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Sophie Fournier #2
Sophomore Surge
Entering her second season in the North American Hockey League, Sophie Fournier sets her expectations high. The Concord Condors will make the playoffs for the time in franchise history. They have the veteran core to do it and the new talent to give them the extra push.
From the beginning, things don’t go according to plan. The season begins without one of their best players, and they lose others to injury and trades as the season progresses. Hockey is a team sport, and Sophie can’t drag them to the playoffs on her own. Is her voice loud enough to convince her team to believe the way she does?
From the beginning, things don’t go according to plan. The season begins without one of their best players, and they lose others to injury and trades as the season progresses. Hockey is a team sport, and Sophie can’t drag them to the playoffs on her own. Is her voice loud enough to convince her team to believe the way she does?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2019
2 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Collins
13 books53 followersK.R. Collins went to college in Pennsylvania where she learned to write and fell in love with hockey. When she isn’t working or writing, she watches hockey games and claims it’s for research.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 21, 2020
3.25 Stars. An above average read but not what I was hoping for. This is the second book in the Sophie Fournier series. I loved the first installment Breaking the Ice and was excited to read more. I believed that I would enjoy this just as much, but unfortunately I didn’t. With the third book coming out in a few days, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this series will bounce back.
The biggest issue for me is that the story didn’t go anywhere. This is a good size book but nothing significant happened in all the pages. The only think I can take away from this second book is that Sophie’s teammates trust her more, that’s it. There was no real growth with Sophie’s character. In fact, I’m so sick of her letting everyone walk all over her like her coach, father, and other players. This whole book I just wanted to see her stick up for herself and to show real emotion, but it just didn’t happen
The other part I was disappointed in is the way that a new storyline never occurred. When book one ended, it made me really excited to read book 2 because of where the storyline was going. A big new change was going to happen. I’m reading book 2, ready for that new storyline to start, but then nothing. Again, it does not happen at all. It felt like a bait and switch almost. I wanted to read this book to see how that storyline would play out and the author yanks it out instead. That was really disappointing and gave me a sour taste.
While I was very frustrated with the storyline we were promised not happening and the story being stale, this still was a good sports read. The hockey scenes were well done and very exciting at times. I’m missing sports so badly right now so I’m happy to read about them. But, I do need more. Just the good hockey can’t carry this whole book. I need Sophie to grow and I need some new plot to drive this story.
I still highly recommend the first book Breaking the Ice. It is one of the better sports books I have read in a while. While I don’t feel the same about this book, I’m still hopeful about book 3. I believe Collins is too good of a writer to keep this series in a rut so I still have high hopes and am excited to read it soon.
The biggest issue for me is that the story didn’t go anywhere. This is a good size book but nothing significant happened in all the pages. The only think I can take away from this second book is that Sophie’s teammates trust her more, that’s it. There was no real growth with Sophie’s character. In fact, I’m so sick of her letting everyone walk all over her like her coach, father, and other players. This whole book I just wanted to see her stick up for herself and to show real emotion, but it just didn’t happen
The other part I was disappointed in is the way that a new storyline never occurred. When book one ended, it made me really excited to read book 2 because of where the storyline was going. A big new change was going to happen. I’m reading book 2, ready for that new storyline to start, but then nothing. Again, it does not happen at all. It felt like a bait and switch almost. I wanted to read this book to see how that storyline would play out and the author yanks it out instead. That was really disappointing and gave me a sour taste.
While I was very frustrated with the storyline we were promised not happening and the story being stale, this still was a good sports read. The hockey scenes were well done and very exciting at times. I’m missing sports so badly right now so I’m happy to read about them. But, I do need more. Just the good hockey can’t carry this whole book. I need Sophie to grow and I need some new plot to drive this story.
I still highly recommend the first book Breaking the Ice. It is one of the better sports books I have read in a while. While I don’t feel the same about this book, I’m still hopeful about book 3. I believe Collins is too good of a writer to keep this series in a rut so I still have high hopes and am excited to read it soon.
November 22, 2019
At the end of Breaking the Ice, many reviewers, myself included, wondered whether we’d get some romance in the next book. It made sense that there wasn’t any in the first one: Sophie was eighteen, the first woman drafted into the NAHL, very focused on her first season and not giving anyone reason to get rid of her, which would have been a disaster not only for her but for any other female player hoping to join the league.
I guess we weren’t the only ones wondering, since right from the beginning of Sophomore Surge, Sophie has to answer questions from journalists asking if she plans on dating at all. The answer is clear: no. Moving on.
Now that that’s out of the way, the story can go back to focusing on what’s really important (at least for Sophie): hockey. I’m not going to lie, this sequel is a lot like the previous book, there’s not a lot of new stuff happening. While that might sound boring, I enjoyed it just as much. Despite not being interested in hockey at all. The games, the tension, the strategy, it all kept me on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole time.
The real changes happen inside Sophie. She can repeat that she’s not a kid all she wants, she was one in book 1 and at the start of book 2. Probably more mature, more driven and more aware than other young people her age, but still. She grows a lot over the course of her second season as a Concord Condor, working toward her goal of taking her team to the playoffs for the first time in history. She becomes more herself, in a way. She takes responsibility, she shares her experience, she’s on her way to becoming a leader, with all the added pressure the role entails. There are truly sweet scenes, heartwarming friendships and incredibly tough times. Sophie is holding her own with all the men in her life who think they know better than her, be it her father, her coach, her teammates (who fall into the trap of patronisingly trying to protect her, best intentions and all) or opponents who won’t stop at much to break her.
In Breaking the Ice, Sophie had to stay focused so as to prove she deserved to be in the NAHL. In Sophomore Surge, while still focused and as “hockeysexual” as ever, she allows herself to feel more, express more and show more. Her intensity becomes inspirational, and it’s pretty beautiful to watch.
