February TBR {romance-opoly edition}

 

It is time to play my first round of Book-opoly, the romance edition! 

I can't lie, I'm a bit nervous about this. When I shared about my TBR game, I mentioned that I would do four rolls as I am predominantly a mood reader, so I don't want to over do it. That being said, if I roll any doubles, well that adds to the list. Also, I am really hoping that I do not end up in jail. I don't want to listen to an audio book!

With that being said, let's see what happens for February.

Roll One:

I rolled an 8! I am beyond thrilled! I landed on Hockey. So that means I get to read one of my favorite sub-genres. What a perfect first roll.

My selection is The Sweet Talker by Gina Azzi. 

This book just released on January 27, 2021 and it is the first book in the new Boston Hawks series. I know very little about this book, other than it is an accidental pregnancy. Skimming the reviews, it also sounds like it falls into the friends to lovers trope. Bring it on! 

Roll Two:

I rolled a 6! And it was doubles, which means I need to add a roll. Moving the six spots, I landed on the Slow Burn trope. This is when I wish I had my books categorized. But I don't. Off to my spreadsheet, and Goodreads I go!

Okay I found one. For Slow Burn, I am going to read The Chase by Elle Kennedy. 

It is a new adult/college romance and I am liking what I am reading in the description! It sounds like the perfect fit for a slow burn romance.

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me. 

Roll Three:

I rolled a 9, and that landed me on Fake Relationship or Fake Marriage. Okay that shouldn't be an issue. I'm sure I have a book (or two) that fulfills that prompt.

For the Fake Relationship trope, I am selecting Very Irresistible Playboy by Lila Monroe.

I've had this book on my Kindle since April of 2019. So I think it's beyond time to read it. Plus it's a Lila Monroe book. I've liked other books by this author, so I have high hopes for the Very Irresistible Playboy. 

Here's the blurb from Goodreads:

Hot bachelor Max Carlisle is heir to a media empire, tabloid catnip, and… wants to hire me to be his fake fiancee. I know what it takes to keep a billionaire in line, but signing up for seven days in close quarters with this Very Irresistible Playboy? It’s just asking for trouble. The kind of thrilling, reckless trouble I could use a little more of since my career is currently ass-backwards in a mud bath with six shih-tzus (don’t ask). 

So do I: 
a) Take the job, and bicker wildly every step of the way? 
b) Embark on a mad-cap treasure hunt to claim his billion-dollar inheritance? 
c) Try my hardest not to fall head-over-heels in love with him and wind up having the best sex of my life? 
d) All of the above? 

Something tells me I’m about to be way out of my league… and under the most handsome, infuriating man I’ve ever met. But with a fortune on the line, can we beat out his crazy relatives to win the prize? And will our fake relationship be game over at the finish line? 

Roll Four:

Please don't roll a 7. Please don't roll a 7. 

Well crap, I rolled a 7. 

That means I need to a) head to jail, and b) the only way I can get out of jail is by listening to an audio book. Sigh. I am not a fan of audio books, so this is going to be rough. Guess I'm headed to Libby to see what they have to offer me. Fingers crossed I can find something I'll enjoy. No clue what I'm going to select, so you'll have to check back with my weekly wrap ups to find out. Also, feel free to offer me suggestions!

Roll Five: The extra

So because I rolled a double earlier, I needed to add an extra roll. Let's see what happens.

A four! Oh look at that, I'm back to the Slow Burn trope. 

This time I am going to choose That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn.

I really know nothing about this book except what the blurb for it says. Well that and the little bit that Bree from In Love & Words shared on her youtube channel. 

From Goodreads:

It was supposed to be an innocent night, celebrating my brother’s birthday. Nothing was supposed to go wrong. We’d vowed to be on our best behavior after all . . .

But it only took one rowdy night with my brothers to flip my world upside down. One unlucky encounter saddled us with a family curse and the promise of doomed relationships. I laughed it off immediately. “Yeah, right,” I thought. “A love curse. Ha!”

Boy, was I wrong.

Word spreads quickly in a town like mine; rumors about that night soon made us the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine. As a subject of endless gossip and speculation, I could kiss my dating life goodbye.

