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moni_reads's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 2 in the Love in the Arena Series and can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. Out of Play is told through Emmeline and Grant's pov is a sweet romance about two individuals unexpectedly falling in love.
After her past relationship, Emmeline isn't interested in dating athletes. When she meets Grant, she can't deny feeling a pull to him but she's determined to stick to her rule. Like her, Grant's focus is on having a good rookie season and he's not thinking about having a relationship. Yet, he's drawn to Emmeline and wants to get to know her. As they spend more time together, the each have to do decide if a relationship is something possible.
While there was instant attraction between them, their romance was a slow burn. Though neither was looking for a relationship, they didn't try hard to not spend time together. Emmeline had good reasons to protect her heart and I liked how Grant was simply himself. He won her over with his honesty and how careful he was with her feelings. The romance was a clean one consisting of descriptive, but not steamy, kissing and no cursing was used. I enjoyed seeing the dynamics of the team and reading about the sport. Overall, this was a great follow up to the first book and I would like to read more from this series.
After her past relationship, Emmeline isn't interested in dating athletes. When she meets Grant, she can't deny feeling a pull to him but she's determined to stick to her rule. Like her, Grant's focus is on having a good rookie season and he's not thinking about having a relationship. Yet, he's drawn to Emmeline and wants to get to know her. As they spend more time together, the each have to do decide if a relationship is something possible.
While there was instant attraction between them, their romance was a slow burn. Though neither was looking for a relationship, they didn't try hard to not spend time together. Emmeline had good reasons to protect her heart and I liked how Grant was simply himself. He won her over with his honesty and how careful he was with her feelings. The romance was a clean one consisting of descriptive, but not steamy, kissing and no cursing was used. I enjoyed seeing the dynamics of the team and reading about the sport. Overall, this was a great follow up to the first book and I would like to read more from this series.
nikkireads365_'s review
⚽️ Out Of Play by Kayla Tirrell ⚽️
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
✨ Sibling Protection/Love?
⚽️ Teacher Representation
✨ Food Truck Tacos
⚽️ The Dating Game
✨ Instagram Likes
As the sequel to Penalty Box, we now follow the lives of Finn’s sister Emmeline and the newest rookie on the team, Grant. Em finally attends one of her brother’s games and despite how much she hates athletes (minus her brother) she develops a low key crush on Grant. Unlike the first book which focuses on second chances, this story focuses on second guessing the rule to “not date athletes” — especially soccer players.
I love that Emmeline is a teacher and we spend some more time in a school, but the twist being we see the teacher’s perspective. As an educator, it’s always nice to see stories that get the reality of teaching and can portray it with accuracy (and sometimes frustration…). The only gripe I have with Em is her ability to hold grudges against some, but not equally with all. Grant is a fabulous MMC and his character’s tenacity and withitness is reasonable and well portrayed. Will he be a professional sports person forever? No. Does he actively think of a productive back up? Absolutely. Level headed. Love it.
The tension and banter between Em and Grant is great. I love their flirting encounters and conversations. It’s subtle and cute and heartwarming overall. It’s a great feel good sports romance.
Spice:
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
✨ Sibling Protection/Love?
⚽️ Teacher Representation
✨ Food Truck Tacos
⚽️ The Dating Game
✨ Instagram Likes
As the sequel to Penalty Box, we now follow the lives of Finn’s sister Emmeline and the newest rookie on the team, Grant. Em finally attends one of her brother’s games and despite how much she hates athletes (minus her brother) she develops a low key crush on Grant. Unlike the first book which focuses on second chances, this story focuses on second guessing the rule to “not date athletes” — especially soccer players.
I love that Emmeline is a teacher and we spend some more time in a school, but the twist being we see the teacher’s perspective. As an educator, it’s always nice to see stories that get the reality of teaching and can portray it with accuracy (and sometimes frustration…). The only gripe I have with Em is her ability to hold grudges against some, but not equally with all. Grant is a fabulous MMC and his character’s tenacity and withitness is reasonable and well portrayed. Will he be a professional sports person forever? No. Does he actively think of a productive back up? Absolutely. Level headed. Love it.
The tension and banter between Em and Grant is great. I love their flirting encounters and conversations. It’s subtle and cute and heartwarming overall. It’s a great feel good sports romance.
Spice:
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