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The Trouble with Tomboys #2
Playing to Win
Jordan It didn't matter my new neighbor was hot enough to melt an ice rink. I had rules for a reason. And falling for him would break the biggest rule of all. Never date a teammate. And let's be honest. It's never been an issue. Until now. Asher Feisty. Fierce. Gorgeous. Jordan was all that and more. I never meant to tick her off that first day of school, but now she's all I can think about. Too bad she hates my guts. Can Asher change Jordan's mind about him and her rules? Find out in Playing to Win, Book 2 in the Trouble with Tomboys Series.Read all the books in The Trouble with Tomboys series. Playing the Enemy - by Maggie DallenPlaying to Win - by Stephanie StreetPlaying the Field - by Christina Benjamin
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
451 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 5, 2020
**Read for Jordan Ford's Summer Reading Challenge 2020. Prompt 15. An enemies to lovers romance book**
- Hockey
- Enemies to lovers
- Jordan's passion is hockey. It runs in the family. Her father is the coach, known for his winning team
- She's the only girl in the team (the Estrumpfina ha!)
- Girls staying supportive besties from different States sniff
- "With jet black hair and deep olive skin an exotic look that made my heart race." Ouch. Stephanie Street, darling, no. Keep up with the times.
- New kid in school. Boy next door.
- Asher plays hockey according to his father's wishes, but he is all about being a musician
- Serenades
- Dramatic
- Asher is a good boy, the best boy
- Jordan is an idiot and a jerk tbh
- Kelly also sucks for dropping that right at the show. TPO, girl
- Mention of how Asher, a very attractive older teen, is objectified and even had adult women come on to him. Yikes. Arrest them! People, give boys and men space and respect. They don't always "want it", that's a social construct, and them being handsome does not make them a sex object for you to disrespect. CONSENT and AGE APPROPRIATE relationships, please and thank you. That boy who looks like a man is someone's baby and don't you forget it. (why does the book not address this more seriously, so YA girls learn??)
- Hockey
- Enemies to lovers
- Jordan's passion is hockey. It runs in the family. Her father is the coach, known for his winning team
- She's the only girl in the team (the Estrumpfina ha!)
- Girls staying supportive besties from different States sniff
- "With jet black hair and deep olive skin an exotic look that made my heart race." Ouch. Stephanie Street, darling, no. Keep up with the times.
- New kid in school. Boy next door.
- Asher plays hockey according to his father's wishes, but he is all about being a musician
- Serenades
- Dramatic
- Asher is a good boy, the best boy
- Jordan is an idiot and a jerk tbh
- Kelly also sucks for dropping that right at the show. TPO, girl
- Mention of how Asher, a very attractive older teen, is objectified and even had adult women come on to him. Yikes. Arrest them! People, give boys and men space and respect. They don't always "want it", that's a social construct, and them being handsome does not make them a sex object for you to disrespect. CONSENT and AGE APPROPRIATE relationships, please and thank you. That boy who looks like a man is someone's baby and don't you forget it. (why does the book not address this more seriously, so YA girls learn??)
December 28, 2019
Most of it was fine, plot was okay, characters were fine, didn´t really feel like I got to know them that much. The most annoying ting was probably the grammar errors like "your" instead of "you´re" etc.
June 29, 2020
Tomboy Jordan Parks loves hockey, so when Asher Sloane joins the team and is unwittingly competing for her spot, he automatically becomes her enemy. For Asher hockey is something he likes, it's not his passion, but a deal with his dad means he has to play like it is, otherwise he'll have to give up his real passion - music.
Sweet and very fluffy one time read, what I needed to unwind from the intensity of work.
Acquired via KU.
Sweet and very fluffy one time read, what I needed to unwind from the intensity of work.
Acquired via KU.
November 2, 2019
Solid YA Romance. I came into this book unfamiliar with Street, but very familiar with the author of the first book in this series - Maggie Dallen - and this book keeps much of the same feel I am used to from Dallen's work. To the level that it is almost unclear as to whether Street's style is just so similar to Dallen's or if the books were heavily coordinated amongst the authors. Though this isn't a bad thing in any way, and indeed was a bit of a comfort. Overall you can expect a fun, fast paced romance with some angst (though far from emo levels) and some humor and some minor conflict at the back of the book just before the happily ever after - and a well executed one at that. Very much recommended.
November 7, 2019
Delightful, G-rated, YA, sports romance!
Jordan Parks is a talented hockey player who lives in Lakeview, a real-life suburb on the North Side of Chicago. Hockey is very big deal in that part of the country, and Jordan’s immediate and extended family are all hockey mad. Her father coaches a local boys’ hockey team for older teens, and Jordan and all three of her brothers have played hockey since they were five years old. Her 21-year-old brother Bobby currently plays minor league hockey, and her 19-year-old brother Joe is captain of their dad’s team. Her uncles and cousins all play hockey as well, and Jordan has an aunt who plays for the US National team. For the past 12 years Jordan has played on a girls’ hockey team but, for her senior year, she has won a place on her dad and brother Joe’s team. Her top priorities for this final year of high school are getting good grades and excelling at hockey in order to earn a scholarship to a university with a women’s hockey team. In order to catch the attention of college scouts, she needs to earn a position as a starter on the team. Jordan has never dated, doesn’t have time to date, and even if she wished to date—which she does not—she would never date a teammate. Not only would it be a massive distraction, it could potentially bring disrupting drama to her hockey team.
