Skyler McKenzie had a crush on her best friend Grace Monroe’s (PUCKING VACATION, Night Hawks #0.5) twin brother, Carson. He shot her down, and she hasSkyler McKenzie had a crush on her best friend Grace Monroe’s (PUCKING VACATION, Night Hawks #0.5) twin brother, Carson. He shot her down, and she has hated him ever since. Fast forward ten years later. She has her dream job as a game developer. She is competing for a promotion. The winner of a new hockey game gets the job. She seeks Grace’s help for insight into the game of hockey. Grace’s boyfriend Jensen Reece is the captain of the Colorado Night Hawks. Unfortunately, Carson is the team’s goalie.
Katie Strong does an excellent job with this story. The characters are likable and face interesting situations. Skyler and Carson have known each other their entire lives. They have a complex relationship. I enjoyed their interaction. I also, loved the story line.
This is the first book that I have read by Katie Strong. I enjoyed her writing style and plan to read more books by her in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Sarah Smith lights the lamp with DIRTY PUCKER (Denver Bashers #2). NHL player Dirty Del Richards gets traded to the Denver Bashers. He is told he needSarah Smith lights the lamp with DIRTY PUCKER (Denver Bashers #2). NHL player Dirty Del Richards gets traded to the Denver Bashers. He is told he needs to clean up his act. The team assigned their social media manager, Ingrid Thompson to help improve his image.
Ingrid is the sunshine to his grumpy. He is immediately intrigued with her. However, Ingrid’s cousin, Theo, is on the team, and he dislikes Del, warning him away from her.
Del grew up in Colorado. He came home to help his mom and sister. He has bad memories from his past. He opens to Ingrid. She sees a side of him no one else sees. She quickly turns his reputation around. Throw in he treats her better than any of her exes. The two have an amazing connection.
DIRTY PUCKER is a fun and entertaining read. It is skillfully written. This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Smith. I enjoyed her writing style. I plan on reading the other books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ...more
Helena Hunting gets a hat trick with book three in the Toronto Terror series, IF YOU NEED ME. Toronto Terror Star Dallas Mattias Bright and Toronto TeHelena Hunting gets a hat trick with book three in the Toronto Terror series, IF YOU NEED ME. Toronto Terror Star Dallas Mattias Bright and Toronto Terror PR Director Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst (Hemi) have known each other since kindergarten. Hemi has never forgiven him for bullying her in their youth. After a drunken mistake, the couple must pretend to be in a fake relationship to save their jobs.
Helena Hunting does a fantastic job with the story. The characters are likable and dynamic. They have misunderstandings from their past. Dallas is a good guy who is determined to right his past. The story had entertaining situations and a great storyline.
IF YOU NEED ME is an excellent addition to the Toronto Terror series. I look forward to Roman’s story next, IF YOU LOVE ME. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. ...more
Lauren Blakely lights the lamp with THE ROMANCE LINE (Love and Hockey #2). San Francisco Sea Dogs publicist Everly Rosewood has been tasked with bringLauren Blakely lights the lamp with THE ROMANCE LINE (Love and Hockey #2). San Francisco Sea Dogs publicist Everly Rosewood has been tasked with bringing hockey goalie Max Lambert’s likability rating up after it took a hit when he broke up with his famous pop star girlfriend Lyra Raine. There is an unwritten rule that employees are not allowed to date. That shouldn’t be a problem, Everly and Max continually bicker with each other. However, as they get to know each other, it becomes hard to deny their feelings.
Lauren Blakely does a fantastic job with this story. Everly and Max have great chemistry. Lauren has some self-esteem issues due to being scared after an accident. Max has trust issues after Lyra cheated on him. They are dynamic characters with lots of depth. They face interesting situations and grow.
THE ROMANCE LINE is an excellent addition to the Love and Hockey series. I am looking forward to Fable’s and Wilder’s story in MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE and Asher’s and Maeve’s book THE PROPOSAL PLAY. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Gina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE DEFENDER (Boston Hawks Hockey #5). In this story, Hawks' defenseman/widower James Ryan needs a nanny for hisGina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE DEFENDER (Boston Hawks Hockey #5). In this story, Hawks' defenseman/widower James Ryan needs a nanny for his twins Mason and Milly. When he meets a highly recommended nanny used to working with professional athletes, he is shocked to discover she is the woman whom he recently had a one-nightstand with, Isabella “Bella” Andrews.
