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Like a Power Play
From Elle Sprinkle, author of bestselling lesbian romance "Puppy Love", comes "Like a Power Play", a sapphic college hockey rom-com about a team captain who butts heads with her new student coach, until she begins to fall for her.
The student coach. The team captain. They’re skating on thin ice— until one of them falls.
Peyton Clarke has everything to prove. As the starting center for Greenrock University’s women’s hockey team, she’s determined to earn her place—no handouts, no shortcuts. Being the daughter of a retired NHL star, Peyton is desperate to show she’s more than just a product of her father’s fame. But when her relentless drive starts to blur the line between dedication and recklessness, she risks everything, including her future.
Darcy Cole never thought she'd return to hockey. Once a rising star at Michigan State, her dreams were shattered when rheumatoid arthritis forced her to quit the sport she loved. Now, thanks to her meddling head coach mother, she’s stuck as a student assistant coach, a role she never asked for. Darcy has sworn off the ice, keeping her past as a player a secret. But when Peyton Clarke’s reckless playing style clashes with her cautious approach, something sparks— and it’s not just chemistry.
To Darcy, Peyton is a reminder of everything she had to give up. To Peyton, Darcy is just the coach’s daughter who has no business telling her how to play. But Darcy is no stranger to the ice—and when their worlds collide, they both start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they think—both on and off the ice.
The student coach. The team captain. They’re skating on thin ice— until one of them falls.
Peyton Clarke has everything to prove. As the starting center for Greenrock University’s women’s hockey team, she’s determined to earn her place—no handouts, no shortcuts. Being the daughter of a retired NHL star, Peyton is desperate to show she’s more than just a product of her father’s fame. But when her relentless drive starts to blur the line between dedication and recklessness, she risks everything, including her future.
Darcy Cole never thought she'd return to hockey. Once a rising star at Michigan State, her dreams were shattered when rheumatoid arthritis forced her to quit the sport she loved. Now, thanks to her meddling head coach mother, she’s stuck as a student assistant coach, a role she never asked for. Darcy has sworn off the ice, keeping her past as a player a secret. But when Peyton Clarke’s reckless playing style clashes with her cautious approach, something sparks— and it’s not just chemistry.
To Darcy, Peyton is a reminder of everything she had to give up. To Peyton, Darcy is just the coach’s daughter who has no business telling her how to play. But Darcy is no stranger to the ice—and when their worlds collide, they both start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they think—both on and off the ice.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
269 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 6, 2025
1. I normally hate sports books. Past books that I’ve read have proven to me that the authors love the sport more than the characters.
THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS!!!
Elle brings us two characters who are brought together by their sport, but the hockey helps to move the development of Peyton and Darcy’s journey forward. Peyton and Darcy are both on some really interesting character arcs and I was not disappointed by their journeys or their growth. I appreciate the growth in Elle’s writing too. I really felt like these were new adult characters and I really feel like they talked like their ages.
The surrounding cast of characters was entertaining, if not a little too many of them. I adore Cleo, I’d love to see her get a book. She reminded me so much of Regan from TWW.
I also really appreciate the respect that Elle paid to RA and how it affected Darcy. It was handled with compassion and care without getting too technical. Finally, I appreciate that there was no spice scene in the locker room. Those are just so cliche and I’m so over them used as a trope. D1 athletes have tremendous pressure put on them to succeed and I just don’t buy into them trashing their careers to have sex in a stinky locker room. The sex was used in this book to move the story along and show how Peyton and Darcy were learning to trust each other and themselves.
I loved, loved, loved this and I’m adding it to my reread comfort shelf. Thank you Elle Sprinkle for this gem!
THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS!!!
Elle brings us two characters who are brought together by their sport, but the hockey helps to move the development of Peyton and Darcy’s journey forward. Peyton and Darcy are both on some really interesting character arcs and I was not disappointed by their journeys or their growth. I appreciate the growth in Elle’s writing too. I really felt like these were new adult characters and I really feel like they talked like their ages.
The surrounding cast of characters was entertaining, if not a little too many of them. I adore Cleo, I’d love to see her get a book. She reminded me so much of Regan from TWW.
I also really appreciate the respect that Elle paid to RA and how it affected Darcy. It was handled with compassion and care without getting too technical. Finally, I appreciate that there was no spice scene in the locker room. Those are just so cliche and I’m so over them used as a trope. D1 athletes have tremendous pressure put on them to succeed and I just don’t buy into them trashing their careers to have sex in a stinky locker room. The sex was used in this book to move the story along and show how Peyton and Darcy were learning to trust each other and themselves.
I loved, loved, loved this and I’m adding it to my reread comfort shelf. Thank you Elle Sprinkle for this gem!
August 21, 2025
I have never seen a hockey game in my life, and this book almost made me want to watch sports! I don't often read books about college students because I like to read about old women my age, but both Peyton and Darcy were mature, so I forgot their age. Both of them are layered characters that choose to show a side of themselves to the world and will reveal to each other the side they are hiding from everyone else. The initial tension and the permanent banter between them is a delight to read. Sprinkle took the time with these 490 pages to make them tolerate, like, then trust each other. The relationship development is not rushed, like it was dealt with gloved hands. Sex scenes mark each step further in the depth of the trust they have for each other.I really liked the Rhinoceros (😉) arthritis representation, portraying well the daily struggle of Darcy, between the symptoms and the loss of her lifelong passion. In the same way, Peyton's anxiety and imposter syndrome were palatable. Both were dealt with realism and didn't once fall into the too much pathos trap.
Even if I was mixing all the names and sometimes didn't remember who was who between the nicknames and all, I liked the whole hockey gang that felt like a family.
Overall, I just loved this book: loved the characters and the relationship development. Wonder what character Sprinkle will focus on for the next book.
Even if I was mixing all the names and sometimes didn't remember who was who between the nicknames and all, I liked the whole hockey gang that felt like a family.
Overall, I just loved this book: loved the characters and the relationship development. Wonder what character Sprinkle will focus on for the next book.
August 10, 2025
“Maybe I am grieving, or maybe I’m just stuck in the past. I know change is inevitable, but how do you let go of the very thing that made you who you are?”
One of my favorite things is the representation for those with “Rhinoceros Arthritis” (You gotta read it to get it ;)), because it really hasn’t happened much before. It isn’t necessarily talked about in the book, but it’s also clear that Peyton suffers from anxiety and both MCs help one another when they’re struggling.
Like A Power Play shows the reality of life, when things get in the way of doing the things you love the most, and how someone can struggle to find the next step because it was something they never expected to have to do.
The push and pull between Darcy and Peyton was done beautifully, and I loved every second of it. It was well paced, well wrote, and gave me plenty of laughs throughout the book.
Darcy and Peyton are an amazing dynamic and complimented each other so well, pushing one another to be the best version of themselves.
Loved loved loved and highly recommend!
One of my favorite things is the representation for those with “Rhinoceros Arthritis” (You gotta read it to get it ;)), because it really hasn’t happened much before. It isn’t necessarily talked about in the book, but it’s also clear that Peyton suffers from anxiety and both MCs help one another when they’re struggling.
Like A Power Play shows the reality of life, when things get in the way of doing the things you love the most, and how someone can struggle to find the next step because it was something they never expected to have to do.
The push and pull between Darcy and Peyton was done beautifully, and I loved every second of it. It was well paced, well wrote, and gave me plenty of laughs throughout the book.
Darcy and Peyton are an amazing dynamic and complimented each other so well, pushing one another to be the best version of themselves.
Loved loved loved and highly recommend!
July 28, 2025
4.75
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have been really excited for Like a Power Play. The first book I read from Elle was Puppy Love and I instantly enjoyed her work.
As someone who struggles with chronic illness, I know what it’s like to no longer be able to do the things you love. Be it sports or other activities. Your body doesn’t allow you to do what you want or what you're passionate about and it's heartbreaking. I could empathize with Darcy on a fairly deep level-not so much her "bitchiness" but the struggles she faces every day ;)
I love both MCs. The way Peyton is so passionate about the people and sports in her life is so refreshing. It didn't seem fake or forced, she is just happy and supportive to her core. I love how she was so feisty and able to get Darcy to open up on her own and even trick her into things, like getting on the ice again.
I smiled a lot reading this story. There are also a lot of other fun characters on the team who interact with one another a lot.
I was so thankful this didn't have "typical" tropes and no third act break up. It was so nice to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Peyton and it just be natural and then they start to establish a relationship. I find I'm liking that a lot more than break up and realize characters made a mistake and get back together.
Overall everything in the book was almost perfect for me. There were only a few grammatical errors and such; typos like: head instead of heat or a missing period. Things like that.
Also, the in book texting conversations do not show whoever the chapter’s POV is on. I don’t know if it’s just my Kindle or if there’s some kind of editing issue there, but I could not see whenever the main character was speaking with other people in the chat.
So, ex.whenever Darcy would reply there would just be a blank section, leaving me to miss her interactions and conversations with the group.
If you like sapphic sports stories, definitely read Like a Power Play.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have been really excited for Like a Power Play. The first book I read from Elle was Puppy Love and I instantly enjoyed her work.
As someone who struggles with chronic illness, I know what it’s like to no longer be able to do the things you love. Be it sports or other activities. Your body doesn’t allow you to do what you want or what you're passionate about and it's heartbreaking. I could empathize with Darcy on a fairly deep level-not so much her "bitchiness" but the struggles she faces every day ;)
I love both MCs. The way Peyton is so passionate about the people and sports in her life is so refreshing. It didn't seem fake or forced, she is just happy and supportive to her core. I love how she was so feisty and able to get Darcy to open up on her own and even trick her into things, like getting on the ice again.