It would have stayed that way if Ren Winters, the new girl in town, hadn’t crashed into my life. Brave, beautiful, and smart—her vivacious thirst for a fresh start has given me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have one too.

Everyone wishes for that second chance . . . but could this really be mine?

So there you have it. The FIVE books that Book-opoly, romance edition, selected for me. I'm excited about four of them. That audio book though, that's worrying me a bit. Hopefully I don't land on that space too often in the future. But if I do, it will just force me outside my comfort zone.

What are you planning on reading in February? Are you participating in any readathons? Do you have any easy listening audio book recommendations for me? 

Happy Reading,

February Releases I'm Excited About

 

Ahh it's almost February! That means it's time to talk about new releases I'm excited about.

There are SO many books that I am looking forward to this month. Today I am going to share the 8 that have my complete attention. Oh and there is one POPULAR book on my list, so chances are you might be looking forward to it also.

I do know there is also a Nora Roberts book releasing, but I haven't looked into it yet. I don't know what it's about, or if it's a series or a standalone. It really shouldn't matter, but yet it does. Especially since I am series obsessed. I think I've only ever read one of her standalones, and if I remember correctly that was Montana Sky. That was also my intro book to Nora's writing. Ahh memories. 

What 8 books have grabbed my attention? Keep on reading.

Hockey Romance Series I've Read {part three}

January is almost over!

I know, trust me, my jaw dropped too. Now don't get me wrong, this has been a pretty decent month, but the fact that there are only a handful of days left? That just doesn't seem possible. A quick recap for this month includes my kids returning to school, a quick trip to Wisconsin to visit my in-laws, spraining my ankle (Laura + unplowed sidewalks = ouch), reading a lot of wonderful books, and working with some amazing authors on promos for their books.

Last week I started my little segment on authors who have written hockey romance series. If you've read part one or part two, then you know which authors I've already discussed. Could I have said more about the books? Absolutely. At the same time I didn't want to go into too much detail, because spoilers!

Today I am talking about two authors who I've recently discovered. Full disclosure, I totally binged both series. I can't help myself. If you know me at all, you know once I start a series I do everything in my powers to complete it. Well unless it's horrible, then I'll just move on. But those books also wouldn't be discussed here on the blog, so there's that.

Let's start with Elise Faber. She is the creator of the Gold Hockey series. The Gold series currently has 10 books available and there is one more in the works. Now if you're a book lover like I am, chances are the folks over at Facebook have thrown some ads at you for her books. More specifically for her book Blocked. Blocked is the opening book to the Gold Hockey series, and introduces us to Brit, who is the FIRST female goalie in the NHL! WOO HOO! Go Brit! 

Quite a few of the books in this series are workplace romance. Seriously. So if that's your trope, pick up one of the books and give it a read. Oh and it looks like Blocked is currently available as a free download, so go download it! 

Now you might think that Brit and Stefan's story is my favorite, and while it is near the top, it isn't my favorite. That belongs to Mandy and Blane. Their story can be found in the book Boarding, which is book 3.

Here is the blurb, as that will give you a good feel for the book.

Muscles. Mandy’s work was supposed to be regulated to muscles.

Well, muscles and ligaments and tendons . . . and general body health and—

Sigh. She was blabbering as usual, but muscles combined with lips that were way too kissable and a pair of sharp blue eyes that pierced right through all of her carefully erected defenses had a way of doing that to a girl.

Blane was her fantasy—literally her nightly fantasy. He was sexy, strong, talented, and normally she would have thrown herself at his feet and begged for a night—or, cough, more—showing him exactly what that fantasy was.

But that would mean she would get fired . . . and worse, so would he.

She couldn’t have that on her conscience, not when Blane was a gifted player for the San Francisco Gold. Plus, he was a professional athlete and their relationships were doomed to fail. Mandy knew that firsthand and she also knew she couldn’t live that life. Always being the one left behind, always way down on the priority list.

Hockey was his job and it was all consuming. That was reality and everything was fine—

Until, Blane got hurt. Until she was spending more time with him. Much more time.

Until Blane told her she was his fantasy too.

Oh these two! Love them. 

