Title: In the Zone
Author: Catherine Gayle
First published November 1, 2014
302 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781515018599 (ISBN10: 1515018598)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
In the Zone by Catherine Gayle is a steamy and captivating romance novel. Keith Burns, the star defenseman for the Portland Storm, indulges in a night of passion with a nameless woman.
Little does he know that fate would bring them face to face again. Brianna Hayden, the woman he had a fiery connection with, wants more than just one night.
But Keith’s painful past makes it hard for him to open up and trust someone. He knows he needs to let down his guard if he wants a chance with Brie.
Can Keith get in the zone and prove to Brie that he’s worth taking a chance on? Dive into this gripping romance novel and find out.
Editoral Review
In the Zone by Catherine Gayle is a captivating sports romance novel that was first published on November 1, 2014. Catherine Gayle is a well-known author who specializes in writing sports romance stories, and her books have earned her a loyal fanbase.
In the Zone is a classic example of her work, and it’s sure to appeal to readers who enjoy stories about athletes and the women who love them. The plot of In the Zone centers around Robby Douglas, a star hockey player for the Portland Storm, and Stephanie Frazier, a feisty marketing executive who is assigned to help him improve his public image.
The two start out on the wrong foot but quickly develop a deep and passionate relationship that is threatened when Stephanie is offered a job in another city. As they struggle to maintain their connection, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
Gayle’s writing style is fluid and easy to follow, making the story accessible to readers of all levels. The plot moves at a satisfying pace, never feeling rushed or dragged out.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, and readers will find themselves invested in their struggles and successes. In addition, Gayle does an excellent job of capturing the brutal and competitive nature of professional sports, providing readers with an authentic glimpse into the world of hockey.
One of the book’s strengths is the way it deals with the issue of mental health. Robby suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, and Gayle handles this topic with sensitivity and compassion.
She doesn’t shy away from the realities of mental illness, but she also doesn’t make it the sole focus of the story. Instead, she weaves it seamlessly into the narrative, treating it as just another part of Robby’s character.
Another strength of In the Zone is the chemistry between Robby and Stephanie. Gayle has a talent for writing steamy and romantic scenes that will leave readers swooning.
But she also does an excellent job of showing the challenges that come with being in a relationship with a professional athlete. Robby’s career demands a lot from him, and Stephanie struggles to balance her own ambitions with her feelings for him.
However, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, the dialogue feels a little too on-the-nose, and some of the conflicts and resolutions are a bit predictable.
Additionally, the book’s focus on hockey may make it less appealing to readers who aren’t fans of the sport. Overall, In the Zone is a well-written and engaging sports romance novel that is sure to delight fans of the genre.
It’s a thoughtful and nuanced story that deals with important issues while still delivering plenty of steamy romance. For those looking for a satisfying read with relatable characters and a compelling plot, In the Zone is a great choice.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
