Brogan by Samantha Whiskey {a review}

Samantha Whiskey did another surprise book release! When I read the text, and spotted the post on Facebook, I was absolutely giddy. The timing was perfect too because I had just finished reading a book, so I could immediately jump in. And that I did.

Brogan is the ninth book in the Carolina Reapers hockey series, and prepare yourself for this single dad and the nanny story. It also has the forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, and surprise baby tropes.

As the story kicks off, we have Brogan out running with his teammates. Upon arriving home he spots a car seat sitting at his doorstep. He immediately panics. Brogan fully believes he is not meant to be a dad. Especially not with the upbringing he had. When he sees the baby waiting in the car seat he's nervous, anxious, and confused. A quick phone call to Silas (the owner of the Reapers) results in a meeting at his office. Silas quickly orders a paternity test, and they decide not to get law enforcement involved. Should Brogan not be the father, then they'll make the call. With the season getting ready to begin, Brogan doesn't know how he will handle raising a baby on top of his job. Thankfully Langley is there, and she has a nanny headed to them now. Fiona recently earned her doctorate in psychology, is trying to figure out what she wants for her future career, and needs to start paying her student loans. She had met Langley while interviewing to nanny her baby, but they went another route. Langley knew her qualifications though, and knew she'd be perfect for Brogan and Skye. Fiona had grown up taking care of her siblings, and had no problem jumping in to help with Skye. What started off as a nanny job for Fiona, quickly turned into falling for her boss, and being scared of the future. Could Fiona get over the commitment issues she had? Could she finally understand that she won't end up like her mother?

First things first, I have loved all of the sports romances that Samantha Whiskey has written. I have. Yes I've had minor dislikes with one or two, but overall those didn't affect the storyline, or my enjoyment of the book. That is the case with Brogan's story as well. Yes there are a few things that I didn't particularly care for, but I still enjoyed and devoured the book. It was like coming home, and seeing those friends who you've been missing. That is the Reapers, and their significant others. I've read quite a few nanny and the athlete/single dad romances lately, and I'm here for it. No matter how many I read, I still fall for the characters and their lives.

So let's talk about the book. Brogan comes across as someone with a tough guy exterior, but is a teddy bear for the woman he loves, and his kids. He thinks he is scarier than he is. My gut also tells me he has a bit of confidence issues when it comes to relationships because of the death of his parents. Somehow I think he hasn't completely properly grieved that, even though it has been years. The moment he found Skye, you could see his tough guy shell start to crack. This little gal was quickly wrapping him around her finger. Skye did not make it an easy transition for Brogan either. Whether it was the change in environment, or her age (2-3 months), she was frequently upset. I loved when the team stepped in to get the house ready for Skye, and all that they did for Brogan. The Reapers are a family, and the team definitely showed that. Same with Silas and what he did for Brogan after finding Skye on his doorstep. Then there is Fiona. Fiona had the potential to be an amazing character, yet I don't think she was well thought out. Her she had all this experience with kids because of practically raising her many siblings, and then was her education. I cannot figure out why she chose to be a nanny versus finding a career that would utilize her doctorate! But once I look past that, I see how she was able to bring light into Brogan's world. She showed him love, she showed him compassion, she was caring, she was not just there to take care of Skye, Fiona jumped in to help Brogan as well. I enjoyed their relationship, and the stolen moments they had. Fiona's commitment issues I struggled with. You could see her wanting forever with Brogan, but then thoughts of her mom would creep in, and poof those HEA thoughts were gone. Had her backstory been a more active part of the book, I think this could have been a 5 star read. I also wish that Samantha Whiskey had explained WHY Brogan is referred to as Demon. Why he thinks he's this big scary guy. That wasn't answered. Who he might be on the ice, isn't who he is off the ice. My last issue was regarding Tiffany. She could have been better utilized in the big dramatic moment between Fiona and Brogan. There was the potential for so much tension, frustration, and heartache, but it wasn't. Now I'm not saying the dramatic moment wasn't, well, dramatic, because it was. It was just a bit soft. I did enjoy their reunion, and how they found their way back together. And of course I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA, not to mention seeing them a bit later in the epilogue.

While Brogan and Fiona were not my favorite couple, I still fell for their story. On Goodreads I rated the book as 4 stars. I am sticking with that rating too. I know myself, and I know that I will be recommending Samantha Whiskey's books for other sports romance fans. I'm not letting those few tidbits alter my rating. (although the book should be sent back through proofreading because there were a few typos/grammar issues.)

Is it time for Maxim's story? Because as Brogan's story was going on, I noticed snippets of that story being built. I love me a good best friend's sibling romance, and I have a feeling it's going to be a doozy. Also, is Silas going to get a story? Because that man deserves it. I'd love to see him find his person like Nico in Only One Touch was able to.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Brogan. If you'd like to discuss it further with me, please reach out! I'd love to chat.

Laura

They call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.

I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.

Except, after a morning run, I am.

And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.

I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children.

But it seems fate has other ideas, and now I’ve got a three-month-old daughter…and zero clue how to take care of her.

Insert my new nanny—Fiona Andrews, the gorgeous, stubborn, and more than qualified woman who is saving my ass.

She moves in, and suddenly my upside-down world feels more balanced than ever before.

She’s magic with my daughter, patient with me, and has a mouth that drives me wild.

There are lines we can’t cross, shouldn’t cross…and yet keep crossing.

I’m falling fast, but it’s not just my heart that’s at risk anymore, and if we eliminate those professional boundaries?

I could lose them both.