I need to be honest with you all, the first 9 books, I was all in. Seriously. Could not get enough of the characters. Something changed with Charging, and it just didn't hit the same. There wasn't the connection to the previous characters, it was almost as if a new series was being started. Maybe I'm not explaining it correctly. But it just didn't fit into the world. There is one more book coming, and the final book in this series, Caged, will be released on April 12, 2021. And you already know I have it preordered. So if you need me on April 12, please don't as my nose will be buried in my kindle. 

The other author who I want to recommend is Stephanie Kay, and her series the San Fransisco Strikers.

The San Fransisco Strikers has seven books in the series. I say that, but really the first three books are their own little trilogy. After that new characters are involved, and the whole dynamic shifts ever so slightly. I might be alone in that thinking though. There are so many tropes to be found in the series. There is second chance, fake relationship, workplace, one night stand, hate to love, etc. Oh and yes, they are steamy. Actually almost all the books I've recommended are. Huh. Oh well.

I'm going to go with Delay of Game as my favorite of the series. It is Sophia's turn for romance, and she has eyes for Finn. Can Sophia stop saying yes to everyone? Can she tell her parents about what happened with her ex? Can her and Finn have a relationship?

Here's the description:

Can secrets designed to protect the ones they love end up tearing them apart?

From a painful past nobody knows about to aspirations for the future, Sophia Lanzi has learned to lock things away to please those around her and to protect herself. Landing a job working for the top sports physical therapist in the city, avid hockey fan Sophia is taking a step toward fulfilling her dreams.

​But when sexy hockey player Eric “Finn” Finnegan enters the clinic for treatment after a devastating injury on the ice, Sophia only has more secrets to keep, as she develops more than a crush on her patient.

​The last thing Finn needs is a distraction, and especially in the form of Sophia Lanzi, a beautiful physical therapy assistant. Finn is desperate to get back to the game he loves and prove to everyone that their investment in him has been worth it, but the chemistry with Sophia is too strong to deny. Finn and Sophia can’t resist each other, and a kiss leads to a secret relationship. Secrets aren’t new to Finn, either, and he’s holding one that can destroy his family if it’s ever discovered.

So there you have it, the 8 authors who have written hockey romance series that I have loved. Have you read any of the books by Elise or Stephanie, or the other authors I mentioned? Are they auto-buy authors for you? I need to look into the backlist for Elise and Stephanie before I can make that designation. If their other books are as enjoyable as their hockey series, then there is a good chance they could earn that accolade.

Is this the end of my hockey romance segment? More than likely not. I'm always discovering new authors, and chances are there will be more hockey romances! Especially since the writing team of Piper Rayne has their Hockey Hotties series premiering in June. Then there is Gina Azzi who has her Boston Hawks series. Book one, The Sweet Talker, actually releases TODAY! (and yes, I have it pre-ordered so it's waiting for me.) Therefore, expect a part four at some point in 2021. 🙂

Happy Reading,

 

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday! Hope that you had a wonderful weekend. Here in Minnesota it was cold, and we had some snow. My family and I just laid low, and had a quiet (well as quiet can be with 4 kids) weekend at home. A low key weekend gave me plenty of opportunity to rest my ankle after spraining it on Tuesday during school pickup. Thankfully the swelling has decreased greatly, and the bruising isn't looking as horrible as it had been. I still cannot believe that happened.  

Reading wise, last week I managed to read 5 books!  I read some books that I absolutely cannot get out of my mind, and others that we just middle of the road. All the books read were e-books (naturally), 2 were advanced reader copies (ARC), and the other 3 were backlist titles. It should be of no surprise that they all fall into the romance genre. Hey, I like what I like. 

Last week I also had the honor of working with a few authors on promotions for their books. I love getting to do things like that. There is just something about promoting a book and/or author that others might not be familiar with. I know I've definitely learned about a lot of authors from others! (I'm looking at you Bookstagram!)

Let's talk about what I read last week.

First up was an advanced reader copy of Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair. When I ran across this book on NetGalley, I was drawn in by the autism storyline. I was curious as to how autism (and caregivers) would be portrayed. Would it be realistic? I can honestly say that I was good with how everything was portrayed. It felt familiar in a way. Add in the way that Beckett felt like she had little to no help, and it was relatable. I can only hope that after the book ended, the characters were able to establish new routines and boundaries, so that Beckett could have a little respite from her Dad and brother. (as well as helping them with the social and relational skills they both needed.)

