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All choices have consequences, only sometimes they’re . . . delayed.

Cortland Nash fled Dartmouth to avoid being arrested for murder, but his best friend, Ford Delgado, is in danger. Cort returns, prepared to keep his head down, and do whatever it takes to keep Ford breathing, but when he finds a beautiful young woman out in the snow, frozen in fear, his plans change. He needs to make sure she’s safe—even if the greatest danger is him.

Akira Hayashi never thought she’d overcome her fear of men, but the care of an experienced Dom helped her achieve so much more. She’s embraced her submissive side, and found her strength as the captain of the Dartmouth Cobras’ Ice Girls. There’s nothing she can’t do—except function when she’s mugged in a parking lot. The intimidating stranger who rescues her makes her feel things she never thought possible. The only problem is his connection with Ford, a man she’ll hate forever because she refuses to feel anything else.

With the constant threats from the crime lord he once called “Dad,” Ford Delgado has no room in his life for love. Unfortunately, Akira already has his heart—which is split in two when he discovers Cort is dating her. The betrayal has him lashing out, trying to move on, to grow as a Dom, and free himself from Kingsley’s criminal empire. He tries to forget what Akira means to him, but one look into her eyes shows him the last thing she needs is for him to let her go.

Warning
This e-book contains material not suitable for readers under 18. There are situations involving sex and violence and extreme emotions as a result. It also contains scenes that some may find objectionable, including BDSM and other rather enjoyable practices. As the characters are prone to exploring their sexuality, it is advised that readers be prepared to see some lines blurred. Or erased….

Author takes no responsibility for nonexistent lines. ;)

Author’s Note: The Cobras series has a continuing arc about the franchise, players, and previous relationships. Some plots continue through the series and may involve more than the main ménage. The series is best read in order.

552 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2013

37 people are currently reading
708 people want to read

About the author

Bianca Sommerland

87 books1,028 followers
Tell you about me? Hmm, well there's not much to say. I love hockey and cars and my kids…not in that order of course! Lol! When I'm not writing—which isn't often—I'm usually watching a game or a car show while working on promo. Going out with my kids is my only down time. I get to clear my head and forget everything.

As for when and why I first started writing, I guess I thought I'd get extra cookies if I was quiet for awhile—that's how young I was. I used to bring my grandmother barely legible pages filled with tales of evil unicorns. She told me then that I would be a famous author.

I hope one day to prove her right.

To find out more about me, swing by my website: www.Im-No-Angel.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,912 reviews234 followers
September 13, 2014
A SOLID 4 TINY/SHORTY STARS

This is Akira, Ford and Cort's story, with a lot of things that happen, which will rip your heart out. I found myself crying over one of the most beloved characters in this series. It was so sad. I am desperate to get the bundle book Seduced by the Game , so I can read the love story that ends so tragically in this book.

I was kinda mad at Akira that she forgave Cort for his part in what happened so easily when she made Ford pay for his missteps for so long. But once they all got together, I was very happy that they were making it and connected.

I've never been into same sex characters in any of the books in the past that I've read, but when two of the guys who you never expect and had their own story in a previous book get together, it was freaking H.O.T. Yowza! I was expecting it in a way, but the anticipation over the past two books was getting to me. There was a back and forth where you weren't sure it was happening, then weren't sure they would accept it happening. So when it did happen the anticipation was high and the heat would out of control. Good job Bianca Sommerland. She got me excited over something I never thought I would.

A lot of what the characters go through in this book is heartbreaking, but doesn't take away from what the author has maintained in all the books in this series so far. Good multi-partner love stories and great action on the ice.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
August 13, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

What can I say about Ford and Cort , strong and entertaining, loving and devoted.
Their lady has nothing to worry about with these two around.
Fun and entertaining read
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
October 17, 2013
Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads Top Pick of 2013!!!

Fucking Brilliant! This was an amazing addition to The Dartmouth Cobras Series and by far my favorite so far! Even though my heart was ripped out a couple of times, Bianca brought me back and made it okay again. Full of love lost, love found, heartbreak, and so much passion; I did not want this book to end. When you read Delayed Penalty, or any of the Dartmouth Cobras books for that matter, be prepared to experience every emotion under the sun. Be prepared to laugh, blush, swoon, smile, cry, and ugly cry (seriously!) For those of you who read romance novels, you know about the ugly cry! You will fall in love with this beautiful group of people that Bianca Sommerland has created and shared with us. I can’t wait to be reunited with these wonderful characters again.