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Meet Samantha Whiskey

Shameless pen name of a PTA Reject.

Writing contemporary romance from the car pool line and NEVER telling my mother. Ever.

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Caspian: Carolina Reapers #8 {a review}

The other day I mentioned that there was a new book coming in the Carolina Reapers series by Samantha Whiskey. Well, Caspian is now available, and let me tell you, it was FABULOUS!

If you enjoy sports romance, small town romance, the girl next door trope, the sibling’s best friend trope, or the fake dating trope, then trust me when I say you’re going to want to read Caspian! Because this book, it has it all. Plus since it’s a Reapers book, we get to see all of the other teammates. So yay for that!

Caspian has recently returned to his home town in preparation for his sister London’s wedding. Shortly after arriving home, Caspian’s mom corners him and tells him that Ryleigh needs a date to the wedding. She has just had her heart broken, and it’s all the town can talk about. When Ryleigh appears at the house with her mom, it turns out that Ryleigh was given a story as well. Her mom was trying to convince her to take Caspian to the wedding, as he’s been away for so long and knows no one. Basically these moms are trying to play matchmaker. Caspian ends up convincing Ryleigh to attend all the events with him, and tells her it will cause her ex to be jealous, which just might knock some sense into him. Perhaps this will fix their relationship. That’s all Ryleigh needs to hear. She’s in. So for the next two weeks, Caz and Ryleigh are together constantly. They attend all the events together, make her ex jealous, and end up falling for each other. Naturally. Then there’s the big dramatic moment, and all hopes of a HEA are about to go crashing to the ground. Until there’s a grand gesture put into motion. This grand gesture could save it all.

This book y'all. I can’t even. I loved getting to meet back up with the Reapers. I love that London chose to have her wedding in her hometown. I love how the moms set up Caspian and Ryleigh. I love how Caspian didn’t really fight it. I just love how everything played out within the story. There was not a part of the story that I didn’t like. The big dramatic moment, was just that, a big dramatic moment that caused issues for Ryleigh and Caspian. I fully expected Caz to react the way he did. I did not expect Ryleigh to do what she did though. Caspian’s grand gesture I saw coming, but that didn’t matter one bit. (although deep down inside I didn’t want it to happen.)  It was still everything I wanted from the story, from the characters, from Samantha Whiskey.  I’ll fully admit I cried toward the end. BUT, that ending has me hopeful for things to come. If that happens, I will be so freaking giddy. Nothing is confirmed there though, so I’ll speak no further on the subject.

Loved the book. Loved the characters. Loved the setting. Loved the tropes that were used. I just loved it. Samantha Whiskey’s books just make me happy.

Thank for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

She’s the girl next door, and for the next two weeks I’ll be her NHL star boyfriend.

When Ryleigh Dunham needs a date for my sister’s wedding—one confident and sexy enough to make her ex jealous—I’m more than happy to sign up for the job.

After all, Ryleigh isn’t the feisty teenager I used to know—now she’s all fiery passion, delectable curves, and a smart mouth I can’t get enough of.

Only problem is, I can’t stop the electricity crackling between us every time we’re “faking it.”

And the longer we play the game, the harder I’m falling.

Ryleigh feels it too, but she’s stuck in a past that refuses to let her go.

Now I’m playing for her future, and if we can’t see beyond our stubbornness, we may lose our shot at one hell of a happily ever after. 

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A New Carolina Reapers Book? Say WHAT?!?

 

Friends, when I opened up Facebook this morning I was surprised to see a post from Samantha Whiskey. In that post, Samantha announced that the next book in the Carolina Reapers series is coming. ON SUNDAY! CASPIAN’S STORY IS COMING!

And yes, I was having a Jessie Spano moment when I read the news. Yes, I am beyond excited because it feels like it’s been forever since Briggs was released. But I’m also “scared” because I know I’ll read the book so dang fast, and then I’ll be without a Samantha Whiskey book to read. Such a bookworm problem, I know.

I took a moment to squee like the fangirl I am, and then instantly went to Amazon to see if there was a pre-order link. Sadly there was not. Then I went to Goodreads to add it to my TBR, but it’s not there either. UGH.  I just want to do my normal fangirl procedure. But since I cannot, I am sharing the news with all of you.

If you are someone who enjoys sports romance, more specifically hockey romance, and you enjoy the fake dating trope, then keep Caspian on your radar. You’re going to want to read it. Trust me. Also, if you haven’t read the Seattle Sharks series or the Carolina Reapers series, what are you waiting for? Go get them. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free!

So what’s the story about? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here is the teaser that Samantha Whiskey posted in the announcement.

𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐀𝐍

She’s the girl next door, and for the next two weeks I’ll be her NHL star boyfriend.

When Ryleigh Dunham needs a date for my sister’s wedding—one confident and sexy enough to make her ex jealous—I’m more than happy to sign up for the job.

After all, Ryleigh isn’t the feisty teenager I used to know—now she’s all fiery passion, delectable curves, and a smart mouth I can’t get enough of.

Only problem is, I can’t stop the electricity crackling between us every time we’re “faking it.”

And the longer we play the game, the harder I’m falling.

Ryleigh feels it too, but she’s stuck in a past that refuses to let her go. 

Now I’m playing for her future, and if we can’t see beyond our stubbornness, we may lose our shot at one hell of a happily ever.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go start a countdown on my phone. And set a reminder for Sunday. Not that I really need it, but allow me to fangirl.

If you've read any of Samantha Whiskey's books, then chances are you know how giddy I am over the news! Stay tuned for my review, because it will happen next week.

Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura