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Out of Play

Nyrae Dawn (Goodreads Author),

Jolene Perry (Goodreads Author)

3.83 · Rating details · 3,302 ratings · 335 reviews

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley just needs a few months to relax and detox before his band's next tour. But the last place he expected to do it is in Seldon, Alaska. And the last person he wants to do it with is Penny Jones.

Fiery, headstrong Penny has zero in common with the cocky, too-hot-for-his-own-good Bishop, and she'd like to keep it that way. But the more Bishop gets

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ebook, 320 pages

Published August 6th 2013 by Entangled: Teen

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Jul 17, 2012 Wendy Higgins added it · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

(Note - this is YA from Entangled Teen)

Yay, yay, YAY!!! *runs around dancing* I love this book!!! These are two of my critique partners and I bugged them to let me start reading it before they were finished writing, and I swear, I stalked them after every chapter for more! "Hurry, hurry!" It's soooo good. Bishop and Penny rock.

Oh, and don't let the "sweetness and softness" of this cover fool you - this is one of those instances when I really hope people don't judge the book by its cover. I was ...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Nyrae Dawn rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

This book was so much fun to write! I got to incorporate many of the things I LOVE about writing and reading YA books.

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Jul 29, 2013 Rose rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: psychological, new-adult, romance, arc-or-galley, netgalley, realistic-fiction, contemporary, needs-review, young-adult, coming-of-age

Initial reaction: Not one of the better contemporary tough subject books in its genre that I've picked up. Honestly I found it rather...boring, and while it had several parts in the right place, I just couldn't get into it. I'm going to look through it again to see if my mind changes, but honestly - I wish it could've been better than what it was.

Full review:

Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn's "Out of Play" should've been a book that I loved. It revolves around sports, it has a female character that b ...more

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Oct 14, 2013 BookLover rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley, reviews, tpl, new-adult

ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Very satisfying story of opposites attract. I really like Nyrae Dawn’s writing style so I was excited to read this story, co-written with Jolene Perry.

The setting — Alaska, a rock star trying to get a drug problem he won’t acknowledge under control and a hockey playing girl trying to find her way in life despite everyone else thinking they know what’s best for her.

I’ll start off by sayi ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Very satisfying story of opposites attract. I really like Nyrae Dawn’s writing style so I was excited to read this story, co-written with Jolene Perry.

The setting — Alaska, a rock star trying to get a drug problem he won’t acknowledge under control and a hockey playing girl trying to find her way in life despite everyone else thinking they know what’s best for her.

I’ll start off by saying that I love reading stories that take place Alaska. I don’t know why, but I love reading about the scenery and weather in Alaska. It seems like it would be a wonderful place to visit.

On their own, outside the romance that developed, Bishop and Penny’s stories were so well developed. I loved each point of view and getting to know how their damaged pasts led them to the circumstances where they met. I couldn’t help but laugh at their early interactions. Both were so determined to NOT like one another, despite their mutual attraction, that they went out of their way to be rude. It made me cringe for them. When they both decided to acknowledge their attraction, I loved their sweet romance that developed.

Gramps was one of my favourite characters in the book, though Rebecca and Gary came in a close second. I loved what Gramps gave to Bishop in the form of acceptance and love. It was very heartwarming.

“Gramps's eyes light up. "He's got history, you know? But those people are the best kind because they already know what's out there and are ready to figure out what they really want. Do you know what you really want?”

Gary was the support Bishop didn’t know he needed. And Bishop’s made up last name, which stuck with him cracked me up every time it was mentioned. Rebecca was a surprising support to Penny, used to only having guys in her life.

Though the climax was quite dramatic and emotional, the angst factor was super low in this book, which is my preference! It made for a very enjoyable read! ...more

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Jul 24, 2013 Kimi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Take 2 incredible authors, put them together and what happens? Magic. I loved this book so much. Rock star and hockey romances are among my favorite stories and this one has both.

