In one word: Awesome!
LE Sigh!
In one word? AWESOME!
Playing Defense ticks every box when it comes to cute&fluffy. It was an easy and extremely enjoyable read, two interesting MCs, good support cast, many cute and funny moments, loads to swoon and hot Hockey boys. What's more to want? But Playing Defense offered much more than that. While lighthearted there are some interesting issues highlighted. And while it's defo a cute and swooney romance the two MCs do some considerable growth because of each other.
I loved Center Ice, in fact it was one of the novels the set me on the Entangled-Crush path. So I knew that I like Cameron's witty and fun writing. I was not disappointed, in fact I feel that Cameron did an even better job in this one. She managed subtly to add even more depth.
The story line was swoony, just like one would expect. There are naturally some problems, but also a lot of funny and very defining moments. I adore Chris and Dia's story. Love the friendships they both formed. My favorite part was the Sisterhood of Awesomeness. It's inspiring but also so much fun- and the interactions of the characters was the best.
On a sidenote I love how Cameron handled the smexy-stuff. It's fab, that she showed that the characters can be all headover heels, totally taken by each other, without being explicit- yet they discuss things and respect each other. It's definitely one of the things that gives it depth.
Let's just put it out there: This is awesome not just because we got super hotties and swooney cute stuff- but mostly because of the character building. In my opinion the character building makes this fabulous.
I love both Chris and Claudia. Love most of the support cast. But more than that it was amazing how two very different people, both kinda stuck but ok, help each other to become more authentic and to overcome their fears. The character growth is exhilarating and is what made me happy sigh on many occasions. Best thing ever.
I hope that we get to revisit the group of friend in the next installment of the series! Because now I am totally invested in them and I have a few questions that weren't answered.
Sadly, I also had a little issue with the character building. One being the mother. I got that she was anxious and all. But can you say extreme? She is supposed to be this intelligent person but I just couldn't believe her prejudice.. or her rudeness.
Then there is Annalise. I got that she was jealous, but she obviously just didn't want Claudia to be happy.. Or at least that's how it comes across. There was never an explanation for her behaviour nor were we told if Claudia and her worked things out. It's kind of like her character was created to cause friction, she was a baddie, because there was a need for one. Full stop. Which is nearly painful, when set in contrast to all the other characters.
While this does work as a stand-alone. DON'T miss out on Karen and Tyler's story. Trust me, read both.
A fabulous addition to a good series.
An absolute must read for lovers of the genre.
I can't wait for the next installment that is due to be published in May!
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