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Penalty Box Players
Break My Bones
Andrei Ludokov
A drunken promotional after party involving unlimited vodka, several social media influencers, puck bunnies for miles, and the goalie from an opposing team, leads to a massive mistake.
No, not a surprise pregnancy. I was drunk but not that drunk.
No, this mistake was worse because even months later, I can’t get it out of my head and it’s effecting my performance. My coaches are on my case because I’m dragging ass on the ice. My friends are all worried because I holed up in my hometown for the entire off season.
There’s only one thing to do, and there’s only one person who can help me. Juniper. My best friend and the social media manager for the IceCaps. Sure, she’ll give me her disappointed face. That sighed, “Dammit, Ludo,” that I’ve heard at least once a month since we were fourteen. But in the end she’ll help me, because she’s my Juniper Berry and she wants me to be happy.
I just needed her to commit to it before I had to face “The Norse God” on the damn ice again and all my carefully controlled mistakes spiral out of control.
If Rigby Engman and River Cooper can have some kind of polyamorous lifestyle in the NHL, why can’t I?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2023
About the author
Grace McGinty
57 books1,879 followersWhen I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 29, 2023
Not my favorite, but still a solid read…
Everyone’s gotta have a dud. I really didn’t love this one, which makes me sad, but hey… they can’t all be fives.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Break My Bones, book 2 in the Penalty Box Players series by Grace McGinty.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Sports romance (hockey), why choose, MMFM, friends-to-lovers.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Ludo is the league playboy, until he spends a hot night with Erik, the goalie of a rival team. Suddenly, he has feelings. And when Erik ends up having feelings for Ludo’s best friend Juniper, lines start to blur.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I just didn’t love this one. And again, no writer can be perfect. But I don’t know… this one wasn’t anything special on my rating scale.
It just felt like the relationships weren’t defined well. There were no deep conversations or even really good moments that weren’t spicy between some characters. And one of my pet peeves? When you don’t develop each relationship well enough in a why choose romance.
The whole book just felt underwritten. Like some scenes went too fast, some stuff was left out. Overall I felt underwhelmed and like I needed so much more, and the ending had me kind of raising an eye brow.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱:
🆓️ on KU
Everyone’s gotta have a dud. I really didn’t love this one, which makes me sad, but hey… they can’t all be fives.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Break My Bones, book 2 in the Penalty Box Players series by Grace McGinty.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Sports romance (hockey), why choose, MMFM, friends-to-lovers.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Ludo is the league playboy, until he spends a hot night with Erik, the goalie of a rival team. Suddenly, he has feelings. And when Erik ends up having feelings for Ludo’s best friend Juniper, lines start to blur.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I just didn’t love this one. And again, no writer can be perfect. But I don’t know… this one wasn’t anything special on my rating scale.
It just felt like the relationships weren’t defined well. There were no deep conversations or even really good moments that weren’t spicy between some characters. And one of my pet peeves? When you don’t develop each relationship well enough in a why choose romance.
The whole book just felt underwritten. Like some scenes went too fast, some stuff was left out. Overall I felt underwhelmed and like I needed so much more, and the ending had me kind of raising an eye brow.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱:
🆓️ on KU
October 6, 2023
I only needed to see two words: Grace and McGinty. SOLD.
I will never write a hockey book, but I will read them all day every day like the romance fiend I am. Grace's are some of my very favorites! Also highly rec Sticks and Stones.
I will never write a hockey book, but I will read them all day every day like the romance fiend I am. Grace's are some of my very favorites! Also highly rec Sticks and Stones.
April 19, 2024
This does not read like a why choose/polyamory book; this book reads like a MM book between Erik and Ludo with Johnny and Juniper being jammed in there at last minute. The third MMC doesn't even come into the story until 33% in. If Ludo never met Erik then Juniper would have stayed pining for him, Erik was the crappy glue to this whole thing. The fact that Ludo was this giant player that slept with every girl but Junie, was magically ready to commit once he met Erik really pissed me off. None of these men are pursuing Juniper or making her their number one. They're afraid to ruin their friendships and think they're not good enough for her and you know? They're right. I never feel like they love Juniper; they just like what she does for them.
The plot of Erik and Junie fake dating made no sense to me and just made me mad. Like Johnny says, Juniper gets nothing out of this arrangement. You don't have to be in a relationship to not date. But what pissed me off most was a part around 70%, Johnny reveals that Juniper got body shamed and bullied at a party in high school and paired with Ludo telling everyone she was off limits caused guys to reject her, leading her to believe she was undesirable. Meanwhile, Ludo got to hook up with everyone and none of the guys she hung out with and loved her helped.
Here is a list of quotes that really made me upset
Juniper after she hooks up with Johnny and he runs away.
"I was so desperate for someone to want me that I ruined things"
Ludo does not love her and you can't convince me otherwise.
When she'd broken her leg in senior year, ruining her chances to be scouted, deep down inside I was selfishly happy about it. It meant she could come with me wherever I went. I'd always needed Bug more than she needed me. I still did.
Juniper on Erik offering to be in a throuple with him and Ludo.
"...it kind of feels like I'm poaching him from my best friend. Like I'm somehow taking a shortcut into something more with Ludo after standing on the sidelines for so fucking long, and now I'm forcing myself into their relationship."
oh, so she's really not special at all huh?
