Hail Mary (Red Zone Rivals)

by Kandi Steiner

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Hail Mary is the final book in Kandi Steiner's Red Zone Rivals series. I've been a reader of this series since the very beginning and I've enjoyed each of the books. So I went into the story hoping to be wowed. Although not as exceptional as the previous books, it was still a good read. This time around Steiner gave her readers a combination of an enemies to lovers, forced proximity and second chance romance.

The previous book by introducing Leo and Mary left me eager to read Hail Mary. I had to know the reason for Mary’s animosity towards Leo. In this installment, readers learn the reason for the Mary’s animosity. Seven years ago, Mary and Leo met via an online gaming portal. She knew his identity, but to him, she remained a mystery. They became close via phone calls and texting. However, because of a misunderstanding, their friendship came to an abrupt end.

Fast forward seven years later, Mary and Leo are neighbors. Leo is clueless as to the reason for Mary’s dislike of him. However, this did not stop from trying to be nice to her. So when her home flooded out, he offered her the spare room at the Pit. The Pit is where he and some of his teammates lived. Despite her resentment towards him, she accepted the offer reluctantly, as the alternative was not an option.

I enjoyed the story, and watching the couple work through their issues. Leo was such a sweetheart in the way he treated Mary despite the don’t come near me vibes she emitted whenever he came around. At a point when it seems he had a chance of penetrating the fortress she built around her heart, she shuts down.

Although I liked Mary for her sassy and witty personality, she annoyed me with her treatment of Leo. Even though she recognised his cluelessness as to the reason she kept him at a distance, she chose not to reveal to him her reasons. Gah! I so wanted to shake some sense into her. Seven years is a long time to hold a grudge. Especially when the person you are holding the grudge against has no clue why.

Then when they finally resolve all past issues and pursued a relationship, drama with her boss threatened to destroy it all. Also, her reaction to Leo’s attempt to defend her was silly (Not that what he did was right, especially knowing it could damage his hopes of a football career.) I am sorry if my man stood up for me like that, I wouldn’t have pushed him away.

The couples from the previous books appeared giving readers an update on the status of their relationships and also their plans for the future.

Hail Mary ended the series on an interesting note. It made me sad to leave this world. Though an interesting read, communication would solve some of the issues occurring between the characters leading to far less drama and angst.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading