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Out on the Ice #3
Calling the Shots
Two passionate hockey coaches face off in this rivals-to-lovers romance
Retired superstar Regan Lane is known for being outspoken. She’s never been one to keep her opinions to herself. When she lands a head coaching job in the women’s pro league with the Boston Ice, her brash promise to win the championship in her first year shocks no one. Especially not Tierney McGovern, head coach of the rival New York Lady Libertys.
Single mom Tierney knows what it’s like to live in someone else’s shadow, and she won’t let Regan steal the spotlight. Besides, she knows exactly how Regan when it comes to delivering on her promises, she falls pitifully short. At least she did when she ghosted Tierney after their long-ago amazing week together.
As their teams face each other game after game, it doesn’t take long for them to realize their hockey rivalry isn’t the only thing heating up. And that maybe the real victory is in taking big chances on the ice—and off.
Retired superstar Regan Lane is known for being outspoken. She’s never been one to keep her opinions to herself. When she lands a head coaching job in the women’s pro league with the Boston Ice, her brash promise to win the championship in her first year shocks no one. Especially not Tierney McGovern, head coach of the rival New York Lady Libertys.
Single mom Tierney knows what it’s like to live in someone else’s shadow, and she won’t let Regan steal the spotlight. Besides, she knows exactly how Regan when it comes to delivering on her promises, she falls pitifully short. At least she did when she ghosted Tierney after their long-ago amazing week together.
As their teams face each other game after game, it doesn’t take long for them to realize their hockey rivalry isn’t the only thing heating up. And that maybe the real victory is in taking big chances on the ice—and off.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
31 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Farmer
8 books89 followersKelly Farmer (she/her) has been writing romance novels since junior high. While the stories have changed, one theme remains the same: everyone deserves to have a happy ending. She is the bestselling author of queer contemporary romances with snarky humor and lots of heart.
When not writing, she enjoys being outside in nature, quoting from eighties movies, listening to all kinds of music, and petting every dog she comes in contact with. All of these show up in her books. Kelly lives in the Chicago area, where she swears every winter is her last one there.
To connect with Kelly, talk about current TV binges, and subscribe to her newsletter for access to free bonus stories, head over to www.kellyfarmerauthor.com.
When not writing, she enjoys being outside in nature, quoting from eighties movies, listening to all kinds of music, and petting every dog she comes in contact with. All of these show up in her books. Kelly lives in the Chicago area, where she swears every winter is her last one there.
To connect with Kelly, talk about current TV binges, and subscribe to her newsletter for access to free bonus stories, head over to www.kellyfarmerauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 24, 2022
Calling the Shots is the third book in Kelly Farmer’s Out on the Ice series. Some twenty years ago, Regan and Tierney had a week or so of great sex and possibilities but Regan flaked out and Tierney moved on. When they meet again as coaches to rival teams in the NAWHL, sparks fly between the congenial former Olympian everyone loves and the closed-off coach who hides behind her Resting Bitch Face.
As happens often, I don’t remember much about the previous books besides the fact that I enjoyed them. I honestly don’t know how much of this book will stay with me and it was a bit messy but I really really liked the characters. Regan and Tierney but also Tierney’s daughter Hope, Regan’s siblings, Tierney’s assistant coach, and even her ex-wife.
Regan and Tierney are opposites and yet have a lot in common. Regan is “the living embodiment of Bad Girl Lesbian”, irritating and irresistible on the surface but actually caring and endearing. Tierney lived all her life in other people’s shadows and has had to protect herself, something she doesn’t want her young daughter to go through. Despite their extremely different personalities, Regan and Tierney understand each other on a very personal level. Their fantastic chemistry allows them to think for a while that it’s all there is, yet they’ve found kinship in similar childhood experiences, a familiarity that makes opening doors worth considering. I’m all about journeys and character growth and there’s a lot of both in this book. A lot of tenderness as well, and my favourite scenes were when either MC let the other beyond her walls.
In short, excellent chemistry and character growth make this book well worth reading.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
October 4, 2022
Regan Lane is a hockey legend and now coach. She is loud and brash and says what she thinks. Tierney McGovern is also a hockey coach and is not impressed by Regan Lane and her loud mouth. The two of them are constantly thrown together as the season progresses due to a challenge Regan lays down and Tierney finds that Regan isn't so bad after all.
This is the third installment of this series from Kelly Farmer and I am here for more whenever she is ready to release the next. I have loved all three but you don't necessarily need to read the first two books in the series before reading this. I definitely enjoyed the scenes that included Caro, Amy, Jen and Maisey though, it's always nice to catch up with old favorites. I really loved this story with Regan and Tierney, their problems were complex and their personalities layered in a way that make the romance feel so genuine. Hope was a great addition and I loved Regan's relationship with her siblings. I'm never disappointed after reading a book by Kelly Farmer and this one was fantastic. Can't wait for her next one!
This is the third installment of this series from Kelly Farmer and I am here for more whenever she is ready to release the next. I have loved all three but you don't necessarily need to read the first two books in the series before reading this. I definitely enjoyed the scenes that included Caro, Amy, Jen and Maisey though, it's always nice to catch up with old favorites. I really loved this story with Regan and Tierney, their problems were complex and their personalities layered in a way that make the romance feel so genuine. Hope was a great addition and I loved Regan's relationship with her siblings. I'm never disappointed after reading a book by Kelly Farmer and this one was fantastic. Can't wait for her next one!
October 6, 2022
Tierney McGovern is focused. Focused on being a mother to her daughter, Hope, focused on coaching the NY Lady Liberty's hockey team. She is most definitely not focused on Regan Lane. She has spent years forgetting the memories of their week together. When Regan becomes the head coach of the rival Boston Ice and Tierney finds herself around Regan again, she is absolutely not focusing on the way Regan made her feel. Instead she will focus on how Regan ghosted her and how she will never let her guard down around that woman again.
Regan Lane is brash and intense. After being an assistant coach in the men's game where her every action was scrutinized she jumps at the chance to be a head coach for the women's team in Boston. She loathes the disparity in pay between men and women in sports. She is also not a big fan of commitment but the more time she spends with uptight Tierney McGovern, the more she thinks being tied down to just one woman sounds pretty good.