Akira, Ford, and Cort. These three are beautiful and complicated and oh so perfect when they are together. Each one brings something special to the table, and they all have gone through so much together and on their own. Akira has grown tremendously, thanks to wonderful friends and the best Dom she could have hoped for. The strength that she has shown with Cort and then with Ford was amazing. Those two helped her become whole again. I loved the dynamic between Cort and Ford as well. At the beginning I didn’t know how these two would share, because of the strong possessiveness they have with Akira, but when it came down to it they just wanted what was best for Akira, and that had to be both of them. Towards the end, you feel this intense connection between Cort and Ford, something I wanted more of, and something I can’t quite explain, but it was definitely a deeper connection, a deeper connection than if they were brothers.

We can’t forget about the rest of the cobras can we? Catching up with all of them was fantastic, especially Oriana, Max, and (my favorite) Sloan! Did you actually think they could stay away from the Cobras for very long?

Jami, Luke, and Seb! Sebastian Ramos is still protecting what’s his and is being totally sexy about it!

Very exciting and heartbreaking events bring Silver, Dean, and Landon even closer! All of you Dean and Landon fans….be prepared, that’s all I’m gonna say *winks*

Rebecca, Zach, Scott: We didn’t really get much of them all together, but let’s just say Scott being daddy of the year = PRICELESS!

And don’t you girls worry about Dominik. I have a feeling he is going to be just fine!

These characters are like family to me, and I love all of them, even when they act all stupid :) They give you no choice but to care for them, to worry about them, and to feel for them through the good and the ever so horrible. Be warned that some terrible, heartbreaking things happen in Delayed Penalty, but when the tears dry up, you know that everyone will be okay because they have each other, they have the team.

http://shaynareneesspicyreads.com

*ARC provided by the author*
Profile Image for Tammy .
1,022 reviews119 followers
October 21, 2013
First, before I start my review, I have to take a moment to get on my hands and knees and beg Bianca to write a story for Cam. Pretty please Bianca, Cam needs his HEA! I NEED Cam's HEA. I so totally fell in love with him.

Second, I find I am in a horrible writing funk, so I apologize now that this review will not be as detailed as my other two reviews in this series.

OK, time to focus and get back on track...Delayed Penalty rocked my socks; I think it blew the first four books in this series out of the water. So much more intrigue, angst, secrets, deception, and as usual off the charts smokin' hot chemistry and steam! In my opinion, each book just gets better and better. Gah! I fricken love the road Bianca took the characters from my favorite hockey team down.

Cort, Ford, and Akira are hands down my favorite couple of Bianca's to date! These three had one hell of a spark, holy f*** was the chemistry between them intense and heavenly. It goes without saying that I simply adored this trio and the dynamics between them. The author took me by surprise with this love triangle, as I have never been a huge fan of Ford's, not to mention Cort and Akira never really hit my radar, they were just kind of there as secondary characters. However, there is nothing secondary about these three in the least bit. Akira is a sweet and sassy, kick ass heroine who will have you rooting for her the moment you meet her! It's also no secret that I have always been a Sloan Callahan and Scott Demyan fan, however while I still love my Sloan & Scott, I have to say they now have some very stiff competition. Sorry boys, Cort and his bad ass sexiness just snuck up on me and wrapped his self-right around me. And, Ford, wait until you unravel and reveal Ford's many layers. If you don't fall in love with him, well than I don't know what to say. There is a certain beauty to their complex relationship. I don't think there was anything about this trio that didn't totally intoxicated me. Individually and within their intricate relationship they held me captivated from page one.

I really loved being back amongst old friends, but I had a slight issue with Silver's story line. Yes, Dean, Silver, and Landan are back once again, and Bianca has thrown them for a major loop. Lately I seem to have an extreme love/hate relationship with this couple. A lot of this is due to Silver, as I often feel frustrated with her, so much so, I have an overwhelming urge to smack her. I know she has suffered through a lot, but I just can't connect with her, any longer. Her character has undergone a major transformation, and for the most part, I don't understand her reactions to the simplest things. I miss the Silver from book 2.

I know I said this in another review, so I am going to cheat and quote it here as it still holds true for me...

"Bianca's writing style totally just works for me. It is down and dirty, as well as raw and gritty. She creates a fun camaraderie and chemistry between all the characters that allow the secondary characters to also be an essential part of the story. Her hockey team of dominant men captivates me, whether they are on the ice, at the club, or lounging around at home. Once I start, I am turning the pages as quickly as I can, and usually end up staying up most of the night to finish."

