Review: Strong, Deep Characters Drive this Fantastic Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2012
After having read, and loved, the first book in this series (Two Man Advantage) I was eagerly anticipating reading more. In the Penalty Box definitely doesn't disappoint.Landon became one of my all-time favorite characters from the very beginning. He hooked me in with his open, giving personality. I loved how he was willing to take a chance, even if it meant he might get hurt worse than he ever had before. His understanding and willingness to work with Samson on his own issues just strengthened the love I had for Landon.Samson took me a little longer to warm up to. Mostly because I was pissed at him for what he did to Landon in the prologue. And what a gut-wrenching scene that was. Samson doesn't say a single word until the very end of it. And then it's the one thing that would hurt above all others. But Samson definitely grew on me and it didn't take me long to love him too. His reasons for staying in the closet were not only understandable, but heartbreaking. It added layers to him that I wasn't expecting at first. Plus the way that he absolutely adored Landon endeared him to me. When he decides that he can't live without Landon, I'm hooked into their HEA and have no doubts they'll make it. And the scene where Samson `comes out' to his best friend - one of my absolute favorites, it was so well written.There are some dark moments for the characters and, I admit, I wondered how this was going to end happily, but Riley Shane not only pulled it off, she had me grinning with joy by the end. I also really liked how Landon's family and the rest of the team were important parts of the story. They added so much, and rounded out the relationships. Neither man was an island and that made their coming together that much more believable.Riley Shane is one of those few writers that can create characters that not only can I root for, but that feel real - who make mistakes and great accomplishments. Her writing has a depth that pulls you into the story and makes you lose time while devouring it. I've enjoyed each book I've read by her, and am definitely eagerly anticipating more. Highly recommended!!