REVIEW: Out of the Game by Kate Willoughby

Out of the Game (In the Zone #3) by Kate Willoughby: You know that feeling when someone challenges you and you just can’t say no even though it would be better if you did? That feeling when you push yourself just that little bit further? What happens when your partner does the same? Can you push each other in the net? Or will you each get tossed for unsportsmanlike conduct?

Claire Marzano had been there and done that. The death of her parents had forced her to grow up quickly, so she did which meant now almost thirty she hadn’t had the “fun” of her twenties. Was a divorcee and she hadn’t indulged in some of her fantasies… yet that is. However the focus right now was her baby sister and the amazing wedding she was going to have.

Alex Sullivan was a hockey player, and a good one at that playing on one of the best NHL teams around. He was also a player and had a LOT of notches on his bedposts. At the end of the season he had a wake up call though, get fit, get right and get real or be traded, which meant he had some rethinking to do. Right now though he just needed to get through his best friend’s wedding.

As best man and maid of honor Claire and Alex needed to work together, the problem, their chemistry and meddling relatives. Would they be able to have a no strings affair? Would they be able to keep their hearts out of it? Or would Alex be able to grow up enough to be the man that Claire didn’t realize she needed or deserved?

I need to start this by telling you I love hockey and I love hockey romances which may be why I stuck through the beginning of this book and I’m so happy that I did. The choice of verbiage in the beginning can be a bit off putting but watching the transformation in both Claire and Alex was completely worth it. Don’t get me wrong you will probably end up screaming at both of them while reading this but it’s because they are so well written and well developed that you are rooting for them even when they seem so dumb. This story is really about the transformation of the characters and what growing up and growing in love can do to you even when you are least expecting it.

The only question now is will the rest of the team have their stories told?
 

Book Info:

Published March 16th 2015 by Carina Press | (In the Zone #3)

Alex Sullivan may be the San Diego Barracudas’ resident playboy, but he hasn’t been able to forget the woman who kissed him like her life depended on it ten months ago. When he sees her again at a teammate’s wedding, he can’t think of anything but spending more time with her. Preferably naked.

Claire Marzano lost years catering to an overbearing husband, and she’s not going to answer to anyone ever again. A hot fling is just what she needs to get back in the game, and that’s exactly what sexy Alex offers—one wild long weekend away, with no promises or obligations.

But that one weekend changes everything. Despite knowing full well Alex isn’t the kind to ever commit, Claire is falling for him. And Alex secretly imagines a future with his strong, smart “accidental girlfriend.” Until a surprise announcement and an on-ice accident threaten to derail everything…or cause Alex to finally ditch his old ways and become the man Claire needs him to be.

Don’t miss On the Surface and Across the Line, available now!