Review by Danielle
TITLE: Against the Rush
SERIES: Philadelphia Power #1
AUTHOR: Susan Scott Shelley & Chantal Mer
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 184 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2023
BLURB:
Jalen Daniels loves his job as a hockey coach to kids in the Philadelphia Power’s youth league. Coaching in the same league he played in and volunteering his time to a charity that brings the game to underserved communities takes up much of his time. The rest is filled with playing hockey in a rec league and bouncing at a nightclub. Meeting Leif Larsson, star player for the Power and father of one of the kids he coaches, knocks Jalen’s busy life off balance and leaves him craving Philly’s favorite Swede.
Philadelphia Power defenseman Leif Larsson has devoted the last four years to being a dad and a hockey player, in that order. Focusing on being the best dad for his daughter and the best teammate and player for the team was all that mattered. But when he sees Jalen at a charity event, their connection is strong enough to push his heart into pursuing the talented, surprising, handsome man.
Amid the bustle of hockey season, the sparks between Jalen and Leif ignite into something bigger and brighter than they’ve ever experienced. But navigating a relationship when their conflicting schedules make meeting up close to impossible is harder on their hearts than they anticipated. Can they find a way to score a win for love?
REVIEW:
Let me start by saying what came to me after finishing reading this story. What a fabulous, wonderful, warmhearted book.
I picked up this book in a request because it just really spiked my interest and gosh am I glad I did. I absolutely loved reading about these two men but even more so their “family”.
I love a good sports romance and this seemed to fit the bill pefectly.
The authors do an amazing job in getting you interested and invested in this story. I noticed myself completely being wrapped in their lives. Not just from Leif and Jalen or even Thea, but also very much in that of Leif’s teammates and choosen family, so to speak.
The connection between Leif and Jalen is there instantly but it does take some time for them to act on it, depsite wanting to go for it head over heels. Time shedules and busy jobs definitely make for a hard struggle to find some time to explore their building relationship and feeling towards eachother.
Thea, as Leif’s daughter, is definitely present and the little drama that is in this book is centrered around her, but you just know that things will work out.
The dual parenting that Leif and Candy do with her is nicely written into the book and you can feel the warm bond between both co parents.
When Jalen and Leif find time together it makes your heart warm; you can just feel the love coming from the pages.
As I am a sucker for a good (interconnected) series, one of the best things in this book, as I mentioned, is their family, and by that I mean their friends. I love the men on this team the family Leif created for himself.
I am so excited to read their stories and can absolutely not wait to see what is going to happen. The little sneaky things the authors drop into this book make you even more excited and curious for that. I mean the look between two of the players that Jalen also notices, the rookie’s story that seems to be hinted at, and especially what is the deal with the Captain (Axel)? I seriously cannot wait to read all their stories.
The writing is flawless and sucks you in. It for sure made me go and buy their Love & Rugby series that I found out they had written together before this new series. I am excited to dig in to that one 🙂
Overall, I can wholeheartedly say that if you are looking for a low angst, sports-themed hockey book, this is one you want to pick up for sure.
Highly recommended.
RATING: 
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