With that said, I have to follow up with the fact that Bianca delivered the above quote and more, pure perfection, once again. The story line was well developed with depth and an plethera of strong emotions. One of my favorite things about Bianca's writing is it never fails to play with my mental state. Point in case, the unexpected twists throughout Delayed. Along with throwing Dean, Silver, and the rest of the Cobras for a loop, she took me right along with them. Holy hell, I was not expecting the roller coaster ride that had my heart plummeting to my stomach and staying there, straight through til' the end. I think I broke right along with the team and their loved ones; it will be a while before I feel as though I am totally put back together.

Thank you, Bianca Sommerland, for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Delayed Penalty in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Juletta Gilge.
1,225 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2015
Felt pretty meh about this one. I was hoping for something catchier.
Profile Image for Tina  Alicea.
189 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2020
Cort, Akira, and Ford

I felt so bad in the beginning for Ford not only because of family and the way he had to grow up but also because of how Akira was treating. I was so glad when they finally talked and worked out their issues. I love how Cort has always been there to have Ford's back for so long so he understands when he's BS'ing and can call him on it. Great trio that works so well together at making their relationship work.
Profile Image for Claire Letnic.
474 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2022
I enjoyed the premise, but was kind of annoyed with the soap-opera-esque way the plot bounced around from one couple to the other. It was driving me nuts because I haven’t been reading these in order and nor do I want to.
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,840 reviews1,342 followers
October 3, 2014

WOW!  This is the book of unexpected events.  DELAYED PENALTY had a lot of twists and took me on an emotional rollercoaster.  Anytime we deal with damaged characters you know it'll be an emotionally draining story, but surprisingly, I didn't get that much angst because of Akira.  There was so much more to this story.  I think the author does a stellar job with giving us everything we want from our main characters, while expanding on quite a few of our old favorites and intriguing us in the future of the series.  I'm totally hooked!

First of all, there's Akira, Ford and Cort.  I was so scared about this combination because I'll be honest I haven't been a Ford fan.  But Akira has really come out of her shell and there's a lot about Ford that we didn't see before.  He truly cares for her!  Then there's Ford's relationship with Cort.  They're both so intense.  Their life-long friendship between them makes them work that much better.  I think they were a great pairing, full of intensity but also tenderness.

But as much as I enjoyed their story, I was a sucker for two of the side stories.  Vanek is a train wreck.  And a train wreck I need to see more of.  Desperately.  Throwing Raif in that mix left me wanting more.

Then there's Landon/Dean/Silver.  I was troubled with how things were with them in the previous book and this is the story that brings them back together.   I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THAT!  But it's also the story that takes their relationship to another level.  I am so excited about that I have to confess I may have re-read those scenes.

But this book isn't all roses.  I won't tell you in detail what happens, but we do lose someone.  And yes, it's hard and it's felt throughout the team.  I was so shocked about the turn of events.  I do find that storyline in the end closes the chapter of the ongoing bad guy we've had in the series.  I am actually excited to see where the series continues from here and I'm very anxious to get more Vanek.  Like....yesterday!

*ARC provided by author

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Profile Image for Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog).
1,886 reviews503 followers
October 25, 2013
4.5 Stars



WOW! This is the book of unexpected events. DELAYED PENALTY had a lot of twists and took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Anytime we deal with damaged characters you know it’ll be an emotionally draining story, but surprisingly, I didn’t get that much angst because of Akira. There was so much more to this story. I think the author does a stellar job with giving us everything we want from our main characters, while expanding on quite a few of our old favorites and intriguing us in the future of the series. I’m totally hooked!

First of all, there’s Akira, Ford and Cort. I was so scared about this combination because I’ll be honest I haven’t been a Ford fan. But Akira has really come out of her shell and there’s a lot about Ford that we didn’t see before. He truly cares for her! Then there’s Ford’s relationship with Cort. They’re both so intense. Their life-long friendship between them makes them work that much better. I think they were a great pairing, full of intensity but also tenderness.

But as much as I enjoyed their story, I was a sucker for two of the side stories. Vanek is a train wreck. And a train wreck I need to see more of. Desperately. Throwing Raif in that mix left me wanting more.

Then there’s Landon/Dean/Silver. I was troubled with how things were with them in the previous book and this is the story that brings them back together. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THAT! But it’s also the story that takes their relationship to another level. I am so excited about that I have to confess I may have re-read those scenes.

But this book isn’t all roses. I won’t tell you in detail what happens, but we do lose someone. And yes, it’s hard and it’s felt throughout the team. I was so shocked about the turn of events. I do find that storyline in the end closes the chapter of the ongoing bad guy we’ve had in the series. I am actually excited to see where the series continues from here and I’m very anxious to get more Vanek. Like….yesterday!