I smiled a lot reading this story. There are also a lot of other fun characters on the team who interact with one another a lot.
I was so thankful this didn't have "typical" tropes and no third act break up. It was so nice to see the feelings develop between Darcy and Peyton and it just be natural and then they start to establish a relationship. I find I'm liking that a lot more than break up and realize characters made a mistake and get back together.
Overall everything in the book was almost perfect for me. There were only a few grammatical errors and such; typos like: head instead of heat or a missing period. Things like that.
Also, the in book texting conversations do not show whoever the chapter’s POV is on. I don’t know if it’s just my Kindle or if there’s some kind of editing issue there, but I could not see whenever the main character was speaking with other people in the chat.
So, ex.whenever Darcy would reply there would just be a blank section, leaving me to miss her interactions and conversations with the group.
If you like sapphic sports stories, definitely read Like a Power Play.
August 2, 2025
Like a Power Play by Elle Sprinkle is a slow-burn sapphic hockey romance with rivals-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and zero third-act breakup drama. Peyton is a star player with something to prove; Darcy is the coach’s daughter trying to stay far from the ice — and from Peyton. But when sparks fly, what starts as friction turns into something neither of them expected.
This is the first book I’ve read by Elle Sprinkle. I didn’t really connect with her debut, Puppy Love, but I wanted to give her another chance. Unfortunately, this one felt more like a Young Adult novel than a New Adult read. The characters came across as a bit shallow and more immature than their actual ages, which made it hard for me to really connect with them.
I also felt that the transition from enemies to lovers was a bit forced. The chemistry didn’t feel fully developed, so the romance didn’t quite land for me. That said, I did appreciate the character growth by the end — they really did start to complement each other in a way that helped both of them grow as individuals, and that was handled well.
What stood out the most for me was Darcy’s chronic pain storyline. It felt thoughtfully researched and, as someone who experiences similar pain, I found it incredibly relatable and realistic. Peyton’s arc was also strong in its own way. Her struggles with parental expectations reminded me of what my teenage self went through, and that pressure felt authentic and emotionally grounded.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time with — not something I’d personally reread, but still a solid read overall.
This is the first book I’ve read by Elle Sprinkle. I didn’t really connect with her debut, Puppy Love, but I wanted to give her another chance. Unfortunately, this one felt more like a Young Adult novel than a New Adult read. The characters came across as a bit shallow and more immature than their actual ages, which made it hard for me to really connect with them.
I also felt that the transition from enemies to lovers was a bit forced. The chemistry didn’t feel fully developed, so the romance didn’t quite land for me. That said, I did appreciate the character growth by the end — they really did start to complement each other in a way that helped both of them grow as individuals, and that was handled well.
What stood out the most for me was Darcy’s chronic pain storyline. It felt thoughtfully researched and, as someone who experiences similar pain, I found it incredibly relatable and realistic. Peyton’s arc was also strong in its own way. Her struggles with parental expectations reminded me of what my teenage self went through, and that pressure felt authentic and emotionally grounded.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book to pass the time with — not something I’d personally reread, but still a solid read overall.
September 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love sports romances. I love rivals to lovers. So this book was perfect for me!
Even though I don't really know anything about hockey, the book totally captivated me. The characters won me over straight away in the first few chapters and I was able to build up kind of a connection with them.
What immediately won me over was the representation of chronic illness - the pain and what it can do to a person! I have never read a book before that can make someone feel so seen!
I love sports romances. I love rivals to lovers. So this book was perfect for me!
Even though I don't really know anything about hockey, the book totally captivated me. The characters won me over straight away in the first few chapters and I was able to build up kind of a connection with them.
What immediately won me over was the representation of chronic illness - the pain and what it can do to a person! I have never read a book before that can make someone feel so seen!
July 30, 2025
This book was a nice surprise.
I'm not usually a huge fan of sports romance, but the cover was very tempting.
The writing is flawless. I honestly had such a great time reading this book. The pacing was good in general, even if I wished the ending was a bit longer.
Darcy and Peyton are such sweethearts that you can't help but love them very easily. They both have fiery personalities that clash together in all the right ways. Together they are so cute, and seeing them supporting each other was heartwarming.
I loved discovering lots of things about hockey and autoimmune diseases. It never felt like too much information, which was honestly so good.
Overall, I think you should give this book a go. If you like sports romance with lots of sweet moments, this one is for you.
Thank you to Elle Sprinkle for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not usually a huge fan of sports romance, but the cover was very tempting.
The writing is flawless. I honestly had such a great time reading this book. The pacing was good in general, even if I wished the ending was a bit longer.
Darcy and Peyton are such sweethearts that you can't help but love them very easily. They both have fiery personalities that clash together in all the right ways. Together they are so cute, and seeing them supporting each other was heartwarming.
I loved discovering lots of things about hockey and autoimmune diseases. It never felt like too much information, which was honestly so good.
Overall, I think you should give this book a go. If you like sports romance with lots of sweet moments, this one is for you.
