Review: SMOKIN' HOT Series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
Every new book added to this series allows these characters just bury themselves deeper into my heart. With the addition of Offside, which is book four in the Dartmouth Cobras series, I have come to respect and admire even further the talent that Ms. Sommerland holds. She takes some very difficult situations and allows her readers to feel pain, hurt, sadness, and eventually healing and consuming love. It's much more than just reading a story. It's as though you are experiencing a journey.I loved the way that Becky, Zach and Scott balanced the needs of each other. The BDSM aspect in this book was so beautifully written that even if you're not a fan of that genre, it consumes your attention. She shows the honesty and the realism of the lifestyle, but also balances it out for what works for this relationship. BDSM is not the same for everyone. There is no wrong or right way to play as long as it's consensual and safe. There was much to learn and many obstacles for these three people to overcome, but ultimately it just made them stronger and solid.This is a very long book. There is a lot going on. It's not too much to keep track of and it's not overdone with repetitive descriptions, there is just a lot of story. I absolutely loved that. You get to know the team, the families and the history. It helps you form a connection to them all. There is quite a bit of build up for future books and so many directions she can take it from here. I'm excited to see what she has in store for us.Bianca is a huge hockey fan and her love for the sport flows off the pages. The team interaction, locker room and ice chirping are spot on. When she writes an actual ice scene it's easy to picture yourself sitting by the glass watching it happen. She transports you right into the action.There were a few situations that I personally struggled with. One involves Becky just taking off after questioning her relationship with Zach. I understand why she did it, and things worked out in the end, but it just made me look at her differently after that scenario. It made me lose loose a little respect for her. It may be that Zach was just portrayed as such a caring trustworthy character that it confused me why she couldn't see that. Or perhaps, it is because I am a little in love with Zach and it upset me that she upset him. Yes I know he's just pretend, but I swear the way she writes about her characters, you feel as though they are very real. As I said, she does redeem herself and they are able to overcome, but it just left me with mixed feelings about her after.Overall I loved this book. It was passionate, emotional, and very honest in many heartbreaking circumstances. It's truly a book that centers on conquering the past and claiming a much deserved happy future. Let's just say Ms. Sommerland is a mastermind at writing scorching hot sex. Whether she is writing a ménage, m/m, club scene, or hell even sex on a bike, this lady knows how to do it right! I do recommend that you read the prior books in this series to be able to fully appreciate all that happens in Offside. There are a lot of side stories happening, and I think you would be lost if you haven't read the first three books. No question once you start them you will be pulled into to this incredible sexy series.Review copy provided for an honest review.