I knew for an unfortanate fact that this wasn't the first time they'd fucked in the same room. There had been the Bayliss twins in senior year. I was pretty sure they'd fucked most of Marianne's friend group too, just like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
This might be my new fave Grace McGinty book, even though I wish we had more time with all of them. I just immediately was endeared to all of the characters, and I loved the dynamics of everyone to the point that it's making me feel like I've found the number I consider to be my sweet spot when it comes to particularly poly in a why choose. And even though I say it's my fave group, just like many other standalone RHes, I do wish we got was more buildup and also kind of more romance. 😂 It did great in the sports part and friends to lovers pining though!! This also did kiiiind of have the feeling of two couples coming together sometimes, so do keep that in mind if you're not that big of a fan of those dynamics. I think with so many different moving parts and dynamics, the newer ones didn't really have time to flourish as much, but what we got was still good. Out of all of the McGinty third acts I've read so far, I feel this one was the least ouchy too, so that definitely helps. 🤣 I also liked the side characters + the cameos of the group from Stick & Stones!
I would totally read more with Juniper and the guys, and feel that it would help solidify them a bit more for me, kind of like how Emily Rath's Pucking Around's follow-up novella gave me more of that true family poly feel in the domestic vibes of it all.
I would totally read more with Juniper and the guys, and feel that it would help solidify them a bit more for me, kind of like how Emily Rath's Pucking Around's follow-up novella gave me more of that true family poly feel in the domestic vibes of it all.
December 18, 2023
As soon as I was done with Sticks and Stone I immediately grabbed Break My Bones...
Yeah - I had to binge read this Penalty Box Players Series by the gorgeous Grace McGinty...
Where the fuck has she been all my life?
She has definately been added to my "favourite authors" shelf!!!
This one so far is my favourite of the two - dont get me wrong Sticks and Stone is gorgeous but Break my Bones - DAMN....!!!!
Erik + Ludo!!! Johnny + Juniper.... Juniper + Ludo.....!!!!! and then Erik + Ludo + Juniper + Johnny!!!!!!
And the story - so so beautiful!!!
This one gets all my hearts and all the stars all wrapped up in delicious reverse harem squeeze that will always live rent free in my dreams...
Yeah - I had to binge read this Penalty Box Players Series by the gorgeous Grace McGinty...
Where the fuck has she been all my life?
She has definately been added to my "favourite authors" shelf!!!
This one so far is my favourite of the two - dont get me wrong Sticks and Stone is gorgeous but Break my Bones - DAMN....!!!!
Erik + Ludo!!! Johnny + Juniper.... Juniper + Ludo.....!!!!! and then Erik + Ludo + Juniper + Johnny!!!!!!
And the story - so so beautiful!!!
This one gets all my hearts and all the stars all wrapped up in delicious reverse harem squeeze that will always live rent free in my dreams...
July 12, 2024
I've not read a book that featured bi-awakening before. I thought it was handled in a believable and respectful way. That aspect did overshadow the other relationships just a bit. I did find myself wishing these characters had gotten out of their own heads sooner. Juniper was a little too self-sacrificing. This is definitely a more emotional read. There is explicit on-page sex, but not nearly as much as I wanted. I also would have liked to see more dates between the the different couples. It was clear that all characters truly loved (some romantically, some platonically) and respected each other. There are great found/chosen family vibes throughout. This would have benefitted from the addition of an epilogue to see how the relationships had become more solid.
September 9, 2023
it could’ve been better
not gonna lie but this should have been a novel about the relationship between Erik and Ludo. Juniper and Johnny felt like afterthoughts hastily thrown into the plot to be make it a RH. Alternatively it would’ve been cooler to make Ludo the focal piece of the relationship instead of Juniper cuz of how flat she was.
not gonna lie but this should have been a novel about the relationship between Erik and Ludo. Juniper and Johnny felt like afterthoughts hastily thrown into the plot to be make it a RH. Alternatively it would’ve been cooler to make Ludo the focal piece of the relationship instead of Juniper cuz of how flat she was.
August 29, 2023
This was better than book1. Liked the characters and storyline better. Characters from book 1 make appearances. MMCs &FMC were childhood friends that find love unexpectedly in each other.
August 29, 2023
Just finished Break My Bones by Grace McGinty.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I loved the banter between Juniper and Ludo, but looking back and thinking about it at the end, it all felt very surface level. For a story that was basically all about their relationships I feel like we got to know Ludo and Juniper sort of well, but hardly got to know Erik or Johnny. I think it's really hard to do a why choose justice without it being longer.
It also felt like the book just stopped instead of ended, I actually felt the same way about Pay Per Hearts (same author), everyone was together and then bam, book over.
All of this being said, I actually really enjoyed reading the book while I was reading it.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I loved the banter between Juniper and Ludo, but looking back and thinking about it at the end, it all felt very surface level. For a story that was basically all about their relationships I feel like we got to know Ludo and Juniper sort of well, but hardly got to know Erik or Johnny. I think it's really hard to do a why choose justice without it being longer.
It also felt like the book just stopped instead of ended, I actually felt the same way about Pay Per Hearts (same author), everyone was together and then bam, book over.
All of this being said, I actually really enjoyed reading the book while I was reading it.
August 26, 2023
I love a good bi- awakening story, especially when the person "waking" has a reputation for being a ladies man and then boom! he's falling for a dude and seeing life through a different lens.
But, in this book, Ludo is also seeing his female bestie through a different lens, and it makes this whole romance more complicated. Especially in professional sports, and especially when she's falling for another of their old time besties and Ludo's man, too. Confused? Good. I'm terrible at writing reviews. But, if you like reverse harem with m/m or poly romance, then you should read this book. It's fun and thought provoking and spicy. ❤
But, in this book, Ludo is also seeing his female bestie through a different lens, and it makes this whole romance more complicated. Especially in professional sports, and especially when she's falling for another of their old time besties and Ludo's man, too. Confused? Good. I'm terrible at writing reviews. But, if you like reverse harem with m/m or poly romance, then you should read this book. It's fun and thought provoking and spicy. ❤
October 11, 2023
Honestly, why is Grace McGinty such a good writer?
Like yes, I do wish for more-- more build up of romantic feelings, more time with Johnny getting comfortable with the dynamic, more time with Erik "joining" the friends, and more time in generally because I just loved reading this so much.
Also, that ending... it isn't a cliffhanger, obviously, but friggin' Johnny man... love him.
This book is sweet, it is swoony, it has great balance of hockey and relationship stuff. It was really cool seeing two different hockey teams and their reactions to their players. It was a good place to end the story, but damn I want more. Looks like I'll be doing a McGinty binge here soon.
Like yes, I do wish for more-- more build up of romantic feelings, more time with Johnny getting comfortable with the dynamic, more time with Erik "joining" the friends, and more time in generally because I just loved reading this so much.
Also, that ending... it isn't a cliffhanger, obviously, but friggin' Johnny man... love him.
This book is sweet, it is swoony, it has great balance of hockey and relationship stuff. It was really cool seeing two different hockey teams and their reactions to their players. It was a good place to end the story, but damn I want more. Looks like I'll be doing a McGinty binge here soon.
August 27, 2023
Hot hockey! 🏒💙🏒
Oh my pucks! I love this book. It's the second book in this fabulous, contemporary, hockey, reverse harem series. It could be read as a stand alone, but there are cameos of the characters in book 1 so I recommend reading these in sequence. Still, there's so much good stuff! Tons of laugh out loud moments, fast-paced action, romantic angst, and a dash of suspense. There's also some M/M action, so if that's not your cup of tea, then move along.
I'm so happy with Ludo getting his act together and finding his way into a loving relationship. He was a fun side character in book 1, so I was excited for his story. Juniper is a fun, relatable female main character. I love her mix of spunky and sweet! Erik is a fascinating European hero with all the right moves. Johnny is a wounded warrior who made me want to reach into the book and hug him.
There are a few steamy scenes that I loved. There's also a few that were glossed over. I'm guessing it was done to keep this amazingly fun plot moving, but I feel like I only got a peek at all the hotness.
Speaking (or writing?) of peeks, what was up with the ending? It felt a bit rushed. One on hand, I was glad that there's no loose ends, but on the other I could've handled a cliffhanger if it meant getting more story. It shows how much I like the characters and this hockey team!
Will there be another book featuring the Ice Caps? If so, then I'm going to be excited to read it.
Some typos, but nothing too distracting.
Oh my pucks! I love this book. It's the second book in this fabulous, contemporary, hockey, reverse harem series. It could be read as a stand alone, but there are cameos of the characters in book 1 so I recommend reading these in sequence. Still, there's so much good stuff! Tons of laugh out loud moments, fast-paced action, romantic angst, and a dash of suspense. There's also some M/M action, so if that's not your cup of tea, then move along.
I'm so happy with Ludo getting his act together and finding his way into a loving relationship. He was a fun side character in book 1, so I was excited for his story. Juniper is a fun, relatable female main character. I love her mix of spunky and sweet! Erik is a fascinating European hero with all the right moves. Johnny is a wounded warrior who made me want to reach into the book and hug him.
There are a few steamy scenes that I loved. There's also a few that were glossed over. I'm guessing it was done to keep this amazingly fun plot moving, but I feel like I only got a peek at all the hotness.
Speaking (or writing?) of peeks, what was up with the ending? It felt a bit rushed. One on hand, I was glad that there's no loose ends, but on the other I could've handled a cliffhanger if it meant getting more story. It shows how much I like the characters and this hockey team!
Will there be another book featuring the Ice Caps? If so, then I'm going to be excited to read it.
Some typos, but nothing too distracting.
September 29, 2023
I've had this one downloaded for awhile and could not get into it. But this was one solid read once I could.
Characters all made sense, inhabited their space well, and their motivations all clicked. It was very well written. I mean, it's over dramatized fiction, so of course you won't get away from that. Plus the timeline makes this love story incredibly quick for so many characters--so I get why it's a struggle for some. But I, personally, don't see any issues.
I suspended disbelief and loved the humor, so I was definitely on-board.
Happy reading!
Characters all made sense, inhabited their space well, and their motivations all clicked. It was very well written. I mean, it's over dramatized fiction, so of course you won't get away from that. Plus the timeline makes this love story incredibly quick for so many characters--so I get why it's a struggle for some. But I, personally, don't see any issues.
I suspended disbelief and loved the humor, so I was definitely on-board.
Happy reading!
August 27, 2023
loved everything except the ending
I really loved everything about this book except the ending. It ended and I was like that was it… I also don’t think there is another book for this crew.
The entire book was well written and great for character building but I wished we got to see more of the end result of everyone happy and together.
I really loved everything about this book except the ending. It ended and I was like that was it… I also don’t think there is another book for this crew.
The entire book was well written and great for character building but I wished we got to see more of the end result of everyone happy and together.
August 27, 2023
Addictive
Break My Bones by Grace McGinty is an addictive whychoose romance that flawlessly combines ice hockey, passion, and unforgettable characters. A must-read for fans of the genre!
Break My Bones by Grace McGinty is an addictive whychoose romance that flawlessly combines ice hockey, passion, and unforgettable characters. A must-read for fans of the genre!
November 17, 2023
I’ve been in the reading slump from hell. Leave it to Grace McGinty to pull me out - at least for the time being. This was super sweet and cute. I thought the character and relationship development for such a short why-choose was done pretty well. I really liked the MFC.
September 14, 2023
This was super cute but this book is frankly unfinished.
3 MMC's and 1 FMC with a MM pairing and 3 MF pairings and that in 340 pages with a bi-awakening, homophobic teammates and an assault resulting in a short coma.
This book was missing A LOT of character and plot development and felt rushed and incomplete considering all the plot points it tried to handle.