In other good news, there’s a third book coming up.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I guess we weren’t the only ones wondering, since right from the beginning of Sophomore Surge, Sophie has to answer questions from journalists asking if she plans on dating at all. The answer is clear: no. Moving on.
Now that that’s out of the way, the story can go back to focusing on what’s really important (at least for Sophie): hockey. I’m not going to lie, this sequel is a lot like the previous book, there’s not a lot of new stuff happening. While that might sound boring, I enjoyed it just as much. Despite not being interested in hockey at all. The games, the tension, the strategy, it all kept me on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole time.
The real changes happen inside Sophie. She can repeat that she’s not a kid all she wants, she was one in book 1 and at the start of book 2. Probably more mature, more driven and more aware than other young people her age, but still. She grows a lot over the course of her second season as a Concord Condor, working toward her goal of taking her team to the playoffs for the first time in history. She becomes more herself, in a way. She takes responsibility, she shares her experience, she’s on her way to becoming a leader, with all the added pressure the role entails. There are truly sweet scenes, heartwarming friendships and incredibly tough times. Sophie is holding her own with all the men in her life who think they know better than her, be it her father, her coach, her teammates (who fall into the trap of patronisingly trying to protect her, best intentions and all) or opponents who won’t stop at much to break her.
In Breaking the Ice, Sophie had to stay focused so as to prove she deserved to be in the NAHL. In Sophomore Surge, while still focused and as “hockeysexual” as ever, she allows herself to feel more, express more and show more. Her intensity becomes inspirational, and it’s pretty beautiful to watch.
In other good news, there’s a third book coming up.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2019
This is the second book in this series that follows Sophie Fournier and her progression in the fictional NAHL (not to be confused with the real NAHL – the real one is a junior league that is 43 years old, the fictional one, with the exact same meaning for NAHL (North American Hockey League) is a top tier hockey league that is 93 years old). Considering that this book is more about hockey than about romance (which doesn’t exist in this book), then the hockey stuff, like above, is important.
Just like in the first book in the series, this is a solo POV book, and, already mentioned, follows Sophie Fournier. This is her second year in the league, and Sophie plans that this year she’s a) not going to be the only woman in the league (there’s this goalie that got drafted by a different team, and a forward that got drafted to her own team); and b) she’s going to get her team to the playoffs this year (despite how the team has never made it to the playoffs in their 18 year existence). Sophie is even going to have a roommate in her own apartment (instead of living with the GM’s family), and be a lot more of a ‘normal’ hockey player than some special exhibit.
Shortly before the start of the training camp/preseason, Sophie learns that her teammate, the woman drafted last year, and who was supposed to be her roommate, decided not to come over and join the team. But, instead, signed a one-year contract with her Swedish team (I think Swedish). Slightly before the regular season, the only other woman left in the league got sent to a minor league team. So the season will start with only Sophie representing the female gender in top tier professional hockey.
So, that leaves playoffs. Is Sophie going to be able to get her team into their first playoff game? She does have more power over this than on keeping other women in the league.
The book follows Sophie and her team as they compete in Sophie’s Sophomore season in the league. Battling each other (rarely), rivals (a lot), nasty insults (a lot), body slams and cross-checks and all the other physical hockey stuff (as is usual in Hockey), the media with their pointed questions and tendency to try to find the negative in every positive, family issues (the mother who makes comment(s) about relationships; and the father who never has anything good to say (I’d originally put this as ‘anything good to say about her playing’, but really, the father has nothing good to say about anything, he’s a controlling, stubborn, immature asshole), and has a lot of constant verbal abuse related to Sophie’s play, also he’s something of an immature baby – it’s his way or he is gone), and somewhat pointed questions about relationships.
As might be expected in a book like this one – there’s a ton of hockey action. Action that I, personally, found quite fun to read. There’s a chain of events that occurred right around when I got a hold of this book. I think, though I do not recall clearly now, that I went to a Washington Capitals hockey game because I knew the book would be available shortly thereafter, which in turn probably made reading the book that little bit extra fun to read. Eh, or maybe not. Read and enjoyed a curling book the other day, and I do not recall the last time I saw curling.
In terms of LGBT/relationships/etc.: I know the tags that got added to the first book by the publisher, and wanted to read this one so didn’t look to see how the second book in the series got tagged on the publisher's website. So I knew, going into the first book, that the main character would be on the asexual spectrum (demisexual), and bisexual (though I’d forgotten that bisexual part until I looked again just now at the book description). I do not specifically recall anything in the first book that would relate to either bisexual or asexual issues, beyond the part where there were no romantic relationships in that book. I did see, while reading this book here, that Sophie wasn’t that interested in romantic relationships (beyond the desire to not live in her apartment by herself – there’s a scene that involves Sophie seeing a couple, making a comment to herself, then clarifying it with something like ‘not a relationship, but it’d be nice to have someone to come home to, like a roommate, like I was supposed to have before [insert name here I can’t recall] decided not to join the team’), and that any comment about boyfriends by teammates, family, or the media frustrate her, irritate her, and annoy her (or go over her head). Basically the book conveyed the idea that Sophie was interested in relationships – friendship relationships, but wasn’t interested in romantic relationships. Which would make her aromantic not specifically asexual. But I also got the impression, that Sophie herself did not know what she was interested in, beyond hockey (though her brother’s reactions to certain events indicates that he either knows or suspects). That’s her life. Playing, practicing, watching game tape, preparing for her next game, hanging out with teammates, everything hockey, 24-7. Heck, the one time a sexual tingle occurred, the one time the book noted she even owned a vibrator (and used it), and the one time she was ever shown to have the ability to be aroused it was hockey related. There’s a joke that came up in the book – that she’s hockey-sexual. Well, she became aroused and pleasured herself because of hockey – specifically because she scored her 100th point in the league. It wasn’t mentioned what she did or did not think about while pleasuring herself, but it could very well have been a hockey puck she was thinking of.
