The Faceoff by Cali Melle {a review}

He tastes like a bad decision and that's exactly why he's in my tent right now...

She tastes like the worst decision I've ever made and I know there will be hell to pay for it.

The Faceoff by Cali Melle is the fourth book in the Wyncote Wolves series. This college romance is hate to love, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and of course sports romance. What started as a one night stand is about to evolve into something that looks a lot like forever. That is if Hayden and Eden can get over their issues.

My rating for The Faceoff:

Ever since Hayden burst on to the Wyncote campus, he's had my attention. I could not wait to find out who he was, his history, and find out who he would fall for. I immediately knew that he was going to fall hard once the right person walked into his life. Eden is the perfect fit for him.

Loved this line in the book:

When guards are let down and the ice around our hearts melts, how do we fight the fire that burns between us?

I KNEW that Hayden's story was going to be one of my favorites, and turns out I was correct.

• The meet cute was good.
• The reintroduction was better.
• Loved the banter.
• The hate to love was fantastic.
• Absolutely loved how these two fell for each other when they were both so firmly against relationships.
• The conflict/drama was not what I was expecting, but it really was perfect.
• These two are my favorite couple of the series!

I loved how both of them eventually lowered their masks. They finally got to a place where that honesty, and openness was necessary for their relationship to push forward.

Cali Melle has created this amazing family within the Wyncote Wolves organization. I cannot wait for the next two books to see how these characters continue to grow, find love, and ultimately find themselves.

If you are someone who enjoys college romances and/or sports romances, then go pick up The Faceoff. Figure skater + hockey player + hate to love = wonderfulness.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Eden

After experiencing a nasty break-up during my freshman year, there is one type of guy that I refuse to get involved with.

Anyone from the university’s hockey team.

Hayden King is arrogant, cocky, has a reputation for being a playboy and there isn’t a single thing about him that I like.

One drunken summer night turns into a bad decision with Hayden. One that I swear that I’ll never make again.

But once senior year starts, I can’t seem to get away from him. He’s everywhere I go, everywhere I turn.

He’s under my skin and I find myself making mistake after mistake with him.

We better learn from our mistakes before our hearts get involved…

Hayden

Eden Finley is as cold as the ice that she skates on.

She’s the best figure skater at Wyncote University and I don’t know how I missed her when I first came here.

After one night with her over the summer, I can’t get her out of my head.

She has a chip on her shoulder, a nasty attitude and she hates my guts.

Which all only makes her more appealing.

I live for the chase, for the challenge.

And Eden Finley has no idea what she’s gotten herself into….

Thank you Cali Melle, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Faceoff.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

The Marriage Arrangement by Kim Loraine {a review}

"There's nothing wrong with falling in love, Becca. When you find the right one, it'll happen and you'll see."

The Marriage Arrangement is the third book in the Anything for Love series by Kim Loraine. In this latest book we get to know Becca Barnes and Taylor Savage a bit better. We find out about the day they met, how a romance about to blossom, and then we are in current day. If you are looking for a marriage of convenience story (fake relationship) that is also grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hate to love, and a sports romance, then consider picking up The Marriage Arrangement when it releases on November 14, 2022!

My rating for The Marriage Arrangement:

I loved the majority of this book. I'm going to do my review stream of consciousness style!

• That meet cute was adorable!
• Becca and Taylor seem like they would be fabulous together. They definitely have chemistry.
• Tinkerbell and Hook
• Cardamom? Oops.
• Aww, she's taking care of him.
• Ugh. So it's going to be like that.
• Hello Taylor showing back up!
• Dang, that was an offer! But I can see Becca's point. She's obviously going to go for it. (otherwise the story would end here)
• LOVE all this banter!
• Scarlett has my curiosity
• OOH Scotland! Bring it on!
• Taylor's mom is THAT mom, and I am here for it.
• Granddad is pretty spectacular.
• Major shift happening in this faux relationship!
• Taylor's dad is an ass. Plain and simple.
• SCARLETT!?!
• Ooooh that's gonna hurt.
• Love getting to see more of Mav and Clara
• And they lived happily ever after.

Other random thoughts that I had while reading.

• I fully enjoyed the hate to love trope. It fit in so perfectly.

• So much happened in Scotland that I cannot even begin to touch on it. One of the last scenes had me feeling a tad worried. 

• I did not like Taylor's dad. Not one bit. Also, I will say that felt like a storyline that wasn't completed. I still have questions regarding that character, and the shenanigans that he was causing.