I should say that Hopeless Romantic is a small town romance between two people who constantly give. They give their time, their energy, their resources, but they never ask for anything in return. Also, Gregory Pecker had me laughing. Everything that happened with that chicken had me chuckling. 

If you're interested, here is the description for the book:

Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, the latest novel from bestselling author Marina Adair asks whether two of a small town's biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first--in the name of love...

As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island's unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There's not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It's always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that's getting tougher to resist...

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset--literally. But then his father's death and his sister's unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she's in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi's wondering if it's time to get his sea legs under him again...until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams...

Over all, this story gave me what I wanted. The representation of a neurodiverse family, and how a caretaker can often get little respite is relatable to many people. Yes, the relationship between Beckett and Levi was nice, but for me it wasn't what stood out. Instead it was the relationship between Beckett's family and how they worked (or rather didn't fully work) as a unit, as well as the relationship that Levi had with his. Hopeless Romantic also spoke to me about accepting assistance from those who offer, and also about asking for assistance. It's about not doing it all on your own. Consider reading this book. Hopeless Romantic releases on January 26, 2021.

After reading Hopeless Romantic, it was time to switch things up, so I read some new adult romance. I don't often read new adult (I consider new adult as characters who are college aged), but every so often it calls my name. I had recently purchased the Over the Fence series by Carrie Aaron after seeing some of her TikTok videos. The way she described her books had me intrigued. Plus this series is sports romance, so obviously I'm going to be drawn in.

Pitching to Win is the first book in the Over the Fence series. It follows the relationship between Minka (the introvert) and Owen (the golden boy). This summer romance starts at a party, where Minka doesn't want to give Owen the time of day. Yes, he's attractive, but she's not going there. Minka is perfectly content living the single life, especially after what happened last time she was in a relationship. Meanwhile Owen is drawn towards Minka. He feels the need to get to know her. There is something about her that he just can't let go of. Both have parental issues that they need to work on, and Minka is still reeling from what happened a couple of years ago with a bad relationship.

I'd tell you more about this story, but honestly it doesn't really matter. For me this story was just meh. It didn't really keep my attention all that well, and it was a bit forgettable. (ugh, I don't like saying that, but it's true.) Yes, there were moments I enjoyed, but ultimately it just wasn't for me. That being said, I did opt to continue with the trilogy. After all I bought the books, so I might as well read them.

The second book in the series is Hitting to Win. Now we are at college, and it is time for Chloe and Miles to have their moment. Chloe has been crushing on Miles since they were children. There has always been something about him that she's been drawn to. Miles is dealing with a broken heart, as well as issues with his Dad, and is being an ass to everyone. Chloe tries to be nice to him, and he says horrible things to her. One day they are forced to work together for a dance competition. They both try to find an out, but ultimately cannot. So they team up, and make it work. Of course along the way a relationship develops. Now I honestly liked Hitting to Win a lot more. Maybe it was the dancing competition aspect. Maybe it was the way Miles works through his past. I'm not entirely certain. What I do know, is that this book made me thankful I stuck with the trilogy.

The last book is Catching to Win. If you've read the previous two books, then you already know Kelsey and Clint. Let me just start by saying, this was my favorite of the series. Absolute favorite. Kelsey had absolutely no interest in having a relationship with Clint. Heck, she didn't even really want him as her friend. Yet here they are talking almost daily while she's overseas. Clint has become someone she can turn to, and talk about anything with. It's weird, but Kelsey likes it. What Kelsey doesn't know is that Clint has been working on changing his body. Before he was a larger man, and women would pay no attention to him. Since he's been making changes, they look, but Clint isn't interested. There is one woman he wants, and she is not in the country. Until suddenly she is. Kelsey looks at Clint, but doesn't realize it's him because his appearance has drastically changed. Once she does, well then she finds herself attracted to him. (No that irritated me, but at the same time I can relate to Clint) Things happen, attraction blossoms, issues arise, and then we get to witness how this all plays out. I will say, one of the things I really liked about this book is how Clint fought for Kelsey. He did everything he possibly could.

