Book: Penalty Play by Julia Connors
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
Updated to include Audiobook Review - Apr 26
This was so much more than the straight up step-sibling romance I was expecting. It is part of the premise, but the bigger obstacles are that they work together and her dad is also his agent. This is the final book in the Boston Rebels series with plenty of cameos, spice and humour.
Aiden and Morgan both have baggage they are dealing with; Aiden has closed himself off from relationships after being burned when he was younger and Morgan is looking for someone after being strung along by her ex. They meet at a hotel bar attending a wedding and the sparks are flying. These two were never going to be a one and done situation though as that chemistry is too hard to ignore! I really enjoyed all the time in Bermuda rather than it being a quick hook up and back to Boston as it was great seeing how open they were with each other (even if it was only because they thought they'd never meet again).
Morgan became so much more confident as the book progressed as she learned to set boundaries not only professionally but personally, and I really liked how she stood up for Natalie too. Aiden definitely gave Luke a run for his money as my favourite Boston Rebel; the consent check-ins, remembering the coffee order, and his obsession with the yellow bikini won me over completely. I loved seeing him open up his heart again; Aiden Snow brings an intensity to the character which evens out as his walls come down. I absolutely melted at some of the more emotional line deliveries later when he so earnestly wants to prove to Morgan they can have a future. Megan Wicks is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed her take on Morgan; her chemistry with Snow worked really well and the duet style makes all that banter and angst next level!
I'm sad to see the end of the Boston Rebels family but the breadcrumbs for Tucker's story have me wanting more already! Luke may be my favourite rebel but will he my favourite Hartmann?
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read