• One thing I know is that as Becca and Taylor's story was winding down, the groundwork was being laid for Scarlett's. I am beyond ready for that story!

I continue to enjoy this hockey romance series from Kim Loraine. I fell hard for Mav and Clara, and everything has just continued to snowball. Bring on Scarlett's story. (especially knowing what I know)

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

I need a wife. NOW.

With this hockey season on the line, I can’t afford any distractions. And a dating reality show is one huge distraction. But there's a surefire way to get out of this dating show contract. All I have to do is get married.

Even with a reputation like mine–the Scottish bad boy of hockey–I'm confident I can find someone to play Mrs. Taylor Savage for a year.

Like Becca Barnes. The one who got away. Too bad she hates me. But that's why she’s perfect for this arrangement.

My contract is dissolved. She gets the bakery of her dreams.

Win-Win.

She just has to live with me and pretend she loves me in public for a year. No strings. No touching (unless there’s a camera). No messy heartbreak.

It’s sure to be a challenge because with the way I crave her, keeping my hands to myself might be harder than I planned.

But I can handle this. Being married to her will be easy. As long as I don't fall in love with her along the way.

Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Marriage Arrangement.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

So Pucking Over It by Elise Faber {a review}

My heart hadn't actually beat until I'd met Bailey. I hadn't truly lived, not until I'd been lucky enough to love her.

I have been waiting for this moment since July! That is when I first met Axel and Bailey in Big Puck Energy, and I was instantly captivated. Elise Faber has a way with words, settings, and character development that I absolutely love. Knowing that Rush Hockey was a spin off of Gold Hockey had me even more excited. Especially since there would be a crossover. Those Gold Hockey players are some of my favorite fictional players, so I always love it when they make appearances.

If you are not familiar with the Rush Hockey trilogy, know that they MUST be read in order. It is a continual storyline, and there are cliffhangers involved. Thankfully So Pucking Over It is the finale, so all the books are available to read. No need to be like me and wait for the next installment.

My rating for So Pucking Over It:

OH MY WORD! WHAT AN ENDING TO THIS TRILOGY!!! I seriously thought I would go through October with no 5 star reads, and then this book happened. I laughed. I literally cried. I felt all the feels, and may have found myself biting my finger nails. I KNOW OKAY, I KNOW!

So Pucking Over It had so much suspense, heartache, pain, and healing. My heart was beating rapidly during the first part of the story. Then it just piled on. I could not put this book down, as I had to know what happened next. I couldn't help it. I'm obsessed, and I needed answers!

So Pucking Over It was a fabulous read. Bailey and Axel FINALLY get their happily ever after. The journey to that HEA though was a rollercoaster ride. As though these two hadn't been through enough! Elise Faber just kept adding to it. This book was a bit emotional at times, and I loved every minute of it.

Then there was the fact that we were getting to hang with the Gold team, and I loved the way they were a part of this story. Brit and Stefan hold a special spot in my reader heart. Love those two.

I will say I was a bit surprised with that new storyline. That being said Veronica was a great addition to the story, and I am hopeful that she'll get her story told with a certain Rush player. (ahem, pretty please Elise!)

I am also hopeful that we'll get to see more of Bailey and Axel in future Gold Hockey stories. They would make fabulous side characters, and I'd just like to visit with them again while with the Gold players/family. I'm greedy!

When I had read Filthy Puckboy, I made a comment to Elise Faber that I hoped Billie Rose would get her story told. Elise confirmed that is happening! That story was set up throughout So Pucking Over It, but that teaser at the end? UGH! Now I have to patiently wait until January 24 for Love, Pucks, and Other Stories. So excuse me while I add that to my calendar, preorder the book, and add it to my anticipated reads list.

Have you dove into the Rush Hockey trilogy yet? If you're a fan of hockey romance and/or small town romance, I really hope that you'll read it. I started off strongly disliking Axel, but found myself changing my tune. He and Bailey are simply amazing.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

I had everything I had ever wanted…

And it meant nothing.

Because the love of my life had lost everything.

My career was exactly where I’d wanted it—I was on a great team, getting lots of playing time, and I’d finally won the ultimate prize.

But Bailey was hurting, and I couldn’t live knowing that.

I loved her more than my life, my job, my dreams.

She was my dream now.

And I would do anything to save her so that she could live out hers.

So Pucking Over It is the final book in Axel and Bailey’s story!

Thank you Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of So Pucking Over It.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Playboy's Reward by Gina Azzi {a review}

Damien Barnes is more than distracting. He's downright captivating and he knows it.

