Review: Out of the Game – Kate Willoughby

Book three of In the Zone

Alex Sullivan may be the San Diego Barracudas’ resident playboy, but he hasn’t been able to forget the woman who kissed him like her life depended on it ten months ago. When he sees her again at a teammate’s wedding, he can’t think of anything but spending more time with her. Preferably naked.

Claire Marzano lost years catering to an overbearing husband, and she’s not going to answer to anyone ever again. A hot fling is just what she needs to get back in the game, and that’s exactly what sexy Alex offers—one wild long weekend away, with no promises or obligations.

But that one weekend changes everything. Despite knowing full well Alex isn’t the kind to ever commit, Claire is falling for him. And Alex secretly imagines a future with his strong, smart “accidental girlfriend.” Until a surprise announcement and an on-ice accident threaten to derail everything…or cause Alex to finally ditch his old ways and become the man Claire needs him to be.

Don’t miss On the Surface and Across the Line, available now!

86,000 words

Series: In the Zone #3
Release Date: March 16th 2015
Publisher: Carina Press
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Karen
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

OUT OF THE GAME is a delightful, light hearted story about a sexy, professional hockey player.  Alex is a playboy hockey player who has never had a relationship last longer than a month or two, but things change when he meets Claire.  Claire has just gone through a divorce, after discovering her husband of ten years cheated on her.  She doesn’t have a lot of confidence and has a bad attitude when it comes to men and relationships.  Alex is attracted to Claire and suggests they spend time together to help her get over the pain of her divorce.  He’d be happy to be her rebound guy, so she can forget her cheating husband.  There’s a lot of chemistry between them and Claire agrees to have a fling with Alex.  Neither of them is looking for anything permanent, but as time goes on and they continue to spend more time together, they are surprised to find they are becoming closer.

 Alex is easy to like, he’s a fun, carefree guy and also works hard to be a great hockey player.  He’s nearing the end of his career and is finally maturing and for the first time in his life, he’s forced to make some tough decisions.  He’s surprised by his strong feelings for Claire.  He understands Claire needs time and patience and he gives it to her.  Claire is a nice person, but unfortunately she was married to a jerk and she’s still trying to figure out her life after the divorce.  I especially enjoyed the camaraderie Alex has with his teammates. They are always trash talking and playing pranks on each other and everyone has a nickname.  Kate Willoughby writes a fast paced story that held my interest from the first page.  Alex and Claire immediately click and there is a lot of passion between them.  I connected with the characters and was sorry when the story ended.