Which is really a shame as I really liked the characters and they had all such good set ups and the dynamics between them was interesting but it needed more time and more fleshing out. You simply cannot pack so many characters and pairings into such a short book without loosing out on essential character and plot building. Which is a shame as this would have been a great book with 200 extra pages built in to really hash it all out.
I have not read the first book but to be honest, its another 3 MMC 1 FMC shorty and I am fairly certain it will be the same rushed thing as this one.
3 MMC's and 1 FMC with a MM pairing and 3 MF pairings and that in 340 pages with a bi-awakening, homophobic teammates and an assault resulting in a short coma.
This book was missing A LOT of character and plot development and felt rushed and incomplete considering all the plot points it tried to handle.
Which is really a shame as I really liked the characters and they had all such good set ups and the dynamics between them was interesting but it needed more time and more fleshing out. You simply cannot pack so many characters and pairings into such a short book without loosing out on essential character and plot building. Which is a shame as this would have been a great book with 200 extra pages built in to really hash it all out.
I have not read the first book but to be honest, its another 3 MMC 1 FMC shorty and I am fairly certain it will be the same rushed thing as this one.
September 10, 2023
This book was written terribly for Juniper. Ya Ludo gets everything great but she gets the short end of the stick by far. Johnny says it is hen he says to Ludo “It’s not really fair to her, is it? You’re getting everything out of this arrangement”. Juniper was kind of pathetic pining over slurp for years and come on girl either man up and say something or move on. This story was not a throuple or anything good what it was was 2 gay guys l and 1 guy and 1 girl. Ludo is pathetic for never making a move and then even when he does it is too late. Juniper got the short end of the stick!
August 30, 2023
I want to rate this higher, and I really loved all of the characters, but it needed to be longer and more fleshed out. We didn't even have Juniper and Eric getting sexy times and he's the one who brought all of them together in polyamory.
I'm glad I read it, but it just fell short. Here are a few examples:
* The book literally opens with Juniper playing goalie in ice hockey. Both Ludo and Jonny either think or say out loud more than once what a good hockey player she is. One of them says that if she had been a guy she would have absolutely gone pro, and that a broken leg ended her possible future in women's hockey up in Canada. And they go ice skating a few times for fun. It was really surprising when none of them put together a game for fun when they were in their home town (with their other childhood friends who were on their junior hockey team). Wouldn't it be fun for them all to play and for Eric to see how she plays? That would have been an awesome scene.
* Eric is drawn to her right from the beginning but the only physical fun times they had involve his tongue.
* Ludo has loved her since they were 14 and he doesn't get his happy time until 85% through the book.
* Johnny has ptsd from combat. Is he going to therapy? His trauma isn't avoided but they never sit down and talk with him about it. And while it was nice for them to hang out with Nova's RH at the end, there was definitely a missed opportunity with Devan, fellow strong silent scarred man. It felt a bit rushed with Devan solving Johnny's employment dilemma.
* After Juniper was mugged in the beginning of the book, the police reaction was not credible. They would have at least gone to the vehicle and swabbed for fingerprints. And since the valet witnessed the man giving off danger date vibes, they would have gone and interviewed him. It would not have been so fully dismissed.
* I see a pattern between this one, Sticks and Stones, and Pay Per View in that there is one teddybear of a guy in each of those RHs who floats the idea of polyamory and brings the group together. Since these are her last three novels, it's too similar of a plot mechanism.
* I feel like McGinty should have set the story in a larger town. Ann Arbor is actually a small college town of 120k (which includes students at University of Michigan, which has 51k students), and I don't think it's really large enough to have a professional hockey team. From a quick google search (which she could have done), the IRL smallest city to have a professional hockey team is Quebec City with a population of 560k. Having been to Ann Arbor and put a kid through college there, I don't think the scenes she described there in this book and Sticks and Stones are very realistic - the books make it feel larger than it is.
* It ends rather abruptly, just like Pay per View did, which hopefully is not an ongoing McGinty trend. Do they all buy a house together? Where do they live? It would be wonderful to have more than a couple of pages of them as a group. Once they all come together it just ends.
What I liked
* I actually liked that Robbie's wife Maryanne doesn't like Juniper, because of Robbie being one of the childhood friends who ran around with her and was probably crushing at one point. It felt realistic, and not all friend wives are going to be friendly.
* Even with too-short of a story, McGinty did a good job creating likable characters. Even if we need more development of each of them.
I'm glad I read it, but it just fell short. Here are a few examples:
* The book literally opens with Juniper playing goalie in ice hockey. Both Ludo and Jonny either think or say out loud more than once what a good hockey player she is. One of them says that if she had been a guy she would have absolutely gone pro, and that a broken leg ended her possible future in women's hockey up in Canada. And they go ice skating a few times for fun. It was really surprising when none of them put together a game for fun when they were in their home town (with their other childhood friends who were on their junior hockey team). Wouldn't it be fun for them all to play and for Eric to see how she plays? That would have been an awesome scene.
* Eric is drawn to her right from the beginning but the only physical fun times they had involve his tongue.
* Ludo has loved her since they were 14 and he doesn't get his happy time until 85% through the book.
* Johnny has ptsd from combat. Is he going to therapy? His trauma isn't avoided but they never sit down and talk with him about it. And while it was nice for them to hang out with Nova's RH at the end, there was definitely a missed opportunity with Devan, fellow strong silent scarred man. It felt a bit rushed with Devan solving Johnny's employment dilemma.
* After Juniper was mugged in the beginning of the book, the police reaction was not credible. They would have at least gone to the vehicle and swabbed for fingerprints. And since the valet witnessed the man giving off danger date vibes, they would have gone and interviewed him. It would not have been so fully dismissed.
* I see a pattern between this one, Sticks and Stones, and Pay Per View in that there is one teddybear of a guy in each of those RHs who floats the idea of polyamory and brings the group together. Since these are her last three novels, it's too similar of a plot mechanism.
* I feel like McGinty should have set the story in a larger town. Ann Arbor is actually a small college town of 120k (which includes students at University of Michigan, which has 51k students), and I don't think it's really large enough to have a professional hockey team. From a quick google search (which she could have done), the IRL smallest city to have a professional hockey team is Quebec City with a population of 560k. Having been to Ann Arbor and put a kid through college there, I don't think the scenes she described there in this book and Sticks and Stones are very realistic - the books make it feel larger than it is.
* It ends rather abruptly, just like Pay per View did, which hopefully is not an ongoing McGinty trend. Do they all buy a house together? Where do they live? It would be wonderful to have more than a couple of pages of them as a group. Once they all come together it just ends.
What I liked
* I actually liked that Robbie's wife Maryanne doesn't like Juniper, because of Robbie being one of the childhood friends who ran around with her and was probably crushing at one point. It felt realistic, and not all friend wives are going to be friendly.
* Even with too-short of a story, McGinty did a good job creating likable characters. Even if we need more development of each of them.
September 25, 2023
Cute enough story, though not my favourite.
This story did not begin at ALL how I expected. That's a plus in a way - I like it when things are unexpected compared to being predictable. Typically, you have the guy and the girl start things off, but that wasn't the case in this book, exactly. The main female character, Juniper, was childhood friends with a few of the guys, sure, but that isn't brought up right away. Rather, the beginning of this book starts with a drunken night with two characters I didn't see happening, let alone so soon.
I'm not against MM in books by any means, but my PREFERENCE is usually that it still revolves around the FMC (female main character). This book has a lot more MM in it than anything else. One of the guys didn't even end up having a scene 'going all the way' with Juniper, which I found a bit surprising and disappointing, especially with all of the talk of them being in a relationship together.
Something in the book that I found a bit confusing was a suggestion made by Juniper's childhood friend, Ludo. Early on in the book, she has a bad situation happen to her during a date. It's suggested after the fact by her friend Ludo that she pretends to date Erik (the goalie of a rival team) to hide the truth about Erik's relationship with someone else that could cause unwanted drama, and to also protect her going forward. This confused me because I don't see how her pretending to date someone actually protects her? All she would have to do is just not go on any more dates. It wasn't like she had to pretend because people were approaching her for dates. She was on dating apps, so pretending to have a boyfriend to have people back off was never the issue. This is actually brought up by another friend of theirs, Johnny, but it never really gets answered. The reason for their pretend relationship really only served to benefit the two people who were REALLY in a relationship secretly, which was fine. I just don't see why they had to play it out that it was to protect her as well.
Besides that, there were other reasons for the lower rating on my review. A name was spelled wrong once or twice (Devon vs. Devan), about 70% in I was sort of just reading for the sake of finishing (I spent enough time on the book that I didn't want to quit. It was still a sweet story, but it started dragging a bit). I enjoy this author's books, but this one just kind of missed the mark for me, I'm sad to say. I really wanted to enjoy it more.
Ending on a plus - It was nice to see Nova and her guys a bit and to see a bit more of them at the end of the book!
This story did not begin at ALL how I expected. That's a plus in a way - I like it when things are unexpected compared to being predictable. Typically, you have the guy and the girl start things off, but that wasn't the case in this book, exactly. The main female character, Juniper, was childhood friends with a few of the guys, sure, but that isn't brought up right away. Rather, the beginning of this book starts with a drunken night with two characters I didn't see happening, let alone so soon.
I'm not against MM in books by any means, but my PREFERENCE is usually that it still revolves around the FMC (female main character). This book has a lot more MM in it than anything else. One of the guys didn't even end up having a scene 'going all the way' with Juniper, which I found a bit surprising and disappointing, especially with all of the talk of them being in a relationship together.
Something in the book that I found a bit confusing was a suggestion made by Juniper's childhood friend, Ludo. Early on in the book, she has a bad situation happen to her during a date. It's suggested after the fact by her friend Ludo that she pretends to date Erik (the goalie of a rival team) to hide the truth about Erik's relationship with someone else that could cause unwanted drama, and to also protect her going forward. This confused me because I don't see how her pretending to date someone actually protects her? All she would have to do is just not go on any more dates. It wasn't like she had to pretend because people were approaching her for dates. She was on dating apps, so pretending to have a boyfriend to have people back off was never the issue. This is actually brought up by another friend of theirs, Johnny, but it never really gets answered. The reason for their pretend relationship really only served to benefit the two people who were REALLY in a relationship secretly, which was fine. I just don't see why they had to play it out that it was to protect her as well.
Besides that, there were other reasons for the lower rating on my review. A name was spelled wrong once or twice (Devon vs. Devan), about 70% in I was sort of just reading for the sake of finishing (I spent enough time on the book that I didn't want to quit. It was still a sweet story, but it started dragging a bit). I enjoy this author's books, but this one just kind of missed the mark for me, I'm sad to say. I really wanted to enjoy it more.
Ending on a plus - It was nice to see Nova and her guys a bit and to see a bit more of them at the end of the book!
August 26, 2023
Beautiful beautiful story
Ok so I had read the book previously written about Nova and her men but for some reason I didn’t know this book was in the same universe and due to come out, because if so I would have added the release date to my calendar. I stumbled upon it by complete accident and I have to say, I’m so glad. It is definitely one of my top 5 reads of the year and I’ve read 270 books so far this year. This book is beautiful. It’s also heartbreaking on so many level but the way the author tells this story is just amazing. It’s definitely that found family everyone needs. I love hockey romance books and pucking wild just released this week and has all the hype, it’s a great read too, but this….this book might not get the hype because social media hasn’t discovered it yet but let me tell you it definitely deserves the hype. My only complaint is the ending was far too abruptly done and there is no epilogue. That is a crime. Especially when this story is so beautiful. The characters deserve a far more in depth and better ending as do the readers. Normally, I would toss the author away for ruining a reading experience by having an abrupt ending that feels so unfinished. It’s my biggest pet peeve in books. And I’m super disappointed but the story is still so wonderful and important that I can still recommend and give 5 stars. I would have loved to see more of the group life and daily dynamics for sure. I feel like we need a novella follow up to this for sure. I didn’t get that HEA feeling from the rushed ending and I NEEDED that. Please go read this book and implore Grace McGinty to add that novella follow up for jilting us at the end.
Ok so I had read the book previously written about Nova and her men but for some reason I didn’t know this book was in the same universe and due to come out, because if so I would have added the release date to my calendar. I stumbled upon it by complete accident and I have to say, I’m so glad. It is definitely one of my top 5 reads of the year and I’ve read 270 books so far this year. This book is beautiful. It’s also heartbreaking on so many level but the way the author tells this story is just amazing. It’s definitely that found family everyone needs. I love hockey romance books and pucking wild just released this week and has all the hype, it’s a great read too, but this….this book might not get the hype because social media hasn’t discovered it yet but let me tell you it definitely deserves the hype. My only complaint is the ending was far too abruptly done and there is no epilogue. That is a crime. Especially when this story is so beautiful. The characters deserve a far more in depth and better ending as do the readers. Normally, I would toss the author away for ruining a reading experience by having an abrupt ending that feels so unfinished. It’s my biggest pet peeve in books. And I’m super disappointed but the story is still so wonderful and important that I can still recommend and give 5 stars. I would have loved to see more of the group life and daily dynamics for sure. I feel like we need a novella follow up to this for sure. I didn’t get that HEA feeling from the rushed ending and I NEEDED that. Please go read this book and implore Grace McGinty to add that novella follow up for jilting us at the end.
July 13, 2024
This book was not nearly as good as the first one, and had some major issues for me. I did like the relationship building with Ludo and Erik, but there were still other issues that just didn't work.
First, the budding and building relationship between Ludo and Erik was handled very well, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. It just feels like the other relationships are just secondary or tertiary to that one, and they don't get nearly as much attention.
Johnny just didn't work for me. At all. He didn't really fit, and it felt like he was shoehorned into things. I really enjoyed how things were going up until he showed up. With just the other 3, things could have been so good, but then you throw in this random 3rd person, and it felt forced. Juniper could have gotten more focus from the author if Johnny was just left out of the book entirely. I think this would have made for a better book.
I felt bad for Juniper, having been in love with Ludo for so long, and he never even noticed (or really seemed to care much). It wasn't until several people TOLD him that he was in love with her that he started to think about it. This isn't love, and I hate for her to have to settle for the dregs of his affection, when he can't even figure out what he wants. She deserved better than all of them.
It didn't make any sense for all 4 of them to suddenly decide to be together. There wasn't much between some of them, and Juniper and Erik never even had sex (they were barely together except that 1 time in her old bedroom). I just wish there was more to things going on.
This one, I wouldn't recommend, unless someone is looking for something between two guys.
First, the budding and building relationship between Ludo and Erik was handled very well, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. It just feels like the other relationships are just secondary or tertiary to that one, and they don't get nearly as much attention.
Johnny just didn't work for me. At all. He didn't really fit, and it felt like he was shoehorned into things. I really enjoyed how things were going up until he showed up. With just the other 3, things could have been so good, but then you throw in this random 3rd person, and it felt forced. Juniper could have gotten more focus from the author if Johnny was just left out of the book entirely. I think this would have made for a better book.
I felt bad for Juniper, having been in love with Ludo for so long, and he never even noticed (or really seemed to care much). It wasn't until several people TOLD him that he was in love with her that he started to think about it. This isn't love, and I hate for her to have to settle for the dregs of his affection, when he can't even figure out what he wants. She deserved better than all of them.
It didn't make any sense for all 4 of them to suddenly decide to be together. There wasn't much between some of them, and Juniper and Erik never even had sex (they were barely together except that 1 time in her old bedroom). I just wish there was more to things going on.
This one, I wouldn't recommend, unless someone is looking for something between two guys.
June 12, 2024
"I wondered if they realized how in love they really were. The two of them were like two parts of a whole."
This one was probably my favorite Grace McGinty book I've read so far. I have absolutely fallen in love with the way that Grace builds her harems! And the pace they take to all come together.
I loved all the characters so much in this book! BUT Erik truly brought everyone together. He was so loveable!
"Playing against Ludo had been thrilling. Distracting as hell, but almost like foreplay."
So many of the reviews I read hated so much on Ludo. The author did really hammer in the fact that Ludo was a manwhore. But he really thought thats all he was worth. And that he didn't deserve Juniper. And Juniper truly was an amazing FMC he was unbelievably loyal and I can understand why he would NEVER want to take a chance ruining their relationship! 🤷♀️ Personally I loved how it unfolded and how long it took him to realize.
JOHNNY! 😭 He was so special. We really don't meet him until 1/3 into the book! The relationship between him and Juniper is so special. J loved every second of it!
"We’d all loved her, but she’d given him something extra. She’d anchored his lost-boy soul; she was Wendy to his Peter Pan."
I can't wait to read more of Grace's books! This series was so much fun!!
"Hashtag team Johniper.”
This one was probably my favorite Grace McGinty book I've read so far. I have absolutely fallen in love with the way that Grace builds her harems! And the pace they take to all come together.
I loved all the characters so much in this book! BUT Erik truly brought everyone together. He was so loveable!
"Playing against Ludo had been thrilling. Distracting as hell, but almost like foreplay."
So many of the reviews I read hated so much on Ludo. The author did really hammer in the fact that Ludo was a manwhore. But he really thought thats all he was worth. And that he didn't deserve Juniper. And Juniper truly was an amazing FMC he was unbelievably loyal and I can understand why he would NEVER want to take a chance ruining their relationship! 🤷♀️ Personally I loved how it unfolded and how long it took him to realize.
JOHNNY! 😭 He was so special. We really don't meet him until 1/3 into the book! The relationship between him and Juniper is so special. J loved every second of it!
"We’d all loved her, but she’d given him something extra. She’d anchored his lost-boy soul; she was Wendy to his Peter Pan."
I can't wait to read more of Grace's books! This series was so much fun!!
"Hashtag team Johniper.”
August 28, 2023
I liked this more than Sticks and Stone. But Juniper was introduced as this tough woman who played hockey, enjoyed life, nothing could bring her down, only cried three times in her life. And for some reason as soon as we meet her she turns into a crybaby who can't deal with her own shit not to mention anyone else's. In the end she was turned from the indepeneent strog woman she started out as into a codependent fearful little thing and I just don't think that's a good relationship goal to anyone.
At least Ludo was maybe a more central character here. Not much depth but he was fun. I think that is my issue with all of the author's characters. They're all just too shallow. I wouldn't say they are two dimensional, because that's not true, but an untold tragic past does not character depth make.
I didn't even get to know anything about Eric. And he was there from the beginning unlike Johnny, who arrived after one third of the book. If it's a character driven story without much of a plot then the characters need to be really compelling and believable. Otherwise we get this. Not bad, not great, I can read 10 more of this, but I won't remember any of them in a month.
At least Ludo was maybe a more central character here. Not much depth but he was fun. I think that is my issue with all of the author's characters. They're all just too shallow. I wouldn't say they are two dimensional, because that's not true, but an untold tragic past does not character depth make.
I didn't even get to know anything about Eric. And he was there from the beginning unlike Johnny, who arrived after one third of the book. If it's a character driven story without much of a plot then the characters need to be really compelling and believable. Otherwise we get this. Not bad, not great, I can read 10 more of this, but I won't remember any of them in a month.
January 18, 2025
🏒 dnf @ 28% 🏒
i hate male-centred books. i know that it’s hypocritical of me to say this when i picked up this book knowing it was a reverse harem, but when it comes to rh, like the namesake, i prefer it better when the woman is the center.
this wasn’t the case with this book at all. not even a little bit. ludo and erik were the two main characters while juniper was just the ugly stray dog from ludo’s childhood that he strung along because he was too attached to her. i didn’t get the sense that either ludo and erik cared for juniper at all. the one thing they had in common was that they both found it hot when juniper kissed either one of them.
so essentially, juniper was just a toy—a walking dildo for these two, which made me frustrated. i’m just confused because if this author wanted to write an m/m romance, then stand up and just fully commit to it? was it the fear of not reaching your audience? but m/m romance is literally so mainstream. people in general are male, centred, so what’s the problem? what’s the point of treating your female character this way? it’s infuriating.
i hate male-centred books. i know that it’s hypocritical of me to say this when i picked up this book knowing it was a reverse harem, but when it comes to rh, like the namesake, i prefer it better when the woman is the center.
this wasn’t the case with this book at all. not even a little bit. ludo and erik were the two main characters while juniper was just the ugly stray dog from ludo’s childhood that he strung along because he was too attached to her. i didn’t get the sense that either ludo and erik cared for juniper at all. the one thing they had in common was that they both found it hot when juniper kissed either one of them.
so essentially, juniper was just a toy—a walking dildo for these two, which made me frustrated. i’m just confused because if this author wanted to write an m/m romance, then stand up and just fully commit to it? was it the fear of not reaching your audience? but m/m romance is literally so mainstream. people in general are male, centred, so what’s the problem? what’s the point of treating your female character this way? it’s infuriating.
August 30, 2023
Spicy and sweet
I do miss the urban fantasy settings that McGinty used to write, but these hockey ones have become comfort reads for me.
I loved the first one with Nova so much that I've reread it when I needed a pick me up. This one was also great, and I'll probably reread it in the future.
I loved the bisexual awakening of Ludo, and Bug was a total sweety. Erik was my favorite most of all!!!
My only complaint is the ending felt very abrupt and a little confusing. I really wanted to at least see them look for a house together, and maybe a 1 on 1 full spicy scene between bug and Erik, and a Scene with the three of them together as well.
If she does more in the hockey series I super want to request Nova's besty, who she promised to introduce to hockey players. I really liked her and her mom and how supportive they were of Nova. Maybe Julie's supposedly hot brother that she wanted to hook Nova up with could be part of it since we didn't get to actually meet him in that book.
I do miss the urban fantasy settings that McGinty used to write, but these hockey ones have become comfort reads for me.
I loved the first one with Nova so much that I've reread it when I needed a pick me up. This one was also great, and I'll probably reread it in the future.
I loved the bisexual awakening of Ludo, and Bug was a total sweety. Erik was my favorite most of all!!!
My only complaint is the ending felt very abrupt and a little confusing. I really wanted to at least see them look for a house together, and maybe a 1 on 1 full spicy scene between bug and Erik, and a Scene with the three of them together as well.
If she does more in the hockey series I super want to request Nova's besty, who she promised to introduce to hockey players. I really liked her and her mom and how supportive they were of Nova. Maybe Julie's supposedly hot brother that she wanted to hook Nova up with could be part of it since we didn't get to actually meet him in that book.
September 16, 2023
2nd in the series
The books are interconnected with overlapping characters. Each set of main characters has their own book with their HEA arc becoming complete at the end of their book. This means you can read each book independently of one another. This book contains MM, the first in the series didn’t. The MM in this book is a major plotline and contains a bi-awakening.
