I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis held so much promise, but the book failed to deliver as much as I hoped for from it. I enjoyed it well enough, but with a few tweaks it could have been an even more enjoyable read.

Sometimes you just need some young love in your life and Cold Day in the Sun was just that. It checked the box for every YA Romance cliche, in just the right way. Plus, in a very sweet twist, we get to see main character, Dutch, finally figure out her own opinion of herself is what really matters. Sports, young love, and fantastic world building make for one great read by Sara Biren.

4 stars — I started off listening to this one, but the audio just wasn’t capturing me and holding my attention as much, so I switched to reading and it was much smoother.

I will admit it took me a bit to really connect with Holland. It’s funny, it’s like as a character she was even a bit closed off to the reader. She keeps her cards so close to her vest, and she’s been jaded by the hoops she has to jump through as a girl on a boy’s team, and so she comes across…not quite cold, but not warm?? I don’t know. But I totally did end up “getting” her, and seeing how everything was affecting her, and living those tough choices with her (even if some of them were the wrong ones). She was definitely at a crossroads, and I truly felt that she was a better her by the time the book ended.

I LOVED all the different tricky aspects the author addressed of a girl playing hockey on a boy’s team. From unrealistic expectations of her talent, to having to walk a fine line wrt the girls team, to old school folks and the boys will be boys crowd. I also loved that while she definitely experienced all of that, her life wasn’t mired by those things without any of the good bits. I appreciated that she had support from teammates, her family, her coaches…even if sometimes they were a little misguided. I especially loved Ms. Rieland, and what she brought to the table for Holland.

And then there’s Wes. My heart broke watching how obvious he was being about his affections, while Holland clung to her ignorance (even when it became impossible). I’m glad that he wasn’t perfect, but that he sure tried hard to be, and that he learned from his own missteps.

And wow, they were adorable together. The crush to more was just…*swoon* Even though their journey together was anything but smooth, I adored the bits of romance we got.

It was a bit slower to start for me, but I was really invested by the end. A perfect balance of cute romance mixed with real life struggles.

I loved the author's debut book and was hoping to feel the same about this one, but unfortunately I couldn't get into it. I am not a sports person, and especially not hockey, so the fact that so much of the book was dedicated to hockey just didn't work for me.

This was a great story - exactly what I was in the mood for! There's a lot of balancing between romance and other plots, between lightheartedness and seriousness, and I think it's all done beautifully. I flew through it!

I don't care about watching sports on TV or attending sporting events, but I *love* it as a subject in books!!! And movies/TV shows too ... basically, any form of fiction entertainment 😂

Cold Day in the Sun follows Holland Delviss as she faces the challenges that come with being the only girl on an all-boys' school hockey team. Holland likes playing with boys, and she doesn't want anyone to treat her differently because she's a girl. I love that this is discussed throughout the entire story.

I was engaged from the get-go. After the first chapter, I knew it would be a good story even though I didn't know what it would be about. Holland and her love interest were *kind of* enemies to lovers, and I say that because I didn't get the feeling that they were ACTUALLY enemies. Like ... it wasn't enough for me, you know what I'm saying? But I loved seeing their relationship grow throughout the whole story, it was CUTE. They bond over their love of music—a specific genre I don't know about, but I could still "feel" that connection. I wish she had more conversations with her close girl friends that didn't have to do with her love interest, but that didn't mess up the story for me. ALSO, it satisfied my need for more sports stories after Pitch was cancelled. And while we're talking about that ... WHY would you even do such a thing, FOX??? You clearly don't know what the people want 🙄

Cringe status: minimal (but my cringe meter is very sensitive, so this might mean it won't be cringy at all for you)
Feels: they're there (probably like a 7/10)

I adored everything about this! This book had a lot going for it.

- Swoony romance
- Feminist main character
- Great writing
- Awesome music references

I'm usually not a huge enemies to lovers fan, but I though it was done really well here. Biren made it really easy for me to fall in love with Wes and Holland. I love that this delved into more than just a romance. I love that the author showed us the struggle Holland experienced as a girl on an all boys hockey team.

Both Wes and Holland were complex characters. Part infuriating and charming. The supporting characters also brought a lot of life and humor to the story.

All in all, this was a fantastic read!

Really loved this, it's a great follow up to Biren's debut. I love how feminist it is, while also realistically showing all the things girls worry about. The chemistry with Holland and Wes was excellent as well.

