Offsides

Hockey Rivals #2

by Stacy Juba

Twin hockey stars T.J. and Brad have finally resolved their differences and forged a friendship on and off the ice. Now high school seniors, they focus on landing a commitment to a D1 school. What should have been the best year ever takes a nasty hit when the boys’ parents announce their divorce, and Brad makes a mistake that could impact his game eligibility. Meanwhile, T.J. faces off against their father, who opposes his decision to delay college and pursue junior hockey. Adding to the tension are a rebellious kid brother, girlfriend trouble, and recruiting pressure. The turmoil threatens to drive the twins apart just when they need to work together the most. With a championship title and their futures at stake, T.J. and Brad must fight to keep from going offsides. Stacy Juba published the first Hockey Rivals novel, Face-Off, when she was a teenager and wrote Offsides twenty-five years later. Both books can also be read as standalones. Face-Off has appeared on many reading lists including Best Books for Young Teen Readers Grades 7-10 and a list produced by the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Junior Education Program . Pick up your copies of Face-Off and Offsides for the young sports fan in your life and score a goal for reading.

116 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2018

About the author

Author of Storybook Valley fairy tale chick lit series, the Hockey Rivals YA sports series, suspenseful cozy mysteries, and more. Stop by Stacy's website to get your FREE Storybook Valley Welcome Kit. Stacy is also an affordable freelance editor and lover of happy endings. Check out her other website: https://www.hockeyrivalsbooks.com/

Reviews

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author wrote this sequel twenty years after her award-winning young adult hockey novel. While readers need not read them in order, reading the original novel first provides a more in-depth understanding of the characters and the family background.
Offsides begins as the McKendrick twins A.J. and Brad are playing ice hockey in their senior year. Both hope to play Junior Hockey and gain a commitment from a Division One College. The fact that they are willing to put off college for two years and spend two years of vigorous training does not please their father. Mr. McKendrick has always expected too much of A.J.; he pushes his son to be valedictorian. On the other hand, Brad not pressured but urged to pursue his hockey dreams Their two younger brothers Chris and Jordy also seek to achieve success in hockey. At the same time, the boys’ parents have drifted apart; a failing marriage threatens to destroy the family. Peer pressure and romantic relationships add to the stress that the twins face.
Middle-grade and young adult readers will undoubtedly, see many of their own fears mirrored in the faces of A.J. and Brad. Will they be able to sort out their feelings, stand up for themselves, and learn to find happiness for themselves and those they love? Fans of hockey will love the action scenes, the friendly and not so friendly competition. The characters are remarkably well-developed and authentic. I would recommend the print version as there are some minor formatting issues in the Kindle edition. Highly recommended for middle-grade, and reluctant readers as the length of fewer than 120 pages make it a fast and easy read, though adults will also enjoy it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars:

Twins, T. J. and Brad, have settled their differences and are thriving on their high school hockey team. Discussing their futures with scouts and supporting their younger brothers, it is clear the McKendricks eat, sleep, and breathe hockey. However, when family tensions arise and the pressures of school get to them, will they keep their head’s on straight? Or will bad choices ruin their dreams?

Stacy Juba wrote the first book as a teenager and she takes readers on a trip down memory lane, with this latest installment. Readers should read the first book, in order to better understand the family dynamics. Hockey fans will love the fact that this book starts in the middle of a game, while those serious about a potential career in hockey will appreciate the insights. This is a very short read that covers tough topics about what teens face and the effects of parents splitting up. The brotherly relationships are the shining aspects of this tale.

Notes:
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews Website.
The author provided a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to see how the McKendrick brothers are doing. They have a lot of issues to deal with, and they don't always handle them with maturity. This book would be great for teenagers because it deals with some issues that affect teens. Hockey is a big part of all 4 brother's lives, and this book does have a lot of hockey talk going on. TJ and Brad, the eldest brothers, are worried about getting a hockey deal when they are done with high school, and all the boys are dealing with the problems their parents are having. Brad is also dealing with what to do about his girlfriend when they graduate. Offsides is mostly about the bond between these brothers, and how they may not always agree, but in the end, they are there for each other. I'd recommend reading the first book before this one, so you can have the full story. I did like the first book a bit more than this one, but this was a nice addition. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed the connection between all the brothers.

[Anthony Ronzello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book,one because it’s hockey,two because I really relate to some of those characters. How I relate to characters is that they really enjoy hockey and they will do anything to play including getting good grades.