Thank you to Elle Sprinkle for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 27, 2025
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A sapphic hockey romance? I was LOCKED IN. Honestly, this book was different than I expected before I started it. There are a lot of hockey romances out there and I wasn’t sure how different this one would be. Turns out, quite.
Darcy and Peyton have chemistry, y’all. Nobody does banter like Elle Sprinkle. The pacing of the book was good, it kept me engaged. I also loved how Peyton was basically a goner from the beginning. My favorite proof of this?: “Maybe she was right. Maybe I am Icarus. And she’s the sun. And oh, fuck—I’m going to burn to death.”
Spot on, girl.
It was cute. It had a heavy focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I didn’t know a ton about but everything was handled in a gentle but not “pity-focused” way. I learned, I laughed.
A sapphic hockey romance? I was LOCKED IN. Honestly, this book was different than I expected before I started it. There are a lot of hockey romances out there and I wasn’t sure how different this one would be. Turns out, quite.
Darcy and Peyton have chemistry, y’all. Nobody does banter like Elle Sprinkle. The pacing of the book was good, it kept me engaged. I also loved how Peyton was basically a goner from the beginning. My favorite proof of this?: “Maybe she was right. Maybe I am Icarus. And she’s the sun. And oh, fuck—I’m going to burn to death.”
Spot on, girl.
It was cute. It had a heavy focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I didn’t know a ton about but everything was handled in a gentle but not “pity-focused” way. I learned, I laughed.
September 5, 2025
Wow, what a class book. Brilliant story, real and grating, well worth a read then a re-read. Loved it.l
August 6, 2025
This was a great novel, I enjoyed it a lot. It struck me while reading this book how some novels seem so much more “full” than others, for lack of a better word. This book had a romance, but also two fully actualized protagonists with their own stories and character arcs. It also had a sizable cast of side characters with their own genuine personalities, mini-arcs, and subplots. There was of course the hockey plotline which helped remind the reader that there was a whole world in this novel and not just two people catching feelings. As I said, I enjoyed reading this novel a lot. Rounding up to 5-stars.
Highlights:
-I really enjoyed their initial meeting and their interactions for the first section of the novel. Their feelings towards each other developed in a way that felt organic and realistic.
-There was a narrative device where the story would stop and present the character with two choices (more explicitly than normal) and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I don’t think it continued throughout the novel which I think would have been something that could have been used well.
-Great representation and discussions of what it is like to deal with a disability and/or chronic health condition. This was a big part of the novel and I think it was done well.
-The sex scenes were full of a lot of emotion, character, and plot. These were definitely not scenes that were slotted in for spicy points, they were essential to the story, and I like that.
-It got me to cry. Just a little! Tiny bit! But it happened.
-Peyton is a super sweetie.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Highlights:
-I really enjoyed their initial meeting and their interactions for the first section of the novel. Their feelings towards each other developed in a way that felt organic and realistic.
-There was a narrative device where the story would stop and present the character with two choices (more explicitly than normal) and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I don’t think it continued throughout the novel which I think would have been something that could have been used well.
-Great representation and discussions of what it is like to deal with a disability and/or chronic health condition. This was a big part of the novel and I think it was done well.
-The sex scenes were full of a lot of emotion, character, and plot. These were definitely not scenes that were slotted in for spicy points, they were essential to the story, and I like that.
-It got me to cry. Just a little! Tiny bit! But it happened.
-Peyton is a super sweetie.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
August 5, 2025
I've been honored to be an ARC reader for Elle for a little bit now. And again, they have somehow outdone themselves! Watching their writing style evolve has been amazing, and I enjoy both how they originally wrote and what they've now grown into as a writer. The slow burn between Peyton and Darcy was exactly what I was hoping for in this book, and Elle didn't miss. I loved this book from beginning to end. From tension that started off Darcy and Peyton's relationship, to the tension eventually ebbing away into friendship and love. I love how seriously Elle takes Darcy's RA in this book, and how serious they talked about ableism in sports, which genuinely needs to be addressed more often. Also I might not be a hockey person, but Elle was able to describe everything in a way that made complete sense to me, a person who hasn't seen hockey a day in their life. Also, I was WAITING for the spoon theory reference, and like I said, Elle doesn't disappoint! In all seriousness, this is an amazing sapphic sports romance that I recommend to all, especially if you want to get a better understanding of chronic illnesses like RA.
August 13, 2025
I have so many mixed emotions about this book, loved the characters and the plot but had a hard time with the writing style and pacing of the relationship at times, it was a little cringey and almost too modern with some of the references?? But loved the representation and it was really cool to read something that involved the PWHL although the team names they made up were some of the worst I’ve ever heard but we’ll look past that! Also if I squint this is basically just a fan fiction I read in college so weirdly nostalgic!
