Title: Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy
Author: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: October 3, 2023
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
Alix should be celebrating, since her hockey team just won a tough game. But when her teammate, Lindsay, decides to make fun of her after the game, she decides she can’t take it anymore. The anger she normally keeps leashed lashes out. Now, Alix is in danger of losing her spot in the hockey camp she’s desperate to go to that summer.
Enter Ezra, the popular theater kid from school. When Alix witnesses him deal with a bully with ease, she enlists his help with controlling her own anger. However, as the two spend time with each other, sparks start to fly. Maybe their budding friendship might just turn into something more.
Review: Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks to review! Ever since reading Friends with Boys, Faith Erin Hicks has definitely been on my radar. This opposites attract romance graphic novel should definitely be on your radar this fall!
The core of this story is the friendship between Alix and Ezra, and their budding romance. They both realize despite traveling in different social circles, they actually have a lot in common. They go on a little adventures together, helping each other out and meeting each other’s families. The way Ezra helps Alix deal with her anger management, with kindness and consideration, actually helps her gain confidence to deal with her own bullies. Such a great character arc.
There was just one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, and it was Ezra’s conflict with his best friend. It was a little too friend zoney to me. Yes, they’re teenagers, but the whole thing just felt kind of awkward to me. Ezra is queer (without putting labels on himself), and there’s a little jealousy when he starts dating a girl. Not my favorite plot line for romances.
Other than that, I enjoyed everything else! Hicks has such a unique art style, and I enjoyed the way that it was used in this book. All in all, if you like opposites attract romances, you’ll definitely love this when it comes out in October!
4/5 stars