit and innocence blended with badassery made LOL quirky and funny, yet contemporary and sweet.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.4 stars
Heroine rating: 4.8 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.8 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.7 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.8 stars
Story ending rating: 4.6 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3.4 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: 1 stars (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I reread this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
(I was given this Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. Plus, spoiler-free.)
I loved Lights Out Lucy! Elicia Hyder’s ninth novel blended sports and office romance with a ton of bumps and bruises beneath the seams—for Lu anyway. Lucy’s propensity for accidents infused with dry wit and innocence blended with badassery made LOL quirky and funny, yet contemporary and sweet.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.4 stars
Heroine rating: 4.8 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.8 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.7 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.8 stars
Story ending rating: 4.6 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3.4 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: 1 stars (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I reread this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
April 23, 2018
OMG! I love Lucy!! Seriously loved this book. Laughs, romance, and some serious a$$ kicking as Lucy tries out for the roller derby. Lights Out Lucy deserves much more than 5 stars! Excellent read from start to finish. You’ll fall in love with Lucy and the Music City Rollers just like me!
April 20, 2018
Lucy Cooper is an accident waiting to happen and that’s how she meets West Adler, the main sponsor for the Music City Rollers and the love interest in the story. The story takes place in Nashville and the country music industry is where Lucy’s makes her living. Twenty-eight year old Lucy and her younger brother are still in mourning for the mother they lost one year earlier and Lucy uses Roller Derby as a catharsis for that loss. The banter between the two siblings provides much of the comedy. There is enough drama to keep a reader happy as well. I enjoyed the insight the story gave me to the roller derby scene and the inside workings of promoting musicians and their music to their fans. Ms. Hyder writes really well and does not waste words to extend a book like so many indie authors. I really enjoyed reading this book. I think this book would have made an awesome made-for-TV movie. I know that if it was a movie even men would enjoy it. The story is based on events in Ms. Hyder’s own life per the intro in the book. It’s not my usual genre. It’s contemporary romance with a little comedy added. (I generally like to read paranormal and sci-fi erotica.) There is a really steamy kissing scene 67% of the way through and some adult conversation in the book but I would certainly have let my 13 yr. old self read it.
September 17, 2020
Fun book! I really enjoyed this one.
September 7, 2019
Really cute story about an accident prone young woman’s audition process for a roller derby team. The sweet romance is in the background but I enjoyed it all the same. Intrigued by secondary characters Jake and Ava’s story as well. This is a new author to me and I will definitely look into her other books now as well.
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
May 21, 2018
I remember watching roller derby years ago on TV when they used to broadcast the bouts but I didn't realize these ladies were still doing this exciting and dangerous sport. Follow along with Lucy, a clumsy twenty-something year old internet advertising specialist living in Nashville as she accidentally gets hooked on playing one of the craziest, most dangerous sports out there today!
May 23, 2018
Lights Out Lucy is LOL fun!
I laughed, I cried and I cheered for Lucy as she made her journey on quad skates. A fabulous supporting cast of friends and a hot love interest are so much fun. I love Lucy's strength and her humor in dealing with her life. I look forward to reading more Music City Rollers books and hanging out with this team again!
I laughed, I cried and I cheered for Lucy as she made her journey on quad skates. A fabulous supporting cast of friends and a hot love interest are so much fun. I love Lucy's strength and her humor in dealing with her life. I look forward to reading more Music City Rollers books and hanging out with this team again!
November 24, 2019
This was an amazing read!! I loved everything!! I related to Lucy so much because I myself am a huge clutz!
I loved her journey. I loved all the characters. I loved how no matter what Elicia pulls you in and makes you never want to put her books down.
I loved her journey. I loved all the characters. I loved how no matter what Elicia pulls you in and makes you never want to put her books down.
June 29, 2018
Alright, I'm going to get one thing out of the way before we get into what I loved about this book. Coaches for skaters new to roller derby should not treat their new girls the way they did in this book. Holy shit, no. Just no. Is roller derby badass, yes. Are skaters tough, obviously. But is it ok to be total assholes to each other? Fuck no. New girl coaches should be nice and supportive and patient, and if you start at a league with coaches who yell at you, call you bitches, and generally behave like some of the coaches in this book...find another league to skate with. That's a red flag. Now that we've got that PSA out of the way, moving on!
I enjoyed the balance in this book between work, dude interactions, and roller derby practices. It drives me crazy when books present characters as working in whatever field, being crazy busy or successful, and then proceed to not ever have that character go to work. In this case, the book starts off with Lucy heading to work, where she is doing well but stressed about her boss...and then throughout the book we see her work, kick ass, and navigate her relationship with her intimidating boss. Say what, women can have careers and hobbies and romantic relationships? I love it!