This is the third book in Kelly Farmer's Out on the Ice series. I enjoyed the first two books but this may be my favorite. I really enjoy a couple who are opposites. Tierney brings a little Ice Queen to the party as well. Although, once we get to know her she isn't an ice queen at all. She's someone who has always felt like she isn't seen on her own merits. Her father being the hockey legend, she's always been in his shadow. The chemistry between Regan and Tierney is sizzling and they just work as a couple. And I really enjoyed the connection Regan forged with Tierney's daughter, Hope along with appearances from characters from the previous books. Another enjoyable read from Kelly Farmer.
An Arc was received from the author for an honest review.
Regan Lane is brash and intense. After being an assistant coach in the men's game where her every action was scrutinized she jumps at the chance to be a head coach for the women's team in Boston. She loathes the disparity in pay between men and women in sports. She is also not a big fan of commitment but the more time she spends with uptight Tierney McGovern, the more she thinks being tied down to just one woman sounds pretty good.
This is the third book in Kelly Farmer's Out on the Ice series. I enjoyed the first two books but this may be my favorite. I really enjoy a couple who are opposites. Tierney brings a little Ice Queen to the party as well. Although, once we get to know her she isn't an ice queen at all. She's someone who has always felt like she isn't seen on her own merits. Her father being the hockey legend, she's always been in his shadow. The chemistry between Regan and Tierney is sizzling and they just work as a couple. And I really enjoyed the connection Regan forged with Tierney's daughter, Hope along with appearances from characters from the previous books. Another enjoyable read from Kelly Farmer.
An Arc was received from the author for an honest review.
October 5, 2022
I was bound to enjoy this novel - it's both a sports and enemies-t0-lovers romance. Regan and Tierney are coaches on opposite ice hockey teams. There's a bit of history between them, but Regan pushed Tierney away and there's now no love lost between them. When Tierney joins a new team, she begins to interact more with Tierney. What starts as a casual arrangement soon blooms into love.
The romance is sweet really. I loved Regan's bad girl personality, as well as Tierney's level headedness. They made a very cute pair.
Just a heads up though - there are only fade-to-black sex scenes, which (personally) I found cut the chemistry between Regan and Tierney.
Looking forward to reading what's next from Kelly Farmer.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The romance is sweet really. I loved Regan's bad girl personality, as well as Tierney's level headedness. They made a very cute pair.
Just a heads up though - there are only fade-to-black sex scenes, which (personally) I found cut the chemistry between Regan and Tierney.
Looking forward to reading what's next from Kelly Farmer.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2023
Something about the way the author writes opposites doesn't entirely work for me, but I really liked the eventual self-realizations in this one and I am a sucker for a book with functional coparenting and a consciousness of how hard it can be to navigate dating as a divorced parent.
October 5, 2022
Calling the Shots by Kelly Farmer
This was a lovers- to enemies- to lovers ice hockey Sapphic romance. It was super cute, with good banter, and I really liked it. My only complaint is that I wish it would have been told in the first person point of view. I would have rather read from Regan and Tierney’s perspective, alternating back and forth. I also didn’t realize that this was the third book in a series, but it didn’t make a difference. It read as a stand a-lone. All in all, very good book and I definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Kelly Farmer, NetGalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lovers- to enemies- to lovers ice hockey Sapphic romance. It was super cute, with good banter, and I really liked it. My only complaint is that I wish it would have been told in the first person point of view. I would have rather read from Regan and Tierney’s perspective, alternating back and forth. I also didn’t realize that this was the third book in a series, but it didn’t make a difference. It read as a stand a-lone. All in all, very good book and I definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Kelly Farmer, NetGalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
An excellent read that really digs into the two main character's insecurities and allows them to grow together.
I received an ARC from the author.
I received an ARC from the author.
April 20, 2023
Hockey sapphics 🫶🏻
August 29, 2024
I waited 8 months between books 1 and 2 but I started this the day I finished book 2. Admittedly, I wasn't super enthused heading into this book since it features Regan Lane, a former Team USA hockey star and assistant coach for a men's professional hockey team. Regan is a Shane McCutcheon prototype, which explains exactly why I wasn't looking forward to her longterm romantic prospects. Bad girls don't do anything for me. But I have to hand it to Kelly Farmer because I did get invested. But it probably has more to do with the way that Tierney McGovern serves as nice romantic foil to famous-for-a-lot-of-wrong-reasons Regan Lane.
Part of what makes Calling the Shots an interesting story is the fact that Regan and Tierney are hockey coaches for NAWHL rivals. They are also former lovers--Tierney's first love, in fact, though Regan isn't aware of the fact. So Tierney has a lot of trust issues with Regan for that and, beyond that, just because of the the type of person Regan is, as Regan reminds her so much of her father (incredibly undependable lothario hockey star) and Tierney has no time for any of that bullshit circus. But the problem with Tierney's plan to keep Regan away is the fact that more than any other person Tierney has known, Regan understands her and, weirdly, really understands Tierney's daughter Hope. And Tierney also knows a side of Regan that few people, if anyone else, knows. She knows that underr Regan's larger-than-life, devil-may-care facade is someone who has faced a lot of abandonment and hurt and instability. And despite Tierney's best efforts, she's stupidly attracted to Regan.
This worked for me in the end. But there were points early on where I was rolling my eyes and mad at Tierney for being so taken in with Regan, who's such a tired cliche, but I eventually came around.
Calling the Shots also features a lot of characters from books 1 and 2, which I love to see in a series. I'm not sure Kelly Farmer is writing more in this world, but I'd be willing to read them if they do. Book 2 remains my favourite of the series. And I think Book 3 would come next, surprisingly.
Random thought: Okay, look, I hated the covers for books 1 and 2 of this series and this is a massive improvement on those covers, though it's still terrible. But you can't/shouldn't break cover uniformity in a series. Why do publishers do this? You want your books of the same series to look like they belong together. If I had physical copies of these books on my shelves, this would drive me absolutely bonkers.
Part of what makes Calling the Shots an interesting story is the fact that Regan and Tierney are hockey coaches for NAWHL rivals. They are also former lovers--Tierney's first love, in fact, though Regan isn't aware of the fact. So Tierney has a lot of trust issues with Regan for that and, beyond that, just because of the the type of person Regan is, as Regan reminds her so much of her father (incredibly undependable lothario hockey star) and Tierney has no time for any of that bullshit circus. But the problem with Tierney's plan to keep Regan away is the fact that more than any other person Tierney has known, Regan understands her and, weirdly, really understands Tierney's daughter Hope. And Tierney also knows a side of Regan that few people, if anyone else, knows. She knows that underr Regan's larger-than-life, devil-may-care facade is someone who has faced a lot of abandonment and hurt and instability. And despite Tierney's best efforts, she's stupidly attracted to Regan.
This worked for me in the end. But there were points early on where I was rolling my eyes and mad at Tierney for being so taken in with Regan, who's such a tired cliche, but I eventually came around.
Calling the Shots also features a lot of characters from books 1 and 2, which I love to see in a series. I'm not sure Kelly Farmer is writing more in this world, but I'd be willing to read them if they do. Book 2 remains my favourite of the series. And I think Book 3 would come next, surprisingly.
Random thought: Okay, look, I hated the covers for books 1 and 2 of this series and this is a massive improvement on those covers, though it's still terrible. But you can't/shouldn't break cover uniformity in a series. Why do publishers do this? You want your books of the same series to look like they belong together. If I had physical copies of these books on my shelves, this would drive me absolutely bonkers.
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed the previous book in this series and happily jumped into this hockey based romance. Kudos for the cute colorful over of this opposites attract romance. (Although the suit needs a vest.) And the story can be read as a stand alone novel. Regan Lane is a colorful, outspoken retired hockey superstar turned Coach. After a year assisting a weak mens team she takes a dream head coaching job in Boston for the women’s pro league.
Tierney McGovern is head coach for the New York Lady Libertys. She has the winningest coaching record in the league. She is also a divorced, mother, trying to co-parent 8 year old Hope with her ex, a youtube health celeb. Although successful she has lived her life feeling overshadowed by her father and than her ex-spouse.
Fifteen years before Regan and Tierney had a brief fling. Tier was more invested and hurt by the brush off from Regan. (The dalliance was so short I wouldn’t call this a second chance romance.) But now the team rivalries have them seeing each other on and off the ice. They have familiarity and now can be friends and eventually more.
The book covers a full year. There are fun moments of team rivalries and challenges. And sweet moments of Tierney allowing Regan into her private life with Hope. Farmer writes closed door for intimacy but there is no question of the heat the two have for each other. (My preference is for open door.) Both characters have baggage form growing up the product of divorces and I love their trust compact with each other.
There are major side characters like Hope and Tierney’s dad or Regan’s half siblings. And there are almost an overwhelming amount of minor side characters like players and other hockey people. The minors blended to me and I didn’t worry about keeping track of them. I did like knowing the couple from the previous book are still together.
I really enjoyed the romance and the rivalry. The story feels realistic as do the issues the characters bring trying to start a new relationship. I’m not sure if the series is finished but I’m on the watch for whatever Kelly Farmer writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)
Tierney McGovern is head coach for the New York Lady Libertys. She has the winningest coaching record in the league. She is also a divorced, mother, trying to co-parent 8 year old Hope with her ex, a youtube health celeb. Although successful she has lived her life feeling overshadowed by her father and than her ex-spouse.
Fifteen years before Regan and Tierney had a brief fling. Tier was more invested and hurt by the brush off from Regan. (The dalliance was so short I wouldn’t call this a second chance romance.) But now the team rivalries have them seeing each other on and off the ice. They have familiarity and now can be friends and eventually more.
The book covers a full year. There are fun moments of team rivalries and challenges. And sweet moments of Tierney allowing Regan into her private life with Hope. Farmer writes closed door for intimacy but there is no question of the heat the two have for each other. (My preference is for open door.) Both characters have baggage form growing up the product of divorces and I love their trust compact with each other.
There are major side characters like Hope and Tierney’s dad or Regan’s half siblings. And there are almost an overwhelming amount of minor side characters like players and other hockey people. The minors blended to me and I didn’t worry about keeping track of them. I did like knowing the couple from the previous book are still together.
I really enjoyed the romance and the rivalry. The story feels realistic as do the issues the characters bring trying to start a new relationship. I’m not sure if the series is finished but I’m on the watch for whatever Kelly Farmer writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)
November 9, 2022
Kelly Farmer's Calling the Shots is a solidly entertaining and emotional contemporary sapphic romance. This is the third in her On the Ice series about professional women's hockey players. She's gotten stronger and more confident with each book. The characters are more comfortably layered and complex and the push/pull of Regan and Tierney relationship flows easily, even the third act break-up.
Regan Lane has gone from being a professional women's hockey megastar, to an assistant coach for a middling professional men's hockey team. She has a reputation for being outspoken with the press. While talking to reporters after her team's loss, she's told there may be a head coach position open in the women's league. Her response, that she would will the championship her first year, becomes known as The Challenge. Tierney McGovern is already the winningest head coach in the (short) history of the professional women's hockey league, but she feels like she still has to fight for credibility. When Regan takes the job as the Boston head coach, the two are positioned as rivals. Regan thinks it's all good fun, but Tierney is frustrated that the attention is because of Regan and not her own stellar work.
The two have some similar issues - they tend to keep people out and push people away, but they do it in different ways. Farmer does a great job of weaving in their strengths and weaknesses, their joys and fears so that the characters feel real, grounded, and complicatedly human. The well deployed dual POV shows it's less that one has baggage to get over and more that both have issues to sort through. We get to see the ways in which they obliviously stumble into hurting each other, and also the choices they make to love and support each other. Tierney's daughter was a fun kid to read.
This is a third book, but it can be read as a stand alone.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Carina and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
A note: The HarperCollins union goes on strike starting Thursday 11/10. This is the last review of a book published by Harper Collins or it's subsidiaries that I will post until the strike is over. Employees deserve to be paid a living wage.
Regan Lane has gone from being a professional women's hockey megastar, to an assistant coach for a middling professional men's hockey team. She has a reputation for being outspoken with the press. While talking to reporters after her team's loss, she's told there may be a head coach position open in the women's league. Her response, that she would will the championship her first year, becomes known as The Challenge. Tierney McGovern is already the winningest head coach in the (short) history of the professional women's hockey league, but she feels like she still has to fight for credibility. When Regan takes the job as the Boston head coach, the two are positioned as rivals. Regan thinks it's all good fun, but Tierney is frustrated that the attention is because of Regan and not her own stellar work.