The characters and story were strong and relatable. I both laughed and teared up. I heard it was a real thing to do BUT I would never want to break my nose around Penny ;)

I highly recommend this book and will be posting links to it everywhere I can once it is live.

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Jun 22, 2016 beautyliterate rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-books, new-adult-reads

3/5 stars

I liked it just didn't love it. The characters were okay, the relationship was okay, and how everything developed plot-wise was okay. It was easy to read but I felt something was missing. ...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Review: Out Of Play I love girl who have snarky attitude and smart words. I adore girls who re-define who they are. This story is exquisite.

Plot: You have this girl, Penny who plays a tough game both on and off the field of ice hockey. She doesn’t let anyone be soft on her. Then Riley comes along. A smart kid who has geared off the path into hard times. Putting this two together is a smart choice for an excellent read. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. The plot flowed w ...more

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Aug 08, 2013 Brandi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Warning you will cry in this book, if for some reason you don't you are heartless. This book had my two favorite things in it, rockstar bad boy and Hockey. Yes I know I am obsessed with Hockey.

I fell in love with Gary and Troy. Yes you heard me right I know that they are not the main characters in the book, but I think they are amazing. Now onto the main characters.

Lucky Penny, she is damn determined to prove everyone wrong and to show everyone that she can do whatever the hell she wants. She is ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 Kim rated it it was ok

Shelves: netgalley, reviewed, young-adult, read-in-2013

“He’s got history, you know? But those people are the best kind because they already know what’s out there and are ready to figure out what they really want. Do you know what you really want?”

I was drawn to this book for two main reasons: Penny and Bishop. Penny sounded like such a kick-ass girl in the description. I have what just might be an unhealthy obsession with the troubled “bad boy” actor/musician/fighter that is so common in YA and NA lit these days. Additionally, as I may have ment “He’s got history, you know? But those people are the best kind because they already know what’s out there and are ready to figure out what they really want. Do you know what you really want?”

I was drawn to this book for two main reasons: Penny and Bishop. Penny sounded like such a kick-ass girl in the description. I have what just might be an unhealthy obsession with the troubled “bad boy” actor/musician/fighter that is so common in YA and NA lit these days. Additionally, as I may have mentioned a time or two before on this blog, I love reading about romance between a regular girl/famous boy.

I did love Penny. She was awesome. She truly was the kick-ass girl I thought she was given the description of the book. I’d like to think she and I would be friends if she a) was real and b) didn’t live in Alaska. Bishop just didn’t really interest me. I honestly felt he was boring. Yes he was troubled and vulnerable, but i just couldn’t connect with him. I didn’t care. Or, I didn’t care until that thing happens in the book – once you’ve read it, if you chose to, you’ll know exactly which “thing” I’m talking about. At that point, I felt so much for him. He was in so much obvious pain and was so vulnerable and unable to control his actions, it broke my heart.

The side characters were rather well-developed in this book. Gramps was amazing. He was a firecracker. He reminded me of my own grandfather in a lot of ways, so it was painful to read about his decline into dementia. Penny’s mom was a well-written character, but not one that I enjoyed reading about. I have a wonderful relationship with my mother. I know I’m lucky. Not everyone does. Penny’s mom was too controlling, manipulative and close-minded for me.

I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but trust me when I say I do. Still. I can’t help it. After seeing this cover and reading the blurb on Goodreads, I thought I was in for a fluffy New Adult romance novel with a Happily Ever After. Instead, I learned this was a book about growth and self-discovery, with a side of romance. The journey, so to speak, was great, but I found the romance lacking. I won’t say it wasn’t believable, necessarily. I just didn’t care. I didn’t connect enough with Bishop to care or want to see them fight for their relationship.

