Review: Out Of Play by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn

Out of Play by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn

Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Page Count: 320
Published by: Entangled Teen
Source: eArc provided in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn't have a drug problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—just need a little help taking the edge off sometimes. After downing a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.　

Hockey player Penny Jones can't imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers to all the best schools, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who'll take care of her absentminded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered to come home from work, let alone deal with their new tenants next door.

Penny’s not interested in dealing with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps and begins to see what he’s been missing. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick…and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

This is the first book I have read by either author and I really enjoyed it! I was really impressed by how well this book was written, and I always love stories with dual POV.

I really loved the characters, flaws and all. Bishop had some major issues, and he really struggled with his addiction. I felt that deep down he had a huge heart and really wanted to do the right thing. But because he was still in denial, he screwed up a few times. He was finally forced into admitting that he had a problem. I admired him for owning up to his addiction and taking charge and doing something about it. I loved watching Bishop grow and become a better person throughout the story.

Penny was one tough cookie! She was strong willed and determined to do things her way. I really loved the way she was written. Penny's life revolved around her family and the boys' hockey team (who all loved her!) She was more comfortable hanging out with the guys than she was with girls. I could really relate to that because I was the same way while growing up. She is under a lot of pressure because everyone assumes that she will pursue her hockey dreams by attending college and joining a girls team. All Penny really wants is to stay in Alaska and keep playing with the guys.

I loved the slow building relationship between Penny and Bishop. They were both cautious, but the more time they spent together, the more they understood each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, and they butted heads a few times, but I like that they were able to work out their problems and deal with whatever was going on. Out of Play is definitely YA, nice and clean without the complications of sex to muddy their fledgling relationship.

I fell in love with the story. It was emotional at times, but it also had moments of sweetness. And the characters were just wonderful. Penny and Bishop had real life problems that they needed to work out. I found myself interested in what would happen to Penny and Bishop, and if they could find peace and happiness. Overall, this was a wonderful story, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars