Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

I loved the concept of Michigan vs the Boys - it's a tale that's been told many times but that doesn't get enough attention. We've seen it in football, basketball, but never in hockey, which is what makes this book fresh (or should I say, crisp like winter air?).

Michigan's character is very relatable and her actions aren't out of character. I really felt for Michigan as everything was happening to her. I commend her for her bravery and women out there just like her.

Unfortunately, this book didn't feel like it lived up to its expectations. Even though everything Michigan went through was horrible, I felt like the stakes could have been upped. Maybe I've just become desensitized and don't find the events of the book "traumatic" enough and that is on me. I know the stakes are already high enough since she could lose everything if she told on the boys but as the book was progressing, I almost expected a big downfall for her.

The coach was very confusing. He was very loving towards his daughter but not sympathetic at all towards Michigan. I would have really liked to explore that notion a lot more.

Some of the characters, okay all, lacked depth. It became a one person show and that really dragged the pacing and didn't make me care about the characters around her. I know it's Michigan's story but it would have added to the novel if other characters were made more prominent.

4.5 stars
Truth be told, I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did.
I was looking for a quick light read in between darker thrillers and this looked fun.
I'm not so sure about that assessment. Parts of it were cute and fun, but mostly was pretty heavy. Even a bit crime-y.
Michigan (the MC) has a lot to deal with in this book and the themes are very relevant for girls (and women) right now. I think boys could certainly benefit from reading this as well. At times the behaviour of some of the characters felt a little unrealistic, but everything else was so good, I let it slide.
It didn't feel preachy about what it was trying to convey.
I thought Michigan was a great female lead, a very strong, resilient young woman.
I highly recommend this, especially to teen girls.

I enjoyed this book more then I thought I was going too Michigan had to fight to be seen as one of the boys on the Hockey team because the girls hockey team got dismantled. Girls always have to fight and work hard in sports to be equal to the boys even though they still won’t be seen as equal which sucks to hear as a female but it’s the world we live in

Thank You NetGalley and GoodReads for giving me an Advanced Copy!! This book was absolutely amazing. This is not a book I would have picked off the shelf, but it was one that deserved to be. It makes you question how far some people will go to prevent women from being equal with men in the sports world and how much women will put up with to be accepted. This was a great first novel by Carrie S. Allen and I can't wait to see what else she will be writing. A book I highly recommend this Fall.

When the girls hockey team gets cut Michigan decides to try out for the boys team. When Michigan makes the team what follows is Michigan enduring extreme hazing all while trying to prove the she deserves her spot on the team.

Michigan is a strong, resilient character, she pushes herself to work hard for her spot on the team and every minute that she plays. Michigan endures brutal hazing from her teammates that make is clear that she is not accepted on the team. Michigan fears that speaking out will only make things worse so she stays quiet on all that she endures. It's angering to see how much her teammates attack her and how the coach turns a blind eye to everything. Michigan had a lot of friends who had her back when everything finally comes out and it was great to see all the support the she eventually receives. I loved the relationship that Michigan had with her younger brother Trent who shares her love of hockey.

I love hockey and really enjoyed all the scenes involving games. I could picture exactly what was described in each scene. As a Red Wings fan I really enjoyed those references scattered throughout the book.

A quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. A good read for hockey fans and even enjoyable for those who aren't. This does deal with triggering topics involving bullying, assault, and date rape drug.

Michigan vs. the Boys kept me hooked throughout, but there were many parts that I cringed at. This story deals with many heavy topics and it was addressed well.
Michigan is a very strong and relatable girl. She has very real emotions and interactions with her friends. She endured so much but still continued to be the best that she could be.
Michigan's coach perplexed me. He had a daughter that played on a boys team and he treated his daughter and Michigan very differently.
I feel the need to note that there many good guys in the story as well. Between Jack, and Michigans' brother and father, there were many good examples. Her father supported her in everything she did and did his best to be there for her. Jack encouraged her to reach for her dreams. Her brother had his own moments of support such as teaching her how to play like the guys.
The hockey terms were easily understandable and compelling. I have never played hockey or been on a swimming team but both sports were explained well.
I would not recommend this book to sensitive readers.

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Content: 1 Star; many trigger warnings

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of MICHIGAN VS THE BOYS by Carrie S Allen in exchange for my honest review.***

When the girl’s hockey team is disbanded Michigan decides to try out for the boys team where she experiences hazing, abuse and harassment. Afraid of being thrown off the team, she takes the beatings and mistreatment secret, not wanting to disappoint young girls who look up to her or hurt her chances at a college scholarship.

MICHIGAN VS THE BOYS is an uncomfortable book, and it should be. The hockey team is filled with entitled boys, abusers and silent bystanders. I cringed when the boys beat up Michigan, wondering how far toxic masculinity would take these boys. Most of the boys I grew up with knew hitting a girl was taboo, but Michigan’s teammates delude themselves under the guise of team unity and teaching rookies how to fit in. I hope boys wouldn’t be so brutal to a girl, but know they have been to other boys, which isn’t much better. High schools around here have made the news for rape being part of freshman hazing on boys’ teams.

I questioned why Michigan didn’t say something. Her story parallels those of teens battered by their boyfriends (or girlfriends). She minimized, thought she had to take the abuse and made excuses. The coach was allowed the hazing, even if he didn’t know all the details. He clearly didn’t want Michigan on his team.

MICHIGAN VS THE BOYS is an important book, one that can spark necessary discussions facilitated by adults. Carrie S Allen’s debut should be read by athletes, coaches and parents. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

I read this book in a few hours and honestly I was happily surprised with how fast paced it went. The relationships were built up well and I think it was really interesting to see a novel like this. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was advertised as having to do somewhat with #MeToo and that how it was handled in the book was well done and did not go the angle I expected. I think if I had to say one thing that kinda bugged me it would be that I felt like the hockey lingo and game descriptions kind of went over my head and I think that could be the same for other readers who are not very knowledgable of the sport. However, I do believe that all readers will enjoy this topical, fun, & inspiring story. I know I did.