I have loved the Boston Hawks series by Gina Azzi since it debuted back in January. I can't lie. I have fallen for this group, and I have fallen hard. So when I heard that The Rule Maker was going to be Austin's story? Well I was all in. Then when I learned that it is a friends to lovers story? That just made it even better.
Now if you're not familiar with the Boston Hawks, it is a sports romance series, and our heroes are professional hockey players. The heroines are all pretty fantastic in their own right, are intelligent, talented, and are the perfect fit for the guys.
In The Rule Maker we have Austin who is the captain of the Hawks, and feels as though he always has to be in control. He has the world on his shoulders, and it's becoming a lot of pressure for him. As we learn it all stems from an event that happened in college, and that event still drives him to this day. Then there is Chloe. She and Austin were childhood friends, and were constantly together. That is until her family moved to New York. That is when their friendship fizzled. Chloe has recently had her heartbroken by her ex-fiancee, and she now finds herself moving back in with her parents for the summer. Oh, and her parents have recently moved back to the Boston area, and are excited to meet up with the Merricks once again. When Austin opens the door to the house, Chloe is immediately taken aback. She cannot take her eyes off the man standing in front of her. Even though her heart is still healing, Austin has woken a part of her that had been shut off these last few months. After a discussion around a bonfire, these friends come up with a plan to be each others plus ones to summer events. From this point on, their relationship begins to change.
You really should not be surprised when I say that I LOVED this book. I've loved the entire series thus far, and I knew Austin's story would not disappoint. Chloe is an intelligent woman who has always known what she wants in life. It's just that her ex has messed with her brain, and now she has doubts. What she does know is that she loves her job as a crossword puzzle writer. She gets to use her brain, and can work from anywhere. I absolutely love that Gina Azzi keeps writing in these strong, intelligent female characters, and that they keep their smarts about them throughout their relationship. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers storyline, and liked all the history that these two share. Add in the fact that their families are friends, just makes it all the better. I liked how Austin stepped in and said he would be Chloe's plus one to the engagement party, and how it stunned all of the attendees. That was awesome. I was so glad when Austin finally opened up to Chloe about what haunts him, and how that event has shaped his life. The dramatic moment felt appropriate, and I like how it dragged out a little bit. It has Austin a bit stirred up, and it was nice to see him fretting about. All in all, I loved the story. I loved the setup for the next book, and I have to say I was caught off guard when it was said that James was getting his story next rather than Panda (Luca). I don't know what I'll do when the Boston Hawks series is over. I can only hope that Gina Azzi has a spin-off in the works.
You already know I'm going to say that I highly recommend The Rule Maker, and all of the Boston Hawks books, so don't even pretend you're surprised by that. If you are a fan of hockey romance, then grab the series. If you're a fan of friends to lovers, grab The Rule Maker. Just trust me, it's worth it.
Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura
Laura
NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he’s the man on my mind.
Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.
Should be fun and effortless, right?
Then why the need for rules?
And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?
Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.
If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?
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AUTHOR BIO
Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones.
A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She's a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.
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Thank you to Gina Azzi and Give Me Books PR for providing me with a copy of The Rule Maker.