I loved this novel. James and Bella are perfect for each other. They both have experienced pain and understand loss. They feel broken. Bella was working on her PhD. She studied child psychology and education. She is wonderful with the twins. James and Bella agree to being just friends, but they are both attracted to each other.
THE DEFENDER is heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is a skillfully written story that touched my soul. The characters had depth and grew through the story. I adored the twins. My heart went out to all the characters. It is a fantastic addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
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Gina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE DEFENDER (Boston Hawks Hockey #5). In this story, Hawks' defenseman/widower James Ryan needs a nanny for his twins Mason and Milly. When he meets a highly recommended nanny used to working with professional athletes, he is shocked to discover she is the woman whom he recently had a one-nightstand with, Isabella “Bella” Andrews.
I loved this novel. James and Bella are perfect for each other. They both have experienced pain and understand loss. They feel broken. Bella was working on her PhD. She studied child psychology and education. She is wonderful with the twins. James and Bella agree to being just friends, but they are both attracted to each other.
THE DEFENDER is heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is a skillfully written story that touched my soul. The characters had depth and grew through the story. I adored the twins. My heart went out to all the characters. It is a fantastic addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Two years ago, star NHL Nashville Assassins goalie, Jordan Ryan, suffered a knee. Although he is now fully recovered he lost his spot as starting goalTwo years ago, star NHL Nashville Assassins goalie, Jordan Ryan, suffered a knee. Although he is now fully recovered he lost his spot as starting goalie. Unhappy with his situation he begins to look for another team to play on. He flies out to interview with Buffalo and New York. Unfortunately he doesn’t feel like the interviews went well.
Aynslee Shaw has had the worst day possible. The day started out with her standing up in her niece’s wedding in an awful pink bridesmaid dress. While at the wedding her landlord called that the pipes burst in her basement. She needs to fly back home to discover her luggage is stolen so she has to fly home in the hideous dress.
Things start to look better for Jordan and Aynslee when they are seated next to each other on the plane.
I love the Assassins series and was happy that Toni Aleo was able to write this story and not make you hate the organization. Tate Oder, the goalie in book three, Empty Net, was the goalie to replace Jordan. If you didn’t know and love Tate’s character it would be so easy to hate him for taking Jordan’s spot on the team.
I read this book between game one and two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I’m a Chicago Blackhawk’s fan and this story seemed to come at the right time. Chicago has two awesome goalies. Some would argue that our backup goalie is better than our starting goalie. I think it would be really hard to be a goalie that is good enough to start and have to sit on the side lines and watch. Aleo does a good job at portraying the emotions a player would go through.
One more thing, I’ve never seen bacon on a stick at a hockey game – yum. I think I need to go to a game in Nashville.
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Two years ago, star NHL Nashville Assassins goalie, Jordan Ryan, suffered a knee. Although he is now fully recovered he lost his spot as starting goalie. Unhappy with his situation he begins to look for another team to play on. He flies out to interview with Buffalo and New York. Unfortunately he doesn’t feel like the interviews went well.
Aynslee Shaw has had the worst day possible. The day started out with her standing up in her niece’s wedding in an awful pink bridesmaid dress. While at the wedding her landlord called that the pipes burst in her basement. She needs to fly back home to discover her luggage is stolen so she has to fly home in the hideous dress.
Things start to look better for Jordan and Aynslee when they are seated next to each other on the plane.
I love the Assassins series and was happy that Toni Aleo was able to write this story and not make you hate the organization. Tate Oder, the goalie in book three, Empty Net, was the goalie to replace Jordan. If you didn’t know and love Tate’s character it would be so easy to hate him for taking Jordan’s spot on the team.
I read this book between game one and two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I’m a Chicago Blackhawk’s fan and this story seemed to come at the right time. Chicago has two awesome goalies. Some would argue that our backup goalie is better than our starting goalie. I think it would be really hard to be a goalie that is good enough to start and have to sit on the side lines and watch. Aleo does a good job at portraying the emotions a player would go through.
One more thing, I’ve never seen bacon on a stick at a hockey game – yum. I think I need to go to a game in Nashville....more
Rachel Leigh scores with BEAUTIFUL DEVIL. Cheerleader Brogan Astor is devastated when a graphic video of her and her ex-boyfriend, Kamden Donnelly, isRachel Leigh scores with BEAUTIFUL DEVIL. Cheerleader Brogan Astor is devastated when a graphic video of her and her ex-boyfriend, Kamden Donnelly, is posted on the Rosewood University Social media site. She is shocked when hockey star Hayes Madden offers her a way to get back at her ex, who happens to also be Hayes’ biggest rival.