It is release day for Playboy's Reward! This is the fourth book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series from Gina Azzi, and I am loving it. This book may start off as a fake relationship, but it quickly moves away from that. These two neighbors are blurring those fake lines, and falling hard for each other. That is until insecurity rears its ugly head, and puts up a giant roadblock. 

My rating for Playboy's Reward:

Gina Azzi continues to pull me in with her storytelling, as well as the characters she creates. From the Hawks, to the Thunderbolts, to all the other characters Gina has created, I cannot get enough.

We first meet Harper at her apartment where she learns her mother has already RSVP'd Harper for her 10 year high school reunion. Harper has been avoiding that, and does not want to attend. Especially since her ex-boyfriend, and ex-best friend will both be in attendance. Harper doesn't want the drama that will surely happen. It is shortly there after when Damien casually throws out that he'll go with her as her date. What started as a neighbor helping a neighbor by being the date for a high school reunion, quickly morphed into an actual relationship. Could this fake turned real relationship survive? Or would it go up in smoke before it has any true potential?

I loved this story. I loved the characters. I loved everything that they had to go through to get their happily ever after. I loved the community that Harper eventually found, and the support system that established itself. I loved the 180 that Damien's family did. I loved the banter between Harper and Damien. Sean is pretty much the worst, and has some entitlement issues going, but he's the ex for a reason. 

Speaking of Sean...Every scene that he appeared in had me cringing. There was just something about him that didn't sit right. Thankfully the right people were by Harper's side to shut him down. As for Harper's best friend, I'm glad that closure happened there. Can that friendship be reestablished? Only time will tell, but I have hope for them both.

Then there is Damien's family. That was a really interesting dynamic. There was a lot going on there, and I don't think we even delved into the majority of it. Clearly there are some family issues happening. From miscommunication, to substance abuse, to a marriage in trouble, to high expectations, and it could have been so much worse. Yet the family found their way out of that hole, and have come out the other side.

You may notice that I didn't say a whole lot about Harper and Damien directly. It's hard to put them into words, as they just fit perfectly together. They are both hard working, driven, passionate, determined, and not willing to put up with much BS. Now are they my favorite couple of the Thunderbolts fandom? No, they're not. But they are still wonderful. (My favorite Thunderbolts couple is currently Maisy and Axel from Brawler's Weakness.)

Throughout Playboy's Reward we frequently were surrounded by players from the Knoxville Coyotes. Now I have to know if Gina Azzi is going to write the Coyotes series or not! I mean we've met numerous characters, and it just feels as though the stage has been set for us to stay in Tennessee but switch sports. PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE! THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN! I will scream about it until it becomes reality.

Head over to your preferred e-book retailer and read Playboy's Reward. The story is good. It's friends to lovers, it's fake dating, and it's hockey romance! It's delightful. Oh, and did you know that the cover model for this book is Gina's husband? It is!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

It was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…

When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.

Being Harper's fake date is easy. Pretending not to fall for her when our innocent kisses turn passionate is a little more challenging.

But when Harper returns the fake date favor and accompanies me to my parents’ anniversary party, everything changes. She garners my dad’s respect and eases the familial pressure I drown under. She makes me crave the things I used to laugh off.

Tangling up with Harper was supposed to be a fun way to pass the summer. So, why does it feel like she’s the real prize? The elusive, fleeting kind of real I’ve avoided for years?

And how can I prove that this playboy wants a different kind of reward? One that sounds a lot like commitment…

Thank you to Gina Azzi, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Playboy's Reward.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!

Covered by Elise Faber {a review}

Holding her had felt right. Helping her felt right. Standing here, talking to her, no matter how stilted, felt right.

I freaking love the Gold Hockey series. Just about every single book has held my attention, and had me falling for the characters. This cast is like family now. A fictional family, but a family none the less. So when I heard that another book was being released, I immediately preordered a copy, and then also signed up for an advanced reader copy (ARC). What can I say except I'm obsessed! Ever since reading Blocked, I've been hooked, and each book is a must read. Even as the players retire, that connection to the team is still there.

My rating for Covered:

Covered was no different. The moment we met Jordyn in Cap I knew I was going to need her story. Jordyn is going through the motions after her marriage has ended. Her life has been upended, and she's just trying to find a safe place for her and her sons to land. Thankfully Josh and Jess have provided just that. With Josh playing for the Gold, he also is bringing an extended family into her life. One of those new acquaintances is Ben. This man's life hasn't been easy, and he sees Jordyn. He sees her grief, her pain, her heartache, but he also sees her power, her passion, and her strength. There is something about her that draws him in.