The two have some similar issues - they tend to keep people out and push people away, but they do it in different ways. Farmer does a great job of weaving in their strengths and weaknesses, their joys and fears so that the characters feel real, grounded, and complicatedly human. The well deployed dual POV shows it's less that one has baggage to get over and more that both have issues to sort through. We get to see the ways in which they obliviously stumble into hurting each other, and also the choices they make to love and support each other. Tierney's daughter was a fun kid to read.
This is a third book, but it can be read as a stand alone.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Carina and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
A note: The HarperCollins union goes on strike starting Thursday 11/10. This is the last review of a book published by Harper Collins or it's subsidiaries that I will post until the strike is over. Employees deserve to be paid a living wage.
February 12, 2025
Regan was an Olympic ice hockey gold medalist, and now is assistant coach for a men’s hockey team. She is loud, pushy and outspoken, usually with encouraging women’s hockey. She has also founded a charity to help less fortunate kids to start hockey.
Tierney is the best women’s hockey coach in the US, following her famous hockey playing father into the sport. Many years ago when Regan and her were both unknown, they had a week together, which neither of them has ever forgotten. Since then Tierney has been married, adopted Hope with her then wife Kate, and is now divorced. Kate and her share eight year old Hope, Tierney’s biggest priority in life.
This is a learning curve for me - I had no knowledge of hockey at all. The relationship between Regan and Tierney is an interesting journey, full of ups and downs, with Regan giving a lot of thought about why she has never had a healthy relationship. When their short breakup happens, it’s Tierney that has to think, to realise that the fault isn’t all with Regan.
This is an interesting story, well planned and written. However I found it emotionally quite superficial; we seem to see things through the eyes of Regan a lot, keeping everything at arm’s length.
Tierney is the best women’s hockey coach in the US, following her famous hockey playing father into the sport. Many years ago when Regan and her were both unknown, they had a week together, which neither of them has ever forgotten. Since then Tierney has been married, adopted Hope with her then wife Kate, and is now divorced. Kate and her share eight year old Hope, Tierney’s biggest priority in life.
This is a learning curve for me - I had no knowledge of hockey at all. The relationship between Regan and Tierney is an interesting journey, full of ups and downs, with Regan giving a lot of thought about why she has never had a healthy relationship. When their short breakup happens, it’s Tierney that has to think, to realise that the fault isn’t all with Regan.
This is an interesting story, well planned and written. However I found it emotionally quite superficial; we seem to see things through the eyes of Regan a lot, keeping everything at arm’s length.
February 19, 2025
It was a decent book but I felt lost a lot. Like it did not hold my attention like most books that keep me up all night. People were kind of monotone in my opinion. Not necessarily the same for everyone. I think a 4 is a decent star. And I don’t want to deter others from reading it.
Much love.
Much love.
September 24, 2022
2.5 Stars
Calling the Shots is an enemies to friends to lovers romance set in the world of professional hockey.
Tierney McGovern and Regan Lane are two rival coaches trying to prove themselves in a world that constantly overlooks women's sport. Tierney struggles with making a name for herself and getting out from her father's shadow. Regan is a huge advocate for women's hockey and uses her strong personality and platform for her cause. Their rivalry is eaten up by the papers and creates a competitive atmosphere that leads to funny challenges that ultimately rekindle their romance.
I absolutely loved how fiercely Regan fights for equality and inclusivity in sports. As a sports fan, I know how disparate the women's game is to the men's, regardless of sport, so I was on board for all of it. When she shuts down clearly misogynistic and sexist comments/questions from reporters or fans, I was clapping. She's my hero.
There's a lot I liked about the book -- the world of hockey, the competition, and the character growth. However, the writing felt a little disjointed. I also feel like it should've been written in 1st person POV. I don't know, but the writing kept me from connecting with the story fully and I felt I had to go back and re read portions of text just to remember what had happened.
The concept of this book is golden but the execution left a lot to be desired. Overall, this is a quick and cute read but not memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Calling the Shots is an enemies to friends to lovers romance set in the world of professional hockey.
Tierney McGovern and Regan Lane are two rival coaches trying to prove themselves in a world that constantly overlooks women's sport. Tierney struggles with making a name for herself and getting out from her father's shadow. Regan is a huge advocate for women's hockey and uses her strong personality and platform for her cause. Their rivalry is eaten up by the papers and creates a competitive atmosphere that leads to funny challenges that ultimately rekindle their romance.
I absolutely loved how fiercely Regan fights for equality and inclusivity in sports. As a sports fan, I know how disparate the women's game is to the men's, regardless of sport, so I was on board for all of it. When she shuts down clearly misogynistic and sexist comments/questions from reporters or fans, I was clapping. She's my hero.
There's a lot I liked about the book -- the world of hockey, the competition, and the character growth. However, the writing felt a little disjointed. I also feel like it should've been written in 1st person POV. I don't know, but the writing kept me from connecting with the story fully and I felt I had to go back and re read portions of text just to remember what had happened.
The concept of this book is golden but the execution left a lot to be desired. Overall, this is a quick and cute read but not memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to Kelly Farmer, Carina Press, and NetGalley for the Arc of Calling the Shots.
I liked a lot about this book, specifically that the characters seemed pretty realistic and not just caricatures of people. Nothing about them was super over exaggerated and they acted in ways that I thought were believable.
I’m also a huge fan of hockey so I enjoyed most of the hockey talk while some of it seemed just mildly unbelievable. However I do enjoy that it was based around women’s professional hockey!
The only thing I wasn’t super jazzed about is the miscommunication trope used in the book. It’s one of my least favorites, but I was happy it didn’t last very long.
Overall a good book and really enjoyable!
I liked a lot about this book, specifically that the characters seemed pretty realistic and not just caricatures of people. Nothing about them was super over exaggerated and they acted in ways that I thought were believable.
I’m also a huge fan of hockey so I enjoyed most of the hockey talk while some of it seemed just mildly unbelievable. However I do enjoy that it was based around women’s professional hockey!
The only thing I wasn’t super jazzed about is the miscommunication trope used in the book. It’s one of my least favorites, but I was happy it didn’t last very long.
