Review of In My Hockey Era (Must Love Hockey #1) by Jenna Ryan
When I first stumbled upon In My Hockey Era, I was immediately drawn in by its playful title and the promise of a charming romance centered around hockey. Knowing Jenna Ryan has a knack for infusing humor and heart into her stories, I couldn’t resist hopping into this world. What I didn’t expect was to find myself on such a rollercoaster of emotions—not just in the romantic sense, but also in terms of how I felt about the characters and their journeys.
A Rocky Start, but an Enriching Journey
To be honest, the initial chapters didn’t quite resonate with me. The story seemed to lean heavily on familiar tropes, almost as if Ryan was ticking off boxes on a romance checklist. The scene at the dog shelter, where Bennett adopts a, dare I say, possessive stance toward Lucy, felt rushed. I found myself questioning how a man could be so jealous after just a single conversation! And Lucy’s early antagonism toward him made me wonder — what was her deal, really? The competition over the book club seemed contrived, with her betting on whether or not she’d dislike the book they were discussing. It felt like an artificial setup for an "enemies-to-lovers" arc that lacked depth.
But like any love story worth its salt, things began to shift as the plot unfolded. As Bennett and Lucy’s interactions became more nuanced, I finally felt that spark between them. Their banter, which initially felt a bit flat, soon transformed into something I found myself genuinely chuckling over. There’s something about watching two characters grow that makes their dialogue pop, and that transitioned beautifully.
Moments That Make Your Heart Melt
One of the highlights of this book was Bennett’s nurturing side. A particular scene stands out when Lucy returns home after a long shift: Bennett shows up uninvited but with all the right intentions—groceries, dinner, even a shoulder massage. It was such a pure moment of care and vulnerability that I nearly swooned. I mean, who doesn’t love a partner who just gets you and knows exactly what you need? This ongoing theme of Bennett taking care of Lucy added a heartfelt layer to their love story that resonated with me in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
I adored the sprinklings of meta commentary throughout, too. Their discussions about being in a "real-life hockey romance" were fun and brought a sense of humor that kept me chuckling. This self-awareness brought a refreshing twist to the narrative.
Some Hits and Misses
However, not everything was crystal clear. Some plot points, like the jealousy moments and the weight placed on expiring conflicts with Bennett’s ex-wife, felt undercooked. I kept hoping for deeper revelations or confrontations that would help bolster the emotional stakes, but often they just skimmed the surface. Lucy’s position as a female podcaster in a male-dominated space could have been an incredible platform for exploration, yet it remained largely untouched.
The pacing also felt a bit uneven; while the development of the couple’s relationship soared in the middle, the ending dragged on with scenes that felt more like filler than closure. I would have loved to see more focus on resolving the book club subplot, which becomes a mere afterthought.
Final Thoughts
In short, while In My Hockey Era had its wobbly moments, it delivered a satisfying blend of humor, tenderness, and charm. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of lighthearted romance with a hint of sport, all while sipping on a cozy cup of coffee. If you’re looking for a good time filled with lovable characters and endearing moments, this one might just find its home on your shelf!
Overall, I’m glad I gave this book a chance, despite my rocky start. It transformed my expectations and left me smiling by the end, which is truly what we all seek in a romance, isn’t it? ☕💖
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