It wasn’t a bad book. I don’t regret reading it. It just really wasn’t what I thought I was getting.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. There were a lot of distracting cosmetic issues with the galley copy. It was incredibly difficult to read. The spacing was weird and when the document was sent to my Kindle app the first time, half the letters were missing. I converted it myself with Calibre and there weren’t as many missing letters, but there were weird paragraph and sentence breaks. I didn’t base my review on these issues, but I thought it worth mentioning. It did detract some from my ability to enjoy it.

This review can also be found on my blog. ...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Sharon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, new-adult, entangled

Review: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

Out of Play by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn was kindly provided to me by Entangled Teen and kept me riveted right from the very first page with its exciting premise and amazing characters.

Bishop Riley is the drummer for a famous award winning band and has been sent to Seldon, Alaska after nearly overdosing to think and sort out his priorities. Bishop was a broody character who was a bit of a mystery, I wanted to know more about him, his anxiety and addiction and what had Review: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

Out of Play by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn was kindly provided to me by Entangled Teen and kept me riveted right from the very first page with its exciting premise and amazing characters.

Bishop Riley is the drummer for a famous award winning band and has been sent to Seldon, Alaska after nearly overdosing to think and sort out his priorities. Bishop was a broody character who was a bit of a mystery, I wanted to know more about him, his anxiety and addiction and what had sent him on a downward spiral and as the book progressed I enjoyed getting to know more about him.

Tomboy Penny Jones plays with the school boys hockey team and can’t imagine life outside of Seldon, she loves her lifestyle and her family and is hesitant when it comes to making a decision about college, she comes to be intrigued by the moody boy who has just arrived at her families rental cabins, his arrival shrouded in secrecy.

These characters couldn’t have been more different, Bishop with his cockiness and partying ways and Penny with her kick-butt sass and attitude who really cared about those around her, they ended up melding in a way which worked really well and the attraction between them was hot! I must say though, I was so anxious as I was reading along about how one beer only Penny would feel towards Bishop once she knew the truth about not only who he was but why he was there.

The secondary characters were fabulous! I absolutely adored Gramps, he was such a wise old man and I really felt for him with his dementia; Gary and his advice was amazing; we all need a Gary in our lives with his positive affirmations and guidance I think and I liked the protective relationship Bishop shared with his mother.

This is my favourite kind of romance, no insta-love, just a slow (probably a little too slow) build up and mutual attraction which had me hoping for a HEA but it wasn’t to come without a few misunderstandings, drama and a lot of self-discovery, especially on Bishop’s part.

The writing is brilliant and the details we are given vivid, you are drawn into the scene along with the characters and feel their emotions and their experiences which I think is a sign of amazing story-telling.

Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn have written an entertaining page-turner with amazing characters, a wonderful storyline and really sweet romance. Dementia, addiction and anxiety were dealt with in a way which was believable, compassionate and extremely well done.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read by two fabulous authors.

Thank-you to Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read and review Out of Play. ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: a-r-c-current-and-upcoming