Asher Sloane’s father recently purchased a car dealership in Lakeview, causing Asher to have to move away from Minnesota for his senior year in high school. His father is a former college hockey star, whose NHL hopes were destroyed when he sustained a catastrophic knee injury during a car accident while still in college. He has always pushed Asher to shine at hockey, and over the years has signed up Asher for every kind of training imaginable for agility, strength and speed. All that training combined with a huge amount of natural talent, has turned Asher into every bit as much of a star hockey player as his dad used to be. But, unfortunately for his dad’s ambitions for his son, Asher’s passion is not hockey. It is music. More than anything he wants to be a singer/songwriter. He plays the guitar, sings, and writes both the lyrics and music for his own original songs.
To Jordan’s dismay, on her very first day of hockey practice, she learns that she and the new guy, Asher, will be competing for the same spot on the team. Worse, he is an extremely talented player who is much better than she is. Which means with him around, she may be riding the bench all season, with few opportunities to be spotted by scouts. Naturally enough, she greatly begrudges the fact that he stands between her and achieving her goals, but at the same time, she can’t help feeling strongly attracted to him. Asher is an extremely good-looking guy, and he doesn’t seem at all discouraged by the frosty reception she is giving to his consistently friendly overtures. In addition, she soon discovers that his family has moved into the house directly behind hers, and he is impossible to ignore. Every night he hangs out for hours in his back yard, easily seen and heard from her bedroom window, while he plays the guitar and sings lovely lyrics in a beautiful voice. Keeping a safely resentful distance from her hockey rival is proving to be a very tall order.
I am a major fan of young-adult sports romances in which the heroine is a talented athlete. It’s even more fun when she and the romantic hero are both skilled at her sport and play on the same team, as is the case with this book. Both Jordan and Asher are dynamic and sympathetic protagonists individually, and as a couple they are very well matched. Their verbal exchanges are lively and fun and, in spite of this being a G-rated romance, there is tons of sizzling chemistry between them.
I greatly appreciated the fact that Jordan has a wonderful family, rather than the cliché, YA, dysfunctional, ineffectual, or invisible parents and/or mean siblings. She is very close to her parents and brothers. Her dad is a great father, and her mother is affectionate and supportive as well. Her oldest brother Bobby lives in the same town as his family and rooms with her brother Joe, and Jordon frequently connects with them. Her younger brother Payton is twelve and is the source of a terrific subplot that involves Jordon, her whole family, and Asher.
I adore Asher. He is a wonderful guy with a good heart. In addition to the exciting interactions between him and Jordan, I loved the scenes with his infant half-brother and his mentor relationship with Payton.
I also enjoyed Jordan’s female friends. She has a long-distance relationship with two girls she met a few years before at a sports camp, who are the heroines of the two other books in this trilogy. Locally, Jordan has two other athletic girls as her closest friends. Kelly is on the swim team, and Natalie plays volleyball. Either of those two girls would, in their own right, make an excellent heroine of another YA sports romance.
Finally, I especially liked that fact that this author follows the classic, adult-romance structure for a romance novel, including: dual point-of-view of both Jordan and Asher, no cheating or romantic triangle, and a guaranteed HEA played out in a satisfying epilogue.
All in all, I enjoyed every part of this story, and this book is definitely a keeper for me. I highly recommend it for YA sports-romance fans of all ages.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Hockey Subplot: 5 stars
Coming of Age Subplot: 5 stars
Little Brother Subplot: 5 stars
Hero’s Family Drama Subplot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Jordan Parks is a talented hockey player who lives in Lakeview, a real-life suburb on the North Side of Chicago. Hockey is very big deal in that part of the country, and Jordan’s immediate and extended family are all hockey mad. Her father coaches a local boys’ hockey team for older teens, and Jordan and all three of her brothers have played hockey since they were five years old. Her 21-year-old brother Bobby currently plays minor league hockey, and her 19-year-old brother Joe is captain of their dad’s team. Her uncles and cousins all play hockey as well, and Jordan has an aunt who plays for the US National team. For the past 12 years Jordan has played on a girls’ hockey team but, for her senior year, she has won a place on her dad and brother Joe’s team. Her top priorities for this final year of high school are getting good grades and excelling at hockey in order to earn a scholarship to a university with a women’s hockey team. In order to catch the attention of college scouts, she needs to earn a position as a starter on the team. Jordan has never dated, doesn’t have time to date, and even if she wished to date—which she does not—she would never date a teammate. Not only would it be a massive distraction, it could potentially bring disrupting drama to her hockey team.