For my last book of the week, I dove back into the dark mafia romance world that is the Bennett Duet. Yes that same duet by Xavier Neal that I mentioned last week. Yours truly was given an ARC of Dark Reign, and oh how thankful I am. I am getting my questions answered. 

I just finished reading, and cannot get over everything that happened! I will say, it wasn't who I expected to be behind everything that happened in Dark Ruler. Still though, I was surprised when it was revealed.

I could feel the anger and the pain when Benicio said "I will not stop hunting for her until she has been found and returned home. I will turn over every boulder, every stone, every pebble until the woman that is mine is back where she belongs."

There were a few times where my jaw dropped, whether due to the information revealed or due to the graphic nature of the repercussions. (if you know, you know) Of course me being me, I also shed a few tears. What can I say, I'm a crier. I found myself laughing periodically as well. There were just those scenes that required a good chuckle. One last thing, Gia (Benicio's mama) is amazing, and is definitely someone you want in your corner!

The ending to the book was just what I needed. Almost all the loose ends have been wrapped up. That being said, I do need Xavier Neal to write a novella about Miko, and everything that happened with him in the duet. Especially from the wedding scene onward. ahem.

That wraps up my week in reading! Overall I'm pleased with how it went, and while one of the books was just "meh", the rest were good.

So tell me, what have you been reading? Anything you'd recommend?

Happy Reading,

Hockey Romance Series I've Read {part two}

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is upon us, and we have nothing planned. Like normal. 🤷🏼‍♀️

So on Wednesday, I talked about three authors who wrote hockey romance series that I've loved. Well today, I am back to talk about another three. There are so many fantastic authors out there, and I know I am just at the tip of the iceberg.

First up we have Natasha Madison. She currently has THREE hockey romance series, and I have loved each and every one. Her Something So series was my introduction to her writing, and she has become an auto-buy author. If you enjoy steamy romances, alpha males, and happily ever afters, then check them out. 

In my opinion, you'll want to start with the Something So series, then move on to This Is, and then conclude with Only One. That is because the characters we meet in Something So will appear in the other two series. So if you know their backstory, then it just helps. Should you choose to just jump in where ever, know that that is okay too.

The first series was Something So. It is four books long, and each book follows a different set of characters. My absolute favorite from this quartet was Something So Irresistible. It follows Max and Allison's relationship, and the hoops they jump through to be together.

From Amazon:

Max Horton 
They call me an outcast like it's a bad thing.
An asshole byproduct of a shitty upbringing. I don't care about anything except myself and my little sister. 
I will always protect what’s mine.
With one year left on my hockey contract I'm keeping my head down and my eyes on the goal.
A collision, with her, changes my entire existence.
Allison Grant 
Never fall in love with a sports star. That's what my stepfather always said. He told me athletes are complicated and moody—that the higher their paycheck, the lower their morals.
As public relations for the New York Stingers I know exactly what he means, but I can’t seem to say no to a friendship with one beautiful, damaged man.
What started out as hate turned into something else. 
We tried to stay away, to keep our distance, but the pull was too strong.
Something forbidden turned into something so irresistible.

Oh if only I could go back and reread this series for the first time. Sigh.

Next up is the This Is series. It also spans four books, and it really is just building off of the Something So series. If I could tell you my favorite book from the quartet, I would, but it's hard to select my favorite. What I can tell you is that it is a toss up between This is Crazy and This is Forever. This is Crazy follows Zara and Evan, and their story starts with a simple tweet. Whereas This is Forever follows Justin and Caroline and their story starts at a hockey rink. They are both so good, but I think This is Crazy might just win out, especially since it allowed for the spin off of Only One. 

From Amazon:

Zara Stone 

All my life, I’ve said I will never date a hockey player. I know better because I’ve seen and lived it all. My father is a hockey god, my brother is the captain of the most successful NHL team in the world, and my brother-in-law also plays in the league. Their lives are complicated, so I went in the opposite direction. 
I fell in love with a scholar. But instead of proposing marriage, he broke up with me. 
Three months later, I saw his engagement picture on Instagram. I couldn’t let him get away with that. No, it didn’t matter what, I was going to make that man see that I did not need him. 