Rachel Leigh does a great job with this story. The characters are dimensional and likable. I enjoyed their banter. Brogan and Hayes have amazing chemistry. The story is entertaining and has interesting twists.
This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Leigh. I enjoyed her writing style. I will read more books by her in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Gina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE HEART CHASER (Boston Hawks Hockey #6). Boston Hawks’ Luca Pandatelli and Abbi Walsh hook up when Abbi is in Gina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE HEART CHASER (Boston Hawks Hockey #6). Boston Hawks’ Luca Pandatelli and Abbi Walsh hook up when Abbi is in Boston for a bachelorette party. She is from New Jersey so all the two were planning on was a weekend of fun. However, they connect more than the expected; Luca promising to call Abbi. Even so, he never calls because of a family emergency that changes his life. Now Abbi has relocated to Boston working for the same hockey team that Luca plays for. Luca is trying for a second chance.
Gina Azzi does an amazing job with this second-chance romance. Abbi is best friends with Chloe Crawford from THE RULE MAKER (Boston Hawks Hockey #4). Abbi has trust issue due to some bad experiences with past boyfriends; one of them coming back to haunt her during this story. Luca was a playboy but has changed due to stepping up for his family. He needs to prove that he is nothing like her exes.
THE HEART CHASER is a heartfelt and emotional read. It is skillfully written and swoon worthy. The characters are lovable and dimensional. I recommend this book to people who enjoy second chance romances and/or sports romances. THE HEART CHASER is the perfect addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
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Gina Azzi is on a winning streak with THE HEART CHASER (Boston Hawks Hockey #6). Boston Hawks’ Luca Pandatelli and Abbi Walsh hook up when Abbi is in Boston for a bachelorette party. She is from New Jersey so all the two were planning on was a weekend of fun. However, they connect more than the expected; Luca promising to call Abbi. Even so, he never calls because of a family emergency that changes his life. Now Abbi has relocated to Boston working for the same hockey team that Luca plays for. Luca is trying for a second chance.
Gina Azzi does an amazing job with this second-chance romance. Abbi is best friends with Chloe Crawford from THE RULE MAKER (Boston Hawks Hockey #4). Abbi has trust issue due to some bad experiences with past boyfriends; one of them coming back to haunt her during this story. Luca was a playboy but has changed due to stepping up for his family. He needs to prove that he is nothing like her exes.
THE HEART CHASER is a heartfelt and emotional read. It is skillfully written and swoon worthy. The characters are lovable and dimensional. I recommend this book to people who enjoy second chance romances and/or sports romances. THE HEART CHASER is the perfect addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Baltimore Breakers player Jackson Hunter has been crushing on Assistant to the General Manager Claire Jones. However, she thinks he hates her because Baltimore Breakers player Jackson Hunter has been crushing on Assistant to the General Manager Claire Jones. However, she thinks he hates her because she knows his secret, a secret that could jeopardize his career. He thinks he isn’t good enough for her. As a defense mechanism, he has been a jerk to her, until he finally decides not to be.
Elise Faber does a great job with this story. Jackson and Claire are a cute couple. Claire is like the teams’ little sister. Everyone loves her. She is innocent. After a failed date, Jackson finally decides to stop hiding from his feelings for Claire. He is a good guy. He suffers from Type one diabetes. He is an exceptional date planner.
BOUND is an excellent addition to the Breakers Hockey series. I am looking forward to Aiden and Luna’s story next, TWENTY-TWO (Grizzlies Hockey #1). I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Cala Riley scores with ICED (Walker University Wolves) Grace Myers has been in love with her best friend Kellan Cooper since their freshman year in hiCala Riley scores with ICED (Walker University Wolves) Grace Myers has been in love with her best friend Kellan Cooper since their freshman year in high school. Now they are both attending Walker University. While Kellan has been a serial dater, Grace has not dated and is still a virgin.
Walker Wolves hockey captain Clayton James needs a tutor. He hires Grace. They initially rub each other wrong. However, the two become friends and start hanging out. Kellan becomes jealous and causes trouble with Clayton who is his teammate.