Asher Sloane’s father recently purchased a car dealership in Lakeview, causing Asher to have to move away from Minnesota for his senior year in high school. His father is a former college hockey star, whose NHL hopes were destroyed when he sustained a catastrophic knee injury during a car accident while still in college. He has always pushed Asher to shine at hockey, and over the years has signed up Asher for every kind of training imaginable for agility, strength and speed. All that training combined with a huge amount of natural talent, has turned Asher into every bit as much of a star hockey player as his dad used to be. But, unfortunately for his dad’s ambitions for his son, Asher’s passion is not hockey. It is music. More than anything he wants to be a singer/songwriter. He plays the guitar, sings, and writes both the lyrics and music for his own original songs.
To Jordan’s dismay, on her very first day of hockey practice, she learns that she and the new guy, Asher, will be competing for the same spot on the team. Worse, he is an extremely talented player who is much better than she is. Which means with him around, she may be riding the bench all season, with few opportunities to be spotted by scouts. Naturally enough, she greatly begrudges the fact that he stands between her and achieving her goals, but at the same time, she can’t help feeling strongly attracted to him. Asher is an extremely good-looking guy, and he doesn’t seem at all discouraged by the frosty reception she is giving to his consistently friendly overtures. In addition, she soon discovers that his family has moved into the house directly behind hers, and he is impossible to ignore. Every night he hangs out for hours in his back yard, easily seen and heard from her bedroom window, while he plays the guitar and sings lovely lyrics in a beautiful voice. Keeping a safely resentful distance from her hockey rival is proving to be a very tall order.
I am a major fan of young-adult sports romances in which the heroine is a talented athlete. It’s even more fun when she and the romantic hero are both skilled at her sport and play on the same team, as is the case with this book. Both Jordan and Asher are dynamic and sympathetic protagonists individually, and as a couple they are very well matched. Their verbal exchanges are lively and fun and, in spite of this being a G-rated romance, there is tons of sizzling chemistry between them.
I greatly appreciated the fact that Jordan has a wonderful family, rather than the cliché, YA, dysfunctional, ineffectual, or invisible parents and/or mean siblings. She is very close to her parents and brothers. Her dad is a great father, and her mother is affectionate and supportive as well. Her oldest brother Bobby lives in the same town as his family and rooms with her brother Joe, and Jordon frequently connects with them. Her younger brother Payton is twelve and is the source of a terrific subplot that involves Jordon, her whole family, and Asher.
I adore Asher. He is a wonderful guy with a good heart. In addition to the exciting interactions between him and Jordan, I loved the scenes with his infant half-brother and his mentor relationship with Payton.
I also enjoyed Jordan’s female friends. She has a long-distance relationship with two girls she met a few years before at a sports camp, who are the heroines of the two other books in this trilogy. Locally, Jordan has two other athletic girls as her closest friends. Kelly is on the swim team, and Natalie plays volleyball. Either of those two girls would, in their own right, make an excellent heroine of another YA sports romance.
Finally, I especially liked that fact that this author follows the classic, adult-romance structure for a romance novel, including: dual point-of-view of both Jordan and Asher, no cheating or romantic triangle, and a guaranteed HEA played out in a satisfying epilogue.
All in all, I enjoyed every part of this story, and this book is definitely a keeper for me. I highly recommend it for YA sports-romance fans of all ages.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Hockey Subplot: 5 stars
Coming of Age Subplot: 5 stars
Little Brother Subplot: 5 stars
Hero’s Family Drama Subplot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
December 24, 2019
Pages: 199
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
In The Trouble with Tomboys series, each book is written by a different author. In the second part Jordan is the FMC. I liked the book. It had funny things, some believable family problems and it was very entertaining. Oh and I hate the cover!
November 30, 2019
I love the series, how girls can be themselves ( a tomboy in this case) and still be just as girly, this time around it wasn’t as fixed in being a tomboy, more focused in her relationship and how her insecurities for not being feminine play a role in her life.
Want to read
May 27, 2020🎁The complete Trouble with Tomboys Series (3 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (5/27/2020)! 🎁
November 2, 2019
(4.5 stars) - ice melting fun!
This was such an entertaining story! Asher gets off on the wrong foot with Jordan, but discovers he has plenty of opportunity to spend time with her on the ice since they're on the same hockey team. Unfortunately for him, Jordan doesn't date team members. However, Asher has a secret weapon!
I loved the way their relationship developed. Jordan was strong, sassy & real. Asher was so witty & swoony, & the way he showed his love for Jordan was so sweet. And I could totally understand Jordan's insecurity - that would be so hard to deal with so I was glad that Asher saw it from her perspective. It has a very happy happily-ever-after!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
*Language: a couple of d*mns & about a half dozen h*lls
This was such an entertaining story! Asher gets off on the wrong foot with Jordan, but discovers he has plenty of opportunity to spend time with her on the ice since they're on the same hockey team. Unfortunately for him, Jordan doesn't date team members. However, Asher has a secret weapon!