*ARC provided by author
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,016 reviews109 followers
August 11, 2015
this one is very difficult for me to rate:

on one hand, I love everything to do with the Darthmouth Cobras and I love that we always get the POVs from previous H/hs
I love Dean, Landon and Silver - and these three are quite prominent in this book

on the other hand, had troubles with Cord, Ford and Akira. which was very disappointing for me. I was really waiting for Fords book as he had such a great development in the last books and I really started to like him
cord was ok as well but Akira was not one of my favorites. actually she annoyed me quite a lot

the other thing is, that I did not get the chemistry and the feelings between these three: the most honest one was the brothership between Cord and Ford and understandable was also Fords feelings for Akira (Although why he still wanted her was beyond me)
the relationship between Cord an Akira as well as how the menage should work was not understandable for me

all in all, still a good book but not because of the main characters
Profile Image for Interrupted Reader.
987 reviews
February 6, 2016
Book 5. Akira. As this series goes on, the multitude of relationships continues to develop and progress. We revisit a lot of previous characters and meet new ones, and some plot lines are tied up in this book. While I love keeping up with the other groups, the back and forth does become mildly distracting. The connection between Akira, Cort, and Ford was solidly written, and the banter between Cort and Ford was very entertaining. This story was much more emotional than previous. The ending dragged for me, but I think it had more to do with the length and emotional complexity of this novel than the writing. The spelling was immensely improved. Definitely need a little series break to regroup before the next book.
A-, re-read 3/5
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews542 followers
June 27, 2014
I normally like this series, but with this book everyone is a hot mess and not in a good way. It's like they all drank the crazy juice, that no one has any confidence in their place or with the people they love. The sad thing is that they all seem to know what is going on, yet they don't or won't talk about things with those important to them. After getting half way thru I can't go on, these people are driving me nuts, I just can't take it any more, am giving up, this one just isn't for me.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,527 reviews92 followers
March 11, 2018
There was a lot packed into this book with the other characters, before and upcoming. I honestly can say, those interactions made the book for me, because for most of the book, Akira ticked me off. It all came together at the end, but for the first two-thirds, I thought Ford, Akira and Cort were just being silly about the whole situation. Luckily Cort smartened up, and got things together, because I was ready to slap them all by that point!
Profile Image for J Ho Lo.
300 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2016
Beautiful and heartbreaking. That is how I describe Delayed Penalty. I cried for a good 10% of the book. I hate Bianca for that a little bit. It killed me a little bit. I love these books, I love the Cobras and their women. But that just seemed really harsh and unnecessary to do in my opinion. It won't keep me from reading the next ones though.
Profile Image for Becca Reads.
281 reviews
July 16, 2015
I loved it! I loved seeing how the previous lead characters were doing. Cried through the tough part. And I'm thrilled that Akira, Cort and Ford have at least a HFN.
Profile Image for -C-.
373 reviews37 followers
February 22, 2016
Great story line, loved reading about Colt, Ford and Akida. This book was gripping from the beginning to end. The story flowed well, the scenes where hot.
232 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2018
Loved it

I love hockey romance, this was just about the people who are remotely associated with the team but I liked it anyway. One of the things I liked best was unlike the first 4 books in the series, in this book everyone was referred to by their first name only, no confusion of switching back and forth between first and last all the time.
In this book Ford, whose family originally owned the Dartmouth Cobras has been in love with Akira forever. Cort is his best friend and former bodyguard who has been hiding for years after killing a man who was trying to rape Jami. Ford has asked him to come back because his "father" is starting to put pressure on him again to fix the games. Akira is attacked in a parking lot and robbed, Cort is the one who finds her and they start up a flirtation and then a relationship not knowing that she is Ford's obsession. Ford's father's thugs put Ford in the hospital so not only does Cort need to protect him but Akira cant br seen with either one of them or she will become a target. I enjoyed the action
Profile Image for Lina.
155 reviews16 followers
December 17, 2013
I’ve been waiting for Ford and Akira’s story since I read Breakaway, ohmigod, ages ago! Their chemistry caught my eye right away. I loved Akira and have watched her go from a damaged girl who was too shy and too scared to do much of anything outside of pursuing her dream – figure skating. She was terrified of all the players. Of all men, really. Which can be rather crippling. Through her friendship with the feisty and outgoing Jami who always pushed Akira to step outside her comfort zone and with the help of a very special Dominant, she really came out of her shell. She blossomed into this strong, independent woman…who happened to also be a submissive. But we all know those things are not mutually exclusive.