Juniper, Ludo & Johnny have been friends since Junie earned the goalie position on the boys’ peewee hockey team. Fast forward to adulthood and Johnny’s off to parts unknown as a Marine. Junie is the social media manager for a pro hockey team. Her best friend Ludo’s the star right winger for the same team and a confirmed skirt chasing manwh*re-until he meets Erik at a party and goes home with him. And did you know that Erik is the star goalie for Ludo’s team’s cross state, biggest rivals? Let’s just say these 4 don’t fit well together-until they do.
The books are interconnected with overlapping characters. Each set of main characters has their own book with their HEA arc becoming complete at the end of their book. This means you can read each book independently of one another. This book contains MM, the first in the series didn’t. The MM in this book is a major plotline and contains a bi-awakening.
Juniper, Ludo & Johnny have been friends since Junie earned the goalie position on the boys’ peewee hockey team. Fast forward to adulthood and Johnny’s off to parts unknown as a Marine. Junie is the social media manager for a pro hockey team. Her best friend Ludo’s the star right winger for the same team and a confirmed skirt chasing manwh*re-until he meets Erik at a party and goes home with him. And did you know that Erik is the star goalie for Ludo’s team’s cross state, biggest rivals? Let’s just say these 4 don’t fit well together-until they do.
January 10, 2024
Trio + Johnny
The thing is, I really enjoyed this book! My problems really lie with Johnny and his relationship with Juniper. This really could have been a trio relationship only, because Johnny feels like he was just tacked on and has little chemistry with the others. There’s a moment when Erik gets flowers for Juniper and Ludo but not Johnny, and I was just like “why leave him out?” There was a moment where I thought he was going to be romantically involved with the other guys because Erik thought he was attractive, but that moment never came. Anyways, I think I’d like this more if 1. Johnny was more involved in the relationship, and 2. Juniper’s scary situation at the start played a bigger part in the story. Like, Juniper didn’t really gain anything from the fake relationship. I was waiting the whole time for Dean/Dale (forgot his name) to reappear to make the situation for tense, but nothing.
The thing is, I really enjoyed this book! My problems really lie with Johnny and his relationship with Juniper. This really could have been a trio relationship only, because Johnny feels like he was just tacked on and has little chemistry with the others. There’s a moment when Erik gets flowers for Juniper and Ludo but not Johnny, and I was just like “why leave him out?” There was a moment where I thought he was going to be romantically involved with the other guys because Erik thought he was attractive, but that moment never came. Anyways, I think I’d like this more if 1. Johnny was more involved in the relationship, and 2. Juniper’s scary situation at the start played a bigger part in the story. Like, Juniper didn’t really gain anything from the fake relationship. I was waiting the whole time for Dean/Dale (forgot his name) to reappear to make the situation for tense, but nothing.
January 7, 2025
“I think your time is now, if you just give yourself permission to grasp it. Carpe Penes.”
4.5⭐️ I thought I liked the first in this series! This one blows it’s out of the water. There were so many twists and turn in this it took all my energy to keep up but I loved everyone of them!
The Romcom element is hilarious. There’s so many funny one liners, none of them which I can share here because it’ll get flagged but they are so funny like honestly I love Grace McGinty’s humour.
I thought initially this was gonna be a MMF troupe sitch but then the mysterious fourth comes along with his ptsd and ex-veteran rep and I was in love with this Whychoose crew! Again, Grace dies do well crafting these characters and their emotional struggles and development. It’s really enjoyable to watch all this play out on page.
Loved the variety in the POV’s. It just adds so many angles to the story! Great read!
4.5⭐️ I thought I liked the first in this series! This one blows it’s out of the water. There were so many twists and turn in this it took all my energy to keep up but I loved everyone of them!
The Romcom element is hilarious. There’s so many funny one liners, none of them which I can share here because it’ll get flagged but they are so funny like honestly I love Grace McGinty’s humour.
I thought initially this was gonna be a MMF troupe sitch but then the mysterious fourth comes along with his ptsd and ex-veteran rep and I was in love with this Whychoose crew! Again, Grace dies do well crafting these characters and their emotional struggles and development. It’s really enjoyable to watch all this play out on page.
Loved the variety in the POV’s. It just adds so many angles to the story! Great read!
August 31, 2023
I loved it!
Grace McGinty's books are guaranteed 5 stars why choose/ RH stories for me and Break My Bones did not disappoint!
I have enjoyed the little insights we get of Nova and the guys. But I won't lie, I fell way harder for Ludo, Erik and Johnny. I love the cohesion between the them, the chemistry and the deep knowledge and love that comes from knowing someone for so long.
To be entirely honest, i got a bit shocked by the abrupt way the book end. I may have flicked the pages back and forth on my ebook until I was fully certain that nothing was missing. Then I wondered if there was going to be a sequel. Now that I've had a little bit longer to think about it, it's actually a great ending in itself. Although there would defend be some room for a few more chapters, the story does end in an open ended way that satisfies.
Grace McGinty's books are guaranteed 5 stars why choose/ RH stories for me and Break My Bones did not disappoint!
I have enjoyed the little insights we get of Nova and the guys. But I won't lie, I fell way harder for Ludo, Erik and Johnny. I love the cohesion between the them, the chemistry and the deep knowledge and love that comes from knowing someone for so long.
To be entirely honest, i got a bit shocked by the abrupt way the book end. I may have flicked the pages back and forth on my ebook until I was fully certain that nothing was missing. Then I wondered if there was going to be a sequel. Now that I've had a little bit longer to think about it, it's actually a great ending in itself. Although there would defend be some room for a few more chapters, the story does end in an open ended way that satisfies.
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