Evan Richards
I was in the running to pass my point record from last year, ready to claim the number one spot in the league. On top of my game, I was riding my career high wave. 
Then, Hockey’s Princess, Zara Stone tweeted me. She wanted me to crash her ex’s wedding. 
The worst that could happen? A PR nightmare. The best? A fun night with a beautiful woman. 
It started out as a game—something I’m good at. Her crazy idea twisted into something I wasn’t looking for, something neither of us wanted. 

When push comes to shove, one thing runs through my mind: 
This is Crazy. Also, this is crazy right.

The last series Natasha Madison currently has available is Only One. We are moving away from the New York Stingers, and are now getting to know the guys from the Dallas Oilers hockey club. There are currently three books that have been released, and book four is set to release on February 9, 2021. I think it's safe to say that you might already know my favorite of the series. I've talked about it a few times on my blog, and I was lucky enough to win an ARC of it back at the end of December. That is Only One Night. It is the third book in the series, and it is all about Manning.

If you're unfamiliar with the book, here is the description:

Manning
As captain of the Dallas Oilers, I was their leader on and off the ice. From the outside, it looked like I had the perfect life.
I didn’t.
I was married to a woman who refused to give me a divorce. All she wanted was the status title, and all I wanted was to be set free.
It was supposed to be just another event, except it took a turn I didn’t see coming.
Evelyn
Attending my best friend’s bachelorette party isn’t something I was looking forward to.
But it’s strange what a couple of glasses of wine will do.
It was one night, and I thought I would never see him again.
Especially not coming face-to-face with him and his wife while picking up my nephew from hockey practice.
All it takes is one kiss, one touch, one chance, and only one night.

The next author, who has written two fabulous hockey series, is Samantha Whiskey. Her books are simply amazing. Alpha males, steamy scenes, HEAs, and a great group of characters who truly seem like family. 

The first series is Seattle Sharks, and it consists of 9, yes I said nine, books. There are so many different tropes to be had in this series. From single dad, to accidental pregnancy, to work place, to best friends sister, and so forth. There is a little something for almost everyone.

My favorite from the series is Wheeler. Wheeler follows the love story of Lukas and Faith.  If you like the best friend's sister trope, then this one is for you. 

Description via Amazon:

I’m the Seattle Sharks’ power player.
Some call me the Wheeler.
That’s because I score on and off the ice more than any other Shark.
Well, until her. The one girl I’ve wanted for years.
And her brother just convinced me to hire her as my personal assistant.

Faith Gentry.
Sharp. Sexy. Funny as hell.
My best friend’s little sister.
Now that I’m her boss, she’s twice as off-limits.
And I’m twice as screwed.

Having Faith near me 24/7?
It’s a torture I never knew existed.
She sees me like no one else, and that mouth of hers? More than kissable.
Our banter is quick, our chemistry hotter than hell, but if we cross that line—

Her brother will kill me.
I’ll lose my best friend, rip our hockey team apart,
And I could lose my stay-in-the-states insurance.

My wheeler past could to turn everything I’ve worked for to ash.
But the more time I spend with Faith, the harder I fall.
And this might be worth taking everything I have coming to me

Samantha Whiskey's next series is the Carolina Reapers. Similarly to Natasha Madison's series, the Reapers is really a continuation of the Sharks. Only we've moved across the country. As of right now, the Carolina Reapers series consists of 6 books. The sixth, Sterling, was just released in December, so I don't think we'll see another book until maybe March. That is if there is another book in the series. That being said, my gut tells me there are a couple more books coming, but until Samantha Whiskey sends a text out (it's like a newsletter that you sign up for), I really have no clue. 

If I'm being honest, I actually am preferring the Reapers to the Sharks. I don't know what it is about the characters in these stories, but I am loving them. Now if I have to choose a favorite, well it's a toss up between Logan and Sterling. I think Logan wins though, after all he falls for a librarian. So I mean, how could I not favorite this one. 

Curious what it's about? Here's the blurb:

As the best offensive defenseman in the NHL, 
you’d think my skills would get more notice than my face.
Ridiculous, but I’ve been dubbed the “pretty boy” since rookie year.
Pair the looks with my multi-million-dollar career, and it’s a recipe to get used.
I’ve been burned before, and it’s never happening again.