I like Clayton and Gracie. Clayton’s dad died when he was young. He feels a responsibility to his mom and sister. He is focused and a good captain. Grace is smart and hard working. She has been a better friend to Kellan than he has been to her. I love that Clayton and Grace become more social as a result of hanging out together. They are an adorable couple.
This is the first book that I have read by Cala Riley. I enjoyed her writing style. The characters are dimensional, and the story is believable. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, CROSS CHECKED. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ...more
Jami Davenport gets a shutout with MISCONDUCT (Scoring #10). Sockeyes backup goalie, Vick Marshall, is finally getting a shot at being the starting goJami Davenport gets a shutout with MISCONDUCT (Scoring #10). Sockeyes backup goalie, Vick Marshall, is finally getting a shot at being the starting goalie. The last thing he needs to do is to start waves with his teammates. However, when he suspects veteran defensman, Drager Chowaski, is abusing his wife, Inga, he is not sure he can stay away and not protect her.
Jami Davenport does a nice job with this story. The characters face substantial problems. Vick is a good guy. He is mixed race and having issues with being used as a minority roll model. Inga is sweet. She was a goalie in college. She is embarrassed that she is in her current situation. Inga gets the courage to leave Drager. Vick and Inga become friends and start to develop feelings for each other. For obvious reasons, they are cautious about doing anything about it.
MISCONDUCT is an excellent addition to the Scoring series. I am looking forward to Levi’s and Juniper’s story next, PENALTY SHOT. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Grace Burns seeks her father’s help after her mother turns her away. She needs a fresh start after a disastrous year in college. AHL Def3.5 of 5 Stars
Grace Burns seeks her father’s help after her mother turns her away. She needs a fresh start after a disastrous year in college. AHL Defenseman Otto Larsson’s team just won The Calder Cup. He should be satisfied, but he wants something more. When he sees Grace, it is love at first sight. However, Grace is the Coach’s daughter, and she should be off limits.
My heart went out to Grace and her relationship with her parents, or lack thereof. Her ex was a horrible person. She feels subpar. She needs a break. Otto sets out to show her that she is worthy and to win her over.
Hayley James does a nice job with FATE ON THE ICE (North Carolina Fury #2). I do feel at times it needed a little more depth. It is an entertaining read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ...more
Kat Mizera scores with SHOT AT LOVE (Lauderdale Knights #6.5). This is Maria Cicero’s and Adam Elliott’s story. Maria is the mom of Juliet, and Adam iKat Mizera scores with SHOT AT LOVE (Lauderdale Knights #6.5). This is Maria Cicero’s and Adam Elliott’s story. Maria is the mom of Juliet, and Adam is the dad of Vaughn from SLAP SHOT (Lauderdale Knights #1). The story starts out with the couple heading to Las Vegas to get married. The rest of the story is about how Maria’s children and Vaughn handle the news of the marriage. To say there are mixed feelings is an understatement.
I would recommend reading SLAP SHOT (Lauderdale Knights #1) before reading this book. It gives you background on the characters. I enjoyed this novella. Maria and Adam formed a relationship earlier in the series. It was nice hearing more of their story. At 88 pages, the story is a quick read. I am looking forward to book seven in the series, CHEAP SHOT. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Elizabeth Hartey scores with CROSS DROP, the second book in the On the Edge Series. College hockey star, Dalton Walker, has loved one girl, Nikki DixoElizabeth Hartey scores with CROSS DROP, the second book in the On the Edge Series. College hockey star, Dalton Walker, has loved one girl, Nikki Dixon. He has no idea why she suddenly hates him and left the school. Now two years later, she is back, and he is determined to figure out what happened. This contemporary sport romance primarily takes place at Bernard University in Maine.
After reading book one, CROSS STROKE, I was anxiously awaiting Dalt and Nikki’s story. They obviously had history; I had no idea how much. CROSS DROP is an excellent example of miscommunications and deception. Nikki thinks Dalt broke up with her. Dalt has no idea why Niki left him and disappeared from school. The two were clearly in love with each other. The things that transpired, and the lost time was unfortunate.
I enjoyed the characters. Dalt and Nikki are an adorable couple. What happened between them was horrible. Nikki should have been more trusting of Dalt, but it is understandable why she reacted the way she did. I’m glad she confided in Tracy, who brought a different perspective in the mix. They are a compatible couple. Dalt and Nikki are both hard working. They are excellent athletes. Nikki is captain of the soccer team, and Dalt is expected to be drafted. They were comfortable around one another. They were each other soul mates. They need to work on some issues to trust again; which is easier said than done, with a major secret that was kept. I like that they own up to their mistakes. Dalt is very thoughtful; I love where he takes Nikki on their date. I felt horrible about some of the things that happened with his family.