July 28, 2025
Darcy + Peyton
-sapphic romance
-hockey player x student coach
-enemies to lovers
-coach’s daughter
-black cat x golden retriever
-chronic illness rep
ahhh elle never fails to fuel me with the perfect chunky sapphic love story!! these two had a lot of hurdles mentally to get thru but also physically but what i love the most is there was absolutely no homophobic shit to deal with for these two! it was the perfect breath of fresh air in queer romance!! but the tension between these two was absolute perfection!! & i can't wait for whatever else elle has planned for this team!!
-sapphic romance
-hockey player x student coach
-enemies to lovers
-coach’s daughter
-black cat x golden retriever
-chronic illness rep
ahhh elle never fails to fuel me with the perfect chunky sapphic love story!! these two had a lot of hurdles mentally to get thru but also physically but what i love the most is there was absolutely no homophobic shit to deal with for these two! it was the perfect breath of fresh air in queer romance!! but the tension between these two was absolute perfection!! & i can't wait for whatever else elle has planned for this team!!
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars. Soo much potential, some stunning moments but the ending flopped
August 8, 2025
alright now I need indies book STAT
July 30, 2025
"There’s something about her that turns the pieces of myself I’ve always resented into pieces of myself I don’t. It's like she sees the darkest parts of me and calls it light." - Payton
"She doesn’t ignore my limits. But somehow, she makes me see what I can still do in spite of them. And being around her doesn’t just make me miss who I was before all this." - Darcy
This book is a lot about ice hockey; from training to games, this book has it all. I really loved that, in a lot of sports romances that I've read, the sport is in the background, but this found family breathes ice hockey; it's in every part of their lives!
Darcy is the daughter of the coach, and she is the assistant coach. Payton is the captain of the team. After Darcy became chronically ill, her life completely changed, her body changed, and she needed to get used to her new boundaries. She loves ice hockey, and her mom really wants her to enjoy being on the ice again, but it's hard for Darcy to start dreaming again.
Payton wants to be known for her talent because it's hers and not because of her famous last name. She has a lot of pressure from the public, and she is slowly understanding that she earned her place because she's good; she's a great captain who cares deeply about the people around her.
Both Darcy and Payton have supportive families and friends. They see themselves in each other, and that is difficult and painful. Eventually Darcy starts coaching Payton, and they start to see each other differently. They are always "annoyed" with each other but secretly care about each other. It's playful and challenging, but it works for them to push each other in that way. They are just in the background for when the other is ready to talk about something important/vulnerable, and then they are there to help and listen. They took their time, and the focus was more on growing as individuals with the security of knowing that they can lean on each other if they need that.
"A disability isn't something people should be ashamed of."
I'm really loving the build up of this Serie, there is so much going on in the background and I'm excited to read what happens next!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"She doesn’t ignore my limits. But somehow, she makes me see what I can still do in spite of them. And being around her doesn’t just make me miss who I was before all this." - Darcy
This book is a lot about ice hockey; from training to games, this book has it all. I really loved that, in a lot of sports romances that I've read, the sport is in the background, but this found family breathes ice hockey; it's in every part of their lives!
Darcy is the daughter of the coach, and she is the assistant coach. Payton is the captain of the team. After Darcy became chronically ill, her life completely changed, her body changed, and she needed to get used to her new boundaries. She loves ice hockey, and her mom really wants her to enjoy being on the ice again, but it's hard for Darcy to start dreaming again.
Payton wants to be known for her talent because it's hers and not because of her famous last name. She has a lot of pressure from the public, and she is slowly understanding that she earned her place because she's good; she's a great captain who cares deeply about the people around her.
Both Darcy and Payton have supportive families and friends. They see themselves in each other, and that is difficult and painful. Eventually Darcy starts coaching Payton, and they start to see each other differently. They are always "annoyed" with each other but secretly care about each other. It's playful and challenging, but it works for them to push each other in that way. They are just in the background for when the other is ready to talk about something important/vulnerable, and then they are there to help and listen. They took their time, and the focus was more on growing as individuals with the security of knowing that they can lean on each other if they need that.
"A disability isn't something people should be ashamed of."
I'm really loving the build up of this Serie, there is so much going on in the background and I'm excited to read what happens next!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
August 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ooookay listen up, i didn’t even care about hockey before this book and NOW i’m obsessed??? THIS IS SAPPHIC ICE BREAKER GUYS!! JS SO MUCH BETTERRRR!!!!!! like, i lowkey wanna date a hot hockey girl or a loooqkey student coach or both??? WHAT IS THIS MAGIC.
peyton’s cockiness had me giggling, but then her insecurities hit me right in the feels like our girl’s gotta convince herself she earned captain, not just riding her famous dad’s coattails. darcy though... MY HEART. the way her rheumatic disease & chronic pain and everything storyline was written? so respectful and real, it literally broke me. it felt incredible WELL researched. alsooo i lowkey fell for her and want to protect her forever (obviously she wouldnt want or need this but MY HEART FOR HER- AGHHH)
I LOVED THEIR CHEMISTRYYYY SO MUCHHHHH!!! i loved how we stuck with their "nicknames" for eachother like kt wasnt a one time thing nope- we kept the "dont fly too high icarus" and "what disease are you calling me kimmy???" vibes the entire time AND I LIVEEEE FOR IT!! ALSO I ENJOYED THE CHATS SO MUCHHH!!!!! I LOVE CHATS IN BOOKS ITS THE BEST!!!!