Right, where was I. hmms.
Well, I enjoyed reading this book here. I look forward to Sophie’s third season, which, hopefully, will include more women in the league and possibly some self-awareness on Sophie’s part about whether she’s aromantic or not. I wouldn’t normally care, but for how much this seems like something of a tease in, at least, this book here (people making comments about one of her male friends being her boyfriend, the comments not explicit so they go over her head; her brother’s knowing looks; plus other things that slip my mind at the moment; like certain reactions Sophie has when communicating with the two other women hockey players mentioned in the book).
Rating: 5
November 27 2019
Just like in the first book in the series, this is a solo POV book, and, already mentioned, follows Sophie Fournier. This is her second year in the league, and Sophie plans that this year she’s a) not going to be the only woman in the league (there’s this goalie that got drafted by a different team, and a forward that got drafted to her own team); and b) she’s going to get her team to the playoffs this year (despite how the team has never made it to the playoffs in their 18 year existence). Sophie is even going to have a roommate in her own apartment (instead of living with the GM’s family), and be a lot more of a ‘normal’ hockey player than some special exhibit.
Shortly before the start of the training camp/preseason, Sophie learns that her teammate, the woman drafted last year, and who was supposed to be her roommate, decided not to come over and join the team. But, instead, signed a one-year contract with her Swedish team (I think Swedish). Slightly before the regular season, the only other woman left in the league got sent to a minor league team. So the season will start with only Sophie representing the female gender in top tier professional hockey.
So, that leaves playoffs. Is Sophie going to be able to get her team into their first playoff game? She does have more power over this than on keeping other women in the league.
The book follows Sophie and her team as they compete in Sophie’s Sophomore season in the league. Battling each other (rarely), rivals (a lot), nasty insults (a lot), body slams and cross-checks and all the other physical hockey stuff (as is usual in Hockey), the media with their pointed questions and tendency to try to find the negative in every positive, family issues (the mother who makes comment(s) about relationships; and the father who never has anything good to say (I’d originally put this as ‘anything good to say about her playing’, but really, the father has nothing good to say about anything, he’s a controlling, stubborn, immature asshole), and has a lot of constant verbal abuse related to Sophie’s play, also he’s something of an immature baby – it’s his way or he is gone), and somewhat pointed questions about relationships.
As might be expected in a book like this one – there’s a ton of hockey action. Action that I, personally, found quite fun to read. There’s a chain of events that occurred right around when I got a hold of this book. I think, though I do not recall clearly now, that I went to a Washington Capitals hockey game because I knew the book would be available shortly thereafter, which in turn probably made reading the book that little bit extra fun to read. Eh, or maybe not. Read and enjoyed a curling book the other day, and I do not recall the last time I saw curling.
In terms of LGBT/relationships/etc.: I know the tags that got added to the first book by the publisher, and wanted to read this one so didn’t look to see how the second book in the series got tagged on the publisher's website. So I knew, going into the first book, that the main character would be on the asexual spectrum (demisexual), and bisexual (though I’d forgotten that bisexual part until I looked again just now at the book description). I do not specifically recall anything in the first book that would relate to either bisexual or asexual issues, beyond the part where there were no romantic relationships in that book. I did see, while reading this book here, that Sophie wasn’t that interested in romantic relationships (beyond the desire to not live in her apartment by herself – there’s a scene that involves Sophie seeing a couple, making a comment to herself, then clarifying it with something like ‘not a relationship, but it’d be nice to have someone to come home to, like a roommate, like I was supposed to have before [insert name here I can’t recall] decided not to join the team’), and that any comment about boyfriends by teammates, family, or the media frustrate her, irritate her, and annoy her (or go over her head). Basically the book conveyed the idea that Sophie was interested in relationships – friendship relationships, but wasn’t interested in romantic relationships. Which would make her aromantic not specifically asexual. But I also got the impression, that Sophie herself did not know what she was interested in, beyond hockey (though her brother’s reactions to certain events indicates that he either knows or suspects). That’s her life. Playing, practicing, watching game tape, preparing for her next game, hanging out with teammates, everything hockey, 24-7. Heck, the one time a sexual tingle occurred, the one time the book noted she even owned a vibrator (and used it), and the one time she was ever shown to have the ability to be aroused it was hockey related. There’s a joke that came up in the book – that she’s hockey-sexual. Well, she became aroused and pleasured herself because of hockey – specifically because she scored her 100th point in the league. It wasn’t mentioned what she did or did not think about while pleasuring herself, but it could very well have been a hockey puck she was thinking of.
Right, where was I. hmms.
Well, I enjoyed reading this book here. I look forward to Sophie’s third season, which, hopefully, will include more women in the league and possibly some self-awareness on Sophie’s part about whether she’s aromantic or not. I wouldn’t normally care, but for how much this seems like something of a tease in, at least, this book here (people making comments about one of her male friends being her boyfriend, the comments not explicit so they go over her head; her brother’s knowing looks; plus other things that slip my mind at the moment; like certain reactions Sophie has when communicating with the two other women hockey players mentioned in the book).
Rating: 5
November 27 2019
November 19, 2019
Sophomore slump.
The first book in this series surprised me in the best way. We got to know Sophie Fournier and take a journey with her as she experienced her first year in the NAHL. She had to overcome all of the obstacles that come with being the first and only woman player in the league. It was a book about more than just hockey. It had the perfect balance between hockey and relationships. We grew to love Sophie because we saw her softer side as she became friends with her should-be rival Dima. The bond she created with the young girls who shared a roof over their heads. How she had to win the trust and respect of her teammates.