Then I meet Delaney Collins—Charleston’s impossibly sexy librarian.
She’s brilliant, funny, and the chemistry between us crackles every time we touch.
But she doesn’t have a clue who I am.

Delaney treats me like a normal person, seeing straight to the heart of me.
And all it wants is her.

Only problem?
She hates celebrity athletes.
Her own dark past has ensured she’ll never take a chance on one again.
But the deeper we get, the harder it is for me to admit what I do on the ice.

All I’ve ever wanted is for someone to love me for me—not the paycheck, the fame, or the face.
But I’m not sure love will be enough to save us when the truth comes out.

Oh how I adore these fictional hockey players and their partners.

One more author to discuss for this go around! Odette Stone kept us waiting for her latest book, High Risk Rookie. On January 2nd, the wait was finally over though, and I'm convinced the fandom ran to Amazon to immediately purchase and download. Or maybe that was just me. 

So what series am I talking about? It is the Vancouver Wolves. As of today the series consists of 4 books. Are there more coming? I have no clue, but I am hopeful. Guess we'll just have to wait for Odette to make an announcement. I will say that after reading High Risk Rookie, I am wondering if we aren't headed to Brookyln for a spin off. 

If you're wondering which is my favorite, well I'm torn. I know, how many times can I say that about a series, but it's true. You see I loved High Risk Rookie, as the story between Krista and Levi had me hooked from the beginning. Then there's The Penalty Box. It's Mica, how can I not choose his love story with Charlie? So I'm going with The Penalty Box.

What has made Mica and Charlie my favorite? Here'e the teaser for their story:

He's a professional hockey player that lives on the edge.  I prefer to play life by the rules.  

I’m the personal assistant at a sports agency that no one notices.  
Unless they need coffee.
I don’t like sports and I like professional athletes even less.  
I’m indifferent to the mostly male clientele, except for one.
Mica “the savage” Petrov.  

When it comes to wild antics, Mica is the biggest offender of them all.  
He’s reckless, wild and carelessly charming. 
I’m mortified that I find him attractive. 
But it doesn’t matter because the guy hasn’t taken a second look at me.
Not once. In two years.  

Mica's career jeopardizing situation requires drastic measures to be taken to keep him in the game.    
He’s got money, I’ve got debt and my boss has a crazy idea.
Which is how I found myself stepping up to save him from himself.
But at what cost?  

How long can I keep fighting my attraction?
What ghosts from his past is he brawling with?
All I know is that I need to defend my heart before this big defenseman steals it away.  
Can we win this game? Or is it too late for either of us?

Does that help explain my love for these two? Probably not, but I can't say much about the book without spitting out some spoilers. So trust me, The Penalty Box is worth the read.

Okay fellow book lovers, I have two more authors that I want to share, but that will wait for another day as this is already a bit too long.  Tell me your favorite authors who write sports romance (more specifically hockey)! Any specific book that I should read? Is it new adult or adult? Also, have you read any of the books by these three authors? If so, what was your favorite?

Happy Reading,

Hockey Romance Series I've Read {part one}

Now that the NHL has started their new season, I figured it would be the perfect time to talk about hockey romance series that I've enjoyed. 

If you know me at all, you know that hockey romance is a major weakness of mine. I've been just a little bit obsessed since I read my first book back in October 2019. It also should not be of any surprise that I love a good series. Combine hockey romance and a book series, and I'm all in. ALL IN! 

Discovering hockey romance, also lead me to discovering the authors who are now auto-buy authors. Yep, you read that correctly. Because of these books, I want to read all their backlist, plus any and all new releases.

These books are all technically standalones, so there is no need to start with book 1. Personally I prefer to start with book one and work my way to the conclusion of the series. But that's just me. You do you.

Let's start with where my love affair began, shall we?

Pucked by Helena Hunting is a hockey series that has 7 books available. Okay fine, 8 if you count the deleted scenes/outtakes book.  If you like steamy romantic comedies, alpha males, and hockey, then check it out! 