Covered had me swooning, it had me laughing, it sent so many different emotions coursing through my body. I could not get enough. From the moment I started reading Jordyn and Ben's story, I didn't want to put it down. I fell into their world, and I felt like a fly on the wall as I witnessed everything. I watched as Jordyn transformed right before our eyes, and I also saw the bond that her boys were building with Ben. Those little boys were also finding their footing. It was glorious to see.

Of course there had to be drama. I love when that pops up in romance stories. We had the expected conflict between Josh and Ben. I mean how could that NOT be present! We had the ex husband showing his face, and trying to insert himself where he doesn't belong. Then there was the emotional scenes with Ben's family. Those scenes had me holding my breath, and shedding a few tears. All of these conflict scenes just added that little extra to the book that made it so enjoyable, and had me not wanting the story to end.

Also I have to say I can relate to Ben with his need to do a drive by when finding a new place. That had me laughing, and saying "that's me". That man has a special place in my heart. He's just this amazing man.

Between the emotional scenes, the steamy scenes, and the drama filled ones, it all came together to create this fantastic romance. Then there were the scenes with Ben and the boys. That bond was established, and continued to grow stronger. Those kiddos knew that they had a safe space with Ben, and that he would do whatever he could to protect them. I will admit that when Josh discovered the seriousness of the relationship I had to laugh out loud. All while shaking my head. Gotta love those comedic breaks.

That set up for Crushed? Uh, yes please! I need that immediately. Too bad it's scheduled for April 2023!

Oh, if you're wondering about tropes for Covered, here are what I believe them to be:

Brother's Best Friend
Single Mom
Found Family
Forbidden

Have you discovered the Gold Hockey series yet? There are so many tropes that take place throughout the series that there is a little something for everyone. I think if you give this team a chance, you'll fall for them like I have.

Now go order a copy of Covered, and then after you read it be sure to share your thoughts. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

She’s his best friend’s sister.

He’s going to keep her anyway.

Getting caught in bed with his friend’s sister wasn’t the welcome Ben had planned when joining the roster of the San Francisco Gold.

Neither was the black eye he sported for several weeks afterward.

Jordyn was a newly divorced, single mom of two boys, and not looking for love, but Ben wasn’t easily scared off.

Not when her brother threatened dismemberment.

Nor when Jordyn told him she was swearing off men and relationships forever.

Because she was his forever…

And he’d fight tooth and nail to keep her.

Thank you to Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Covered.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

 

Playing Offsides by Cali Melle {a review}

Cameron Sawyer is the biggest temptation in my life and I don't know how much longer I'll be able to fight against these feelings.

Playing Offsides is the third book in the Wyncote Wolves series from Cali Melle. This college romance where all the heroes are hockey players called to me immediately. The first two books I highly enjoyed, and the description for Cam's story appealed to me. It sounded like an enemies to lovers or hate to love situation, so naturally I had to give it a read.

My rating for Playing Offsides:

Cameron comes across as a real stand up guy. He's your typical boy next door, and just seems as sweet as can be. He's full of charm, personality, and a fantastic friend. Aspen is someone that I can relate to when it comes to leaving the house. She's a bit of a homebody, and for a college student that's pretty much unheard of. She's also passionate about her future career choice, loves her best friend dearly, and is incredibly independent. Aspen is also very in-tune with other people. She can pick up things about them through observation, and then adjust her thoughts/words/etc to more effectively communicate. It's pretty impressive.

This budding relationship started with a simple ask for help. Well I guess it wasn't all that simple for Cam to approach Aspen, but it had to be done. His scholarship was at risk after all. I was a bit surprised by the fact that Aspen so readily agreed to the tutoring. I thought she would have turned him down and made him work for it a bit. It was through these tutoring sessions that a friendship was formed, which then evolved into a "just for this semester" scenario, and ultimately had our couple finding their happily ever after.

The attraction between these two was strong, and things evolved quickly. But I have to say, from my perspective, their chemistry didn't seem right. Maybe it was because they were both trying to deny things and/or keep them hidden, or maybe they were just too opposite. I haven't put my finger on it. As their story progressed though I found myself liking them together. If anything I think that Aspen keeps Cam grounded. 