Ford went through quite a transformation of his own. When I first met him in Breakaway (cause I read the series out of order…I know he appears before in Defensive Zone), he was kind of a slime ball. He used people to get what he wanted. He was a bit of puppet for his father. He purposely did things to get on people’s nerves. And he wasn’t exactly known to stand up for what was right. Which is why his chemistry with Akira stood out so much for me. It was obvious right away that he would want to be a better man for her.

Now Ford has become one of my favorite characters, because I got to see the evolution of sleazy Ford turning into the Ford we meet in Delayed Penalty. The Ford who fights to protect what’s his, or what he wants to be his. The Ford who would give up pretty much everything for the woman he loves and for the man he calls brother.

When Cort came into the picture, he was a very pleasant addition to my most anticipated Dartmouth Cobra couple. He was the missing the link that stoked the fire that was already sparking between Ford and Akira. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that he was the link that tamed that fire from the desperation and animosity that it had become for Ford and Akira (respectively).

Cort had his own chemistry going on with Akira, which was seriously HAWT, even if unexpected. If you’ve read Breakaway and Offside, then you know that Cort has been away and you know why. So it was a bit unexpected because of his absence – out of sight out of mind for people like me, with short attention spans. But also unexpected because he went from being mostly vanilla to a budding and quite powerful Dominant. And y’all know that’s what lights my fire, so the HAWT is self explanatory.

There were, of course, some seriously strained moments when I couldn’t quite see how two such possessive alpha males were going to be able to share and how the three of them would fit together. But in the end, they each brought a unique flavor to their relationship. Each being a necessary part of the trio. When the three of them came together – two alpha males, one a trained Dominant (you’ve read Offside, right? so you know what I’m talking about), one an unexpected natural Alpha (yes, with a capital A) and the sexy and submissive Akira – the chemistry, the tension, the anticipation – everything came a head. Some explosions happened. Some amazing scenes. Cort and Akira starred in possibly one of the hottest anal scenes in the history of erotic romance.

And, of course, there were all the parallel stories – the couples, or trios really, from previous stories that we got to revisit. Bianca let us peek into their ever-evolving happily ever afters. We got a front row seat to the unfolding drama of Dean, Landon, and Silver’s relationship as they worked out their dynamic. That involved some very much anticipated steamy moments, some very warm fuzzies, though getting to that was frustrating and painful at times.

I got quite a laugh at (with?) the “trouble triplets” – Luke Carter, Scott Demyan, and Tyler Vanek – who were living up to their name, causing trouble and getting into it.

Some major changes were afoot for the Cobras. Some major setbacks too. Some heartbreak. I’d recommend being prepared with tissues when picking up this book.

The plot was strong and set up well. All the parallel stories added a richness to the book and were woven together connecting and intersecting all the characters’ paths in a way that engaged my full attention, brought me joy and laughter, and even broke my heart before slowly piecing it back together. I was armed with tissues.

I felt like I got the full experience from this book – interesting story, intriguing love triangle(s), characters I love, and masturbation-inspiring erotic scenes (translation: hot BDSM sex). I felt full and sated at the end, like after a gourmet meal, as opposed to a snack. Yet, I’m very much hungry for more and I’ll attribute this to Bianca’s plotting skills (I mean that in the best possible way), as she has me chomping at the bit to get the next set of characters’ happily ever afters. One in particular has me super intrigued – Raif, the very sexy, brand spanking new Darthmouth Cobra player. And the anticipation is already killing me.

So, reasons I love this series – there is so much story here. LOTS of sexy. And kinky. But what makes it so much sexier is that there is a story to follow and characters to love. I tend to get much more into the sexy parts when I’m connected to the characters. When I’ve gotten into their heads, and they’ve gotten into my heart. And the Dartmouth Cobras are firmly entrenched in my heart.

*Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review and I also beta read this book.*
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
1,002 reviews601 followers
September 9, 2018
Standalone but part of a series with repeating characters.
A bit of a slow start and a little unbelievable Akira would get involved so quickly given her history. Fairly big secondary story with Landon & Dean, which was great. There is a tearful event and a sort of anti climatic ending with Ford’s family member.
Profile Image for Stef.
1,039 reviews24 followers
April 16, 2020
Another amazing BDSM Erotica hockey