I loved the way their relationship developed. Jordan was strong, sassy & real. Asher was so witty & swoony, & the way he showed his love for Jordan was so sweet. And I could totally understand Jordan's insecurity - that would be so hard to deal with so I was glad that Asher saw it from her perspective. It has a very happy happily-ever-after!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
*Language: a couple of d*mns & about a half dozen h*lls
July 25, 2020
2.5
Muy parecido al anterior. Me da a mi que van a ser los tres libros iguales. Nada más empezar la chica ya le odia porque le quita su plaza de aparcamiento... sí, así es, no necesitas leer la frase otra vez. Después le odia por le quita su mesa del comedor. En plan, el chico es nuevo, dale un respiro; no sabe nada de mesas de comedor mi de plazas de aparcamiento. Hay algo muy creepy en como la autora no para de recordarte cómo de bueno está el protagonista y como no hay nadie que se le pueda resistir. Incluso profesoras y madres. Que el chaval tiene 17 años, osea, creepyyy. Te lo compara con Shawn Mendes y te dice que Shawn no le llega ni a los pies. ¿Entiendes algo? Porque yo no.
Drama muy sencillo y todos son exitosos y vivieron felices para siempre.
The end.
Muy parecido al anterior. Me da a mi que van a ser los tres libros iguales. Nada más empezar la chica ya le odia porque le quita su plaza de aparcamiento... sí, así es, no necesitas leer la frase otra vez. Después le odia por le quita su mesa del comedor. En plan, el chico es nuevo, dale un respiro; no sabe nada de mesas de comedor mi de plazas de aparcamiento. Hay algo muy creepy en como la autora no para de recordarte cómo de bueno está el protagonista y como no hay nadie que se le pueda resistir. Incluso profesoras y madres. Que el chaval tiene 17 años, osea, creepyyy. Te lo compara con Shawn Mendes y te dice que Shawn no le llega ni a los pies. ¿Entiendes algo? Porque yo no.
Drama muy sencillo y todos son exitosos y vivieron felices para siempre.
The end.
November 2, 2019
This story seamlessly links to the previous book by Maggie Dallen. The two have similar writing styles and this one pretty much takes over where the previous one left off, albeit with another character being highlighted this time. It’s a fun, fast-paced,clean sports romance and it’s a lot of fun. This is Jordan’s story. Her sport is hockey and her story is well worth the read. I recommend it.
November 15, 2019
It’s a TEEN romance. Don’t expect more. I liked it overall
January 10, 2023
Asher get a grip Jordan is literally wiping the floor with you, honey.
Also she didn't even apologize what.
Also she didn't even apologize what.
February 24, 2025
1/5⭐
All I've to say it's that 1: Jordan told how she felt and he just discarded it, like???? Bro that's your gf telling something important and you just brush it away just for -and I quote- "A million different thoughts ran through my mind as I stared at her. All my life I’d been struggling for acceptance (...) And now Jordan wanted to accuse me of being what? Kind?"
You just don't choose being likeable for strangers who you know they wanna be around you cause you're hot and talented over your partner.
And 2: Payton isn't your friend, he is a minor with problems, hard ones, I get that you want to be someone he can trust on but at least you can tell his sister who is worried sick for him (and who are telling you non-explicit that she's feeling insecure and you're cutting her off like she's being unfair).
Again, it fells like Asher is choosing everything, (hockey incluided) everyone instead the person he likes and cares for.
Different topic: her dad being the coach. I get it that the big leagues are big but you can help your pucking daughter, be her coach and not make the things harder. Life is harder and guide her to know it and how to resolve things but pushing her away, nah. The world doesn't work the same for women in sports, less for women in "man's sport". If you really want to make it you just can't be "one of the guys" cause it.isnt.enough. Ittook a new guy to help her with her technique AND only because they're dating, if they were only battling for the same spot like hell if he would help her.
All I've to say it's that 1: Jordan told how she felt and he just discarded it, like???? Bro that's your gf telling something important and you just brush it away just for -and I quote- "A million different thoughts ran through my mind as I stared at her. All my life I’d been struggling for acceptance (...) And now Jordan wanted to accuse me of being what? Kind?"
You just don't choose being likeable for strangers who you know they wanna be around you cause you're hot and talented over your partner.
And 2: Payton isn't your friend, he is a minor with problems, hard ones, I get that you want to be someone he can trust on but at least you can tell his sister who is worried sick for him (and who are telling you non-explicit that she's feeling insecure and you're cutting her off like she's being unfair).
Again, it fells like Asher is choosing everything, (hockey incluided) everyone instead the person he likes and cares for.
Different topic: her dad being the coach. I get it that the big leagues are big but you can help your pucking daughter, be her coach and not make the things harder. Life is harder and guide her to know it and how to resolve things but pushing her away, nah. The world doesn't work the same for women in sports, less for women in "man's sport". If you really want to make it you just can't be "one of the guys" cause it.isnt.enough. Ittook a new guy to help her with her technique AND only because they're dating, if they were only battling for the same spot like hell if he would help her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2024
Cute story, it hits you right in the feels! I thought the Female lead was super relatable and great, love interest was so so but great story overall!
