Power Play by J.M. Snyder is a homoerotic contemporary romance.

Ryan Talonovich had the world by the tail. He is the star player in his hockey team where no one could ever catch him until the fateful day that ended his hockey playing possibly forever. One accident on the ice leaves him in a wheelchair with a painful surgery and off the team. Ryan seems to be slipping away as he deals with anger, depression, and fear until Ryan’s coach asks for his help with the team website. Ryan goes to the ice rink to take some pictures of the team, and he sees a speed racer, Dante Espinosa, who rocks his world. The only thing that Dante has going for him is he skates like the wind and is determined that his skating will take him and his mother out of the poverty he has lived in. Dante sees the most handsome guy in the stands, Ryan, and Dante goes to meet Ryan. His unusual questions open Ryan’s eyes to look beyond his sullen attitude. Dante sees Ryan for who he is beyond the wheelchair, something that most people don’t do. They quickly bond as they begin to learn about each other and become more than just friends. Ryan and Dante seem to fill the holes in each other’s lives, but life quickly sets up road blocks to their growing relationship. Can Dante and Ryan overcome life’s obstacles to find that love can conquer all?

Ms. Snyder has created a story about life, love and the hardships that everyone has to overcome. Ryan never thought that his life would change course, but if he hadn’t gotten hurt he may have never even met Dante. Dante has had a difficult childhood, but he has never given up on his dream that skating will make his dreams come true. Together, Ryan and Dante build a friendship that may grow into so much more if they are willing to fight for what they want. I loved how Ryan’s mother more than stepped up to the plate for not only Ryan, but Dante. This story combines love, laughter, along with serious issues to make a phenomenal story. This is one book that you will not want to miss.

Reviewed by: Teresa