REVIEW: Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Source: eARC* via publisher
Rating: 4.5/ 5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

She’s all that’s keeping him from falling over the edge…

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 wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.

Hockey player Penny Jones can’t imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers to all the best schools, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who’ll take care of her absentminded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered to come home from work, let alone deal with their new tenants next door.

Penny’s not interested in dealing with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps and begins to see what he’s been missing. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick… and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

My Review

Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry was an awesome YA novel that I had no trouble devouring in one sitting! I throughly enjoyed what Dawn and Perry created with this book because it had very well developed characters, simplistic writing, and just the sweetest romance I could have hoped for and more. 

I adored both of the main characters in their own way. I think, like Penny, it took some time for me to fall for Bishop. This is not a bad thing because it allowed me to truly appreciate who and where Bishop was coming from. I love how connected Bishop was to music and his drumming. I felt that though he struggled with his addiction, it was obvious that he cared for his mom, Gary, Penny, and Gramps. His attitude toward Alaska was horrible, but it was so amazing too see his perspective change along the way. Penny was such a headstrong and independent character I immediately loved from the very start. I totally have a girl crush on her like you wouldn’t believe! I completely admired her passion for hockey, how much she loved and cared for Gramps and how she was determined to do what she wanted even though everyone was pressuring her to do something else with her future. Penny was such a caring and self-less character. She was always looking out for others; I really loved that in her. Penny was a tough girl with a temper who didn't take crap, but can dish it straight back. She worked so hard, gave her all and went after what she wanted. It was crazy awesome how driven Penny was. But what I really loved most about Penny was her struggle with change, how she accepted it, how she realized it wasn’t all that bad.

The romance between Bishop and Penny was really sweet with just the right amount of intensity too. I loved how they first met. It was so hilarious, who knew toolboxes, injuries, and tampons go hand in hand! I was laughing so hard during this first interaction. I was really curious to see where their interactions were going to go and how their individual issues would affect each other. I really liked that Dawn and Perry allowed their relationship to move slowly but surely. It allowed Bishop and Penny to get to know one another but it also allowed me to get to know them as well. I really enjoyed how they connected, how they made each other want to be someone better. I especially loved how Bishop made Penny believe she can do anything she wanted to do and how she made him want to change and not be the person he has become. It was wonderful to see love blossom between them. 

I thought Out of Play was really well written. The flow between Bishop and Penny’s POVs were really smooth. Dawn and Perry totally joined their spectacular writing forces to write this book with lots of passion and I really felt that. It amazes me that this book was written by two people because it was just so well done and so put together. I was really impressed. The dual points of view between Bishop and Penny took on a very addictive quality the second I started the book. I always had to tell myself that I’d only read one more chapter, but ended up reading more and more. I couldn’t put Out of Play down! The book was relaxing but also a refreshing read as well. I was easily swept in. 

The best thing about this book was the focus on change, on finding on what you really wanted and doing what was best for you. I loved that the driving force of this book was the overall message it leaves behind when you finish. 



Overall, Out of Play had a lovely romance, some humor and heartbreak that accompanied the intensity and anticipation throughout the novel. I definitely want more from Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry! 

*Thanks to Heather Riccio of Entangled for sending a copy for review purposes

I was not compensated for my opinion.