Out of Play isn’t the typical rock star romance, following a band on tour and some lucky girl who tames the untamable playboy musician. This is a Young Adult novel co-written by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn, so aside from drug use, it’s fairly tame for a story with a rock star protagonist. At its core, Out of Play is about the relationship between two teenagers on the brink of major life changes who come into each other’s lives when they most need someone. Overall, Out of Play is a sweet read wit Out of Play isn’t the typical rock star romance, following a band on tour and some lucky girl who tames the untamable playboy musician. This is a Young Adult novel co-written by Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn, so aside from drug use, it’s fairly tame for a story with a rock star protagonist. At its core, Out of Play is about the relationship between two teenagers on the brink of major life changes who come into each other’s lives when they most need someone. Overall, Out of Play is a sweet read with mildly intense situations and a strong connection between protagonists, Bishop Riley and Penny Jones.
The book is told through dual perspectives, providing insight into the minds of both characters and allowing readers a glimpse behind their tough exteriors. To his band mates, Bishop is a drug addict whose aversion to large crowds drives him to self-medicate. To her ice hockey teammates, Penny is the lone female in a male-dominated sport and as such, is thought of as one of the guys, despite her obvious beauty. Penny and Bishop are from two different worlds yet their chemistry is undeniable. I always enjoy when love interests start off despising each other (or some lesser form of dislike), building tension until their desire for each other makes it impossible to ignore their feelings any longer.
Penny and Bishop are two characters that are likable individually, but together, they are captivating. Their playful banter and good-natured ribbing provide many entertaining and light-hearted moments. Moments of pain and heartache are interspersed throughout Out of Play, set at a steady pace so as not to be overwhelming, until the book’s climax when the conflict implodes from many different directions at once. After that, everything unfolds quickly, leading up to a satisfactory ending.
Out of Play isn’t so much a “rock star” novel as it is a book about a guy who happens to be a rock star. The story is very character driven, exposing the strengths and weaknesses of both Penny and Bishop, which makes their characters more relatable. I am a huge fan of both Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry and I think they make a solid writing team, as evidenced by their previous co-authored book, Dizzy, as well as Out of Play. I’d love to revisit this couple in a follow-up novel to find out what’s in store for their future.
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Apr 29, 2013 Cassie Mae rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Mmmkay... this book? Totes awesomazing! Hot and sexy, but also kinda cute and innocent too. It pretty much goes through the spectrum of butterfly emotions. *sings Colbie Caillat's Bubbly*

Let's start with Penny, who is my favorite of Jolene's girls ever! Okay, okay, maybe I'm lying because I've loved all her girls, but this chicka, she'll kick your butt and look good doing it. She hangs with the boys, knows how to take a good hit, and delivers it right back. She's the girl I wish I was in high sc ...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Kara rated it really liked it

My blog received and ARC of this book for an honest review

This book had to be good - Nyrae Dawn & Jolene Perry?!
Well it didn't disappoint plus the female mc plays hockey! and you know I love my hockey books!

While the mc's were great - my favorite characters were Gramps and Gary. These two authors made them real. I pictured that would just be how a grandpa & sober assistant would act.

It is a worthy read and entertained me well. ...more

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Jul 20, 2015 Audrey Harte rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I absolutely loved this book! It's rare for me to have much time to read these days, but when I pick up a book that sucks me in, I make time! I thought it was well-written and I loved the main characters: the beautiful, balsy, hockey-playing Penny and the moody, gorgeous, incredibly talented drummer Bishop, but the supporting characters were great as well. I can easily see this being made into a movie and can't wait until it is! ...more

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Jul 01, 2013 Dawn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I was anxiously awaiting this book after meeting both authors at SFINE in San Francisco. I love both of their work and together they slay..Dizzy! Add in a tomboy who plays hockey and a rockstar drummer = me reading and loving!

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Feb 28, 2013 Julia Kai rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Why I haven't read this book sooner? I absolutely loved it! It even made me cry ...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Alyssa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from the publisher (for the tour)

Summary (from Goodreads):

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn't have a drug problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—just need a little help taking the edge off sometimes. After downing a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he want ...more

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Mar 07, 2016 Doris rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: rock-star-romance, arc, net-gallery

Where do you send a pill head drummer for a band that has Grammies under their belt and he needs to get his stuff together? Alaska?! This seems like a great idea for everyone but Bishop. So yeah, maybe he did almost die by downing too many pills this last time and yeah, maybe he has been letting his band down by not showing up to places he was supposed to be…but Alaska? His mom, who he loves very much, and his manager have come up with the idea for Bishop to take a couple of months off with Gary Where do you send a pill head drummer for a band that has Grammies under their belt and he needs to get his stuff together? Alaska?! This seems like a great idea for everyone but Bishop. So yeah, maybe he did almost die by downing too many pills this last time and yeah, maybe he has been letting his band down by not showing up to places he was supposed to be…but Alaska? His mom, who he loves very much, and his manager have come up with the idea for Bishop to take a couple of months off with Gary by his side. Gary has helped someone else who had addiction problems through this and he has been by Bishop as his bodyguard for quite some time. Gary knows too that Bishop has to do this if he wants to keep living. Too bad Bishop doesn’t realize that this trip is a life or death matter. It’s easy to brush off the concept of having a pill addiction when some of the meds are prescribed and you just don’t see for yourself what is happening around you. Bishop agrees to go to appease his mom and to get his manager off his back so that they get over this idea that he has a problem. But Alaska? What the hell do you do there? There are no food deliveries even if you get an idea you want pizza or Chinese!

