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.

 

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

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.

Connect with Samantha Lind

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

On The Edge by Julia Connors {a review}

Julia Connors new release, On The Edge, is a steamy second-chance romance set in the world of competitive skiing. This debut novel is sure to catch your attention, and have you coming back for more. Jackson and Nate's story will pull you in, and have you waiting to see how they find their happily ever after.

Oh how I love a good second chance romance! The fact that this was slow burn, steamy, and a sports romance had me all in.

Jackson was perfectly content living her life, working at the job she loved, and she had her relationship with Marco. Except that relationship was causing a bit of turmoil. After returning to work from a long (and much needed) vacation, Jackson finds out she has a new client, and will be expected to travel with him to all the races. The minute she sees THAT name on the folder, she's ready to run. The way her relationship with Nate ended still caused heartache, and she was still angry. Meanwhile Nate was living life the best he could. He was doing what he loved, but he didn't have the woman he loved by his side. It was time to find his way back to her. To show her that it was only ever her. She was it for him.

This book was filled with so much emotion. These two have quite the past, and you can feel the connection between them. Their road to reunion wasn't easy though. But Nate knew that would be the situation when he started. Secrets were still being kept. Jackson was guarding her heart. Friends were worried. Plus they worked together, so that made a reunion even more difficult.

The big moment was pretty intense. I knew that drama was coming, but I wasn't expecting it to be that grand. I'm still not over all of that, and how it affected Jackson. I also still have a question or two regarding all of it.

The reunion took a while to happen, but I was so happy when it did. I was rooting for these two.

On The Edge was my first book by Julia Connors that I had read, and I cannot wait for the next in this series. Sierra has me intrigued. I'm also looking forward to Petra's story, and I would love to see something regarding Marco.

Thank you for taking time to read my random thoughts about On The Edge. Go grab this new release, or download it on Kindle Unlimited. I truly think you'll find yourself intrigued by the characters, and loving the setting. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Once upon a time I had it all: an Olympic gold medal, a career as a professional ski racer, and a happily ever after so close I could almost touch it. Then my perfect life imploded in one tragic weekend. 

Five years later I’ve rebuilt my life with the best girlfriends, the perfect new boyfriend, and a new career. Now my ex—the one who wrecked everything five years earlier—is back as the newest member of the National Ski Team and I’m forced to be his physical therapist. 

My days are filled with him. He’s constantly shirtless and sweaty and sexy as sin, and trying to make me fall in love with him again. 

But I built these walls around my heart for a reason—and his presence is threatening to undo everything I've created without him. With the stakes this high and the sexual tension this hot, this could all go so very wrong. 

Or, maybe we’re on the edge of getting everything we ever wanted.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Julia Connors

Julia Connors grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston. 

She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets. 

You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer. 

To learn more about Julia Connors and her books, please visit here! 

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Thank you to Julia Connors, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of On The Edge.

Wild About You by Rebecca Jenshak {a review}

Wild About You by Rebecca Jenshak is now available! This is the second book in the Wildcat hockey series, and I'm in love. If you're looking for a second chance romance, or like books that kind of have the nanny/single dad romance happening, then you need to check this one out. Now I say kind of on the nanny/single dad romance as Tyler is taking care of his younger sister (16/17), and Piper is helping out. I hope that made sense.

That being said, I freaking love this series!

Tyler and Piper were amazing together. I completely understand why Tyler did what he did all those years ago. Should he have had the conversation with Piper? Well yeah, he should have. But he was young.

Tyler loves his family and friends. His friends have stepped up in his life, and are doing what they can to help him out. Everly has created quite the bond with the guys as well. She may have shook up her brother's life, but she has found a safe place to land.

Piper is pretty amazing as well. The last four years haven't been easy for her, but she's pushing through. She's about to finished her undergrad, and is going to be a teacher! Piper knew that Tyler was in Minnesota, but she had no plans on seeing him. Until it happened, and then everything came rushing back.

I loved these two together. These two knew at a young age that they were meant to be. Call it first love, call it soul mates, no matter what these two are amazing together.

Everly has caught my attention, and I am finding myself wondering if she'll end up with one of the Wildcats. Then there's Jack who continues to pull me in. I don't know who the next book, Wild Ever After, is going to focus on, but I need to know now!!

Love the series. Love the characters. Am obsessed with the setting because it's in my home state.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you are a fan of hockey romances, then please give this one a read. I think you'll fall for the characters in an instant.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Wild About You by Rebecca Jenshak is now live!

A month ago, I was a rookie with the best stats in the league. I was traveling the world, playing hockey, and making more money than I ever dreamed.

Then my sister showed up on my doorstep with nowhere else to go.