Unfortunately, book two didn't have the same careful balance as the first one. Sophomore Surge had too much hockey. It felt like we played through all 50+ games in the season. The game-play scenes were longer than they were in book 1 and felt repetitive.
While Sophie continued to maintain those relationships she developed in the first book, there was nothing really new or developed. In the beginning, I was excited to see what would happen with the other two female players that were drafted. But none of that led anywhere.
I know books exist with no romance. But the first in the series was tagged with LGBT and this installment with Demisexual. However, there is absolutely nothing that would indicate LGBT or demisexual. Sure, there may be a throwaway reference to a maybe crush on a girl at some point in her life. But nothing. I was really hoping that after the first book, we would be headed toward some kind of romantic interest for Sophie.
The first person present tense narrative really bothered me, too. I don't recall having that issue with the first one, but I didn't feel like things flowed as well this time around.
Overall, I'm a little disappointed. I was excited for this follow up and wanted to see new developments. All we got was more hockey.
I highly recommend book one. I can't say I recommend this. But I will read book 3 in hopes that this was a transition book to get us to the good stuff.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press for an honest review.
The first book in this series surprised me in the best way. We got to know Sophie Fournier and take a journey with her as she experienced her first year in the NAHL. She had to overcome all of the obstacles that come with being the first and only woman player in the league. It was a book about more than just hockey. It had the perfect balance between hockey and relationships. We grew to love Sophie because we saw her softer side as she became friends with her should-be rival Dima. The bond she created with the young girls who shared a roof over their heads. How she had to win the trust and respect of her teammates.
Unfortunately, book two didn't have the same careful balance as the first one. Sophomore Surge had too much hockey. It felt like we played through all 50+ games in the season. The game-play scenes were longer than they were in book 1 and felt repetitive.
While Sophie continued to maintain those relationships she developed in the first book, there was nothing really new or developed. In the beginning, I was excited to see what would happen with the other two female players that were drafted. But none of that led anywhere.
I know books exist with no romance. But the first in the series was tagged with LGBT and this installment with Demisexual. However, there is absolutely nothing that would indicate LGBT or demisexual. Sure, there may be a throwaway reference to a maybe crush on a girl at some point in her life. But nothing. I was really hoping that after the first book, we would be headed toward some kind of romantic interest for Sophie.
The first person present tense narrative really bothered me, too. I don't recall having that issue with the first one, but I didn't feel like things flowed as well this time around.
Overall, I'm a little disappointed. I was excited for this follow up and wanted to see new developments. All we got was more hockey.
I highly recommend book one. I can't say I recommend this. But I will read book 3 in hopes that this was a transition book to get us to the good stuff.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
Loved this. I didn’t know if K.R. Collins could pull me back into the continuing saga of Sophie Fournier, the first female ice hockey player in the NAHL but she won me over once again.
Breaking the Ice introduced us to Sophie as she is drafted last by one of the worst teams in the league. She has to prove to her coach, the management and her teammates that she deserves to be there. No weakness is allowed.
If you love a sports story with emphasis on the sport this is a wonderful series.
There is potential for romance but Sophie is far too busy trying to survive in a male dominated sport to spend a lot of time dwelling on her personal life. She is under constant pressure to prove she deserves to play at this premiere level yet she is held to a higher standard. . She is not permitted to fight back when taunted by other players on the ice. She’s earned the right to share the men’s dressing room but is still reluctant to drink at the after game parties or be seen alone with other players. She must be a better player and a better person than everyone else on her team. Like women in leadership positions in many walks of life, she must never show an emotional response or be declared a hysterical female.
Sounds heavy handed but this book was a pleasure to read. I love how the author dropped characters and situations from the first book into dialogue making it easy to remember the key players in Sophie’s life. Great for those of us who can't be bothered/don't have time to reread the first book in the series.
The secondary characters are well drawn and add depth to Sophie’s dream of more women playing at the highest level her sport has to offer. You come to care about her teammates as much as Sophie. The game action is easy to visualize and pulls you in like you are at the game and close enough to hear the swearing. Yes, it helps to be a hockey fan and my Canadian roots might show my bias. This book is worth a look if you like to see women fight for their place in a man’s world. Sophie Fournier is the real deal.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Breaking the Ice introduced us to Sophie as she is drafted last by one of the worst teams in the league. She has to prove to her coach, the management and her teammates that she deserves to be there. No weakness is allowed.
If you love a sports story with emphasis on the sport this is a wonderful series.
There is potential for romance but Sophie is far too busy trying to survive in a male dominated sport to spend a lot of time dwelling on her personal life. She is under constant pressure to prove she deserves to play at this premiere level yet she is held to a higher standard. . She is not permitted to fight back when taunted by other players on the ice. She’s earned the right to share the men’s dressing room but is still reluctant to drink at the after game parties or be seen alone with other players. She must be a better player and a better person than everyone else on her team. Like women in leadership positions in many walks of life, she must never show an emotional response or be declared a hysterical female.
Sounds heavy handed but this book was a pleasure to read. I love how the author dropped characters and situations from the first book into dialogue making it easy to remember the key players in Sophie’s life. Great for those of us who can't be bothered/don't have time to reread the first book in the series.
The secondary characters are well drawn and add depth to Sophie’s dream of more women playing at the highest level her sport has to offer. You come to care about her teammates as much as Sophie. The game action is easy to visualize and pulls you in like you are at the game and close enough to hear the swearing. Yes, it helps to be a hockey fan and my Canadian roots might show my bias. This book is worth a look if you like to see women fight for their place in a man’s world. Sophie Fournier is the real deal.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 18, 2023
Book 2 in this hockey series and Sophie is back. In the first story, Sophie Fornier is the first woman drafted into the pro hockey league. Although she is arguably the best player going into the selection night, she is chosen as the final pick. Sophie takes it on the chin, determined to prove to one and all that she is the best which she does that rookie year. The reason I mention it is because in this second volume, I felt Sophie treaded water much of the season through no fault of her own. With her being the first, it’s victory or nothing. But on a team sport, being the best is dependent on others. When the team loses, Sophie bears the brunt. Success on the other hand belongs to the team.