3.5: I’m torn on this one TBH—the beginning was so strong and had such great P&P vibes, but by the middle through the end, I found myself frustrated by Holland’s POV re: the handling of slut-shaming and double standards in girls playing boys hockey. On the other hand I loved, loved, loved seeing a book about a girl playing a “guy’s sport” where the focus wasn’t necessarily on the girl needing to win over her teammates or coaches or classmates.

This was really beautifully written though and the romance was definitely compelling. I think though an opportunity was missed by shifting a lot of the blame to Holland’s self-confidence versus Wes not empathizing for the position she’s in/disrespecting her explicit wishes re: the public nature of their relationship. It left a bad taste in my mouth, and ultimately kept the book from being as enjoyable and satisfying as I thought it could be.

*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.

4 1/2 stars

I have read a fair number of YA hockey stories in the past few years, but Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren definitely ranks as one of the best.

Although I’ve read about a girl playing on a boys’ team before, the girl was disguised as a boy. In Cold Day in the Sun, she isn’t disguised. She has earned her place on the team and is recognized as a girl, although that doesn’t mean that she gets the support of everyone. There are members of the old guard who believe that girls shouldn’t play hockey at all, not even on a girls team.

Besides playing hockey, going to school, and being on the school newspaper, Holland also writes a blog about rock music, hockey, and life, which is a great blend, especially for this reader!

Cold Day in the Sun is well-written with interesting and realistic characters. Holland comes across as a real teenage girl, struggling to do the right thing. She’s mentally strong, but she has a breaking point and can cry just like any other girl. And, I must admit, the point when she does cry, brought tears to my eyes too. Sara Biren has created a character in Holland that I cared about. I could understand her hesitation about putting everything that she has worked so hard for on the line.

The struggles she has as a female hockey player on the ice with boys ring true. I could imagine the trash talk that would be directed toward her and how that could be taken too far and feel devastating.

The romance between Holland and Wes, an enemies (on her part anyway) to more trope, also rings true and is adorable. Wes was also a fully developed character. He admits to his initial apprehension about playing on a team with a girl, but changes his mind when he see that she gives her all every time she’s on the ice.

My one gripe about the book is that it ended too soon for me. I wanted more. I wanted to see what happened!

Who would enjoy Cold Day in the Sun? This one is for YA sports fans, readers of YA romance, readers who like hard rock and grunge (lots of playlists that I might copy!) although there aren’t any bands or singing (you’re forewarned 🙂 ), readers who can identify with putting Cholula on everything.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

TL;DR – Main character has a HUGE chip on her shoulder and that make the overall story less enjoyable.

I always have a hard time when I feel like characters have too many “things”. I think authors do that to try to create an authentic and well-rounded character, but in reality I think she would just be over-scheduled and wouldn’t have time to be good at any of her things. That was the case for me with Holland. She plays varsity hockey, she’s on the school newspaper, AND she’s super into music and has a blog. I felt like the author just needed to pick two of those three extra-curriculars and focus on those. I think the story still could have been the same, pretty much.

Holland as a character was just okay for me. She was overly defensive about everything. Anytime someone said something remotely misogynistic, she would bite their heads off. For example, if someone were to say, “Good hustle, guys!” she might say, “What? Only guys can hustle? Just because you’re a boy means you’re better at hustling?” Literally. That is a reaction she would have. It was super off-putting. Obviously, I thought it was important to stand up for herself, but…let’s have a little common sense here. I just kept thinking about Jackie Robinson. As the first black player in the Major Leagues, it was important for him to keep his cool and not freak out at people every time they said something negative. I think this is (a small) part of why we remember him in such a positive light today. Holland? Not so much.

Secondary characters were okay. I liked Holland’s brothers but her parents were really non-characters. It seemed like there should have been a point in time where one of her parents (probably her dad) sat her down and just talked to her about hockey and being a girl on the team, etc. I also had an issue with her best friends Cora and Morgan. I liked them as characters, but there was absolutely no backstory as to how they became friends. With Holland spending so much time playing hockey, it didn’t seem like a natural friendship unless they grew up together? But that’s never explained.

As a love interest, Wes was decent. But I didn’t like that he would respect Holland’s wishes. Firstly, I thought her reasons for not wanting them to date/their relationship to be public were SUPER valid. But he just kept pushing and pushing. Secondly, even if her reasons weren’t valid, they’re still her wishes! If he really cares for her, he should respect that. Holland had no reason to apologize to him, in my opinion.