Their moment of conflict (the big dramatic moment) was an interesting one to read. I understand the reasoning behind what happened between Cameron and Aspen. I do. It was fear. At the same time though it just goes to show how immature our couple is in this scenario. Yes they had discussed things before all of this began, but you'd think that they would be able to communicate about this as well. Apparently I'm wrong though. BUT I also need to remember that these characters are 20/21, so... I will say that the scene in the library had me sniffling a bit. Seeing that change in them, and the walls going up. It was kind of sad. Their reunion, I can't talk about. I can't. Only because it will spoil things. 

Now for the part of the review where I share my "issues" with the book. The first two chapters of Playing Offsides had me a little perplexed. I didn't understand why we were getting all this info, and how it would come into play with the story. As the story continued, my mind was still preparing for the families to pop up. For their appearances to incite some sort of issue between the characters, or something those lines. I wasn't expecting that to just be random information added to the story. Then there's the fact that Cameron's CLOSE friends don't know that he's attending the college with a scholarship? They've known him for years, you'd think that they of all people would know his home situation, and that he'd need some assistance to attend this school. I don't know. Plus, college is freaking expensive! Then that so called secret that Aspen is hiding? Uh, why did that need to be a secret? It's is a fairly common thing, so I didn't understand her hesitancy with that. Those three things just didn't sit right with.

All in all I did enjoy the story. I liked the characters, I liked the premise, and I look forward to continuing with the series. Especially since it looks like Hayden's story is up next. That man has piqued my curiosity, and I cannot wait to see what woman can put up with his larger than life ego.

If you happen to enjoy college hockey romances, then give this entire series a try. Oh, and Playing Offsides seems to run in a similar timeline as August and Poppy's story (Deflected Hearts). So if you've read that book, then there are scenes that may seem a bit familiar.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Cameron
Two things I never thought I’d a say:

My entire future is about to go up in flames.

And Aspen Rossi is my ticket to keeping my scholarship.

The only problem..She hates me.

Aspen
The last thing that I want to be doing is tutoring Cameron Sawyer.

When he asked for my help, I tried to resist but tutoring another student would look good on my application for med school.

That’s all he is—a means to an end.

However, the more time that we spend together, the harder it is to ignore his charm.

Cam is starting to grow on me, but I can’t get involved with him.

We want two different things out of life We’re on two separate paths…

Our dreams can’t coexist and neither can our hearts. Even if they keep playing offsides.

Thank you to Cali Melle, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Playing Offsides.

(also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links in this post could lead to me earning a small commission. So thank you!)

One Last Shot by Julia Connors {a review}

I rarely feel safe around men, but Sasha has always been a protector. My Protector.

One Last Shot is a book that I have been anticipating since the moment I "met" Petra in On The Edge. She was that secondary character that piqued my curiosity. I gravitated toward her, and that interest continued in Out Of Bounds.

Petra and Sasha's story is by far my favorite of this series. Petra is an amazing character who exudes this confidence and a take no BS attitude. She isn't afraid to speak on things that are wrong, and is more than willing to find solutions. Sasha (Alexsandr) is her equal in many ways. There were times where I wish he had spoken up, but Petra was there to handle it. (all while giving Sasha the looks he deserved) This man is a protector in every sense of the word. He may hide his caring nature behind a mask, but it is there. 

One Last Shot was full of tense moments. From the moment Sasha and Petra parted all those years ago, to the eventual reconnection, to the secret that was just revealed, to how their relationship progressed, there was CONSTANT tension. Now one of the key moments of conflict for our couple was something that a lot of people could probably relate to. Then there was that secondary moment of conflict with the added stress of a hockey game that they had to work through. Those two things were a struggle, but they pushed through, and found their way to reconnect.

Stella was absolutely adorable! This little girl stole the show in every scene she was in.

Sasha's dad frustrated me beyond belief. I do wish that more information was provided with his hand in all of this. There are holes here that need to be plugged.

Two characters had me very uncomfortable from the moment they were introduced. When they met Petra, that uncomfortable feeling increased tenfold. This is another storyline that wasn't 100% closed. There are still strings hanging on this one, and I'd love to know what happened. At the time it seemed like a key storyline, but that evaporated.

In addition to those two storylines that I mentioned above not being wrapped up, there were two more that comes to mind. One storyline is in regards to Petra's business. We know what happened with the secret opportunity, but what about her original business? Did that company dissolve? Did she sell it off? Is it still operational? The other storyline was the basis for how our couple was reconnected. I mean as you read the book, and especially the epilogue, you kind of know how everything wrapped up in that regard. But I still have questions. It wasn't spelled out for me, and so my brain is just going a mile a minute. Sigh.

Even though those storylines were not fully wrapped up, this book is still my favorite of the series. It is still one that I enjoyed reading. It is still a book that I will recommend over and over again.

My rating for One Last Shot:

If you know me, you know that sports romance calls to me repeatedly. You may also know that I am a sucker for second chance romances. I'm slowly discovering that the found family trope is another favorite of mine. Seeing those bonds established, and the love grow just warms my heart.

One Last Shot by Julia Connors is releasing on October 7, 2022. The description is posted below, if that grabs your attention, please go grab a copy!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne {a review}

Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne is officially available! This final book in the Hockey Hotties series will draw you in with the forbidden workplace romance, and intrigue you as you meet Kane's brother Lee. You see Lee has a book of his own coming at the end of 2022, so this was the perfect time to introduce him!

It's so hard when a series ends. Especially when it is one you are invested in, and find yourself craving more of the characters. Yet the time has come to say goodbye to the Florida Fury. So what better way than for Jana to take ownership of the team, and fight her attraction to the new head coach (aka Kane). You see these two have had a secret fling going on for a bit, but with these new roles at work, something needs to change.

Jana and Kane caught my attention a couple books ago, and my curiosity was piqued. Both of them come across as interesting characters, and I was interested in seeing how they were together as a couple.

Their story pulled me in as I love a good forbidden workplace romance. From the forced proximity to the friends with benefits relationship to ignoring what is right in front of them, this book held my attention. Now, was it my favorite out of the six? No, it wasn't. BUT it was definitely towards the top of the list.

This book was also a nice launching point for the football romance series that is coming at the end of the year. Lee has my attention, and I'm finding myself wondering how his story is going to go, and if I will fall for the characters in this new series.

Also that epilogue? Hit me right in the feelings. I actually found myself tearing up a bit. Ahh memories. 

I will say it here and now, I am crossing my fingers that we revisit the team, or another team within the league. I am also crossing all the things that we will finally get Tweety and Tedi's story. I need to know all the things about them. I just do.

The Hockey Hotties series has had it's ups and downs, but throughout it all, I have found myself warming to the characters, and falling for their stories.  I'm sad to see the series end, but I am also ready for football!

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this book, and the series in general. Go pick up a copy of Offside with 55, and get to know Jana and Kane. (and catch up with all the other couples)

Happy Reading,
Laura

  

The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn't know when it's time to retire. Still, I can't bear the thought of leaving the game.

This past year I've reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it'll be the time to settle down and start a family. But this is where it gets tricky.

I think I've found her—my Mrs. Although she'll deny our connection to anyone who asks. We've been sleeping together casually and since I'm still playing hockey, I've let her get what she wants—me—whenever she wants.

After being told my career as a player is over, the owner of Florida Fury grants me a shot to stay in the game. A coaching position I didn't know I wanted until it was offered. The catch? He's also passing the family business down to his daughter.

Who's his daughter?

The woman who's been in and out of my bed for the past year. Which means the woman I intend to make my wife is now my new boss.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Coming soon to Audible!

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Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

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Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Offside with #55.

Ryker by Samantha Lind {a review}

Ryker is the first book in the San Francisco Shockwaves series from Samantha Lind! This single dad sports romance has been on my anticipated reads list for sometime now. So when presented with the option to read an advanced copy, I was all in.

I had been waiting for Ryker's story. He had caught my attention at the end of the Indianapolis Eagles series, and I quickly marked this book down as one I had to read.

Over all I liked the romance between Avery and Ryker. These neighbors turned lovers had me smiling quite a few times. The relationship between Avery and Ellie really drew me in. They formed a bond early on, and Ellie could see what her dad couldn't.

As the story progressed, I found myself waiting for the drama to happen. There were a couple of times when I thought it would happen, but then nothing. I think I've finally realized that the author just doesn't write those scenes into her books. So I should stop looking for it! Especially since I've read a few books by Samantha Lind. That lack of conflict and/or drama had me rating the book 3.5 stars on Goodreads.

All in all the story was good. Yes I wanted more from the characters. Yes I wanted the dramatic moment for the couple. At the same time, I just really like Ryker. He drew me in, and I was happy to see him find his happily ever after.

Will I continue with the series? That I'm not certain about. I didn't feel a pull to any of the other teammates. I don't have that connection. So time will tell.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance featuring a single dad and his next door neighbor, then consider picking this one up.

Happy Reading,
Laura

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

 

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

 

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

 

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

 

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Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

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Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Ryker.