Intercepted by Alexa Martin
I read Intercepted by Alexa Martin when it first came out. I am not sure why the Playbook series doesn’t get more notice or love.
Many readers have big feels about this book and in particular the heroine. Intercepted has received criticism in some reviews for its portrayal of a seemingly immature heroine. However, it’s important to note that the protagonist’s immaturity is intentional and forms the core of her character development. In her early twenties and having experienced an emotionally abusive relationship, she has spent most of her life in the insular world of football girlfriends and wives.
I adore the characters, Marlee is amazing, Gavin was 100% book boyfriend material. There were times he seemed to be too perfect, but ultimately I loved him so much. I am a sucker for the side characters, especially when their are going to be the MC in their own stories in future books in the series.
At its core, this novel is a coming-of-age story. The heroine’s growth has been hindered by her past experiences, particularly her toxic relationship with Mr. Wrong. Before she’s ready for Mr. Right, she must undergo a significant personal transformation. Her immaturity is evident from the very first page, as are the one-dimensional portrayals of other women in the story. Your affinity for this book will likely become apparent within the first chapter.
One criticism I have is that while it’s acceptable for the heroine to be immature given her background, the book missed an opportunity to introduce mentorship or role models that could have explored significant but often overlooked themes. These could have included the prevalence of misogyny in the football world, the silence and questionable allyship among the players, the feminist implications of being in a heterosexual relationship with a high-profile man, and the tendency of women to blame other women for their partners’ transgressions. However, it’s worth noting that the book’s tone is established early on and remains consistent throughout, avoiding any misleading expectations.