BDSM Erotica hockey mfm, mff,mf, mm,
Hot, this one had a sad part but great story every book has great stories including almost everyone in which is so awesome, because then their story continues. Love it.
Profile Image for Dyanna.
443 reviews
November 16, 2021
I am loving this series but after *THE INCIDENT* it just felt like it dragged. Maybe the emotional toll just knocked the wind out of my sails. I'm still down with these poly, bi, sexy hockey boys. On to the messy knot of Chicket, Laura, Tyler, & Raif.
Profile Image for Rara Loves to Read.
547 reviews25 followers
October 20, 2013
I must confess something. I am a stalker. That’s right – I stalk authors. And Bianca Sommerland and her Dartmouth Cobra series are at the top of my stalking list. I anxiously await the release of a new book and watch the days and hours go by as I wait for that midnight release time. That’s because I can always count on being pulled in emotionally, entertained and turned on (sometimes at the same time) as I lose myself in the pages. Delayed Penalty, the fifth book in the series, did all that for me and more.

Delayed Penalty is about the relationship between Akira, Captain of the Dartmouth Cobra Ice Girls, and Ford Delgado and Cort Nash. Ford and Cort are not typically the good guys but Akira makes them want to be good. Akira is still recovering emotionally from being raped and hasn’t fully overcome her fear of men. But something draws her to both men though her head tells her to stay away. Mix in threats from Ford’s dad and Cort’s criminal past, and you have the makings of a great book.

While the book focuses on Akira and her men, Delayed Penalty also includes many characters from Ms. Sommerland’s other books in the series. We delve more into the relationship of Ford’s sister, Silver, and her two men Dean and Landon. Silver is recovering from post-partum depression and Landon is scared to leave her alone with their daughter. Meanwhile, Landon is also dealing with his increasing feelings for Dean. Delayed Penalty also brings back Ford’s other sister, Orianna and her husband Max who is returning to the Cobra’s lineup and the third member of their triad, Sloan. It is such a joy to revisit with these beloved characters and see what they are up to.

Each book is like an episode of a larger continuing drama. I truly appreciate this type of series because it allows an author to dig deeper into each character and provides the reader with the ability to understand a character’s personality and motivation. In addition, the characters are three dimensional because you get to watch them change and evolve based upon the direction life has taken them. The readers have been able to see how couples breaking up respond, or how having a baby changed the dynamics in a family. I feel that I am a part of the Cobra family and eagerly await each new book.

Ms. Sommerland’s writing is so precise and descriptive that I feel less like a reader and more like a voyeur watching these people while they go about their daily business. It’s like watching my favorite soap opera. I laugh and cheer at the happy parts and I cry at the sad times. I completely forget that these are fictional characters so their pain, or triumphs, are mine. Akira has been through so much and I love that she has grown and gained her inner strength. Ford has also grown up from an irresponsible bad boy to a man who not only takes his responsibilities seriously, but wants to be the kind of man that Akira deserves. Cort has a similar story to Ford’s and he also worries that he is not good enough for Akira. I love watching how each man changes and grows to be worthy of Akira. I did not start off the series as a fan of Ford’s but as he has changed and reinvented himself, I began to cheer for him and Akira, as well as, Cort.

Be prepared for some serious crying during Delayed Penalty. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil the book for you. But you would have to be stone cold not to shed tears as the Cobra family is hit by tragedy but since they are a family, they will all pull together. Ms. Sommerland is one of the best at pulling out your heart and soul, then putting a smile on your face.

Delayed Penalty should not be read as a standalone. It will be confusing for you to keep all the characters and relationships straight if you have not read the others in the series. In addition, you will not have the same emotional pull if you have not been able to watch each character’s journey. Don’t worry though, by reading all the books in the series, you will have something to do while you wait for book number six. And trust me, once you have read the first five in the series, you too will become a stalker.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,143 reviews322 followers
July 27, 2014
Although I knew form the previous book that the relationship between Akira and Dominick was only temporary, I have to admit to hoping that in each other they would find that missing piece that would make them truly happy. They were so good for each other and found healing in each other’s arms. Alas that was not meant to be.

Those familiar with the series know that there is something undefined that sparkles between Ford and Akira. She seems to have a love/hate relationship with him. So it should come as no surprise that in a ménage series, one of the men in Akira’s love triangle is Ford. What did, however take me by surprise was the lack of balance in this particular ménage. If there is one thing I’ve been able to count on in the previous books in the series was that the characters manage to balance each other out perfectly. Not so in this case. Sommerland paired up a barely healed (she is still damaged emotionally on so many levels) with two thugs. Granted, Ford is trying very hard to redeem himself, although how he thinks doing a scene with Akira’s roommate will seem the least bit redeeming is beyond me, but let’s face it… He’s a reformed thug in a suit. Cort on the other hand is a thug with a heart of gold and a soft side, but still a thug. How these two men in particular can be paired up with someone like Akira who is afraid of men, I’ll never know.