My last thing is just a couple of things that didn’t site quite right with me. First, wouldn’t the obvious solution to Holland and Wes’ problem be to just…wait until the season is over to date? Are your hormones that strong that you can’t wait a couple of months? But they never bring up this possibility. It’s either right now or never. Second, Holland is obsessed with Old Donnie’s letter to the editor because he claims she’ll be a distraction. But she completely ignores the fact that he’s essentially saying he wouldn’t care if something happens to her because she’s pretty much asking to be sexually assaulted (with the whole girl in the boy’s locker room thing). Like, what? How is that not the issue for her?

At the end of the day, I thought the premise for this book was pretty solid, but it needed both more and less. That’s not super helpful to say, but I thought it needed more developed relationships with secondary characters and just less…Holland.

Overall Rating: 3
Language: Moderate
Violence: Mild
Smoking/Drinking: Mild
Sexual Content: Moderate

Note: I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Let's be honest. At the moment, I've got bigger things to worry about than a straw stuck up a sea turtle's nose."

Cold Day in the Sun takes place during the winter, but it really warmed my heart! It was impossible not to smile while reading this book, and I really loved Holland's story. She was a fierce female character who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. When someone told her she had balls, she was quick to tell them that a person doesn't need balls to do something brave. I loved her personality, and that she was willing to fight for what she wanted.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Holland had an awesome family, I enjoyed all of their interactions. Hunter wasn't around as much, but his comments on her blog, and his brief appearance, really spoke volumes about their relationship. Carter was a typical big brother, and didn't want anyone to mess with his sister, but he also knew she could fight her own battles. Jesse was hilarious. I'm pretty sure he's referred to as a "diva" at one point. Her mom and dad, even her grandparents, are around and supportive. It was amazing and lovely!

Then there's Wes. Sweet, beautiful, infuriating Wes. He doesn't treat Holland any differently on the ice, and he pushes and challenges her like he would any of the other players. I was a little annoyed when Holland didn't see this (she thought he was picking on her for being a girl), so her reactions were a little extreme. She wanted to be treated like everyone else, but got upset when she was. Off the ice, Wes was attentive and intuitive. He's understanding and thoughtful, a wonderful big brother, and he wasn't afraid to tell people how he felt. I really loved his relationship with Holland and how it progressed over time.

There was so much to love about this book, and I think it's the little things that I enjoyed the most. Wes encourages Holland to try eating spicy foods, and tells her it's just like training for a new sport. You have to practice, which she does, and those were some of my favorite moments. The way Wes reacts when Holland bites her lip, and the way he talks about her to other people -- always kind and proud of her accomplishments. Holland's blog and her obsession with music (that Wes happily shares), and their shared text messages that are more music videos than words. Also, Holland loves to eat, and I love that she loves food.

All of the secondary characters were fun and meaningful, and I wouldn't mind another book with this setting! I want to know more about everyone. As I got to the last page, I read it and immediately wanted more. It was a perfect ending for this story, and I'm still smiling as I write this, but I definitely could have enjoyed a few more chapters! Thank you, Sara Biren. You've kept a smile on my face for days. It was ducking adorable. 😉

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on March 12, 2019.

I've been fooled by the cover and the title. This is much more quirky than it might seem.

3.5, rounded up.

Holland hates Wes, co-captain of the hockey boys team, of which she's also part. She also hates him calling her Dutch. Or how he's always onto her. Then it happens she hates other girls with him as well, and that perhaps she doesn't hate him at all. When a big event approaches and the weight of the team's success seems to be all on her, the "girl", Wes's words of encouragement reach to her when she most needs it, and she finds out she may have been to quick to judge him.

I know nothing about hockey and I'm not even interested in sports, but the games were a big differential here. The description was so exciting I did feel like I was playing with Holland.

I should note this wasn't my first book by Biren, but it was so different I wasn't even sure it was the same writer as I read this. The story is more hectic and I confess it was also more fun. But it wasn't only a fun YA romance to read. Additionally, it brought an interesting topic I confess I had never considered—girls in boys' teams. I'm sure the arguments here will be great food for thought.

The romance went well until the last quarter, in which I think it took a dive. Nothing irritating happened, don't worry; it just stopped being interesting. At this point, there was more happening with the hockey plot and all so it didn't matter so much.

