Delay of Game

4.5 stars

Set in the world of women’s international ice hockey “Delay of Game” is an excellent combination of sports based intrigue and rekindled romance.

Niki was one of the top players on the Canadian olympic team, now retired and teaching, she has moved on, married, become a parent and been widowed. When team Canada come knocking her first response is to say no, but her country and her team need her for the upcoming olympics. Eva is still playing and still one of the best on the young American team, but her body is giving out and its a constant struggle to get on the ice.

Their relationship ended bitterly many years before and they have avoided each other ever since, but now they are bound to meet in the run up to the olympics. Old feelings spark, rivalries run deep and some will do literally anything to win. When it comes to the crunch both women have to choose who they want to be, and where their loyalties lie.

This is a great read, fast moving, full of intrigue and action, on and off the rink. The spark between Eva and Niki is excellent, one having settled, literally, the other having spent her energy being a player in every sense of the word. The constant battle between their obvious passion for each other, Niki’s determination to stay loyal to her past and their commitment to their teams makes for great romantic tension and some hot sex.

Both women are interesting characters, well drawn and complex. You want both to succeed, clearly impossible for opposing teams, but off the rink you can't help but want them to work it out. The intrigue between the teams adds a great dramatic energy that lifts this above a straight forward romance. Even though it is obvious who is playing dirty Ms Richardson keeps the tension high until the very end, we may know who, but we don't know why - or if good will overcome.

Thoroughly enjoyable read, one of her best yet, and given they are all on my re-read pile that's saying a lot.

Tracey Richardson gives us one of her best books as she centers her story around a sport that is as important to her as it is to main characters Eva and Niki.
This story of first loves unexpectedly rekindling their passionate romance, when each have grown and fulfilled different pieces of their lives, was amazing. The writing quality was excellent. The depth of the story in the solidity of the background provided, the insight into the characters present lives and what drives them to try to change course back to each other, and the suspense of Eva and Niki working together to ensure the powers that plotted against them in the past don't have a chance to spoil their love, or their beloved sport, was so satisfying. This book will leave your reader's mind happy and your heart whole.

Great read. The author really knows hockey!

I really enjoy Tracey Richardson's novels. Her characters are rich emotionally and mentally, they have a past as well as a present and a future. They have attractions and yet they bring complexity, baggage if you will, that must be worked through before the novel's climax. In other words, they feel real. DELAY OF GAME has additional excitement because the novel is set just before the Vancouver, B.C., Olympics. The main characters, Niki and Eva, were once lovers. They played hockey on opposing teams--USA and Canada--which led to misunderstandings and the end of their relationship. But neither of them ever forgot, and now they are matched up again. Niki is a widow with a daughter and also is a coach; Eva is at the end of her playing career. They are still on opposing sides. Even speaking to each other is fraught with conflict. How do you root for them both? This is one of Tracey's best novels!

Loved it , great story , well written

Loved it, great story line, something new and fresh and different as always for Tracey! Who knew Canada and the US could once come again together so well!

Niki Hartling is playing in the Winter Olympics for Team Canada. Eva Caruso is playing in the Olympics for Team USA. Years ago the two women were lovers. The rivalry between the two teams brought an end to their affair. Niki went on to coach women's ice hockey, to teach at the university level and to marry. Unfortunately, her wife died from cancer, leaving her with her daughter to raise. Eva continued to play ice hockey, but the game has taken a toll on her body. Eva wants one last chance to beat the Canadians and win Olympic gold. Niki is striving to coach her team to gold. However, there are many odd events which cause the two women to wonder who they can trust, besides each other.
Delay of Game describes the women's hockey games well. It also shows the intense spark which still exists between Niki and Eva.
Eva and Niki and both well developed characters who have intense chemistry for each other. Both are seasoned women who interact with wit and passion. This was a very enjoyable read.