One thing Alaska does have and that is Penny Jones who is a tough as hell girl who is not only beautiful but is one of the best hockey players on her all boy high school team. Penny works hard and takes no shit from anyone and she is also loved and admired by the guys on her team. She is getting a lot of looks from some of the best women’s hockey colleges out there but Penny doesn’t want to leave Alaska. She actually likes it there for a few different reasons; 1-she wants to play on a men’s team and if in Alaska she can, 2-she really likes where she lives because there is some much to do, and 3-her Grandpa is there and he means the world to her and he is in the beginning of dementia. Since her dad was killed in a motorcycle accident it’s just her mom and her grandpa who share a put together house and run cabin rentals. Usually people only come up and rent in the summer but there are two guys who rented out all of the cabins and it’s the dead of winter.

Bishop does catch Penny’s eye but because of his bad attitude and he can’t even wave back to her she figures he isn’t worth the time. It’s just too bad that he’s so damn good looking. Penny has no idea who this moody guy is even though she is a fan of his band Burn which he is the drummer for. As the walls slowly come down Penny shows Bishop all of the things that you can actually do in Alaska and have fun doing them. The competition between these two is funny because both like to give it everything they have and end up on top. Who knew riding snow machines around could be so much fun?! Bishop also spends his time working on fixing up Penny’s old corvette with Gramps and they form a really close bond which is something that Bishop hasn’t had in his life since his dad is actually a scumbag. He finally trusts Gramps enough to let him in on his story and Gramps is the only one who knows the real Bishop Riley.

What’s it going to take to get Bishop to tell Penny who he really is and why he is up in Alaska in the middle of winter renting a bunch of cabins with one other guy? Even if Penny realizes that she is having actual feelings for Bishop is he worth giving up her college aspirations for or will what he tells her end their relationship for good? What tragedy happens that pushes Bishop to the edge and will he and Penny every have that chance to have the relationship that they both surprisingly want? This book had you feeling some pretty intense things; there was a sweetness that was forming between Penny, Bishop and Gramps, there were times that my eyes filled with tears because of some of the heartbreak, and there was that feeling that you get when you finally have found someone that you are attracted to and makes you think about life in the future.

This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
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Feb 27, 2016 Nicole M. Hewitt rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction-addiction-read

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Out of Play is the sort of book that deals with tough issues really well but doesn't completely mangle your heart in the process. Not that I'm not a fan of the occasional heart-mangling (you know I love a good cry now and then), but I think it's great to have books that tackle these types of issues in a somewhat lighter, more accessible manner as well. A book that gives you the feels, but doesn't tear you to shreds in ...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Michelle rated it it was amazing