The Condors are on the brink of making the playoffs for the first time but it’s never enough for Sophie. To watch her struggles and self doubt is a tough read. To watch her face the loneliness of being the only one and the never ending hypercriticism is difficult as well. Sophomore Surge feels like a bridge. It would not be realistic to have the team have breakout success that quickly but I hope the winning energy picks up in book 3 because Sophie deserves it.
4.5 stars rounded up.
The Condors are on the brink of making the playoffs for the first time but it’s never enough for Sophie. To watch her struggles and self doubt is a tough read. To watch her face the loneliness of being the only one and the never ending hypercriticism is difficult as well. Sophomore Surge feels like a bridge. It would not be realistic to have the team have breakout success that quickly but I hope the winning energy picks up in book 3 because Sophie deserves it.
4.5 stars rounded up.
February 27, 2020
I don’t really know how to rate this because on the one hand, it’s a season of hockey game by game but on the other, I’m invested in Sophie Fournier. This is Sophie’s second season with the Condors and while some things have changed, many haven’t. She’s still booed by opposing teams’ fans but her own team has come to value her as a player and person. However they still have no cognisance of how much she still has to deal with in terms of bigotry, sexism and what she needs to do for simple self-preservation.
There’s a lot of ice hockey in this novel but strangely I enjoyed the pace and the tension even though I don’t know what half of the terminology meant. I think that in itself is testament to how well it’s written. What Sophie has to go through on a daily basis is what held me in the story though. Not even legal drinking age, she has the weight of sports politics, women’s rights, public relations and a fan base of young girls’ dreams on her shoulders. And she still has to out-perform all the men on the ice just to retain her spot in the team.
It’s not a dramatic story building up to a singular incident. It’s the daily grind with one small incident after another that portrays the power Sophie has as a young woman. I’m looking forward to the next.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
There’s a lot of ice hockey in this novel but strangely I enjoyed the pace and the tension even though I don’t know what half of the terminology meant. I think that in itself is testament to how well it’s written. What Sophie has to go through on a daily basis is what held me in the story though. Not even legal drinking age, she has the weight of sports politics, women’s rights, public relations and a fan base of young girls’ dreams on her shoulders. And she still has to out-perform all the men on the ice just to retain her spot in the team.
It’s not a dramatic story building up to a singular incident. It’s the daily grind with one small incident after another that portrays the power Sophie has as a young woman. I’m looking forward to the next.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
November 27, 2019
The second book in this series (and it will be a series, I believe) has just as much breathless, on the edge of your seat hockey action plus more. Sophie is more accustomed to her situation and the nonstop hockey focus pulls back to include even more relationship tension within her team, and also outside it.
This is a slight spoiler so be warned. This book doesn’t feature a romance,
Edit: I previously wrote that we discover Sophie isn’t ace, but she very well could be.
There are hints of some possible interests for her in the future, but for the present, Sophie is “hockeysexual”. She has a lot of physical bonding with the guys on her team and in her life, but all of it is completely platonic.
The second book is even better than the first (if that’s possible!). Collins maintains the same intense pitch and the addition of more human interaction really adds a layer of interest and detail. Sophie has hit her stride and we see her acting more than simply reacting as she did in the first book. She has some completely kickass moments that had me cheering for her with all my might. The cast changes a bit from the first book, but the core characters are visible.
I can easily see this becoming a series. The voice it’s written in is so immediate and real that I felt almost overwhelmed at times. The second book of this series didn’t disappoint and ended on a bittersweet but hopeful note.
Rating: five pucks hitting the net at the speed of sound for five well-deserved stars.
I received this ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a slight spoiler so be warned. This book doesn’t feature a romance,
Edit: I previously wrote that we discover Sophie isn’t ace, but she very well could be.
There are hints of some possible interests for her in the future, but for the present, Sophie is “hockeysexual”. She has a lot of physical bonding with the guys on her team and in her life, but all of it is completely platonic.
The second book is even better than the first (if that’s possible!). Collins maintains the same intense pitch and the addition of more human interaction really adds a layer of interest and detail. Sophie has hit her stride and we see her acting more than simply reacting as she did in the first book. She has some completely kickass moments that had me cheering for her with all my might. The cast changes a bit from the first book, but the core characters are visible.
I can easily see this becoming a series. The voice it’s written in is so immediate and real that I felt almost overwhelmed at times. The second book of this series didn’t disappoint and ended on a bittersweet but hopeful note.
Rating: five pucks hitting the net at the speed of sound for five well-deserved stars.
I received this ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
4⭐️
#2 In this series, we are following Sophie into the second season on the NAHL. It's a bit surprising, even to me as a sports fan, how much Sophie's journey in the league fascinates me without anything happening other than field hockey and all the surrounding stuff. There's not a hint of romance in sight, and normally that would bother me as a romance fan, but not here. I'm curious to see where Sophie's journey takes her.
#2 In this series, we are following Sophie into the second season on the NAHL. It's a bit surprising, even to me as a sports fan, how much Sophie's journey in the league fascinates me without anything happening other than field hockey and all the surrounding stuff. There's not a hint of romance in sight, and normally that would bother me as a romance fan, but not here. I'm curious to see where Sophie's journey takes her.
January 4, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first Sophie book, and was excited to read this when it popped up on NetGalley. But this just felt like a retread of the first book, because the storyline mirrors the first book pretty much exactly. The first book focussed on how Sophie felt as the only woman playing in the league, but set up two other women joining the league, so I was interested to see how that would work, one on her team and the other in opposition. But like Sophie, I was immensely disappointed with how that (and pretty much everything else in this book) played out. It also felt like there was more hockey in this one, and frankly, I was bored by it by the half way mark.