I don’t know the first thing about being responsible for a troubled teen, and the team jet isn’t exactly kid-friendly.

Enter Piper. My sister’s new teacher and nanny.

Smart, nurturing, and just as beautiful as I remember.

I fell in love with her four years ago and never stopped.

Too bad she hates my guts.

We need her.

And this time, I’m not letting her go.

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

Coming soon to Audible!

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Meet

Rebecca Jenshak is a USA Today bestselling author of new adult and sports romance. She writes sexy, feel-good stories with lots of swoon-worthy moments.

Rebecca lives in Arizona. When she isn’t writing, you can find her cheering on local sports teams, hanging out with friends and family, or curled up with a good book.

Sign up for her newsletter to be notified of new releases!

Connect with Rebecca

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Thank you to Rebecca Jenshak, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Wild About You.

Tight Ends & Tiaras by Lex Martin {cover reveal}

Lex Martin is back with a brand new football romance! Tight Ends & Tiaras will be released on July 5, 2022.

What to expect:

Slow burn but steamy!

Single father

Sports romance (football)

Fake dating

Friends to lovers

New adult (seniors in college)

Small town

Diverse

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway that Lex Martin is hosting!

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Cover Design: Qamber Designs
Photo: Perrywinkle Photography

Football is one hundred percent the focus of my life—until a squawking toddler, with a temper to rival my own, lands in my lap and flips my life upside down.

I’ll never be Dad of the Year. Anyone will tell you that. Except maybe Sienna, my sister’s former roommate, who somehow manages to make my broody ass laugh and sees something in me no one else does.

When Sienna offers to let me and my little princess move in with her, I’m not sure if it’s to help or because she wants revenge on my teammate and long-time rival, who broke her heart.

Either way, I’m game. Because I need to get my ex off my back, and Sienna doesn’t mind pretending to be my girlfriend.

Only neither of us is ready for the sparks that fly between us or the consequences when they do.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Pre-order now at these retailers!
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$3.99 for a limited time!

AUTHOR BIO

Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of the Texas Nights series (Reckless/Shameless) and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romances, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. A former high school English teacher and freelance journalist, she’s lived all over the country but currently resides in her hometown of San Antonio with her husband and twin daughters.

AUTHOR LINKS

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK GROUP | BOOKBUB | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | AMAZON | TIKTOK

Hot Shot's Mistake by Gina Azzi {a review}

It's the day I've been waiting for since the Boston Hawks series ended! Today the first book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series is released! That's right, Hot Shot's Mistake is officially available. If you've been missing Gina Azzi's hockey romances, then run to your favorite book retailer and grab it. You're going to enjoy Mila and Devon's story.

So if you read The Score Keeper, you know who bought the Tennessee Thunderbolts organization. You also know who is the coach, and we see the coach appear a few times within Hot Shot's Mistake. I love that tie back to the Hawks. The only way this book could have been better is if it was a Hawks player who had been traded to the Thunderbolts. But Devon was a good starting point too. There is no real need for me to recap this book, as the teaser does an excellent job. So let's dive into my thoughts.

I have been so excited for this series to begin, and immediately dove into Hot Shot's Mistake. Mila and Devon's story was so good! I did not want to put the book down, and when the story ended I definitely wanted more of them, as well as the team. So that's a good thing since this was the first book in the series.

Devon has a chip on his shoulder, and is not thrilled to be in Tennessee. First chance he gets, he's out. Devon's goal is to get back to New York, or even California. He just does not want to be here, and his attitude shows it. Getting out is his plan until he meets Mila.

Mila is healing from heartache. She's grieving not only the loss of her parents, but the loss of the relationship she had, and the job that she loved. She has lost so much. Especially since that relationship loss, and job loss also had her losing close friendships. This new opportunity with the Thunderbolts is just what she needs to restart. Here with this organization, she can focus on her work, and show the higher ups that she's a perfect fit. Never was she expecting to fall for Devon.

Their road to their happily ever after was not an easy one. It was filled with drama, heartache, and outside noise. But in the end everything worked out just the way it was supposed to.

I did find myself confused by the uneasy feeling between the football team and the hockey team. That just felt weird. You would think that there wouldn't be that rivalry. Especially since they play different professional sports. I mean a state can have (and often does) multiple professional sports, and be able to support them all through the good and the bad. But what do I know...

All in all this was a good start to the new team. I will say that as much as I enjoyed Devon and Mila's story, I was more intrigued by Axel. From the moment he was introduced in the story, he grabbed my attention, and did not let go. Thank goodness his story, Brawler’s Weakness, is next! Oh, and there's Axel's daughter...my gut tells me she's going to wind up with one of Axel's teammates, and that it is going to be drama filled. I'm here for it.

Bring on the Thunderbolts!