This wasn't spectacular but it was obviously above average. I recommend it to all contemporary YA romance fans. Sara Biren is an author I'm keeping my eye out for.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

I adored Sara Birens first book, The Last Thing You Said. In fact, the book is sitting on my favorites shelf. So I was extremely excited to hear that she had a new book coming out. Sadly, this new book just was not for me. I got about 10% in an realized it took me 3 days to get that far so I had to DNF it. I might try to reread it in the future but this book just didn't hit me like her first book did.

For some reason, I love a young adult novel involving ice hockey. Maybe because Australia is as far away from cold as possible. In fact, over the next few days we will experience extremely hot conditions, and we are in autumn already. So, it was quite lovely to read a book where they have a snow blizzard, where they are bundled up every time they leave the house, and a book where skating on an outside pond seems romantic.

Holland has been playing ice hockey with boys’ teams for her whole life. While she has complete confidence in her abilities, she is often brought undone by the negative reactions and words of other people. She hangs on to the views of some old timers in her small Minnesota town, and drags them out way too often for her own good.

There are many predictable tropes here, but that doesn’t mean they are trite or shallow. Holland’s fight for recognition, and to be treated the same as any other player on her team are given serious consideration, and the people who are around her are not one dimensional. They support her, especially co-captain Wes (hot sauce) Millard. I love all of their nicknames for each other, and that they change according to situations. Holland mostly gets Hols, but Wes starts calling her ‘Dutch’, and the sparks between the two of them are strong and static-y. It’s ‘duckling adorable’ (her words).

Holland’s fight for acceptance is timely in today’s interesting climate. Movements begin and fade, and some have been going on for a long time. Women’s issues continue to raised, because no matter how far we go, there is always something more than can be done. Each woman in her own way, fights personal battles, yet if we don’t see other females fighting, it’s easy to feel isolated. Several important books have come out recently, and it’s great to be able to put them in the hands of young women who need to know they are not alone.

While Cold Day in the Sun is primarily a romance book, there are certainly enough questions about Holland’s treatment to make the readers think more about their own situation. A bonus, if you ask me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amulet Books for advancing me a copy. Highly recommended for readers who like their romance full of snark and banter. Holland puts in 100% into her beloved hockey, and is rewarded for her hard work. She does stumble a bit when it comes to articulating her feelings for Wes, and when all of her worries come true, she has to stay strong.

Cold Day in the Sun comes out tomorrow (March 12) in the US. Hopefully we’ll see it soon here in Australia

Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren is a book that is cute but also contains an important message. It is a story about sports with a hint of music, which is an instant win for me, and the main character is so strong. This is an empowering read that I was sad to put down.

This book tells the story of Holland, the only girl on the boys’ hockey team. She is forced to work twice as hard to show that she’s worthy of her place, and her life becomes even more difficult when she finds herself falling for the team captain. Cold Day in the Sun is so empowering for female athletes, but it is also absolutely adorable. I also found the music blog to be a fun addition. This is an entertaining novel that is perfect for sports fans, and fans of the contemporary genre.

❀ INSPIRING CHARACTER

I loved Holland’s character, and she is so inspiring. Even though she deals with a lot of pressure, she is strong and unafraid to stand up for herself. She is so talented, and it is easy to her her genuine passion for hockey. Holland also has such an engaging voice which is visible in both her narration and her blog posts. I found it interesting how Holland has the option of the girls’ team, and when she is questioned about her reason for joining the boys, the answer is simply because she wants to. The fact that she shouldn’t need to justify her actions is influential and drives the book’s message home.

❀ MOTIVATIONAL

Cold Day in the Sun is a book that is both sweet and motivational. I loved the blend of sports and music and the strong main character. I would definitely recommend this one to curl up with on a cold day.

Holland Delviss and her three brothers have been playing hockey all their lives. She's always been one of the boys, growing up playing on the their team instead of the girl's team. Now that she's getting all this attention it's as if the town is just now realizing she's a girl—people are questioning her, suggesting Holland think she's better than all the girl players since she plays on the boy's team. 

And then there is Wes. Hot Sauce, as he's known by his teammates. Wes has only been on the team for the past two years, but he's already co-captain and takes his position very seriously. Especially when it comes to Holland. At the beginning, it seems that this story is classic hate-to-love  Because we are reading his from Holland's perspective, we only see her version of their combative relationship. It's not until they spend more alone time together that we see that Wes actual has deep feelings for Holland and that he really respects her and finds her to be really talented. He is harsh to her on the ice because he wants her to be the best of her abilities.

