Just One of the Boys (Chicago Falcons Book 1)

If you’re looking for an original plot, you won’t find it here but as far as I’m concerned that really doesn’t retract from the story.Alice Bell just wants to play ice hockey so when circumstances conspire to make that possible, she finds herself stepping into her brother’s shoes to do just that. Things get complicated however when she begins to develop feelings for fellow teammate Hayden.As I said, it’s not exactly an original concept but it is well written which really does make a difference. The characters are believable, the nuances of the story interesting and overall it’s an enjoyable read. I only had one real problem with this story and that’s that no-one (mainly the coach) realises they’re calling Xander by Al’s name. To understand that you might have to read but it’s just something that bugged me.So what makes this story more than just average? I think it has to be the fact that Alice falls so much into her alternate persona that she begins to lose herself in the process, a fact she realises and has trouble with later in the story. The identity crisis she suffers and the questions she begins to ask herself are something that I feel a lot of people can identify with. As for Hayden, our leading man, well he also learns a few things along the way but what I liked the most was the way in which – just by being there for him – Al helps him to become a better person. She doesn’t set out to change him in any real sense, even if they do strike a deal to help one another and yet just by being his friend she helps him to overcome his past. I’m not going to lie, the big reveal does not go well but then what’s a story without a little extra drama. The only other warning I’ll give you – that you may or may not need - is that the ending is left a little to our own imagination, so if you like absolutely everything tied up in a neat little bow, you might not be too happy with the way this one ends. Personally I wouldn’t let that put you off though; this is still a lovely story, that’s beautifully told.

A story about a girl that loves sport and still enjoys dressing up and wowing her crush? Well what more could you ask for? Not much at all.Alice Bell loves NOTHING more than ice hockey. So when the coach finds out she’s a girl at tryouts and pretends that her brother made the team instead, she is furious. Until an accident results in her taking her brother’s place as “Al”. Playing hockey is what she does best, so gaining her teammates support when they all think she’s male is easy. Bonding with her teammate Hayden, however, has unintended consequences as she starts to fall for him. Throw in her brother’s secrets, a blackmailing ex-boyfriend, and an emotionally absent mother, and you have the perfect ice storm brewing…The writing was fresh and, despite being a plot that has been done before, the author managed to make it felt new and different. The characterisation was realistic and with just the right amount of wit and angst to make it believable. The heroine was a wonderful mix of strength on the rink and self-doubt off it. Sweet and heart-warming, this is one of those reads with characters that stay with you long after you’ve read the final page… Highly recommended.

Tbh I downloaded this book to get me out of funk or serious stuff. I didn’t expect to like it or even feel anything really beyond relaxing with a teen romance (that are for any age! 😉) I really liked this book, liked the characters so much so that I was sort of disappointed I didn’t get to see more of the secondary cast members. If you’re looking for a little fun, romance and some emotion (but not enough that you go through a whole box of tissues and several rants online) I totally recommend this book! 😊

"Alice the daughter, the sister, the girlfriend, the figure skater. And Al, the hockey player. The rookie, the friend. Maybe none of those are lies. All of them make up a mosaic of my life, a picture of broken glass and scars. But there's beauty there, too."I'm a massive fan of She's The Man so this book was the perfect read for me. I loved the dual PoVs of Alice & Hayden. A super cute quick read, I need more books from these two authors.

Best 12th night story that I have read in a long time. Great character development and plot. Poignant and genuine.

A little bit cheesy for me but still an enjoyable read! This book is more of a palate cleanser, rather than a good read.

Ok

Alice AKA "Al" and her twin brother try out for a local hockey team after moving to Chicago. She wants on this team so bad she will literally do anything. There she meets Hayden. She is immediately attracted and the sparks fly between them anytime they meet.Hayden does not want to be interested in his teammates sister. This is typically taboo behavior among hockey players. He just cannot help how he feels anytime she his near.This is an original story with an unusual twist. Surprises are inside! I love the characters banter and the heat between the MC's nearly leapt off the pages. I devoured every page and then wished there were more.***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and the publishers.