Cold Day in the Sun

Took me by surprise how much I really loved this book but omg was it so good

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This book is ducking adorable ;)

Okay, so this book is about Holland, a girl on a boys hockey team. I know, I know, there are so many books/movies out there about girls who prove themselves good enough to play on the guys' team, who prove girls are just as good, blah, blah, blah. Trust me, you haven't read Holland's story and it is worth it.

This book is girl-power all the way. At times, it really seems heavy-handed, but you know what? I'm so glad these things are being called out. There are also things that are called out that I do! There are scenes here that made me rethink common phrases, questions, and my own thoughts about Holland playing on this team. And all of the scenarios that come up aren't overdone or unrealistic. So, the only reason it FEELS like the book is heavy-handed is because this crap is finally being addressed.
Holland is a role model and one I wish I could be.

Holland is a fantastic hockey play, unafraid to stick up for herself and all women, and yet still has insecurities, fears, and is inexperienced. She makes mistakes. She hurts and hurts others. It sucks that she has to defend her right to play with who she wants from strangers and her own family. It SUCKS. But Holland is a force to be reckoned with and she is so amazing.

I could go on and on about Holland's strength, her trials, and how great this author tackled sexism, but I'll move on.

There is a romance here. It is adorably cute. Hot Sauce is a fantastic guy. What I appreciated is that he reads like a teenaged boy– a mature one, sure, but he still felt real. He's understanding, willing to learn and adapt, and so kind. And as much as there is a romance, I kept feeling like there was something missing from Wes. This story isn't about him though, so it didn't feel weird to have him feel more like a side character than a main character.
Wes and Holland/ Hot Sauce and Dutch, work so well as a couple. They are definitely attracted to one another, but it isn't insta-love. Holland grows into her feelings for Wes. They have common interests, hang out, and grow into a stronger couple. They are so CUTE! There are trials to their relationship of course and they are handled so well– handled really realistically.

The thing is, this book ends before it might feel like it should. Possibly because I forgot what this book is about. It isn't about the hockey, it isn't about the romance. It is about Holland overcoming some of her insecurities and her growth. Definitely a character-driven book. Realizing this, when the book did end, I totally understood. Did I want more?? OF COURSE! I wanted Holland to kick ass and I wanted to read about her team becoming champions, but I'm satisfied with the ending. I finished the book and hugged my iPad. I adored this story.

This is a book I will probably reread some day. I recommend it if you are looking for a cute romantic story with lots of sexism being beaten back, or if you want to read about someone overcoming their insecurities and growing to their full potential.