I loved Wes as a character. He really cared about his team and how they represented not only their school, but their hockey obsessed town. Once his feelings for Holland were revealed, he was all in. He didn't care what anyone said. But Holland was much more hesitant. First she is shocked that her feelings for Wes have flipped so drastically, but she also didn't want people to get the wrong idea about their relationship—she wanted to be judged on her hard work and abilities, not on who's she's dating. That's why she always obeyed her own self inflicted rule: don't date teammates.

While I liked Wes and Holland's relationship, I felt like Holland was a little annoying and that the writing as a whole could have been a little better. I also would have liked the tension could have gone on a little longer, they kind of fell in love a little two quickly. Sometimes the timeline got a little shaky. All in all it was an enjoyable enough book that I do recommend.

I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Cold Day In The Sun!  How much did I like this book?  I read it in ONE day!

This is a young adult novel about a group of hockey players in high school.  Our main character is Holland "Dutch" Delviss.  She plays on her high school's boys varsity hockey team, and rightfully so, she's that damn good.  She has always played with the boys (partly due to the fact that she has 3 brothers) and sees nothing wrong with it.

Let's break this book into 3 parts; a romance, a town trying to be featured for the state's HockeyFest, and being a woman in a man's world.

But you know being a woman playing a "man's" sport comes with its challenges.  Holland faces more roadblocks than any of her teammates.  From people saying she has taken a place on the team away from a boy who deserved it to opposing team members calling her a slut and then intentionally taking her out after she scores a goal.  But let's face it, this is what girls everywhere face when they want to do something with the boys.

I think about my daughter and how unfair the world can be.  I think about my own experiences.  I took a lacrosse class in college and there was one other girl in it.  We were always the captains and picked the players and were expected to only play against each other.  I took a coaching football class in college as well and was accused by the teacher that I didn't write my own papers.  How could I know so much about football?  It wasn't until I took my chicken scratch notes in to show him I did NOT cheat for him to give me the grades I deserved!  Were any of the guys treated like that in class?  No.  I love how this book brings to light the reality of what goes on and I am so happy that Holland is a role model for girls in her town.  She is a true character of what modern day feminism looks like.  I applaud her so much.  She never backs down from the, "why don't you just play with the girls" and stands up for what is right!

Ok, so I got on a pretty serious note, how about I lighten it up?  HockeyFest.  When HockeyFest comes to town it brings your town's hockey game to state-wide (and potentially nation-wide) viewing, college & NHL scouts, and all the attention you could imagine.  Guess what it all hinges on...an interview with Holland.

Did I mention there was a romance in this book?  Yes...but the question is, with whom?  Holland has a rule to never date her teammates and that's a sound piece of advice to give yourself.  Talk about making things complicated...ut oh...Holls made things complicated.

This is a fun, quick read and I found myself cheering Holland on throughout this book.  I felt she helped grow her teammates when it comes to women and how we're treated and I appreciate that so much.  It is so important for young girls not to be scared to be themselves.  This is a book that isn't to be passed over for the message it sends everyone.

I am going to give this book 5 stars.   This is absolutely a 5 star young adult novel that I feel would be appropriate for ages 13 and up.  There is some foul language (nothing teens haven't heard or say themselves) and slightly PG make out scenes (but again, nothing kids in high school aren't doing).  I would highly recommend this book to any teenage girl who wants to empower herself.  I think the boys would gain something out of the book as well, like, how to treat girls better.  Huge shout out to Holland for bringing sexism out in the open and I applaud her for the changes she makes in her town.  Pick up this book as soon as possible!

I was hoping with some time and distance I might be able to jump back in and enjoy this one, but I just didn’t.

I did like the girl playing hockey on the boys team aspect. Holland was great at her sport. What fell short for me was the character development. No one ever really felt fleshed out to me. The characters were all rather flat or like caricatures, with slighted distorted or inflated characteristics that made me roll my eyes.

I liked Wes, Hot Sauce, to a degree, but his ‘encouragement’ as the team captain was often harsh rather than helpful. Also, he seemed a bit full of B.S. especially at the beginning.

I was most excited for the music blog element of the story but even that ended up feeling like a plot device rather than part of the story.

I guess this is just a case of “it’s not you, it’s me” and we should just part ways amiably.