Limecello’s review of Power Play by Nancy Warren
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Nov 2009
I really enjoy Nancy Warren’s books. She’s an author I try to keep up with, and am happy to read any of her stories by whatever publisher. Power Play was no exception, and definitely a great Blaze story. I have to say, I’ve also got a soft spot for hockey player heroes. And this one’s a cop too. Actually, a cop first – but in the book, he’s at a hockey tournament. No really, this all makes sense. Enjoy.
Emily Saunders is a contradictory heroine. Or, I thought so, but in a way, that makes her realistic. In another way, I found it annoying. Let me explain. Emily is smart, savvy, put together, and has it together. She’s a massage therapist and essentially owns her own business. She has a good life, and is well adjusted and happy. Until she’s around family. Then she’s a giant pushover, and basically a door mat. She knows this. It drives her insane. But she doesn’t do anything about it. (I know this is all too common and prevalent in real life… but fiction! Anyway, there’s always the hope.) I didn’t hold it against her.
Jonah Betts is hot, and adorable. If I think about it too much he’ll be a bit old for me – but… that’s not a universal thing. Jonah is the one who first figures out what is going on at the hotel- and he’s so… there. Once he’s in, Jonah is committed. You know Jonah is a good guy because he keeps his word, and is grown up. Jonah promises to not make a move on Emily, and he doesn’t. In fact, he gets a little pouty because he thinks Emily was just leading him on – but she was waiting for him to act first. I found this to be the cutest, sweetest thing ever. Ever!
If you read Ms. Warren’s website, you’ll see that the horrible hotel situation actually happened. That explains a lot – everything is so realistic, and borderline ludicrous that it had to have been based on an actual experience. The secondary characters are fun and entertaining, and Emily’s family outrageous and infuriating, as they’re supposed to be, I imagine. I also must make a note of the secondary romance. It was fantastic. I almost wish the couple didn’t have their happy ending because I wouldn’t mind reading an entire book devoted to the two of them. (Yes, me. The one who is starting to despise series.)
I’ve come to realize that Ms. Warren’s stories are so… small town and comfortable (at least in feel, though not always in setting) until *bam* you’re hit with some rather outrageous action. Ms. Warren hints at it throughout the book, but its not what you really expect. I can’t decide if this is a good or bad thing, but it definitely comes as a surprise to both the characters, and the reader. The relative/villain was a bit static – and I thought it was over the top, how Emily’s family acted about him when they thought the two of them were “hitting it off” – but… what can you do. Family is crazy. (And I suppose hard to write realistically when given the word/length restrictions of a category.)
I loved this book… up until the end. I hated the ending. In fact, I disliked it so much I’m going to tell you what it was. (And generally I do my utmost to avoid that.) Do Emily and Jonah end up together? I don’t know. The easy answer is “yes of course.” But really in the book, all the characters say is “no, this wasn’t just a weekend fling!” In fact, Emily starts dwelling on it – in her head only – and Jonah “reassures” her by saying “You think we were done? Silly, we’ll definitely hang out in Portland!” Ok, so that’s not it verbatim, but am I convinced they’ll end up happily ever after and together forever? No. Not necessarily – and that is the reason why I read romances, dammit.
So. Aside from the ending, I really liked the book. Unfortunately, just thinking about the ending annoys me. You’ll notice I still think Power Play is a good book. It just… couldshould have been better. Still, I recommend this book to everyone who likes Blaze books, Ms. Warren’s writing, or is looking for a quick and fun contemporary. Especially those of you who love heroes who play hockey.
Grade: B
Keep her hands to herself?
Not easy for Emily Saunders, who’s in Elk Crossing, Idaho, for a family wedding. She’s double booked in the same hotel room with a sexy cop attending—of all things!—a hockey tournament. As a massage therapist, Emily’s soon itching to soothe Jonah Betts’s gorgeous muscles—both on and off the ice.
Jonah can’t believe his luck—a sexy single woman sharing his cozy room, albeit temporarily. Okay, her orange bridesmaid dress is a disaster and her family is convinced he’s actually her boyfriend. He’s ready to go along with it even as he makes his play….
Until Emily is suddenly calling for a TIME-OUT! Will Jonah’s fantasies be permanently iced?
Read an excerpt here.