PLUSSSSS can we talk about elle sprinkle’s glow-up?! Puppy Love was cute, but this? THIS was a full, perfectly baked story. main characters, side characters, AND THE PETS (yes, the pets had personalities too!!!!) all felt like actual living, breathing beings. peyton’s friends aka literally her whole hockey team- weeeell each one was unique!!! no boring copy-paste nonsense. i was living for every single one of them.
honestly, this is the best hockey romance i've ever read (well irs also my 2nd hockey romance?) the feelings hit hard, the friendships are adorable, and peyton & darcy? highkey stole my heart and ran off with it. i’m never getting it back. I LOVEEEE THE CHARACTERS SO MUCHHH AGHHH thanks a lot for this arc 🫶🫶🫶
ooookay listen up, i didn’t even care about hockey before this book and NOW i’m obsessed??? THIS IS SAPPHIC ICE BREAKER GUYS!! JS SO MUCH BETTERRRR!!!!!! like, i lowkey wanna date a hot hockey girl or a loooqkey student coach or both??? WHAT IS THIS MAGIC.
peyton’s cockiness had me giggling, but then her insecurities hit me right in the feels like our girl’s gotta convince herself she earned captain, not just riding her famous dad’s coattails. darcy though... MY HEART. the way her rheumatic disease & chronic pain and everything storyline was written? so respectful and real, it literally broke me. it felt incredible WELL researched. alsooo i lowkey fell for her and want to protect her forever (obviously she wouldnt want or need this but MY HEART FOR HER- AGHHH)
I LOVED THEIR CHEMISTRYYYY SO MUCHHHHH!!! i loved how we stuck with their "nicknames" for eachother like kt wasnt a one time thing nope- we kept the "dont fly too high icarus" and "what disease are you calling me kimmy???" vibes the entire time AND I LIVEEEE FOR IT!! ALSO I ENJOYED THE CHATS SO MUCHHH!!!!! I LOVE CHATS IN BOOKS ITS THE BEST!!!!
PLUSSSSS can we talk about elle sprinkle’s glow-up?! Puppy Love was cute, but this? THIS was a full, perfectly baked story. main characters, side characters, AND THE PETS (yes, the pets had personalities too!!!!) all felt like actual living, breathing beings. peyton’s friends aka literally her whole hockey team- weeeell each one was unique!!! no boring copy-paste nonsense. i was living for every single one of them.
honestly, this is the best hockey romance i've ever read (well irs also my 2nd hockey romance?) the feelings hit hard, the friendships are adorable, and peyton & darcy? highkey stole my heart and ran off with it. i’m never getting it back. I LOVEEEE THE CHARACTERS SO MUCHHH AGHHH thanks a lot for this arc 🫶🫶🫶
August 4, 2025
FINALLY!! SOME SAPPHIC IDIOTS TO LOVERS!!! I truly loved the support these two showed for each other and the compassion shown towards those with disabilities. As someone who has struggled with long term conditions (also not physical or autoimmune), the discussion of how hard it is to ask for help or show weakness was powerful and meant a great deal to me.
August 4, 2025
Ugh I love this author. The humor in her books is so good but there is also a certain seriousness and character development that not only make her books fun to read but also gives you a slight book hangover.
August 13, 2025
waitttt i ate this up
August 17, 2025
This book felt like falling in love.
September 8, 2025
super cute! 3.5 stars
peyton & darcy's conversation when she got her blood test results back was so sweet ueueueue. maybe would've liked a little more hockey but still cute story (beside's peyton's dad being a fantasy bruins player)
peyton & darcy's conversation when she got her blood test results back was so sweet ueueueue. maybe would've liked a little more hockey but still cute story (beside's peyton's dad being a fantasy bruins player)
September 9, 2025
let’s call this one research…. #magnumopusincoming
September 10, 2025
9/10
Enjoyed it
Enjoyed it
August 5, 2025
As always Elle delivered - if you read puppy love you know what i mean. I'm gonna go straight to the point, if you want a summary you can go read it but if you're like me and are more interest in the tropes keep reading. If your main intent is reading spice, I'm sorry but you won't find much of it,but you know what you'll find?
- forced proximity
- dislikes to lovers
- attraction at first sight
- slow burn
- opposites attraction
-no third act breakup
- no strings attached gone wrong
- HEA
- student coach x team captain
- hurt/ comfort
- rheumatoid arthritis/ disability rep
- unique nicknames
- lot of angst
- lesbian x pan .