May 5, 2022
Two Goals But No Hat Trick
Stephanie Street's contribution to the Trouble with Tomboys series, "Playing to Win", almost earns a perfect five stars. But in hockey terms, she scores two goals for sweetness and happily ever after, but doesn't complete the hat trick of character development.
Jordan Parks, the heroine and ice hockey "tomboy" of the story, is surprisingly the most easily manipulated emotionally in the series, but she's the only three-dimensional character in the rather large cast of this book. Everyone else (the sensitive musician trapped in a talented athlete's body; the injured former NHL player determined to relive his career through his gifted son; the coach who dispenses tough love to his daughter by making her compete against a more talented--and handsome!--player; the troubled middle school boy who's put back on the right path by timely advice from a good role model; and so on) is made of cardboard. It's a great read, especially for ice hockey fans, but readers who have experience with the genre (the most explicit thing a couple does is " deepens the kiss", and non-profane versions of commonly known swear words are used, the most prominent being the description of obnoxious guys as "alpha-holes"), could be quickly bored. If you've spent any time at a junior high bus stop, you've probably heard teens' real vocabulary as well as descriptions of their real, ahem, interpersonal relations. Street, a seasoned author of the sweet romance genre, uses that model to her advantage, and even jaded readers will find the lack of graphic language and sexual interaction refreshing.
In that spirit, I recommend " Playing to Win" to fans of sweet romance, Stephanie Street, and ice hockey!
Stephanie Street's contribution to the Trouble with Tomboys series, "Playing to Win", almost earns a perfect five stars. But in hockey terms, she scores two goals for sweetness and happily ever after, but doesn't complete the hat trick of character development.
Jordan Parks, the heroine and ice hockey "tomboy" of the story, is surprisingly the most easily manipulated emotionally in the series, but she's the only three-dimensional character in the rather large cast of this book. Everyone else (the sensitive musician trapped in a talented athlete's body; the injured former NHL player determined to relive his career through his gifted son; the coach who dispenses tough love to his daughter by making her compete against a more talented--and handsome!--player; the troubled middle school boy who's put back on the right path by timely advice from a good role model; and so on) is made of cardboard. It's a great read, especially for ice hockey fans, but readers who have experience with the genre (the most explicit thing a couple does is " deepens the kiss", and non-profane versions of commonly known swear words are used, the most prominent being the description of obnoxious guys as "alpha-holes"), could be quickly bored. If you've spent any time at a junior high bus stop, you've probably heard teens' real vocabulary as well as descriptions of their real, ahem, interpersonal relations. Street, a seasoned author of the sweet romance genre, uses that model to her advantage, and even jaded readers will find the lack of graphic language and sexual interaction refreshing.
In that spirit, I recommend " Playing to Win" to fans of sweet romance, Stephanie Street, and ice hockey!
April 1, 2022
honestly, this book had the quality of a mediocre fanfic. it was very fluffy and cute, but the lack of writing quality was glaringly obvious. could've done with a lot more proofreading, lots of spelling and general grammar errors everywhere.
there was also a lot of stilted and awkward dialogue, places where it seemed like the author hasn't figured out the concept of show don't tell in writing. lots of being told how the characters feel instead of it actually making sense.
and it felt so sudden to me when they got together. i was surprised they'd even been ready for a relationship yet because it seemed like all they thought about was how hot the other was.
also, the conflict made absolutely no sense to me. her friend tells her that a lot of girls hang around him, but he doesn't encourage them. and literally five seconds later she's crying her eyes out saying he's cheating. she also dumps him for no reason when he is very clearly obsessed with her, and goes home to cry about it...
another similarity to mid-tier fanfic: switching to payton's POV. it was honestly so unnecessary and just made for more awkward flow of the story. felt like something you'd see in a fanfic written 10 years ago.
which is why i was shocked that this was made in 2019. the ideals and themes in this story seem so outdated and juvenile. like classifying girls as tomboys? that sounds straight out of 2013. this book sounded like it was written by a 14-year-old girl who hasn't learned the proper grammar behind writing dialogue yet.
there was also a lot of stilted and awkward dialogue, places where it seemed like the author hasn't figured out the concept of show don't tell in writing. lots of being told how the characters feel instead of it actually making sense.
and it felt so sudden to me when they got together. i was surprised they'd even been ready for a relationship yet because it seemed like all they thought about was how hot the other was.
also, the conflict made absolutely no sense to me. her friend tells her that a lot of girls hang around him, but he doesn't encourage them. and literally five seconds later she's crying her eyes out saying he's cheating. she also dumps him for no reason when he is very clearly obsessed with her, and goes home to cry about it...
another similarity to mid-tier fanfic: switching to payton's POV. it was honestly so unnecessary and just made for more awkward flow of the story. felt like something you'd see in a fanfic written 10 years ago.
which is why i was shocked that this was made in 2019. the ideals and themes in this story seem so outdated and juvenile. like classifying girls as tomboys? that sounds straight out of 2013. this book sounded like it was written by a 14-year-old girl who hasn't learned the proper grammar behind writing dialogue yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
**Contains Spoilers**
I liked this book. I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and just in general enjoy a good hockey plot. Also, the inclusion of her brother was a highlight I did not expect to love as much as I did.