I can’t say more without spoiling the book, and other reviews have touched on most of it anyway. I did assume book 2 would at least set up some sort of romantic interest for Sophie, or that it would state that she’s asexual/demisexual or something. That may happen in book 3, though now the intrigue is if there is a relationship, who it will be (I had assumed Elsa, but maybe Gabrielle?). I guess book 3 will be what I was hoping book 2 would be. I hope so anyway. 2.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the first Sophie book, and was excited to read this when it popped up on NetGalley. But this just felt like a retread of the first book, because the storyline mirrors the first book pretty much exactly. The first book focussed on how Sophie felt as the only woman playing in the league, but set up two other women joining the league, so I was interested to see how that would work, one on her team and the other in opposition. But like Sophie, I was immensely disappointed with how that (and pretty much everything else in this book) played out. It also felt like there was more hockey in this one, and frankly, I was bored by it by the half way mark.
I can’t say more without spoiling the book, and other reviews have touched on most of it anyway. I did assume book 2 would at least set up some sort of romantic interest for Sophie, or that it would state that she’s asexual/demisexual or something. That may happen in book 3, though now the intrigue is if there is a relationship, who it will be (I had assumed Elsa, but maybe Gabrielle?). I guess book 3 will be what I was hoping book 2 would be. I hope so anyway. 2.5 stars.
May 17, 2020
I was sent an eARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is purely a matter of taste, but this book really wasn't for me. I generally like sports in books, but I'm not a big enough sports fan and I'm not invested enough in hockey to stay interested in this book. I was just bored for most of it.
Something I felt let down by personally is that Sophie is very clearly on the asexual & aromantic spectrums, if not aroace. But instead of making this explicit, she's called "hockeysexual" and it's never dealt with. I think this was a missed opportunity, and it would have been lovely to have actual rep. Honestly, the term "hockeysexual" felt insulting, and I wish it was handled with more care, at least.
This is purely a matter of taste, but this book really wasn't for me. I generally like sports in books, but I'm not a big enough sports fan and I'm not invested enough in hockey to stay interested in this book. I was just bored for most of it.
Something I felt let down by personally is that Sophie is very clearly on the asexual & aromantic spectrums, if not aroace. But instead of making this explicit, she's called "hockeysexual" and it's never dealt with. I think this was a missed opportunity, and it would have been lovely to have actual rep. Honestly, the term "hockeysexual" felt insulting, and I wish it was handled with more care, at least.
November 26, 2019
I read Breaking the Ice and Sophomore Surge back to back and enjoyed both books immensely. The story is about Sophie Fournier, a very talented hockey player who becomes the first women to be drafted and play as a professional in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). As a teen (19) starting off, not only does she need to perform at a professional level, but she needs to grow into a tough and mature women playing in a man's world. Both books describe how she grows into a leader on her team -- Breaking the Ice describes her first year and Sophomore Surge (as indicated by the title) tells the story of her second year. Although similar to her first book, K.R. Collins provides enough complexity in Fournier's growth that Sophomore Surge is still engaging. The story shows her relationship with male team members, being accepted and a leader. The story provides a window into her embracing being a role model for girls who want to play hockey and a glimpse of her angst at being the only one. Well worth the read.
Many thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Many thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review
November 23, 2019
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent addition to the Sophie Fournier series and I really enjoyed it. The main focus of the story is hockey and I wish there was a bit more focus on Sophie herself outside of hockey but the author does a great job bringing the game to life. Sophie is determined to get her team to the playoffs but there are a lot of obstacles to be dealt with if her team is to succeed in their quest. Most of the teams they play are still out to get her and it takes a huge amount of maturity and strength for Sophie to keep her head in the game and not let them get to her. I love how much her team rallies around her and how she steps up for them as well when they really need her to. I do find her father's attitude very off-putting and hard to deal with at times as is her inability to stand up to him. Overall this is a very uplifting and inspiring book and I can't wait for the next installment in this wonderful series.
This is an excellent addition to the Sophie Fournier series and I really enjoyed it. The main focus of the story is hockey and I wish there was a bit more focus on Sophie herself outside of hockey but the author does a great job bringing the game to life. Sophie is determined to get her team to the playoffs but there are a lot of obstacles to be dealt with if her team is to succeed in their quest. Most of the teams they play are still out to get her and it takes a huge amount of maturity and strength for Sophie to keep her head in the game and not let them get to her. I love how much her team rallies around her and how she steps up for them as well when they really need her to. I do find her father's attitude very off-putting and hard to deal with at times as is her inability to stand up to him. Overall this is a very uplifting and inspiring book and I can't wait for the next installment in this wonderful series.
December 27, 2021
Not bad, clearly the book is merely a bridge toward book 3. We see Sophie grow up little by little but there isn’t a lot of deep issues here.
I appreciate the fact that the author takes the time to point out the lack of diversity, gender- or racial-wise in the NHL, unfortunately.
I will say that I found it annoying that Sophie spent so much time moping around because Elsa wasn’t finally coming this year. I found that to be excessive considering they are not dating and not even friends either. I get that you don’t want to be the lone woman in pro hockey but it’s just a one-year delay. It felt good to have Dima remind her that no everything was about her.
I appreciate the fact that the author takes the time to point out the lack of diversity, gender- or racial-wise in the NHL, unfortunately.
I will say that I found it annoying that Sophie spent so much time moping around because Elsa wasn’t finally coming this year. I found that to be excessive considering they are not dating and not even friends either. I get that you don’t want to be the lone woman in pro hockey but it’s just a one-year delay. It felt good to have Dima remind her that no everything was about her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
4.25 stars
March 5, 2020
Second season finds Sophie ready to make the playoffs. The game by game analysis puts you in the stands, holding your breath and waiting for each game to end. It is awesome and inspiring as hockey should be. This year their opponents try to knock Sophie off her game any way the can. The pressure builds and the story intensifies.