Overall it's a 4.5⭐ and 3🔥
TW: Alcohol consumption - weed consumption - animal abandonment - medication - needles - surgery - blood - chronic pain - social and romantic expulsion of disabled individual
- forced proximity
- dislikes to lovers
- attraction at first sight
- slow burn
- opposites attraction
-no third act breakup
- no strings attached gone wrong
- HEA
- student coach x team captain
- hurt/ comfort
- rheumatoid arthritis/ disability rep
- unique nicknames
- lot of angst
- lesbian x pan .
Overall it's a 4.5⭐ and 3🔥
TW: Alcohol consumption - weed consumption - animal abandonment - medication - needles - surgery - blood - chronic pain - social and romantic expulsion of disabled individual
August 14, 2025
i love love this.
August 29, 2025
Fun, love a good semi-enemies to lovers trope.
August 19, 2025
The book starts of with a brilliant Author's Note. Probably my favorite one of this year, and it increased my expectations tenfold. Did it disappoint? Absolutely not.
I loved almost everything about this book since the beginning; the characters, the topics that it discusses, the most sweetest confessions, funny moments, the semi slow burn and amazing insights about life.
Let's talk about the stars of this show.
Darcy is just such a real character. From chapter 1, I liked it. But most importantly, I related to her. A girl who lost the most important thing in her life, and now she has to be the student coach to this hockey team, the same sport that literally got snatched away from her. But thank god she accepted because then she wouldn't have found Peyton Clarke. The team captain, hockey legacy, kindest person, and the object of her irritation. Hate to Love trope done right!!
These two evolve, help each other grow out of their insecurities, provide a safe space and just love with their whole hearts. One of my favourite line that Pey says to Darcy is, “You can be happy for me and sad for you. That’s allowed.”, cementing the fact about how this book covered the human emotions so brilliantly.
I think one of the best things about the characters were how they were relatable in very subtle ways. Peyton's pressure of her own making, using her humor to mask her feelings, Darcy's need to just go through the pain, her thinking Pey is better off without her... Best.
Loved how petty Peyton was. That body slamming the ex was WOW. It was also mildly hilarious to read the various versions of "Rheumatoid Arthritis" in her hews because she couldn't pronounce Rheumatoid. Make no mistake though, the girl researched almost everything there was.
Darcy and Peyton's scene with Coach Kaiser was wonderful too. Darcy could've handled it but she gave the opportunity to Peyton to take the charge. Such a small yet significant gesture.
As a person who has read the author's first novel, it was so great to see Avery in a new light after Puppy Love. We got so many insights in his character, more than the last book, and now I am just waiting for his story. Also, every time Avery's roommate is mentioned, I have been on a guess work on which one is being talked about. I need all their books, stat. And speaking of side characters, Cleo, Indie and Bailey deserve a massive shoutout too. Need their books as well.
The epilogue in the form of an article was a great way to give us an insight into what happened. It is also so beautiful in the fact that articles by this particular writer actually messed a lot in Peyton's head and even Darcy's when she had to quit. Finally Lexi wrote something good. I squealed on the "wife" part. AIHL is something we need in real life. It's such a wonderful idea from the author and maybe it's a pipe dream now, as Darcy called it, but hopefully someone gets the resources and determination to make something like this happen. Something for the community whose needs are hardly acknowledged.
To conclude, it is definitely worth your time!!
I loved almost everything about this book since the beginning; the characters, the topics that it discusses, the most sweetest confessions, funny moments, the semi slow burn and amazing insights about life.
Let's talk about the stars of this show.
Darcy is just such a real character. From chapter 1, I liked it. But most importantly, I related to her. A girl who lost the most important thing in her life, and now she has to be the student coach to this hockey team, the same sport that literally got snatched away from her. But thank god she accepted because then she wouldn't have found Peyton Clarke. The team captain, hockey legacy, kindest person, and the object of her irritation. Hate to Love trope done right!!
These two evolve, help each other grow out of their insecurities, provide a safe space and just love with their whole hearts. One of my favourite line that Pey says to Darcy is, “You can be happy for me and sad for you. That’s allowed.”, cementing the fact about how this book covered the human emotions so brilliantly.
I think one of the best things about the characters were how they were relatable in very subtle ways. Peyton's pressure of her own making, using her humor to mask her feelings, Darcy's need to just go through the pain, her thinking Pey is better off without her... Best.
Loved how petty Peyton was. That body slamming the ex was WOW. It was also mildly hilarious to read the various versions of "Rheumatoid Arthritis" in her hews because she couldn't pronounce Rheumatoid. Make no mistake though, the girl researched almost everything there was.
Darcy and Peyton's scene with Coach Kaiser was wonderful too. Darcy could've handled it but she gave the opportunity to Peyton to take the charge. Such a small yet significant gesture.
