Ultra Meital Reviews: Gametime (Moo U #4) [Pax & Naomi] by Jami Davenport

While I enjoyed this book, I can't say I loved it. Maybe it's me feeling so far away from the New Adult genre (or being at that age) it was a rounded up 4 star most of the time. There was a lot of angst from the MCs as well as the (deteriorating) relationship between the twins. At times I was exasperated with them but honestly, if they would have worked things out sooner it wouldn't have felt real, especially considering how young they are (21 years old). I needed to be patient with them in a way like they needed to be with themselves and realize their true priorities but also how to get there and not lose who they are and the people they hold close. It was quite a journey for the three of them (even if we don't really see what happened or WILL happen with Patrick).

So why am I giving this book a 2 star rating? Because I can't ignore the ending. I don't want to spoiler anything, so I'll just say Jami dealt with a mental situation with one of the characters in a very unprofessional way and since this is MY field of study it really rubbed me the wrong way. I knew it was coming, there were enough hints and honestly if it didn't happen right at the end, I would have put the book aside.

Paxon and Patrick Graham are identical twins and best friends and though they share their love for hockey and have been playing together for most of their lives the resembles ends there (well, aside from their looks, naturally). Paxton is the quiet one who plays hard but allows his brother to bask in his glory, he is more reserved and is more intent on studying and making sure he finishes his studies sooner so he can have a chance in a professional team. Patrick is the womanizer, with a girl on each side and a care-free and partying spirit he leaves the hard studying to his brother and enjoys the spotlight of the star everyone expects him to become.

But there are things under the surface.. most of them have to do with their father and the way he treats his boys. Patrick is his preferred son, the one who can have the "right" future as an NHL player (like he used to be) the other, well, he better be there for his brother to assist and not try to grasp something that isn't his for the taking. From this attitude they learn to depend on one another but it's not always easy and it's not just Paxton who feels jealous of what he isn't or can't be/have.

To this mess add Naomi Smith – Pax's best friend – the one he loves but can't bring himself to court, not when all her romantic focus is on his more charming and confident brother. It also doesn't help that her own father (a former NHL player himself) puts his trust in the "brighter" player – Patrick – and doesn't look twice at Pax who is good, ever great, but not AS good as his brother.

Things shift after two things happen – First he and Naomi share a night together only for her to realize she slept with the wrong twin and him being totally humiliated thinking she actually wanted HIM. Second, his couch asking him to up his game and start playing more for himself instead of feeding every puck he gets to his brother. These two things alter the entire dynamics between the three. Patrick being confused with the way his brother acts in the game, Pax feeling even more jealous of his brother and not being able to confront his brother telling him how Naomi broke his heart and the chance he now has to make something big of himself. Naomi, after having an explosive night with the "wrong" twin starts to realize he might actually be the "right" one and the only one for her.

Everything Pax knew of himself, his abilities and self-worth is being questioned by his recent actions, his game improves at times, but also worsens when he and his brother aren't able to play together like they used to. He can't lose Naomi's friendship but her actions confuse him too much and he is unable to trust his feelings and what he interpret her behavior to be. Patrick is also sliding into a more aggressive behavior which puts the two brothers in the worst place they have even been – nearing total separation – it breaks both of them, but they can't seem to say the words that needs to be said.

As is quite obvious from what I've written as well as from my first paragraph there is A LOT of angst in this one. The three of them need to find their place and learn to deal with their parents' expectations and make the decision that is right for THEM. It isn't easy, it feels selfish at time and selfless at other – mostly it's hard to decide and have to live with the consequences.

I rather liked this book if it wasn't for the ending though it did feel redundant at times with the same arguments re-appearing in their brain again and again, also there was something a bit off at how OTT their reactions were towards one another. Maybe it has to do with their ages, I'm not sure but I wasn't a fan. Think I'll get back to more mature MCs.

I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book will be out April 26th - Pre-Order it from Amazon (and KU).

Moo U is a part of the True North Universe (created by Sarina Bowen). Every book takes place in the clear and fresh air of Vermont with similar background yet very little to no connection between the books' characters in the series and sub-series (like Vino and Veritas).