You do not want to miss this one!
Score 5⭐️
You do not want to miss this one!
Score 5⭐️
December 1, 2019
I usually like books about sports, but this one just didn’t do it for me. I had a hard time reading and finishing it. There are too many characters with too many nicknames. I couldn’t keep track, might also be because the book didn’t speak to me.
Sophie, the main character, doesn’t show any development and the plot is super thin.
This just isn’t for me I guess.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
Sophie, the main character, doesn’t show any development and the plot is super thin.
This just isn’t for me I guess.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
January 3, 2020
Really good follow-up that kept me entertained till the last & left me wanting more. This K R Collions can certainly write.
December 24, 2019
Like with Breaking The Ice, I have a lot of feelings so there will be a short version and a long version of this review. The short is: as a follow up, this does well to build on the themes and characters set forth in the first novel. Again, the conflict is mostly internal, but the quick pace keeps the narrative from being ponderous and the highly relatable nature of Sophie and her supporting cast brings a level of realism to the book that is not often seen in sports themed stories.
Now for the essay portion.
This is like the sports version of a coming of age story. Because the first book had Sophie so focused on being a model minority, we didn't get to explore her as a new adult in a professional world. With Sophie feeling more secure in her place in the team and the league, Collins takes the time to explore Sophie's relationship with the other players on a deeper level. The subplot with Matty and X is brilliant and showcases both Sophie's youth and how her team has become a family as she desperately tries to hold everyone told. Honestly, it's written almost like she is the child of divorcing parents and I love it. Sophie has had to grow up so fast because of her dominance in hockey and media visibility, so it makes sense that this is where she stumbles.
Once again, Collins handles the double standards for minorities very well and does an even better job of showing how her team has her back by having them not get defensive when she shares her experiences or when she calls them out of their behavior. The writing has the characters grow and learn in a very natural, organic way that I very much appreciate.
Lastly, (for now - I'll probably add more as I reflect on the story) I once again love that there isnt a romance subplot and I love that everyone else is very concerned about her love life as that feels realistic. In the first book, Sophie came off as Ace but in this one she is more clearly Demi and that means that whatever romance we may have to going to be the ultimate slow burn. Collins is definitely setting something up, but honestly I would be completely okay if the only ship to take off is the friendship.
Now for the essay portion.
This is like the sports version of a coming of age story. Because the first book had Sophie so focused on being a model minority, we didn't get to explore her as a new adult in a professional world. With Sophie feeling more secure in her place in the team and the league, Collins takes the time to explore Sophie's relationship with the other players on a deeper level. The subplot with Matty and X is brilliant and showcases both Sophie's youth and how her team has become a family as she desperately tries to hold everyone told. Honestly, it's written almost like she is the child of divorcing parents and I love it. Sophie has had to grow up so fast because of her dominance in hockey and media visibility, so it makes sense that this is where she stumbles.
Once again, Collins handles the double standards for minorities very well and does an even better job of showing how her team has her back by having them not get defensive when she shares her experiences or when she calls them out of their behavior. The writing has the characters grow and learn in a very natural, organic way that I very much appreciate.
Lastly, (for now - I'll probably add more as I reflect on the story) I once again love that there isnt a romance subplot and I love that everyone else is very concerned about her love life as that feels realistic. In the first book, Sophie came off as Ace but in this one she is more clearly Demi and that means that whatever romance we may have to going to be the ultimate slow burn. Collins is definitely setting something up, but honestly I would be completely okay if the only ship to take off is the friendship.
April 6, 2020
Everything that was powerful and interesting about the first book in this series is still powerful and interesting in the second. If anything, it’s even more intense: the unrelenting pressure from fans, the press, and even friends and family; the absolutely heart-breaking (but never exaggerated or melodramatic) levels of misogyny and discrimination; the exhilaration and devastation of games won and lost; they all feel somehow more immediate and weighty. There are more rough edges in this story than there were in the first: more moments that don’t lead to victory and more times when optimism and hard work just aren’t enough. You also start to see the fissures in some of the characters who might have seemed innocuous, or at least only mildly troubling, in the first book. It’s devastating to be along for the ride when Sophie figures out that her coach is not a good coach, or even a particularly good person. It’s even more devastating to see her relationship with her father in more detail, and to realize that he’s not just strict: he’s controlling and abusive.
The writing is good, the characters are compelling and sympathetic: the interactions between Sophie and her captain in particular feel meaningful and real. The hockey is detailed and oddly exhilarating, even if you aren’t into sports (I’m not, and I was still riveted). It’s draining, it’s compelling, and I can’t wait to read the next one, even though I am sure that, just like this one and the one before, it will make me cry. It’ll be worth it.
*I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review.
The writing is good, the characters are compelling and sympathetic: the interactions between Sophie and her captain in particular feel meaningful and real. The hockey is detailed and oddly exhilarating, even if you aren’t into sports (I’m not, and I was still riveted). It’s draining, it’s compelling, and I can’t wait to read the next one, even though I am sure that, just like this one and the one before, it will make me cry. It’ll be worth it.
*I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review.
June 1, 2020
The second book in the series, Sophomore Surge, is the story of Sophie’s second year playing for Concord. After winning the Maddow Award, but not taking her team to the playoffs, Sophie is determined that this will be the year. Still insecure about her position on the team, she again sets the goal of winning the Cup and proving herself to all of her critics and to her team. This year, two other women get drafted, one of whom is drafted onto her team and she’s totally excited to have a female teammate. When Elsa bails on coming to the U.S. for her first season with Concord, Sophie is again faced with being alone, and that driving need to win and prove herself.