When I saw Out of Play on netgalley I knew I had to request it, and kept my fingers and toes crossed that I got accepted. When I received an email saying I had been accepted to read it I was beyond excited
The very first chapter is intense, Bishop goes home after a concert and is trying to find peace, quietness, escape from the noise and attention. His chosen form of escape is pills and alcohol, until he wakes up in hospital and discovers he could have died. With the shocking discovery comes the When I saw Out of Play on netgalley I knew I had to request it, and kept my fingers and toes crossed that I got accepted. When I received an email saying I had been accepted to read it I was beyond excited
The very first chapter is intense, Bishop goes home after a concert and is trying to find peace, quietness, escape from the noise and attention. His chosen form of escape is pills and alcohol, until he wakes up in hospital and discovers he could have died. With the shocking discovery comes the unwanted decision from his manager and his Mum, sending Bishop to Alaska to get himself together, or end up out the band, or dead if he carries on with this path. Bishop is sent to live in Alaska with Gary, who is there to supervise and make sure he doesn't stray from the path chosen for him.
Penny is hockey player on mans team, she shows all who doubt her who is the boss as she consistently assists in goals. She lives with Mum and Granddad and they own the cabins that Bishop is sent to for recovery.

I love that although Out of Play is set in Alaska, and Bishop mentions a lot that it is isolated, I didn't feel isolated, the surrounding area they describe sounds magical and it would be a perfect place for me to be isolated. It also helps that Penny is constantly surrounded by her small group of friends, and you find yourself falling into this group and feeling like you are actually there, the times she is alone is still doesn't feel lonely. One other thing that I love is the hockey aspect, I have no balance and no co-ordination, so my dreams of being a fantastic hockey player are obviously just dreams, but I love how Penny has it all, she is the best hockey player in her team, she is the only female in her team and plays against tougher, taller, stronger opponents and comes out fighting. Nothing can stop her following her dreams and I love how she is sure of herself, and her dreams, and is prepared to fight for what she wants. She is true epitome of girl power.

After the initial misunderstanding between Penny and Bishop, I loved how he was there to help Penny with her Granddad when she needed it. The ups and downs between this duo are normal for every relationship, and THAT is what makes the story, the realism of their problems, secrets and feelings for each other. It's not rushed, hurried or fake, it's all real, the slow burning friendship that slowly grows and becomes flames of passion, feelings and romance. The sledding that Bishop participates in sounds crazy ass scary, and while I am a snow person and pray for snow constantly, I doubt I would have the guts to do that.
Although Penny and Bishop do stand out, another character that does is Gramps, he see's behind Bishops disguise and tells him what's what. He is a sweet, old man that pulled on my heartstrings.

I loved every single page of Out of Play, but with two amazing authors at the helm it's no surprise there. Out of Play was an easy book for me to love, the characters are real and feel like firm friends a few pages in. The setting alone makes you want to stay there forever. I could not put this book down, and if I had a physical copy and not an e-copy I would have finished it in a few hours, rather than having to read it only at home. I was instantly drawn into the pages of this book, I loved the characters, the area it is set, and I am looking forward to seeing what else these authors have to offer, either as a team or alone. ...more