I also enjoyed the relationships between all the fresh meat skaters. Lucy and Olivia were wonderful, as I knew they would be from early on, but then seeing the two of them bond with some of the other new skaters from practice was lovely. The community you join and the friends you make are far and away the best part of being involved in roller derby for me, so seeing that emulated in the book was heart-warming. Also, shout out to Zoey, the toughest skater in this book, fresh meat or otherwise!
Finally, the relationship arc between dreamy West Adler and Lucy was overall adorable and, at times, laugh out loud hilarious. I legitimately stopped a few times while reading to send my husband quotes that had me cracking up. Watching their relationship develop after their...can you call it a "meet cute" if it's a car accident?...was heart-warming, and it felt a little like seeing a friend fall in-like with someone and then watching it become more. Warmed my icy little heart. If you like solid friendships and sweet love connections, this book might be for you. If you want all of that combined with roller skates and a kickass sport, what are you waiting for? Read it.
I enjoyed the balance in this book between work, dude interactions, and roller derby practices. It drives me crazy when books present characters as working in whatever field, being crazy busy or successful, and then proceed to not ever have that character go to work. In this case, the book starts off with Lucy heading to work, where she is doing well but stressed about her boss...and then throughout the book we see her work, kick ass, and navigate her relationship with her intimidating boss. Say what, women can have careers and hobbies and romantic relationships? I love it!
I also enjoyed the relationships between all the fresh meat skaters. Lucy and Olivia were wonderful, as I knew they would be from early on, but then seeing the two of them bond with some of the other new skaters from practice was lovely. The community you join and the friends you make are far and away the best part of being involved in roller derby for me, so seeing that emulated in the book was heart-warming. Also, shout out to Zoey, the toughest skater in this book, fresh meat or otherwise!
Finally, the relationship arc between dreamy West Adler and Lucy was overall adorable and, at times, laugh out loud hilarious. I legitimately stopped a few times while reading to send my husband quotes that had me cracking up. Watching their relationship develop after their...can you call it a "meet cute" if it's a car accident?...was heart-warming, and it felt a little like seeing a friend fall in-like with someone and then watching it become more. Warmed my icy little heart. If you like solid friendships and sweet love connections, this book might be for you. If you want all of that combined with roller skates and a kickass sport, what are you waiting for? Read it.
September 3, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. A positive and affirming read.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
New to town 28 yr old Lucille/Lucy Cooper, the newest marketing mgr for a Nashville music artist agency, meets 33 year old construction entrepreneur West Adler when Lucy accidentally plows her car into his truck. So begins LIGHTS OUT LUCY, the story of a young woman who decides to join the roller derby circuit while trying to make sense out of her life.
Quotes ~
> “You’re scrappy; I like that.”
Comments ~
1) LIGHT’S OUT LUCY is bk1 in Elicia Hyder’s Music City Rollers RomCom series. I listened to the audiobook wonderfully read by Callie Dalton. She was so good at pulling me in, I listened to the ending twice.
2) I enjoyed LIGHTS OUT LUCY. The story has a positive message about being kind and true to ourselves while offering support, encouragement and understanding to others. Reading this was affirming and left me feeling good. I found brainless errands to complete so I could listen all day.
3) I need to like the main characters in a book or I just can’t enjoy it. Lucy is spunky yet sweet; I liked her authenticity.
4) Lucy’s mother has died recently and her father remarries less than 6mos after that death. I could identify with Lucy’s struggle to deal from a situation in my own life, causing me some reconsideration.
5) I enjoyed learning about the skating world of the Roller Derby circuit. Yikes. It’s crazy what they do. Kudos! ladies. I enjoyed this so much, I purchased the next book in the series - Britches With Stitches.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is usedfrequently.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Roller derby scrabbles.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes; but closed door.
OTHER - Secondary characters with alternate lifestyles are included.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
New to town 28 yr old Lucille/Lucy Cooper, the newest marketing mgr for a Nashville music artist agency, meets 33 year old construction entrepreneur West Adler when Lucy accidentally plows her car into his truck. So begins LIGHTS OUT LUCY, the story of a young woman who decides to join the roller derby circuit while trying to make sense out of her life.
Quotes ~
> “You’re scrappy; I like that.”
Comments ~
1) LIGHT’S OUT LUCY is bk1 in Elicia Hyder’s Music City Rollers RomCom series. I listened to the audiobook wonderfully read by Callie Dalton. She was so good at pulling me in, I listened to the ending twice.
2) I enjoyed LIGHTS OUT LUCY. The story has a positive message about being kind and true to ourselves while offering support, encouragement and understanding to others. Reading this was affirming and left me feeling good. I found brainless errands to complete so I could listen all day.
3) I need to like the main characters in a book or I just can’t enjoy it. Lucy is spunky yet sweet; I liked her authenticity.
4) Lucy’s mother has died recently and her father remarries less than 6mos after that death. I could identify with Lucy’s struggle to deal from a situation in my own life, causing me some reconsideration.
5) I enjoyed learning about the skating world of the Roller Derby circuit. Yikes. It’s crazy what they do. Kudos! ladies. I enjoyed this so much, I purchased the next book in the series - Britches With Stitches.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is usedfrequently.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Roller derby scrabbles.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes; but closed door.
OTHER - Secondary characters with alternate lifestyles are included.
April 14, 2018
Lights Out Lucy is as far from Elicia Hyder's recent release of The Sacrifice as you can get! Ms. Hyder has given us a fresh new book (hopefully series) about a single young woman named Lucy that has a propensity for accidents. In the opening she rear ends what happens to be one of the best looking guys that she has ever met. His name is West and he seems to be equally interested in her. As she does a little cyber spying into West she learns that his family's business sponsors the local Nashville roller derby team and that they are having tryouts for new recruits (or fresh meat!) and she drags her friend along to check it out. So begins Lucy's journey into self discovery. Lucy has a job that she's not quite pleased with, a fractured relationship with her father and a cute guy that dropped off of her radar so she really wants to get her life on track. I really enjoyed this story because Lucy is truly relatable. She's funny, quirky and clutzy. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable. The bottom line is that Lights Out Lucy is a fresh new rom com and that's what readers like me are looking for. Real life can be a little overwhelming and it's fun to laugh along with Lucy as she stumbles through it. The book is written in first person POV and has bits of sexiness but not as the main focus of the story. I highly recommend it. I received a review copy and this is my freely given, honest opinion.
April 24, 2018
I must admit to feeling a little reluctant to start this book, as I'd just finished the latest book in Elicia's Soul Summoner Series (I highly recommend these if you’ve not ventured into them yet started with the Detective, meanwhile back at the ranch) I really enjoyed the SSS that I didn't want to be disappointed, if you are in this category please put your reluctance aside, LOL is a super great read I am pretty sure, you will enjoy it as much as I did and learn a little bit about Roller Derby world. LOL has a cast made up of strong, funny and intelligent women that conquer a few little conflicts along the way without pulling the “oh woe is me routine”.
I love Lucy, she is funny, intelligent and grounded, I particularly enjoyed her journey into further self-discovery, growing into her own power, discovering how strong she is and can be, having the courage to stand up for herself as well as owning her own misconceptions. I believe you will not be able to put this book down as it’s just so enjoyable. It has a little bit of everything, romance, a little intriguish drama (not too much), bit of slap stick fall on your ass humour and joy. Thank you Elicia,, for sharing some of your journey with us.
This is a light hearted and thoroughly enjoyable book to read and I look forward to the next instalment/s.
I love Lucy, she is funny, intelligent and grounded, I particularly enjoyed her journey into further self-discovery, growing into her own power, discovering how strong she is and can be, having the courage to stand up for herself as well as owning her own misconceptions. I believe you will not be able to put this book down as it’s just so enjoyable. It has a little bit of everything, romance, a little intriguish drama (not too much), bit of slap stick fall on your ass humour and joy. Thank you Elicia,, for sharing some of your journey with us.
This is a light hearted and thoroughly enjoyable book to read and I look forward to the next instalment/s.
July 16, 2020
I'm not a big sports fan, so I wasn't sure about this book. Gotta admit... I loved it! Elicia Hyder adds humor to a story of self growth and moving on with life. There's romance, friendship, family and more information than I ever thought I wanted about the game of roller derby. I actually learned a lot and was able to visualize every heart-pounding moment on that derby floor. But this book was so much more than that.
The character development in this story was outstanding. We see all sides of Lucy. We see her struggles at work, mixed with a bit of humor, and how she handles all kinds of situations. We see her social life go from zero to astronomical. We see her love life go from flat out nothing to meeting and falling for Nashville's most eligible bachelor! We see her grow and become more confident.
When accident-prone Lucy decides she wants to try out for the Music City Rollers, she surprises not only herself, but her brother, her father, her employer, her best friend, and West Adler. Will she make it? You need to read it to find out. And I mean you Really. Need. To. Read. This!