Overall a good book and really enjoyable!
November 18, 2022
So proud of an old friend who has done so well in achieving her dreams as a writer. Another great book in the series that makes me curious about who will be next?
September 24, 2022
I found a lot to love about 'Calling the Shots'. It was so interesting to read a book about two rival female hockey coaches. Both women, Tierney and Regan, shared a romantic week together, but things fizzled after that week because Regan ghosted Tierney. I love a good rom-com with a friends to lovers angle to the story, and this book comes through! I also liked that they were both hockey coaches on rival teams. The added bonus of the challenge in the games created more tension between the two characters.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tierney and Regan. Both women feel the spark again between them, but they both have been hurt in the past. Tierney is divorced, and she has a daughter. She has to decide if she wants to put herself back out there again, and she has the added challenge of deciding when to introduce someone new to her daughter. Regan is someone who has a past of not being able to commit to someone. She is unsure if she wants a partner and a family, but she has to decide if she wants to take a risk.
I loved that the book dove into the difficulty of dating after divorce and dating as a parent. This is something that I don't see a lot in books that I typically read, but it is very relatable.
The descriptions of the hockey games made me feel like I was watching the games on the ice. I liked being able to read about professional female hockey teams, and the challenge that women face in professional sports.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think that I would have enjoyed it more if it was told in a first person point of view. It would have been better to read from the perspective of Regan and Tierney, alternating back and forth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC of this book! I would recommend it for sure!
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tierney and Regan. Both women feel the spark again between them, but they both have been hurt in the past. Tierney is divorced, and she has a daughter. She has to decide if she wants to put herself back out there again, and she has the added challenge of deciding when to introduce someone new to her daughter. Regan is someone who has a past of not being able to commit to someone. She is unsure if she wants a partner and a family, but she has to decide if she wants to take a risk.
I loved that the book dove into the difficulty of dating after divorce and dating as a parent. This is something that I don't see a lot in books that I typically read, but it is very relatable.
The descriptions of the hockey games made me feel like I was watching the games on the ice. I liked being able to read about professional female hockey teams, and the challenge that women face in professional sports.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think that I would have enjoyed it more if it was told in a first person point of view. It would have been better to read from the perspective of Regan and Tierney, alternating back and forth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC of this book! I would recommend it for sure!
September 23, 2022
Thank you Kelly Farmer, Carina Press (Harlequin), and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Calling the Shots comes out November 15, 2022.
Calling the Shots is a second-chance, single-mom, LGQTB, hockey romance. Tier and Regan are both head coaches of two different women's hockey teams. Regan is a hot head outgoing woman who is very vocal about the inequality between women's and men's hockey, this sometimes lands her in hot water. Tier is quite and serious and she lets her skills as a coach shine through on the ice. Before Regan got her position she makes The Challenge, which is the bet that her team would not only get into the championships but that they would win against Tier's team. What the public doesn't know is that the two not only know each other due to their time spent in the hockey world, but also years ago they spent a very steamy week together that didn't go anywhere due to Regan ghosting Tier after. While the two battle it out for the championship, they start to realize that the heat that they once had might still be there.
This books was very cute and I honestly loved all of the characters including the side characters as well. I loved Tier's daughter I though she was super cute and added humor. Tier and Regan were both flawed in their own ways but I thought they had great growth and character development. I think the only thing was that there were random big jumps in time that made reading it a little jagged. Other then that I thought this was a quick, sweet and romantic read.
Calling the Shots is a second-chance, single-mom, LGQTB, hockey romance. Tier and Regan are both head coaches of two different women's hockey teams. Regan is a hot head outgoing woman who is very vocal about the inequality between women's and men's hockey, this sometimes lands her in hot water. Tier is quite and serious and she lets her skills as a coach shine through on the ice. Before Regan got her position she makes The Challenge, which is the bet that her team would not only get into the championships but that they would win against Tier's team. What the public doesn't know is that the two not only know each other due to their time spent in the hockey world, but also years ago they spent a very steamy week together that didn't go anywhere due to Regan ghosting Tier after. While the two battle it out for the championship, they start to realize that the heat that they once had might still be there.
This books was very cute and I honestly loved all of the characters including the side characters as well. I loved Tier's daughter I though she was super cute and added humor. Tier and Regan were both flawed in their own ways but I thought they had great growth and character development. I think the only thing was that there were random big jumps in time that made reading it a little jagged. Other then that I thought this was a quick, sweet and romantic read.
November 1, 2022
I’m a huge fan of sports romances, particularly hockey romances and really enjoyed this one from a new to me author. This is the third installment in this series but I definitely enjoyed it as a stand-alone and plan to read the prior books in the series. This was a fun, quick read and very enjoyable.
Regan and Tierney are both head coaches for teams in the female hockey league with a prior past that has created tension. They are cordial and courteous to each other when necessary for press events but their polar opposite personalities clash. Tierney is reserved and all business where Regan is unapologetically loud and the center of attention. Their dynamic is fun to read from their rivalry to their budding relationship. I thought it definitely added to the story how much Tierney’s daughter was included. She’s definitely an important character in Tierney’s storyline and how that factors into the relationship between the two MC’s. The romance scenes in the book is fade to black but there is definitely enough slow burn tension between these two characters.
I normally read MM sports and some MF sports so it was a nice change to read from the female perspective. Important issues were brought up and discussed about inclusivity and equality for women that are often missing.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and Carina Press and this is my honest and fair review.
Regan and Tierney are both head coaches for teams in the female hockey league with a prior past that has created tension. They are cordial and courteous to each other when necessary for press events but their polar opposite personalities clash. Tierney is reserved and all business where Regan is unapologetically loud and the center of attention. Their dynamic is fun to read from their rivalry to their budding relationship. I thought it definitely added to the story how much Tierney’s daughter was included. She’s definitely an important character in Tierney’s storyline and how that factors into the relationship between the two MC’s. The romance scenes in the book is fade to black but there is definitely enough slow burn tension between these two characters.
I normally read MM sports and some MF sports so it was a nice change to read from the female perspective. Important issues were brought up and discussed about inclusivity and equality for women that are often missing.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and Carina Press and this is my honest and fair review.
November 14, 2022
“Calling the Shots” is a sweet and fun WLW enemies to lovers romance set in the hockey world that was a quick read and brought some stuff to light that needs it shined on.