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Jul 24, 2013 Samantha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Bishop Riley is a drummer, and not just any drummer at that. He’s the drummer for a celebrity band…and the drummer who may have a pill addiction. He doesn’t think it’s an addiction though, so when his parents ship him off to Alaska to get clean after an accidental overdose, he’s more than a little mad. Female hockey player Penny Jones, resident of Alaska, is a little mad too. Her family is pushing her to accept a hockey scholarship away from Alaska, but Alaska is exactly where she wants to be, e Bishop Riley is a drummer, and not just any drummer at that. He’s the drummer for a celebrity band…and the drummer who may have a pill addiction. He doesn’t think it’s an addiction though, so when his parents ship him off to Alaska to get clean after an accidental overdose, he’s more than a little mad. Female hockey player Penny Jones, resident of Alaska, is a little mad too. Her family is pushing her to accept a hockey scholarship away from Alaska, but Alaska is exactly where she wants to be, even if it means watching her best friend Mitch drool over his girlfriend who isn’t her. When her and Bishop meet, both are going to realize they need each other to work through the problems they have.
This book was a wonderful surprise for me. I thought/hoped it would be enjoyable, but I fell in love with this story and these characters. Penny and Bishop are my favorite kind of main characters. They have some personal problems they need (really need, Bishop) to work on. Both have flaws. Both are imperfect. Had I met them in real life, at first, I wouldn’t have wanted to be either of their friends. But once they were put together, the character development went out of the roof. Penny and Bishop fed off of each other and together, their characters flew, and I fell in love with them both. Their relationship progressed so smoothly (well, the writing of the relationship did, the relationship itself certainly was not smooth!) and it took the time to develop.
The plot was wonderful. It kept my attention the whole time. It had a good balance of action and transitioning that I liked, but my favorite part about it was the realism of it. Their story, maybe minus Bishop being a celebrity, was easily imaginable. I can’t say what happens in the ending, but I was so, so glad the authors chose it to end that way, and to lead up to the ending that way. This isn’t a story that you know from page one or page one hundred what will happen with them, but it wraps up beautifully and answers all my questions.
Basically: hockey+kissing+snow+Alaska+drumming=Out of Play. If you like any of that, give this a try! 5/5 stars
I received a free ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Jessica Louise rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Bishop Riley knows all too well that being the drummer of a successful rock band isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The pressures are crashing down on him and he has formed a pill habit to cope. After waking up in hospital from a near overdose, Bishop is faced with an intervention. Either be shipped off to Alaska to detox out of the public eye, or be kicked out of the band. Bishop is in denial about having a problem. He just needs a pill occasionally to take the edge off. If he wanted to stop he c ...more

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Aug 07, 2013 Kim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I have really enjoyed Nyrae's solo efforts so far, and Out of Play was no different. It takes place primarily in Alaska after the story is set up, so for anyone expecting to read about a rockstar on the road meeting a girl in the audience/ backstage etc who catches his eye, this book is not that type of story.

After nearly dying, Bishop is sent to Alaska to get his act together and off pills unless he wants to be kicked out of his band. Penny's family owns the cabins where he and his "babysitter" ...more

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Jul 08, 2013 Bella rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I was SO FREAKING EXCITED to get an ARC from a book by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry. Love them so hard!!

Out of Play is a book about self discovery. I loved Bishop - hot, intense, tortured drummer - what's not to love?? Well, I guess there is one thing. Um, Bishop has a problem with pills. So he's far from perfect. His band manager and mom send him to Alaska to get himself together.

Penny is the female lead. I want to be friends with her!! She is very adventurous. She plays hockey on the guys team ...more

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Aug 06, 2013 [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

Bishop, a drug addict, almost overdosed...

Penny has a lot going on...

As well as looking after her grandfather who has Alzheimer's, her mums hardly around and she's crushing on her best friend...

They meet in Alaska where Bishop is trying to recover...

My thoughts

Being in a band, Bishop is a drug addict and we find this out from the very beginning. I was actually glad with the way things went in this book.

"It's hard when so many people expect so much."

The relationship between Bishop and Penny i ...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Karen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book.

Playful, a little sexy but with a lot of heartfelt emotions.

This may also be one of the few cases where the heroine (Penny) totally stands on her own. I absolutely love the way she was written. And of course we all know how well Nyrae Dawn writes broken boys & Bishop was no exception.

Despite all their issues I felt this was a very realistic, healthy romance because as much as they helped each other, it was about helping themselves first.

Good stuff. I read it in 5 hour ...more

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Mar 02, 2016 ♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book was a surprise to me. I went into it expecting a light teenage romance - but I got a real good developed story that felt real. If the Blurbs sounds interesting to you - I would encourage you to read it.
...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Nancy The book junkie rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, books-to-review

Rating: 3.75/5

Review coming soon!