I have read Pucked (1), Pucked Up (2), and Forever Pucked (4). It is my mission to go back and read the other books that I have missed. It will happen, and hopefully it will happen in 2021.

Here's the blurb for Pucked via Amazon:

With a famous NHL player for a stepbrother, Violet Hall is well acquainted with the playboy reputation of many a hockey star. So of course she isn’t interested in legendary team captain Alex Waters or his pretty, beat-up face and rock-hard six-pack abs. When Alex inadvertently obliterates Violet’s misapprehension regarding the inferior intellect of hockey players, he becomes much more than just a hot body with the face to match. 

Suffering from a complete lapse in judgment, Violet discovers just how good Alex is with the hockey stick in his pants. Violet believes her night of orgasmic magic with Alex is just that: one night. But Alex starts to call. And text. And email and send extravagant—and quirky—gifts. Suddenly, he's too difficult to ignore, and nearly impossible not to like. 

The problem is, the media portrays Alex as a total player, and Violet doesn’t want to be part of the game. 

Helena Hunting has another hockey series called All In. This trilogy is a spin off of Pucked, and previous characters appear which I love. Especially since I wasn't ready to give up the original crew.

A Lie for A Lie is the first book, and  follows the love story between Rook and Lainey. To be honest, this was my least favorite of the trilogy, but it set us up for the book Little Lies, so that makes me appreciate it all the more. My favorite was A Favor for A Favor, which follows Bishop and Stevie. I freaking loved it. I cannot think of hawaiian pizza or comical boxers without thinking of this book! The third book is called A Secret for A Secret, and we get the story of Kingston and Queenie. I adored Queenie, especially her connection with Violet Waters.

Here is the description of my favorite, A Favor for A Favor:

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?
Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.
So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

Another author who writes hockey romance is Aven Ellis. Aven's books are all rom-coms, and I have loved them all. I discovered her Rinkside in the Rockies series through an email from BookBub. After devouring that series, I moved onto Chicago on Ice, and then the Dallas Demons. On Thin Ice (Dallas Demons #4) was my absolute favorite. Matt and Holly are my couple, and so far no other Aven couple has topped them. 

Here is the copy for On Thin Ice:

Holly Johansson knows some things in her life are certain after college graduation: 1.) It’s a long road to becoming a full-time author. 2.) She’ll need to work to pay her bills. 3.) And Dallas Demons superstar Matt Rhinelander will never return her feelings.

Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put them both on thin ice?

Let's step away from the world of professional hockey, and head back to college for the Hockey Gods series. Xavier Neal recently released her fourth book in the series, and I am hoping it wasn't the last! Peck has been mentioned in all the books, and I feel he needs a story of his own, so fingers crossed that happens. The guys are awesome on the ice, but the partners they have chosen? Well they are my kind of people. These hockey gods are not falling for the typical puck bunny, oh no, they're falling for the intelligent ones who challenge them, and I'm here for it. Of course in Defenseman No. 9 it's a bit different as Hugo falls for his best friend. So that story might just be my favorite. I love a good friends to lovers story.

Here is the premise for Can't Block My Love, which is the first book in the series:

Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical. 

Every other university wanted their team to be them. 

Every chick who crossed their paths wanted to bang them. 

Now? 

Their clout on the ice is questionable. 

Their competition cutthroat. 

Their beds... 

Well, there will always be puck bunnies ready to keep them warm. After all, no matter how well they do or don't do, they are the university's most important athletes. 

However, when Remington Ronald Rutledge the 3rd, lands himself on the new head coach's bad side, which threatens his chances of playing for the season, he finds himself striking an unusual deal with a blast from his past he can barely remember. 

Did she always wear these glasses? 

Was her hair always this curly? 

Has she always had a smile that makes him wanna smile? 

What happens when the bad boy who makes all the rules is forced to play by someone else's? 

Can this good-looking goalie let love score, or will blocking it be the biggest mistake of his life?

Okay I want to keep talking hockey romance series, but this post is getting a bit long. So I'm going to break this up into a 3 part series. Curious which other hockey series are on my list? Be sure to come back and find out. 

Do you read sports romance? If so, give me some recommendations! Hockey is my preferred, but I'm open to others. 

Happy Reading,