Unlike the other books in the series where the reader can see why the characters would choose to be together, I couldn’t see that here. The reason why Akira would agree to a ménage relationship isn’t clearly defined. I could see the reasoning for the relationship between Akira and Cort. The feeling and love between those two was palpable. You could feel it in every action, every word. But other than Ford being like a brother to Cort and Cort refusing to do what he has always done and stepped aside when they are both interested in the same woman, I could see no reason for Ford to be a part of the relationship. Sure, Akira is physically attracted to Ford, but it’s plain to see that no matter how often she says she cares for Ford, the one that truly owns her heart is Cort.

So although I enjoyed Delayed Penalty, I have to say that for the first time, it didn’t quite do it for me. I loved Cort and Akira. They were perfect together. Adding Ford to the equation just felt as if the author just needed to add a third person to make it a ménage. Not really necessary to the story and romance, he just happened to be single and convenient.

Reviewed by Iris for Cocktails and Books
Profile Image for Victoria Rainey.
512 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2013
Night Owl Review

***4 1/2 Stars***

Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...


Delayed Penalty is the fifth book in The Dartmouth Cobras series by Bianca Sommerland. This book is best read in order.

Cortland Nash left Darmouth to avoid being arrested for a murder, but when his best friend Ford is in danger he returns. He meets Akira Hayashi who is afraid of most men after a traumatic rape years ago. Sparks fly between them.

Ford is attracted to Akira but his “Dad” is making his life hard to have a relationship. That is until he finds that Cortland is dating her. Ford is in love with Akira. Somehow they need to make their relationship work.

Akira is a strong woman to be able to overcome being raped. She has also embraced being a submissive as well as the captain of the Dartmouth Cobras Ice Girls. She comes across as a sweet and nice person. Akira fights an internal battle because while she is in love with Cort she has unresolved feelings for Ford.

Cort is a strong and sexy man who has not had the easiest life. He made hard choices and those choices have led him to spend two years in prison for something Ford did. After meeting Akira, Cort seems to want to live a better life for her. He falls head over heels for Akira. It seems he wants to be a better person if not for himself but for her.

Ford Delgado has had an unusual life. He was raised by a father, Kingsley, who has a criminal empire. He now is associated with his biological father and his two sisters. Ford is trying rather desperately to reform his life and try to stay away from Kingsley. Ford’s motives for the first time were not always clear to him.

The chemistry between Cort, Akira, and Ford is scorching hot. I loved that Cort is training to be Akira’s Dom. He reads and learns what he needs to do as well as ask questions. The sex scenes were blistering hot as well as inventive.

Overall, this was a hot and steamy novel and a wonderful addition to the series. I found this story very well written. I had a hard time putting this book down and I finished reading it in one sitting. I really can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Rose.
1,453 reviews14 followers
May 14, 2014
Once again Bianca Sommerland has written a fantastic book. I have read & enjoyed every book in this series but this one is just… fantastic!!!

This book was the most intense book in the series. So emotional. The mc’s in this one are Akira, Cort, & Ford. Fans of the series have gotten to know these 3 pretty well over the span of the last 4 books. Akira, who as a teenager was gang-raped, has come a long way on the road to recovery. She is now the captain of the Dartmouth Cobra’s Ice Girls. She is mugged late one night after coming out of the grocery store & is found sitting in the snow on the edge of breaking down by Cort. For some reason she’s not afraid of Cort, even though she doesn’t know him. Since the mugger took her purse she has no keys to get into her car so she tries calling a few people but the only person she can contact is out of town. When he hears who rescued her he gives her the go ahead to let Cort drive her home. Akira realizes that Cort is Ford’s best friend but Cort doesn’t know that Akira is the woman that Ford is in love with, at least in the beginning.

When we first met Ford & Cort they both seemed like a couple of thugs. They have seriously grown as characters of the life of the series. Ford, who we first met as the bar-owning young son of the local mob kingpin, we have since learned as is actually the son of the owner of the owner of the Cobra’s. Cort left town in an earlier book, having killed the man who tried to rape Jami, Akira’s best friend. He’s just returned to town after receiving a call from Ford, to find Ford in the hospital after a beating from his “father’s” thugs.

Between Jami & Cort, Akira is convinced to give Ford a second chance, to quit blaming him for Jami almost being raped. Once that happens, she no longer has any defense against the feelings (for Ford) she has been fighting for so long.