Sophomore Surge is a pretty typical second novel. We know the cast of characters and the insecurities and strengths of our heroine, but despite the excitement of all of the hockey, the story doesn’t move Sophie’s character forward, which is mildly disappointing. Knowing this has been categorized as an LGBTQ and Demisexual (I had to look this one up too) novel, I still don’t see any signs of Sophie leaning one way or another. She is hyper-focused on her game, which truthfully I would be too. She’s just not interested in anything else. BTW- when I looked up demisexual, it is when someone needs an emotional connection in order to have a physical attraction. I found that kind of nice, right? That attraction can be towards anyone. We are teased with her friendship to Ivanov, a player from another friend who becomes one of her best friends in the league, but nothing happens sexually with him and then also with her excitement of Elsa joining the league. That’s all though, just a tease. I love all of the hockey scenes and find it hard to be too disappointed because they are written so well and I do really like Sophie’s character. I figure it will happen in that final novel.
Sophomore Surge is a pretty typical second novel. We know the cast of characters and the insecurities and strengths of our heroine, but despite the excitement of all of the hockey, the story doesn’t move Sophie’s character forward, which is mildly disappointing. Knowing this has been categorized as an LGBTQ and Demisexual (I had to look this one up too) novel, I still don’t see any signs of Sophie leaning one way or another. She is hyper-focused on her game, which truthfully I would be too. She’s just not interested in anything else. BTW- when I looked up demisexual, it is when someone needs an emotional connection in order to have a physical attraction. I found that kind of nice, right? That attraction can be towards anyone. We are teased with her friendship to Ivanov, a player from another friend who becomes one of her best friends in the league, but nothing happens sexually with him and then also with her excitement of Elsa joining the league. That’s all though, just a tease. I love all of the hockey scenes and find it hard to be too disappointed because they are written so well and I do really like Sophie’s character. I figure it will happen in that final novel.
March 11, 2024
Last season, Sophie Fournier was the first woman in the North American Hockey League (like a fictional NHL, not the actual NAHL), and this year she is still the only one...despite two others being drafted. Gabrielle Gagnon is stuck doing time in the minors and Elsa Nyberg may or may not ever come over from Sweden. Sophie is disappointed, but she won't let that get in the way of her one true objective: the Maple Cup.
This book got on my nerves a little, I'm not going to lie. I really struggled with the ramping up of rumors around Sophie's dating life when she clearly is not interested in men at all. Like AT ALL. The things that were said to Sophie by opposing players on the ice were horrible and while there's a touch of reality to that, it felt like these slurs and extremely crude comments dominated sections of this story. Sophie herself was more likable to me in this book, but her parents, her grandparents, and her coach all made me mad on a regular basis. Just so many things to be mad at that this book just left me feeling tired.
This book got on my nerves a little, I'm not going to lie. I really struggled with the ramping up of rumors around Sophie's dating life when she clearly is not interested in men at all. Like AT ALL. The things that were said to Sophie by opposing players on the ice were horrible and while there's a touch of reality to that, it felt like these slurs and extremely crude comments dominated sections of this story. Sophie herself was more likable to me in this book, but her parents, her grandparents, and her coach all made me mad on a regular basis. Just so many things to be mad at that this book just left me feeling tired.
May 5, 2020
I really liked Collins' debut novel "Breaking the ice" about Sophie Fournier and it was a sure thing I would pick up this one (as well as the coming books).
It is a LOT of hockey in this book and no romance at all, which was mostly okay because all the hockey stuff was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Sophie got through her first year in the league and now in "Sophomore surge" we got to read about her trying to win over the new obstacles that appear in her way. I had hope the story would be more about her personal life as well (especially when they have labeled the books as LGBTQ and demisexual) so it was a disappointment when there was no development in that area.
It is a LOT of hockey in this book and no romance at all, which was mostly okay because all the hockey stuff was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Sophie got through her first year in the league and now in "Sophomore surge" we got to read about her trying to win over the new obstacles that appear in her way. I had hope the story would be more about her personal life as well (especially when they have labeled the books as LGBTQ and demisexual) so it was a disappointment when there was no development in that area.
August 13, 2023
oh we’re having fun now!!! i kept thinking abt this when i wasn’t reading it; wish there was an audiobook so i could’ve multitasked bt in any case wow!! soph is still fairly isolated in this one but this one is DEFINITELY abt the bonds and Boy did it work for me!! still no romance in sight (and she’s wildly oblivious abt the implications that maybe there is actually w dima) but didn’t need it! there were so many wonderful friendship moments here that it was all i rly wanted. hopefully the next one (when i get there) is just as good.
December 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed our main character, she has a strong personality and that is something I enjoyed. I will say, if you dont like hockey, or don't enjoy reading about it, this is not the book for you. Every page is either a game or a practice or something she is doing for hockey. Overall it was an enjoyable read!
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
February 3, 2020
Very enjoyable
The story is very well written. The characters are either extremely likable or completely despicable. You can feel their emotions. The hockey is easy to follow , even if you don't know much about it, and often keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Book 1 was very similar.
The story is very well written. The characters are either extremely likable or completely despicable. You can feel their emotions. The hockey is easy to follow , even if you don't know much about it, and often keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Book 1 was very similar.
May 22, 2020
I love Sophie Fournier, aka Keladry of Mindelan with a hockey stick
July 18, 2024
this is holding me afloat during off-season
December 2, 2019
SATISFYING
this series is so fun and so cathartic and I adore it. The characters are so richly drawn and the hockey is AWESOME even for someone who knows nothing about it. Cannot WAIT for book three.
this series is so fun and so cathartic and I adore it. The characters are so richly drawn and the hockey is AWESOME even for someone who knows nothing about it. Cannot WAIT for book three.
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