As a person who has read the author's first novel, it was so great to see Avery in a new light after Puppy Love. We got so many insights in his character, more than the last book, and now I am just waiting for his story. Also, every time Avery's roommate is mentioned, I have been on a guess work on which one is being talked about. I need all their books, stat. And speaking of side characters, Cleo, Indie and Bailey deserve a massive shoutout too. Need their books as well.
The epilogue in the form of an article was a great way to give us an insight into what happened. It is also so beautiful in the fact that articles by this particular writer actually messed a lot in Peyton's head and even Darcy's when she had to quit. Finally Lexi wrote something good. I squealed on the "wife" part. AIHL is something we need in real life. It's such a wonderful idea from the author and maybe it's a pipe dream now, as Darcy called it, but hopefully someone gets the resources and determination to make something like this happen. Something for the community whose needs are hardly acknowledged.
To conclude, it is definitely worth your time!!
August 2, 2025
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK. i don’t know how to write a review that does it justice because i loved it so much. this has become an instant all-time favourite!! like a power play is IT!!
i’m a huge fan of hockey romances, especially when they’re queer. so i was immediately locked in as this is the first sapphic one i’ve even heard of. and uhh there’s a criminal lack of sapphic hockey romances because i need more books exactly like this! this was absolute perfection!!
darcy and peyton had such a good dynamic. the combination of student coach x team captain and enemies to lovers was perfect and so entertaining. their banter was top-tier, it was so fun to read. their chemistry felt very genuine and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop as they both support and challenge each other.
i really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. peyton’s teammates, darcy’s roommate, and both their families brought so much value to darcy and peyton’s stories. i especially adored harlowe!! oh my god, i need a harlowe book asap, she was so hilarious and so entertaining and i would love to see more of her. bailey and cleo were also great characters, and it was so fun to see how darcy and peyton’s friends clocked how much they were into each other from the start. i’m so intrigued to see what elle sprinkle does next with these characters, i will be sat!
i also really appreciate how hockey-centred the book was. i love hockey so much and i do really appreciate when a hockey romance book leans all-in to the hockey part. as such an important part of both characters’ lives, i loved to read about every aspect of it, from training to games!
there is chronic illness rep in darcy having rheumatoid arthritis, and i think it’s handled very well. i didn’t know a whole lot about RA, but i think darcy’s story is so important and i learned a lot about the illness. i think elle sprinkle did a great job of expressing the illness in a sensitive way that doesn’t invoke feelings of pity, whether from other characters or readers. i’m sure that any readers with chronic illness/disabilities will appreciate darcy and her story!
i also have to say the spice was absolute gold. the slow burn paid off in a few steamy scenes that were next-level good. the inner thoughts and dialogue from the characters was so hot!
i have so many thoughts about why i loved this book and how good it is, i need to hold back because i genuinely feel like i could write an essay. i cannot wait to check out elle sprinkle’s other work, puppy love. because i know that if it is even half as amazing as like a power play, i’ll love it. and who doesn’t need more incredible sapphic romance in their life?? thank you to elle sprinkle for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
i’m a huge fan of hockey romances, especially when they’re queer. so i was immediately locked in as this is the first sapphic one i’ve even heard of. and uhh there’s a criminal lack of sapphic hockey romances because i need more books exactly like this! this was absolute perfection!!
darcy and peyton had such a good dynamic. the combination of student coach x team captain and enemies to lovers was perfect and so entertaining. their banter was top-tier, it was so fun to read. their chemistry felt very genuine and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop as they both support and challenge each other.
i really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. peyton’s teammates, darcy’s roommate, and both their families brought so much value to darcy and peyton’s stories. i especially adored harlowe!! oh my god, i need a harlowe book asap, she was so hilarious and so entertaining and i would love to see more of her. bailey and cleo were also great characters, and it was so fun to see how darcy and peyton’s friends clocked how much they were into each other from the start. i’m so intrigued to see what elle sprinkle does next with these characters, i will be sat!
i also really appreciate how hockey-centred the book was. i love hockey so much and i do really appreciate when a hockey romance book leans all-in to the hockey part. as such an important part of both characters’ lives, i loved to read about every aspect of it, from training to games!
there is chronic illness rep in darcy having rheumatoid arthritis, and i think it’s handled very well. i didn’t know a whole lot about RA, but i think darcy’s story is so important and i learned a lot about the illness. i think elle sprinkle did a great job of expressing the illness in a sensitive way that doesn’t invoke feelings of pity, whether from other characters or readers. i’m sure that any readers with chronic illness/disabilities will appreciate darcy and her story!
i also have to say the spice was absolute gold. the slow burn paid off in a few steamy scenes that were next-level good. the inner thoughts and dialogue from the characters was so hot!
i have so many thoughts about why i loved this book and how good it is, i need to hold back because i genuinely feel like i could write an essay. i cannot wait to check out elle sprinkle’s other work, puppy love. because i know that if it is even half as amazing as like a power play, i’ll love it. and who doesn’t need more incredible sapphic romance in their life?? thank you to elle sprinkle for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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