Elizabeth Hartey does an exceptional job with her writing and plot. I like how the story started out in the past and then fast forwarded to overlap with book one. A number of unexpected things occur throughout the novel. The story flowed well and was easy to read. Be warned it is a hard book to put down. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
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Elizabeth Hartey scores with CROSS DROP, the second book in the On the Edge Series. College hockey star, Dalton Walker, has loved one girl, Nikki Dixon. He has no idea why she suddenly hates him and left the school. Now two years later, she is back, and he is determined to figure out what happened. This contemporary sport romance primarily takes place at Bernard University in Maine.
After reading book one, CROSS STROKE, I was anxiously awaiting Dalt and Nikki’s story. They obviously had history; I had no idea how much. CROSS DROP is an excellent example of miscommunications and deception. Nikki thinks Dalt broke up with her. Dalt has no idea why Niki left him and disappeared from school. The two were clearly in love with each other. The things that transpired, and the lost time was unfortunate.
I enjoyed the characters. Dalt and Nikki are an adorable couple. What happened between them was horrible. Nikki should have been more trusting of Dalt, but it is understandable why she reacted the way she did. I’m glad she confided in Tracy, who brought a different perspective in the mix. They are a compatible couple. Dalt and Nikki are both hard working. They are excellent athletes. Nikki is captain of the soccer team, and Dalt is expected to be drafted. They were comfortable around one another. They were each other soul mates. They need to work on some issues to trust again; which is easier said than done, with a major secret that was kept. I like that they own up to their mistakes. Dalt is very thoughtful; I love where he takes Nikki on their date. I felt horrible about some of the things that happened with his family.
Elizabeth Hartey does an exceptional job with her writing and plot. I like how the story started out in the past and then fast forwarded to overlap with book one. A number of unexpected things occur throughout the novel. The story flowed well and was easy to read. Be warned it is a hard book to put down. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book....more
Lauren Blakely lights the lamps with THE BOYFRIEND GOAL (Love and Hockey #1). In this story, Josie Winters moves to San Francisco to start a temporariLauren Blakely lights the lamps with THE BOYFRIEND GOAL (Love and Hockey #1). In this story, Josie Winters moves to San Francisco to start a temporarily three-month job as a librarian and to be closer to her brother, Christian, the captain of the Seadogs NHL team. Upon her arrival, she has a series of mishaps and is rescued by a gorgeous man named Wes. They have a one-night stand. She could not stop thinking about him but never got his last name. When her housing falls through she goes to her brother for help. One of his teammates has a spare room and offered her to live with him. What she was not expecting was her new roommate to be Wesley (Wes) Bryant, her one-night stand.
I loved this story. Lauren Blakely does an amazing job with this novel. Wes and Josie have fantastic chemistry. Wes is a good guy. He opens to Josie about having dyslexia. Josie is working at a library financed by a grant to update the branch’s digital initiative.
Josie has a bucket list that was given to her by her deceased Aunt Greta. Wes offers to do it with her. There are some interesting things on the list that help Josie (and Wes) grow. The couple face compelling situations and obstacles.
THE BOYFRIEND GOAL is an excellent foundation for the Love and Hockey series. I am looking forward to Max and Everly’s story, THE ROMANCE LINE. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ...more
Alex Taylor heat things up with SAVING YOU (Destined Love #2). In this story, Officer Caleb Sutton meets single mom Bailey Emerson and her daughter ChAlex Taylor heat things up with SAVING YOU (Destined Love #2). In this story, Officer Caleb Sutton meets single mom Bailey Emerson and her daughter Charlotte (Charlie) after responding to a 911 call. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship, but they keep winding up in each other’s paths.
Alex Taylor does a great job with this story. Both main characters feel they have too much baggage for the other to be interested in them. Bailey had an abusive marriage. Caleb suffers from PTSD from his time in the military. They face compelling situations, especially with Bailey’s ex. They help each other heal. I love Charlie. She is sort of an unintentional match maker, along with Caleb’s friends. Being a hockey fan, I appreciate the detailed recreational hockey scenes.
This is the first book that I have read by Alex Taylor. It was skillfully written. I enjoyed her writing style. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy this book....more