With that said, some things I did not like. First, I noticed that in many of these books, the loose timeline. They always say in the next couple of weeks, in the next weeks, several weeks, etc.. What is the timeline here? How is it still warm enough outside for concerts in a park where you don't need a jacket??
Then the big problem at the end. What was that? It seemed as if they wrote the book and then thought ohh shoot we need a big problem to make it interesting. It just not did do it for me, I did not understand why Jordan suddenly was so sad. Also, why did she not talk to Natalie?? She did nothing wrong! The whole thing had been so much better if you leaned more into the whole I don't know If I can deal with fame, instead of this jealousy thing. Also that his mom is a famous country singer was kind of pointless or rather did nothing for the plot.
And lastly what is the definition of a tomboy? Just play any team sports and like to wear Jens? I'm just wondering.
However, it is a nice story and I liked the characters, even though I wished they had more character development, her brother had more than either of the main characters.
I liked this book. I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and just in general enjoy a good hockey plot. Also, the inclusion of her brother was a highlight I did not expect to love as much as I did.
With that said, some things I did not like. First, I noticed that in many of these books, the loose timeline. They always say in the next couple of weeks, in the next weeks, several weeks, etc.. What is the timeline here? How is it still warm enough outside for concerts in a park where you don't need a jacket??
Then the big problem at the end. What was that? It seemed as if they wrote the book and then thought ohh shoot we need a big problem to make it interesting. It just not did do it for me, I did not understand why Jordan suddenly was so sad. Also, why did she not talk to Natalie?? She did nothing wrong! The whole thing had been so much better if you leaned more into the whole I don't know If I can deal with fame, instead of this jealousy thing. Also that his mom is a famous country singer was kind of pointless or rather did nothing for the plot.
And lastly what is the definition of a tomboy? Just play any team sports and like to wear Jens? I'm just wondering.
However, it is a nice story and I liked the characters, even though I wished they had more character development, her brother had more than either of the main characters.
November 3, 2019
Noooo......
I need more of Asher and Jordan! Their story ended way too soon for me. Seriously. Can we make that happen?
Asher is adorable. He's a genuinely nice guy. Who also knows what he wants and will do what he must to get it. Transfering senior year may not have been ideal, but it seems to have worked out especially well for him!
Jordan... what can I say about Jordan. She does seem a little rough around the edges, but she is a sweetheart. (Although, the parking spot thing was a bit over the top for her. I was glad she worked that out.) While she was definitely tough, she still had her insecurities regarding boys and relationships.
I admired her drive. But also the way she humbled herself over the starting position. It takes true character to see the situation for what it is and not lash out. Instead, she opted to work harder.
Their lives interconnected in such an intriguing and fun way. I loved it. I would absolutely read more about these guys (in case I hadn't made myself clear on that yet!)
Fantastic job. This was a quick, fun read with adorable characters.
I need more of Asher and Jordan! Their story ended way too soon for me. Seriously. Can we make that happen?
Asher is adorable. He's a genuinely nice guy. Who also knows what he wants and will do what he must to get it. Transfering senior year may not have been ideal, but it seems to have worked out especially well for him!
Jordan... what can I say about Jordan. She does seem a little rough around the edges, but she is a sweetheart. (Although, the parking spot thing was a bit over the top for her. I was glad she worked that out.) While she was definitely tough, she still had her insecurities regarding boys and relationships.
I admired her drive. But also the way she humbled herself over the starting position. It takes true character to see the situation for what it is and not lash out. Instead, she opted to work harder.
Their lives interconnected in such an intriguing and fun way. I loved it. I would absolutely read more about these guys (in case I hadn't made myself clear on that yet!)
Fantastic job. This was a quick, fun read with adorable characters.
March 5, 2020
Playing to Win
Alright. So, if you are interested in reading this book. There are a two things as a reader you need to keep in mind.
First, this book is a series; Therefore, I recommend starting from the beginning to get the full experience. Second, this book is a G rated teen novel. So, if your ages 12-15 you will enjoy it more being that all the main characters are young.
Now, with that being said as per the book review. I liked this book better than the first in the series. I liked the main characters better as a whole. I really liked Payton the brother a little mystery never hurt. I also liked how he ended up being into music.
However, overall there were a few things I would change in the book. First, I thought the storyline could have used some work. I would have loved to see more details and maybe even another love interest to spark a flame with Jordan. It was just a bit dry and stale overall. I also would have enjoyed Payton in a bigger part and maybe more mystery and musical talent.
I thought this book was okay. Definitely, an improvement from the first but still a while to go. I would give this a 3.2
Alright. So, if you are interested in reading this book. There are a two things as a reader you need to keep in mind.