The character development in this story was outstanding. We see all sides of Lucy. We see her struggles at work, mixed with a bit of humor, and how she handles all kinds of situations. We see her social life go from zero to astronomical. We see her love life go from flat out nothing to meeting and falling for Nashville's most eligible bachelor! We see her grow and become more confident.
When accident-prone Lucy decides she wants to try out for the Music City Rollers, she surprises not only herself, but her brother, her father, her employer, her best friend, and West Adler. Will she make it? You need to read it to find out. And I mean you Really. Need. To. Read. This!
June 5, 2018
If I were a character in a book, I would by Lucy. I have a dream of becoming a roller derby girl, however, when I tell people that they look at me like I have three head. It's not that they don't like roller derby, it's more of I am accident prone. I trip on air...Lucy is also accident prone. The fact that there is some truth in this book makes me want to be one even more. I loved all the characters and the plot was enjoyable. I will be buying all the books in this series when it comes out. I also love the humor that Lucy had about everything. She knows she's accident prone and just kind of pokes fun at it. I mean what else can you do really? Well, I am sure there are others but I like humor. I liked getting to know the team and all the hard work Lucy put in it. I was cheering for her the whole time, like "Girl you got this!"
July 15, 2019
I picked this book up because I read an great review by a friend on Goodreads otherwise, I wouldn't have even noticed this lighthearted little romance, as I don't read much in this genre... But, this book turned out to be right up my alley, I really have a love of Roller Derby (thanks to Seanan McGuire) Her protagonist in the last InCryptid books is Antimony a young woman who plays Final Girl, from Portland's Rose City team... and then I would be remiss if I didn't thank Drew Barrymore and her Roller Derby action movie, Whip It! This book catches all the excitement of those other works, but without any supernatural beings showing up. Lol. I have discovered that I can enjoy straight up fiction! Who'da thunk it... LOL !
So you'll want to grab this book and learn what it feels like to be fresh meat... for the Roller Derby!
So you'll want to grab this book and learn what it feels like to be fresh meat... for the Roller Derby!
September 1, 2018
Now I want to join a roller derby team! Elicia Hyder has written another amazing book!
Lights Out Lucy takes you into the world of roller derby. Lucy Cooper is clumsy. She enjoys staying to herself. She avoids conflict. Until she meets West Adler and in an attempt to get his attention, joins a roller derby team. Despite her extreme clumsiness, Lucy is determined to make the team and she won’t stop until she does. After all, it’s not a matter of if you get hurt but how bad and when.
This isn’t just a story of roller derby though, but perseverance, friendship, and life in general. Lucy is a strong and relatable character and West is perfection! Don’t think you will be interested in a roller derby book? You’re wrong. This book will have ready to go to the next bout near you and more!
Lights Out Lucy takes you into the world of roller derby. Lucy Cooper is clumsy. She enjoys staying to herself. She avoids conflict. Until she meets West Adler and in an attempt to get his attention, joins a roller derby team. Despite her extreme clumsiness, Lucy is determined to make the team and she won’t stop until she does. After all, it’s not a matter of if you get hurt but how bad and when.
This isn’t just a story of roller derby though, but perseverance, friendship, and life in general. Lucy is a strong and relatable character and West is perfection! Don’t think you will be interested in a roller derby book? You’re wrong. This book will have ready to go to the next bout near you and more!
March 1, 2019
All in all it was a great little book. Since I grew up spending time in Nashvegas it was nice reading about landmarks I knew (cough Batman building cough). As someone who plays roller derby there are a few places I read that would not have happened. We don't talk nearly that much at practice because if you're talking you're not pushing hard enough. Second, at scrimmage, practice, or bout if someone hits their head everything immediately stops and the player gets checked out, the refs stop the game play to have them checked out, rather be safe than sorry since we take head hits very seriously. I would also keep up with rule changes for the next book since there is not a jammer lap point anymore so the most a jammer could get would be 4 now.
July 8, 2019
3-3.5 stars. It took me almost halfway through to really get into this book and main character. The overly clumsy heroine isn't a trope I tend to like, so the first half was kind of annoying lol. But it luckily took a back seat the second half of the book, and character development started taking precedence.
There were a lot of women in this story, and that of course included drama between them, but I appreciated that the author made sure to have them work out their issues in the end and not let there be a token "bitch" in the novel. They were women that were going through their own issues and just didn't handle it well. I liked that they had enough respect for one another to make time to hear each other out in the end.
There were a lot of women in this story, and that of course included drama between them, but I appreciated that the author made sure to have them work out their issues in the end and not let there be a token "bitch" in the novel. They were women that were going through their own issues and just didn't handle it well. I liked that they had enough respect for one another to make time to hear each other out in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews