In the Penalty Box is a standalone young adult contemporary book written by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount. This is the first book I’ve read from these authors and won’t be my last. I love being introduced to new authors. This book is full of unlikely friendships between a figure skater and a hockey team and a forbidden romance that may end up causing issues. Be prepared for some drama at a high school level.
My Thoughts: First, let me say that this book’s cover doesn’t fit the way the characters are described, but that’s okay. Some readers may be bothered by this, but it doesn’t bother me. I was intrigued already to read this book before the cover, thanks to the synopsis. Young Adult is one of my favorite genres, even at my age of 30+. I enjoyed this book by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount. Here you have a figure skater, Willow, who has been injured and is home on rehab, but instead of figure skating, she starts playing hockey. She never expected to play hockey, but she has a cute hockey player to help her along the way. The same hockey player that doubted her skills since she’s a figure skater. The star hockey player, Brodie thinks of Willow as a sequins and twirls girl at first until Willows proves she can play goalie for the all-boys hockey team. Brodie should be focusing on his goals for getting a full-scholarship to the school he wants to go to but finds himself fascinated with Willow because of her determination. This is when problems start in the story.
A reminder that this is a book based in high school, so it’s going to have typical high school drama. The characters come off as more mature than their age because they are dealing with grown-up stuff. Brodie is dealing with family drama, and Willow is dealing with her injury. Both characters have their own goals and are determined, which makes these two characters connect well together. Forewarning: there are some foul language and under-age drinking in the book.
The only reason why this book is not getting five stars is due to repetition. There was constant talk about how Brodie and Willow could not be together. There was also the issue of secrets. Friendships could end up breaking due to secrets.
Standalone or Part of Series: Standalone
HEA: Yes.
Trope/Theme: Sports Romance; Forbidden Romance; Small Town Romance
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are a fan of Young Adult Contemporary with a Sports (Hockey) theme romance to it, you will enjoy this book. I give this book four stars, and I hope that the authors write more hockey romance books. If not, then I will be checking out the other books the authors have written. 🙂