First, this book is a series; Therefore, I recommend starting from the beginning to get the full experience. Second, this book is a G rated teen novel. So, if your ages 12-15 you will enjoy it more being that all the main characters are young.
Now, with that being said as per the book review. I liked this book better than the first in the series. I liked the main characters better as a whole. I really liked Payton the brother a little mystery never hurt. I also liked how he ended up being into music.
However, overall there were a few things I would change in the book. First, I thought the storyline could have used some work. I would have loved to see more details and maybe even another love interest to spark a flame with Jordan. It was just a bit dry and stale overall. I also would have enjoyed Payton in a bigger part and maybe more mystery and musical talent.
I thought this book was okay. Definitely, an improvement from the first but still a while to go. I would give this a 3.2
May 29, 2022
We were teammates, and if I had anything to say about it, we wouldn’t just be friends, we’d be more.
In two weeks, I’d fallen into the deepest crush I’d ever experienced in my life for a girl who hated my guts.
Jordan Parks is used to dealing with guys who think they’re better than her, on the ice or off, she always has to prove herself. If she wants to achieve her goal of playing hockey at the next level, she’ll have to stay focused. That means sticking to Rule #1-never date a teammate.
It’s never been an issue. Until now. Until Asher Sloane.
Asher has dreams of his own, and they don’t include hockey. If he wants to keep playing his music, he’ll have to keep playing hockey. Asher never meant to tick off the gorgeous blonde in the parking lot on the first day of school. And ever since that day, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Too bad she hates his guts.
This was a light, fun, enjoyable sports romance set in high school. It’s a fast and easy read. A nice book to pick up to unwind from a crazy day. It was fun to see Asher and Jordan’s relationship grow. I enjoyed reading about Jordan’s younger brother, Payton. 3.5 stars.
In two weeks, I’d fallen into the deepest crush I’d ever experienced in my life for a girl who hated my guts.
Jordan Parks is used to dealing with guys who think they’re better than her, on the ice or off, she always has to prove herself. If she wants to achieve her goal of playing hockey at the next level, she’ll have to stay focused. That means sticking to Rule #1-never date a teammate.
It’s never been an issue. Until now. Until Asher Sloane.
Asher has dreams of his own, and they don’t include hockey. If he wants to keep playing his music, he’ll have to keep playing hockey. Asher never meant to tick off the gorgeous blonde in the parking lot on the first day of school. And ever since that day, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Too bad she hates his guts.
This was a light, fun, enjoyable sports romance set in high school. It’s a fast and easy read. A nice book to pick up to unwind from a crazy day. It was fun to see Asher and Jordan’s relationship grow. I enjoyed reading about Jordan’s younger brother, Payton. 3.5 stars.
November 9, 2019
If jumping to conclusions were an Olympic sport...
...Jordan would sure be competing for one of the medals (though she should probably rather stick to hockey... ;) ).
I thoroughly enjoyed watching her overcoming her insecurities and going for what (and, in the end, whom) she wants. Plus, Asher is just such a genuinely good guy - and him being a talented musician and a gifted athlete on top of that is practically a guarantee for swoon-worthiness, amiright?
Jordan's family plays an important part in this story; I loved how things worked out with her little brother, and her dad's little "speech" gave me all the warm fuzzies. :)
Jordan's friends add more fun to the mix - both the Tomboys (who make their appearance via text messages) as well as Natalie and Kelly, Jordan's besties at school.
Bonus points for making me go and look up if there is, indeed, a National Rubber Duckie Day. :)
...Jordan would sure be competing for one of the medals (though she should probably rather stick to hockey... ;) ).
I thoroughly enjoyed watching her overcoming her insecurities and going for what (and, in the end, whom) she wants. Plus, Asher is just such a genuinely good guy - and him being a talented musician and a gifted athlete on top of that is practically a guarantee for swoon-worthiness, amiright?
Jordan's family plays an important part in this story; I loved how things worked out with her little brother, and her dad's little "speech" gave me all the warm fuzzies. :)
Jordan's friends add more fun to the mix - both the Tomboys (who make their appearance via text messages) as well as Natalie and Kelly, Jordan's besties at school.
Bonus points for making me go and look up if there is, indeed, a National Rubber Duckie Day. :)
May 29, 2020
Jordan & Asher
This is the 2nd book on the Trouble with Tomboys series.
Jordan is an amazing hockey player who has made it on a boys hockey team - her brother is on the same team and her dad is the coach.
Asher is the new kid at school and an amazing musician. On his first day he upsets Jordan in ways that he did not realize - took her parking spot, sat at her table and now finding out that he is on her hockey team. To make matters worst, they are both competing for the same "left" wing spot!
The sad part is, they both are attracted to one another, but Jordan can't get past her issue - she views him as her enemy instead of allie.
Let's just say that a series of events happen, that bring the two closer together - sorry no spoilers!
This was a great read. I hope that Jordan's besties, Natalie & Kelly get their own story.
This is the 2nd book on the Trouble with Tomboys series.
Jordan is an amazing hockey player who has made it on a boys hockey team - her brother is on the same team and her dad is the coach.
Asher is the new kid at school and an amazing musician. On his first day he upsets Jordan in ways that he did not realize - took her parking spot, sat at her table and now finding out that he is on her hockey team. To make matters worst, they are both competing for the same "left" wing spot!
The sad part is, they both are attracted to one another, but Jordan can't get past her issue - she views him as her enemy instead of allie.
Let's just say that a series of events happen, that bring the two closer together - sorry no spoilers!
This was a great read. I hope that Jordan's besties, Natalie & Kelly get their own story.
November 15, 2020
Jordan is all unsettled when she met Asher, the new good-looking guy at school. Not being enough that she notices a guy for the first time ever, he also is on her hockey team. Both being left-handed, she soon realizes that they will be competing every week for the same position to play. Will she become his friend or enemy?
This story shows that everybody has insecurities, no matter how well they look, are talented, or confident they appear. Also, it emphasized what trust looks like, and how important it is in a relationship. Valuable lessons for all ages, even though I rarely met young people like the main characters who were as mature. Sometimes, one even hopes to meet adults that are as wise as Asher! Enjoy this sweet romance of a young couple and how they learn to navigate their relationship.
This story shows that everybody has insecurities, no matter how well they look, are talented, or confident they appear. Also, it emphasized what trust looks like, and how important it is in a relationship. Valuable lessons for all ages, even though I rarely met young people like the main characters who were as mature. Sometimes, one even hopes to meet adults that are as wise as Asher! Enjoy this sweet romance of a young couple and how they learn to navigate their relationship.
January 19, 2020
This is not the first book I've read from this author and I have to say I'm not disapointed. I love her books and this one is no different. I loved the story and the main characters were everything. Jordan was basically when the girls have the best of both worlds, sports and feminine. And Asher, my God, how cute was he?
And am I the only one who wants the stories of Kelly and Natalie, I was intrigued. And, I mean, it wouldn't to know the stories of Jordan's brothers either, Joe especially was awesome.
So, go read this book if you like ya books and enemies to lovers, it's really good.
And am I the only one who wants the stories of Kelly and Natalie, I was intrigued. And, I mean, it wouldn't to know the stories of Jordan's brothers either, Joe especially was awesome.
So, go read this book if you like ya books and enemies to lovers, it's really good.
May 12, 2020
It was cute and had a good ending. But... it was way too easy to figure out. The author didn’t try to surprise us at all. (Are we ever really surprised by plots in a contemporary? But the author laid out the plot lines before they happened in weird ways). And the standard break up at around 75%? No build up. Just, “I’m jealous so I’m dumping you.” Out of nowhere. And then getting back together was also that easy with no build up. The author is a good writer. And I like some of her other books. But this one felt a little forced. It was hard to connect with the characters.
August 30, 2020
This book was okay. Nothing great - The issue with the two main characters was because of her friends... I mean - ya... I know she shouldn't have listened to her - but her friend was kind of an ass about it too... she totally alluded to the fact that he was a piece of poo and did it on purpose - not an awesome friend. And there wasn't much on the sports angle either. So it wasn't bad there just wasn't much to this. But in all fairness they did act like high schoolers :)
So this isn't in my top 20 but it was a quick fast read.
So this isn't in my top 20 but it was a quick fast read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! This series has been a fun read and they can all be read as stand alones. The girls are all tomboys and met at a sports camp years ago though they all live in different places and aren't close together. The characters are fantastic and I loved the byplay between the characters. This story pulled me in from beginning to end and I absolutely adored it! I would love to get more within this world and with the characters that we have been introduced to.
January 2, 2020
Super sweet, kick butt story!
Such a cute story! As a tomboy myself I definitely resonate with Jordan! I love how she goes against the crowd to play hockey on the guys team so she has a better shot at a future in the sport she loves. I loved how Asher went from New guy to rival to boyfriend. It's super sweet how he looks past how the other girls look down on Jordan for being a tomboy and playing hockey. Definitely a must read.
Such a cute story! As a tomboy myself I definitely resonate with Jordan! I love how she goes against the crowd to play hockey on the guys team so she has a better shot at a future in the sport she loves. I loved how Asher went from New guy to rival to boyfriend. It's super sweet how he looks past how the other girls look down on Jordan for being a tomboy and playing hockey. Definitely a must read.
March 17, 2021
Good read
I loved this story.especially Asher he’s the sweetest guy plus he’s a hockey player that can sing and play guitar plus he’s hot . I think Kelly should mind your own business and if she saw that she should’ve confronted it to Asher instead of going behind his back. Plus she should’ve said it differently to her friend but Jordan should’ve ran off like a child either. I want more of these characters Asher and Jordan
I loved this story.especially Asher he’s the sweetest guy plus he’s a hockey player that can sing and play guitar plus he’s hot . I think Kelly should mind your own business and if she saw that she should’ve confronted it to Asher instead of going behind his back. Plus she should’ve said it differently to her friend but Jordan should’ve ran off like a child either. I want more of these characters Asher and Jordan
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