The Darling Devils: Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody

 

Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody 

Okay, so did I just step into the world of the Darling Brothers? Because even I have to admit…the tension here is incomparable. 

However much I liked it (I liked it a lot, by the way), I want to say right up front that this book—and series—has some cursing. 😔 Not very frequent, and not very bad language. But it is present throughout the series, which is where I personally decided to read them despite, since I didn’t believe it to be super consequential. This does not mean I approve of bad words, I simply made a decision based off of my own limits and standards, as others should. Detailed content warnings are at the end of this review ;)

➡️With that out of the way, let’s continue! I won’t lie, this is the first sports/hockey romance I’ve ever read, so I wasn’t quite sure how I’d like it. I can now happily say I am a fan! I actually find myself to be more fascinated with the sport, which is another thing I liked about Alexandra Moody’s writing: yes, the main focus was the rom-com plot, but hockey really was the main theme and storyline, one I enjoyed learning the quirks of! 🏒

📚We are introduced immediately to Violet Sinclair, girlfriend of the immensely popular Jeremy Hoffman, captain of the Sunshine Prep hockey team. Sunshine Prep is the fierce competition— rival, enemy, you name it—of Ransom High, home of the infamous Darling Devils of the Devils hockey team. Violet and Reed Darling, eldest of the three brothers, start off with rough first impressions, and yet, neither can seem to stay away from the other. Given that they go to opposite schools, as well as further complications you’ll understand as you read, this should not even be considered. But what if it wasn’t so bad? For a description of the book, go read the back of it. 

💞The romance. So sweet, so enticing, so dang swoon-worthy. And clean!! The flawlessness of the story and patient determination of the main characters made for an effortlessly enjoyable read. Having access to the perspectives of both Violet and Reed, I thoroughly loved getting to see the home life and background of each person through their experiences. The lack of mystery that comes with dual POVs was sincerely compensated for by Moody’s excellent writing and intriguing fake-dating dynamics! Romantic tension is strong in this novel, ensuring a feet-kicking, giggling response in its readers—I speak from experience. Combined with the fact that there was no spice, only hilarious banter and slow-burn excitement, is a win-win in my book! 🙌🏻

✍🏻The writing itself is what I thought to be spectacular! Moody’s way with words has her right where she belongs: crafting YA romances. I was 100% laughing my head off, out loud, most of the book. But as much as I loved the hilarious parts, I also appreciated when things got serious and heartfelt, or dealt with deeper, potentially sadder issues. No dark themes or anything of the like. Instead, how a character who could come off as one way turned out to be an incredibly different person. Now, for Rival Darling, this comes out in both good and bad ways, and still just as entertaining. Between the plots themselves, the character depth and development, as well as the background story, theme, and follow-through, by the time I finished I not only craved more, but was completely impressed! 🤩

👩‍💻Outside of the mild language and occasional (unnecessary) sexual joke (mainly made by the youngest, yet-to-mature Darling brother), I’d say I have a new favorite YA romance author!
Okay, enough yapping. I just know everyone’s waiting for the fun parts of this review. Or you skipped to here. If so, welcome! 🤗 Without further ado… 

👩🏼‍🦰CHARACTERS🧑🏽 — I swear, these emojis will never match books perfectly :(

Violet — Loved her! Spunky, spirited, kinda shy. She was a great FMC, flawed in the most understanding way, and effortlessly beautiful and funny, something that I think we’ll be seeing in the FMC’s for the rest of the series. Her way of thinking made for an enjoyable read during her POV, as well as relatable. It also made her love-life that much more interesting. Can’t wait to hopefully see her mentioned again in future books!💜💋💄

Reed — AHHHHHH. Ahem… sorry. Sooo he may or may not be hot outside of his Devilish persona. But I can’t go into it because SPOILERS! That leaves you with the inevitable result that is you must go read this book! And series, because then you’ll be hooked. Let’s just say, Reed is stinkin adorable and I love his family. Although the part where his mom obviously reads dark romance…not approved. Outside of that, perfection! 🏒🥅💓

Jeremy — Yeah, no. Go away. LEAVE US ALONE, JEREMY. Geez. 🙄 😒

Mia — Hey, cutie! She’s so fun and supportive. Love her own style and hilarious opinion. Questionable dating advice, but still a great character and I’m glad Violet has her as a cousin and bestie. 🫶👯‍♀️

Darling Family — You’ll understand if I don’t go into detail… no spoilers here! All that there is to say is that they’re awesome, I love them, they’re hilarious, and I wanna be friends with them. Also, don’t trust Mrs. Darling with Sunday dinners. If you know, you know! 🏠❤️♾️

‼️I think it’s safe to say I loved everybody else too!! Go read this series and find out‼️

🗣️QUOTES🗣️ — A little taste of gloriousness…you’ll have to read the book for more🤭

“So, is there a reason we’re beating up a brand-new 2024 Ford Mustang?” “We?” 
“I mean, I haven’t done anything yet, but I’ve got a couple of hockey sticks in my truck if you want to do some real damage?”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“What can I say?” I slowly turned and smiled up at Reed. “I guess I’ve finally found the kind of hockey player whose jersey I want to wear.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“I barely knew her, but already I wanted to do anything I could to make her smile. And anything to stop her feeling sad.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“So, you distrust everyone because some of them might disappoint you?” I asked. 
“Pretty much,” he replied.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Only when my damsel-in-distress radar goes off.” 
“Oh, and I suppose that makes you Prince Charming?” 
“Sorry, princess, but I’m definitely no prince.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Just kiss her already,” Parker yelled from the car.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“I wasn’t sure what it was about Reed, but despite all the negative things people said about him, he had a way of making me feel at ease with just a single word or the slightest touch even when I was panicking on the inside.”

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“I guessed the Darling Devils were here to stay.”

🏒🥅💌♾️🏠⛸️❄️🧊🌨️📚🏫🗣️📣🎙️💘

Last but not least, full content warnings including language, romance, and more…


⚠️CONTENT WARNINGS⚠️ 

🌶️Spice/sexual/innuendo — No spice, nothing sexual outside of slightly dirty jokes (a reference to male privates). Plenty of harmless innuendos. Nothing explicit or even indicative. Several kisses, semi described. Thoughts about kisses, desire to touch (not inappropriate). Reference to checking a woman out. 
 
🩸Violence — I only added this because it’s hockey. Almost no violence, like, one fight, not-to-semi descriptive. 

🤬Language — A donkey’s backside (semi-frequent), d-word male’s front (once), piss and variations (roughly five times), SH-word (infrequent), others include: shoot, crap, freaking. Taking the Lord’s name in vain. Hell (semi-frequent), d*mn (semi-frequent). Overall: mild, infrequent profanity. 

 

🏳️‍🌈LGBTQ — None. 

🥂Other — High school parties (instances of flirting, kissing, and underage drinking). Mild hangover. 

⚠️Possible trigger warnings — possessive boyfriend (Jeremy), slightly aggressive ex-boyfriend (Jeremy). Absent dad, fleeting mom (Violet’s parents).


‼️If you didn’t get anything out of this review, which I hope you did, I’m sorry. But if you’re a fan of sports romance (clean romance!), and don’t mind a few curse words, I’d highly recommend this series! Reviews on the next two coming soon…‼️

📱Check out Alexandra Moody’s social media and books here! 

@amoodyauthor

#rivaldarling

#thedarlingdevils

Until next time!! Happy Reading!! 📚☕️✝️💕  

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” ~1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬~

*Photo taken by blog creator*