Regan Lane is a playing legend in the hockey world and is now a coach in the WNHL. She is loud and opinionated on all things and especially equality in the hockey world. Tierney McGoven is also a coach and lets her coaching skills speak for themselves. Since the league is small, their two teams often go up against each other which leads to some friendly betting to make it interesting. But as they get to know each other more, there is an attraction lying underneath.
This was a fun book to read even if it completely lacked on the spice. I wasn’t expecting a throw her down and have your way with her for several chapters but some sort of intimate connection would have been nice. I did love the connection Regan and Tierney had and that’s why I wanted the adult connection. A lot of the “relationship” scenes could have been perceived as friends getting into an argument vs a couple in an agreement. Their banter was great and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen with them next. My favorite part was how involved Regan was on bringing equality to the women and their careers in the sporting world. The women are just as talented the men and deserve to have the recognition. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Regan Lane is a playing legend in the hockey world and is now a coach in the WNHL. She is loud and opinionated on all things and especially equality in the hockey world. Tierney McGoven is also a coach and lets her coaching skills speak for themselves. Since the league is small, their two teams often go up against each other which leads to some friendly betting to make it interesting. But as they get to know each other more, there is an attraction lying underneath.
This was a fun book to read even if it completely lacked on the spice. I wasn’t expecting a throw her down and have your way with her for several chapters but some sort of intimate connection would have been nice. I did love the connection Regan and Tierney had and that’s why I wanted the adult connection. A lot of the “relationship” scenes could have been perceived as friends getting into an argument vs a couple in an agreement. Their banter was great and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen with them next. My favorite part was how involved Regan was on bringing equality to the women and their careers in the sporting world. The women are just as talented the men and deserve to have the recognition. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.
November 5, 2022
While this is the third book in a series, I have not read the first two and this definitely can be read as a standalone.
Regan Lane has a big personality and she’s not afraid to show it. When declares that she can lead the Boston Ice to a repeat championship she ends up creating a rivalry between herself and Tierney McGovern, the coach of the New York Lady Libertys. Tierney’s personality is the opposite of Regan’s and she just wants to quietly lead her team to championship. But, the media latches onto the challenge and the two find themselves forced together and only able to avoid their past for so long.
I really like the approach the story took when discussing the value of Women’s sports. This is an unavoidable topic given the subject matter but many novels will acknowledge bias exists but won’t take any type of stance on how it should be handled. Regan is very clearly dedicated to fighting that bias even if her ways aren’t always the most graceful.
I found myself cringing near the end, there were just too many cliches, bad puns, and a feeling of just rattling off facts. There was a moment where I felt like the novel was going to end because too much of the conflict was resolved. Instead of continuing to build on the existing conflict it a new one needed to be introduced to carry the plot through the rest of the novel.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Regan Lane has a big personality and she’s not afraid to show it. When declares that she can lead the Boston Ice to a repeat championship she ends up creating a rivalry between herself and Tierney McGovern, the coach of the New York Lady Libertys. Tierney’s personality is the opposite of Regan’s and she just wants to quietly lead her team to championship. But, the media latches onto the challenge and the two find themselves forced together and only able to avoid their past for so long.
I really like the approach the story took when discussing the value of Women’s sports. This is an unavoidable topic given the subject matter but many novels will acknowledge bias exists but won’t take any type of stance on how it should be handled. Regan is very clearly dedicated to fighting that bias even if her ways aren’t always the most graceful.
I found myself cringing near the end, there were just too many cliches, bad puns, and a feeling of just rattling off facts. There was a moment where I felt like the novel was going to end because too much of the conflict was resolved. Instead of continuing to build on the existing conflict it a new one needed to be introduced to carry the plot through the rest of the novel.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
September 22, 2024
DNF at 62%
I deliberately chose this book because I wanted to finally experience a sapphic hockey romance…unfortunately I was disappointed by this read. By chapter 2, I already knew I wasn’t going to like it very much, but I tried my best to push through and give it a chance. I didn’t end up finishing it because it just felt like a waste of time.
On top of being extremely cringey, the writing is simply not good. Time passes in the book, and the relationships progress, but there was a serious lack of depth and description that is needed to convey any emotion in a good romance. I thought Tierney’s character was written pretty well, there was genuine development in her arc, but Regan was very strange. She was meant to be “too cool” but came off as off-putting and pushy.
There was also a lot of switching perspectives, even within the same chapter, to the point where it was difficult to differentiate who was speaking. Especially since the book names so many different side characters (ex: entire hockey team members, staff they’re interacting with, past lovers, current lovers, family members, family members’ past lovers - it’s too much).
I feel bad, but I would not recommend this book, even if you are a big women’s hockey fan. I know it’s hard to find good sapphic content, but this isn’t worth your time.
I deliberately chose this book because I wanted to finally experience a sapphic hockey romance…unfortunately I was disappointed by this read. By chapter 2, I already knew I wasn’t going to like it very much, but I tried my best to push through and give it a chance. I didn’t end up finishing it because it just felt like a waste of time.
On top of being extremely cringey, the writing is simply not good. Time passes in the book, and the relationships progress, but there was a serious lack of depth and description that is needed to convey any emotion in a good romance. I thought Tierney’s character was written pretty well, there was genuine development in her arc, but Regan was very strange. She was meant to be “too cool” but came off as off-putting and pushy.
There was also a lot of switching perspectives, even within the same chapter, to the point where it was difficult to differentiate who was speaking. Especially since the book names so many different side characters (ex: entire hockey team members, staff they’re interacting with, past lovers, current lovers, family members, family members’ past lovers - it’s too much).
I feel bad, but I would not recommend this book, even if you are a big women’s hockey fan. I know it’s hard to find good sapphic content, but this isn’t worth your time.
October 2, 2022
I love a good sports romance and we seem to see alot of M/F and M/M romances but not as many F/F!
So hats off to Kelly Farmer for Calling the Shots about two female ice hockey coaches.
Regan Lane is and outspoken ex-player (literally and figuratively). She gets a promotion to the Boston Ice as head coach, after spending time as assistant coach in the NHL, and is quickly back in the orbit of one-time (brief) flame Tierney McGovern, coach of the New York Libertys. Tierney has never forgiven Regan for loving and leaving her after a week's tryst early in their careers. She's moved on having married (and divorced) and having a child - but the wound is still fresh and she's determined not to allow Regan's brash, showboating nature get under her skin. She has a cup to win!