I don’t want to give too much away so I will stop here, except to say that if you haven’t read this one yet then it is an absolute must. I wish I hadn’t waited so long & I am really hoping there will be more.
Profile Image for Michelle Bowman  / We Love Kink .com.
468 reviews23 followers
November 6, 2013
Like most of the Cobra fans I have been waiting for this book. I know Bianca got tired of us pestering her over and over again asking when it was going to be released. But let me say that the wait was worth it. After the first book in the series you can’t help but fall in love with the players and get wrapped up in their lives. They are like a group of friends that you get to catch up with each time a new book is released.

Delayed Penalty mainly revolves around Akira, Cort & Ford, all of whom we have previously met in the series. Akira was a timid frightened thing and has now evolved into a strong vibrant lady with the help of Dominique. Cort & Ford we know from previous books as being bad news. Even though they were good at heart they were still mixed in with stuff they shouldn’t be. In this book we get to see them straighten themselves out for the woman they love.

Just like the rest of the books in the series we get to visit with the rest of the team and how their lives are progressing also. Seb, Luke and Jami are still the same. With Jami and Luke being the playful and sometimes reckless things they are and Seb being the alpha protector that makes our hearts melt. Silver Dean and Landon are still dealing with issues after having Amia, and at time you just want to wrap them all up in a big hug. The rest of the team is brought in to and all I’m going to say there is have your tissues handy !

If you are a Dartmouth Cobras fan then you will definitely want to continue with this book. If not what are you waiting for go grab Game Misconduct (Dartmouth Cobras #1) and get started !!

“We’re family. We win or lose together. That’s the one thing you can never forget. Do your best, but you’re not out there alone.”

“The game’s not over. You played a small part, and if you think you fucked up, get back out there and try harder. Learn from your mistakes and all that shit.”

**free copy provided for honest review**
For more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 3, 2013
Shadow‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review

3 STARS

This is a tough review to do without giving away some of the plot of the story. This is the fifth in the Dartmouth Cobra’s saga, and in the author’s own words : The Cobras series has a continuing arc about the franchise, players, and previous relationships. Some plots continue through the series and may involve more than the main ménage. The series is best read in order.

Bianca Sommerland is a very talented author, who can draw you into the world of hockey and the kinky players and their loves. This book is no different, well written and exciting with adventure, romance, and hot sex. But there is a plot twist that I thought was a slap in the face to the readers. Others may accept it as part of an ongoing story line, but I found it an unnecessary addition to the book that was added strictly to wring stronger emotions from the audience.

While we catch up with a lot of the previous characters, this book is about Ford Kingsley, his best friend, Cort Nash, and Akira Hayashi. Cort rescues Akira from a mugging and quickly falls in love with her, not realizing she is the woman Ford has loved for years. As the trio works out their personal issue, Ford’s father Roy Kingsley is a threatening menace in the background, posing a threat to anyone associated with the Cobras. Can Cort, Ford and Akira find their happily ever after without having to fear Kingsley?

Expect some BDSM including ménage relationships, some M/M interaction, and background information that includes rape and abuse.

Even though I have enjoyed the other books in the Cobra series, I have to admit being very hesitant to tackle the next one in line. I don’t read to experience gritty realism, and this book crossed the line from realistic to grim. Without that plot twist, this would have been rated 5 points.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
368 reviews
November 14, 2013
Akira Hayashi figured she would never be able to get over her fear of men. After the trauma she suffered, it isn’t surprising she is afraid. She doesn’t want to live in fear so she gets the help of a very experienced Dom and learns to embrace her submissive side as well as being captain of the Ice Girls. One night, while walking to her car from the grocery store she is mugged and she freezes up. Will she have a major set back or and who is this mysterious man who has come to her rescue?

Cortland Nash had no intentions of returning to Dartmouth after fleeing to avoid arrest for murder. When he best friend, Ford Delgado, informs him he is in danger he comes straight back to keep him safe! What he didn’t expect was to rescue a beautiful young lady who was just mugged at the store. He is instantly drawn to her. So now he must keep his best friend and the woman he cares about out of harm and try to stay out of jail and alive to make sure he does just that.

Ford Delgado’s heart belongs to one woman, but she wants nothing to do with him. And then to make his day even crappier, his “dad’s” lackeys come and jump him, injuring him pretty badly. When he calls Cort in, he never expected him to fall in love with the one woman he wants.

Oh mercy! Bianca I must say this was my FAVORITE in this series. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I cried like a baby also. The romance was HOT HOT HOT! Such a great read! I was an emotional wreck afterwards! In a good way of course! Can’t wait for more! If you like hot, steamy romance and suspense….this book is for you!!!!
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