Out of Play!!!
First things first: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The book is already out, so you can go and check it out. (Warning for drug abuse and drinking)
This is one of the books that I didn't see coming at all. In the beginning I was so unsure if I would actually like it or not. I couldn't relate to the characters at all and was really ugh about everything. Except for the writing, I really like the writing right from the beginning.
But as I went through this book, the more the characters grew on me. The main characters are Penny, who's whole life revolves around playing hockey, takes care of her granddad because her mom is working a lot and her dad died years ago, and who has a huge crush on her friend Mitch. And we have Bishop, drummer of a really popular band who takes care of his mom by paying his father to stay away from them, and who has major anxiety issues and dulls them with pills and alcohol. Until one night, when he nearly OD's and gets send to Alaska to get a handle on his problem. And they meet. And things start happening.
Like I said, over time, these two really grew on me. And the book also had some great sidecharacters, like Gary, who went to Alaska with Bishop to help him get better. I really love the friendship they build through this story. Also Penny's granddad, who stole my heart the minute he first appeared. I loved their relationship. I loved the moments he had with Bishop. And I hate how things ended for him. RUDE.
When it comes to relationships in the book, I also really liked the friendship that grew between Penny and Becca. In the beginning I really didn't like how Penny thought of her. I get she was more girly than Penny and I get that Penny had the crush on Mitch, who is Becca's boyfriend. But I'm glad she got around to realizing that Mitch wasn't the guy for her and even though they are different, doesn't mean she and Becca can't be friends. I loved Becca, btw. and was super happy that the authors didn't go the usual "the girly-girl has to be a mean girl" route with her. YAY.
I also very much loved the way Penny's relationship changed during the book. And I'm so glad to see them working things out and getting better. There was a lot of stuff going and it's good to see them working on it. Don't give up on family.
And of course I really loved the relationship between Penny and Bishop. I liked how they helped each other through some terrible stuff and how even though, it got really bad for them, they found their way to each other again. Cause I think their relationship was really well developed, the authors took their time with them and didn't let things happen to quickly.
All in all I'm really happy with the book. I took a star off because of Gramps. Cause I won't forgive this. EVER.