Calling the Shots was a good mix of Tierney and Regan managing team dynamics, and their personal lives - Tierney's moreso given she shared custody of her daughter with her ex. There was enough hockey to appease the hockey enthusiasts, a little steam for those loving the steam (could have been a little more), and some drama to make you question if there was going to be a happy ever after.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for this ARC!
So hats off to Kelly Farmer for Calling the Shots about two female ice hockey coaches.
Regan Lane is and outspoken ex-player (literally and figuratively). She gets a promotion to the Boston Ice as head coach, after spending time as assistant coach in the NHL, and is quickly back in the orbit of one-time (brief) flame Tierney McGovern, coach of the New York Libertys. Tierney has never forgiven Regan for loving and leaving her after a week's tryst early in their careers. She's moved on having married (and divorced) and having a child - but the wound is still fresh and she's determined not to allow Regan's brash, showboating nature get under her skin. She has a cup to win!
Calling the Shots was a good mix of Tierney and Regan managing team dynamics, and their personal lives - Tierney's moreso given she shared custody of her daughter with her ex. There was enough hockey to appease the hockey enthusiasts, a little steam for those loving the steam (could have been a little more), and some drama to make you question if there was going to be a happy ever after.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for this ARC!
November 6, 2022
CW: Past divorce mentioned; Misogyny
As a fan of hockey I was intrigued by Calling the Shots for a female sports romance. The Regan and Tiereny, our two main characters were enjoyable and their romance felt realistic and well developed. I'm not familiar with Kelly Farmer's previous titles so familiar side characters to others who have read her books were unknown to me, and yet I found each one nuanced and enjoyable enough that I would consider picking up previous titles just to learn their stories.
Kelly Famer did a wonderful job with building a realistic rivals to lovers/second chance romance, describing and the descriptions of the hockey scenes were wonderful. However, the writing was a little difficult to follow at times. It could have been better if the chapters were in first person point of view and alternating between Regan and Tiereny. There were jut one too many times where I would have to re-read sections because I got confused on whose internal monologue I was reading and it take me out of the story completely.
Overall, a fun read with enjoyable characters and a happy ending. What more could you want?
Thanks to NetGalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan of hockey I was intrigued by Calling the Shots for a female sports romance. The Regan and Tiereny, our two main characters were enjoyable and their romance felt realistic and well developed. I'm not familiar with Kelly Farmer's previous titles so familiar side characters to others who have read her books were unknown to me, and yet I found each one nuanced and enjoyable enough that I would consider picking up previous titles just to learn their stories.
Kelly Famer did a wonderful job with building a realistic rivals to lovers/second chance romance, describing and the descriptions of the hockey scenes were wonderful. However, the writing was a little difficult to follow at times. It could have been better if the chapters were in first person point of view and alternating between Regan and Tiereny. There were jut one too many times where I would have to re-read sections because I got confused on whose internal monologue I was reading and it take me out of the story completely.
Overall, a fun read with enjoyable characters and a happy ending. What more could you want?
Thanks to NetGalley, Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
Reading Kelly Farmer's writing is very comforting for me. I enjoy the pace and the characters. Even when they have things to get over, they don't make stupid romance books mistakes. The world that she's created with her Out on the Ice series feels big, and I like visiting the characters.
Something Farmer does here is to show the common ground between two characters who might seem on the surface to be very different. Regan is brash and loud-mouthed. Tierney is very closed in. One might even call her an ice queen in the non-hockey sense. Both have things to work through, but their hearts are in the right place.
The story here is about Regan taking up a coaching position for the Boston Ice, and Tierney continuing to coach the Lady Libertys all the while coparenting her adopted daughter after a divorce. The ladies have to get over their own broken childhoods, and balancing seeing each other. This fits a second chance romance trope because almost 20 years ago in their past, the two ladies had a fling that was memorable to both of them.
This was a good read and recommended for those who like sports romance and two independent leads owning up to their damage and working on it.
I received a review copy from NetGalley and Carina Press.
Something Farmer does here is to show the common ground between two characters who might seem on the surface to be very different. Regan is brash and loud-mouthed. Tierney is very closed in. One might even call her an ice queen in the non-hockey sense. Both have things to work through, but their hearts are in the right place.
The story here is about Regan taking up a coaching position for the Boston Ice, and Tierney continuing to coach the Lady Libertys all the while coparenting her adopted daughter after a divorce. The ladies have to get over their own broken childhoods, and balancing seeing each other. This fits a second chance romance trope because almost 20 years ago in their past, the two ladies had a fling that was memorable to both of them.
This was a good read and recommended for those who like sports romance and two independent leads owning up to their damage and working on it.
I received a review copy from NetGalley and Carina Press.
December 18, 2022
*I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I saw sapphic hockey romance and went say no more I have to read this.
This is the third book in a series but it mostly stands well on its own-there were a few scenes early on with side characters that made it apparent that I was missing context from earlier books but nothing major.
My favorite parts of the book were the hockey and Regan and Tierney. Kelly Farmer did a great job highlighting the disparity women's hockey faces and I liked seeing the team dynamics and back office team stuff. As for our two leads, they were both very driven and flawed and I liked seeing them come together and work through their issues. I wasn't totally sold on the rivals to lovers thing, but that's mostly a personal preference. Overall the romance was really sweet.
My two gripes with this are that it felt too long and that there were scenes that I had to go back and reread because the I wasn't sure who's POV we were actually in at the moment, like a scene would be from Regan's POV but then there would be a line of internal dialogue that felt like it was actually Tierney.
I saw sapphic hockey romance and went say no more I have to read this.
This is the third book in a series but it mostly stands well on its own-there were a few scenes early on with side characters that made it apparent that I was missing context from earlier books but nothing major.
My favorite parts of the book were the hockey and Regan and Tierney. Kelly Farmer did a great job highlighting the disparity women's hockey faces and I liked seeing the team dynamics and back office team stuff. As for our two leads, they were both very driven and flawed and I liked seeing them come together and work through their issues. I wasn't totally sold on the rivals to lovers thing, but that's mostly a personal preference. Overall the romance was really sweet.
My two gripes with this are that it felt too long and that there were scenes that I had to go back and reread because the I wasn't sure who's POV we were actually in at the moment, like a scene would be from Regan's POV but then there would be a line of internal dialogue that felt like it was actually Tierney.
September 21, 2022
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an earc in exchange for a review!
Calling The Shots is a lesbian hockey romance featuring the coaches of rival women's hockey teams who have a history and a spark between them that never quite died even though their last encounter was over a decade ago. Regan is a fiery and loud extrovert, while Tierney is much more quiet and reserved. However, they have a connection in their troubled pasts and messy family lives that they manage to connect over.
I enjoyed this book and the romance between Tier and Regan, especially the banter between the two of them and Hope as a character. It was great to see how protective Tier was over her child and how Regan came to love Hope as well. One thing I didn't love as much in this book was how vague the time skips were, to the point where I couldn't always tell when they happened until a few sentences in. The romance was very sweet though and I am interested in reading the other books in the series to learn more about the other hockey couples
Calling The Shots is a lesbian hockey romance featuring the coaches of rival women's hockey teams who have a history and a spark between them that never quite died even though their last encounter was over a decade ago. Regan is a fiery and loud extrovert, while Tierney is much more quiet and reserved. However, they have a connection in their troubled pasts and messy family lives that they manage to connect over.
I enjoyed this book and the romance between Tier and Regan, especially the banter between the two of them and Hope as a character. It was great to see how protective Tier was over her child and how Regan came to love Hope as well. One thing I didn't love as much in this book was how vague the time skips were, to the point where I couldn't always tell when they happened until a few sentences in. The romance was very sweet though and I am interested in reading the other books in the series to learn more about the other hockey couples
November 5, 2022
Calling the Shots is a a hockey romance centered around Tierney and Reagan. Tierney is a bad girl, who has the i don’t care what anyone thinks vibe and Reagan is a level headed woman pushing for inclusion within the professional hockey realm.
i enjoy an enemies to lovers moment so i loved how these two female MCs came from a spotty past and reconnected into something that started as a fling. I loved the idea of this book, but I felt strongly it shouldn’t have been written in first person POV. There was a lot of instances where i felt like i lost connection with the characters because it was on 3rd person.
I enjoyed the MC banter and their development but it felt disjointed at times and due to that I was left in a place where it didn’t feel memorable to me.
I also didn’t know this was the 3rd book on the series, but it read as a stand-alone! It’s a quick, cute read, nice palate cleanser but wasn’t memorable.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i enjoy an enemies to lovers moment so i loved how these two female MCs came from a spotty past and reconnected into something that started as a fling. I loved the idea of this book, but I felt strongly it shouldn’t have been written in first person POV. There was a lot of instances where i felt like i lost connection with the characters because it was on 3rd person.
I enjoyed the MC banter and their development but it felt disjointed at times and due to that I was left in a place where it didn’t feel memorable to me.
I also didn’t know this was the 3rd book on the series, but it read as a stand-alone! It’s a quick, cute read, nice palate cleanser but wasn’t memorable.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2022
DNF at 30%.
Someone who likes banter might like this more than I did, not much happens except people talk to each other, but even then it's not interesting talking? I didn't get a sense of any actual spark between the MCs, antagonistic or otherwise - it mostly felt like Regan was trying to make something happen and Tierney had better stuff to do. Very pigtail pulling, and I didn't get into it.
I don't want to harp on a book that was mostly just not for me but there were a few major issues I had with the set up, including the premise that Regan coaches a Boston hockey team but still lives in New York. What!? That should've been a much bigger deal than it is presented as, but instead she's just kind of in NY all the time so she can mack on Tierney. Generally there's very little sense that the world around the characters matters in any way, and it made me unable to care about what they did.
I will give this book/its marketing a brownie point for calling something enemies to lovers where they are ACTUALLY on two different sides of a thing. Good job.
Someone who likes banter might like this more than I did, not much happens except people talk to each other, but even then it's not interesting talking? I didn't get a sense of any actual spark between the MCs, antagonistic or otherwise - it mostly felt like Regan was trying to make something happen and Tierney had better stuff to do. Very pigtail pulling, and I didn't get into it.
I don't want to harp on a book that was mostly just not for me but there were a few major issues I had with the set up, including the premise that Regan coaches a Boston hockey team but still lives in New York. What!? That should've been a much bigger deal than it is presented as, but instead she's just kind of in NY all the time so she can mack on Tierney. Generally there's very little sense that the world around the characters matters in any way, and it made me unable to care about what they did.
I will give this book/its marketing a brownie point for calling something enemies to lovers where they are ACTUALLY on two different sides of a thing. Good job.
January 1, 2025
hat trick: emotional immaturity, blaming, and pitiful communication
Review breakdown:
Writing: I nodded off in the first half which I think was a combo of the writing and the content
Characters: tierney is insecure to the point she makes it everyone else's problem. i think i get what the author was going for with regan, but I didn't care for her, either. wasn't rooting for them.
Plot: two women's pro hockey coaches with a history start dating and have a 3rd act breakup. there's no "enemies" here. there's not even fwb. they just talk to each other, sleep together, and become gfs. and it's both boring and unconvincing.
What would make this an extra star read for me: I will never root for a couple who make each other feel like there's something wrong with them and they need to change who they are. even if someone does need to change something (looking at you, tierney), it's not healthy for your partner to make you feel like you are a bad person. just say, "not for me" and move on.
Vibes: boring and irritating
Review breakdown:
Writing: I nodded off in the first half which I think was a combo of the writing and the content
Characters: tierney is insecure to the point she makes it everyone else's problem. i think i get what the author was going for with regan, but I didn't care for her, either. wasn't rooting for them.
Plot: two women's pro hockey coaches with a history start dating and have a 3rd act breakup. there's no "enemies" here. there's not even fwb. they just talk to each other, sleep together, and become gfs. and it's both boring and unconvincing.
What would make this an extra star read for me: I will never root for a couple who make each other feel like there's something wrong with them and they need to change who they are. even if someone does need to change something (looking at you, tierney), it's not healthy for your partner to make you feel like you are a bad person. just say, "not for me" and move on.
Vibes: boring and irritating
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