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Apr 18, 2017 !Aria! rated it it was ok · review of another edition

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Oct 01, 2013 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, young-adult

This is my first book by both Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn. I've heard great things about both authors but just hadn't had a chance to read one of their books. I'm so happy I started with this one! I've been reading a lot of contemporaries lately and I love when I find those books that really make their own mark in the book world. The topics discussed in this book are not new to the YA contemporary world and neither are the issues both characters face. However, this story takes place in the Last This is my first book by both Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn. I've heard great things about both authors but just hadn't had a chance to read one of their books. I'm so happy I started with this one! I've been reading a lot of contemporaries lately and I love when I find those books that really make their own mark in the book world. The topics discussed in this book are not new to the YA contemporary world and neither are the issues both characters face. However, this story takes place in the Last Frontier (Alaska!) and I felt that was such a refreshing addition that I really enjoyed.

The story is told from both Penny and Bishop's POV. Bishop is a drummer for a Grammy winning band, who is struggling with an addiction to pills. He denies he has a problem, yet after overdosing one night, his mother and people who care about him decide to step in and take matters into their own hands. Bishop is less than thrilled about being sent to Nowheresville, Alaska. In fact, he is pretty resentful. He is being treated like a child- having to endure walks with his manager's brother Gary, periodic check ins, and time for reflection. Yet, drumming is his passion and he can't imagine not being part of the band. Therefore, he finds themselves renting little cabins in Seldon, Alaska in hopes he will be able to kick his addiction. These cabins are under the ownership of Penny Jones and her family- her mother and grandfather. Penny is the only female hockey player on a men's team and she wouldn't have it any other way. She's definitely tough and easily fits in with the other guys. I loved how her teammates always had her back and watched out for her. However, Penny really only wants the attention of one guy- her best friend and fellow teammate, Mitch. Unfortunately, Mitch doesn't see Penny that way and instead clings to his girlfriend Rebecca, unintentionally throwing their relationship in Penny's face. Penny is an awesome hockey player- who has the potential to play at any college of her choosing- on a women's team. Penny, however, would rather stay in Alaska and play for the men's team. Even when people are trying to convince Penny of what's best for her future, she stands strong and won't let anyone else sway her. I love her resolve most of all in this book. She has known loss in her life, from losing her father at a young age and now is helping to take care of her grandfather who has early onset Alzheimer's. Her mother is always working late nights and shifts, so it's up to Penny to step up and be responsible.

Penny and Bishop's relationship is pretty slow progressing. While Penny tries to be friendly to the brooding boy next door, Bishop is definitely not making it easy for her. Believe it or not, it takes a crazy old man who accidentally makes steak and strawberry pies, who listens to bad country music, and yet is way too perceptive for his own good to make Bishop start to open his eyes. Hanging out with Gramps and eventually Penny makes Bishop feel at ease. He lets the stress and strain of his old life fade away and he focuses on being the new Bishop- someone who doesn't need pills to thrive and succeed. His journey definitely isn't an easy one and Bishop still stumbles quite a bit along the way. Yet, he wants to be that guy Gramps is proud of, the kind of guy that deserves Penny, and the son his mom deserves. He's far from perfect, but at least now he recognizes when he needs help instead of ignoring it. Penny on the other hand, begins by crushing on her best friend Mitch. However, it's pretty obvious he's very into his girlfriend Becca and vice versa. Once Penny starts spending time with Bishop, she begins to notice the little things about him that she likes- like his smile. He doesn't do it nearly often enough and she starts wondering what she can do to put one on his face. The more time she spends with Bishop, the more she realizes maybe her feelings for Mitch weren't quite what she thought, but really it was just the fear of losing someone else that mattered to her. Yet Bishop is keeping secrets from Penny- secrets that could completely shatter their new found relationship. Bishop has to decide if he's strong enough to step up and be the new Bishop and come clean with her. Sometimes falling in love isn't easy, and you never know if the risk will outweigh the reward.

*Received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.* ...more

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Crazy for Young A...: Out of Play by Jolene Perry & Nyrae Dawn → Start Date: August 8, 2013	35	40	Aug 10, 2013 09:27PM
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About Nyrae Dawn

Nyrae Dawn

3,954 followers

I am a compulsive reader and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me.

I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.