Thank you for taking the time to read my random thoughts on Hot Shot's Mistake. I am hooked on Gina Azzi's hockey romances, and for good reason. So many amazing tropes are covered in these books, and I find myself wanting to escape into these worlds often to reconnect with these fictional friends. Go pick up Hot Shot's Mistake. Also, if you're looking for another hockey romance where the player fall for the physical therapist, check out Boarding by Elise Faber!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Tangling up with my new physical therapist, Mila Lewis, is a mistake. One I can’t seem to stop making.

 

When I sign with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, I have two goals: prove my injury hasn’t benched my career and get back to New York. 

But then, I meet Mila, the enigmatic therapist tasked with rehabbing my shoulder. 

With her long ponytail, professional demeanor, and girl-next-door look, Mila is nothing like my usual type.

She’s better—a good girl with sad eyes and a tragic past our small-town loves to dissect.

With the entire town up in her business, our budding connection is far from simple. I’m not staying, and Mila will never leave.

Deep down, I know I should walk away and let her find the happily-ever-after she deserves.

But I can’t. Not without showing her that it could be me.

And that may be the biggest mistake of all. 

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Gina Azzi

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

Connect with Gina Azzi

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Thank you to Gina Azzi, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Hot Shot's Mistake. Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliate program, so any Amazon links clicked may lead to a commission earned.

Brawler's Weakness by Gina Azzi {cover reveal}

Gina Azzi has just revealed the cover for Brawler's Weakness!

This is the second book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series, and I don't think you're ready! We get a sneak peak at these two in Hot Shot's Mistake, and you can already tell they are going to be an AMAZING couple!

Having read Hot Shot's Mistake, I know that this is going to be an age gap romance! I am so ready to get my hands on this book, and find out everything that goes down between Maisy and Axel.

Mark July 7th on  your calendar, because that is when the book will be released.

There’s only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods.

As the Bolts’ newest hire, Maisy is optimistic, enthusiastic, and a goddess at manifestation.

Everything I’m not.

Known as Brawler, I’m a gruff, quiet, rough-around-the-edges, NHL defenseman. I haven’t dated in decades. I’ve never been married and my daughter’s a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don’t know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.

With my daughter Lola egging me on, I finally ask Maisy out.

But I don’t want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don’t know how to tell her that. Even if she’s not ready for me.

If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for her either. 

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Gina Azzi

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

Connect with Gina Azzi

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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The MRS Degree by Sara Ney {a review}

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sara Ney comes a new series about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally. Today is release day for The MRS Degree! This is the second book in the series, and I have been anticipating this book since finishing The Player Hater!

If you read The Player Hater, then you've already been introduced to Penelope and Skipper. You also know how The Player Hater ended, and that may have piqued your curiosity. Well I'm here to tell you that The MRS Degree picks up just about where we left off. We back track slightly but it's worth it to build the scene where Pen sees Jack for the first time in about 8 years. It sets the stage for everything that is about to go down.

I knew that Penelope and Jack's story was going to be intense and a tad bit emotional, and I was not disappointed one bit. From that scene at the door, to the "secret" being revealed to EVERYONE, to the eventual reconnection, it was all just so good.

These two college sweethearts were separated out of fear. Pen thought that she was doing what was right based on a conversation she and Jack had. She was protecting him, and allowing him to follow his passions. At the same time she was running from a difficult conversation. Had they talked it through, the outcome would have been different. Now though they get their second chance at forever. This time with a sidekick at their side.

Penelope, Jack, and Skipper grabbed my attention, and I did not want their story to end. The characters were wonderful, and the storyline captivating. So glad to see them getting their happily ever after.

Jack is an amazing character. He was loving, caring, charming, all while being a genuine stand up guy. He loves hard, and he is a protector as well. You could see how the truth that Penelope revealed affected him. You could see him taking initiative to do whatever it took for his family.

As for Skipper, she's just an amazing kid. So full of energy, loves to talk, and loves her family with all that she is. The bond that she has with her Uncle is incredible. He's part of her support system. 

I loved how Sara Ney handled this topic. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Decisions had to be made. Feelings were felt. Truths were revealed. The world our characters knew was just flipped upside down. It shook them all a bit. 

I also quite enjoyed how we went back to Jack and Penelope's relationship in college. We were able to learn more about the connection our characters had, and the love they had was undeniable. Going back and forth between that time, and current time was something that helped build the book.

The set up for The Make Out Artist has me intrigued. I will definitely be adding that one to my anticipated reads list for July.

This second chance, single parent, secret child, sports romance was so dang good. Sara Ney has created a great group of characters. They draw in the reader, and at least for me, have me wondering what is going to happen next for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on The MRS Degree. This book gave me everything I wanted. Highly suggest you pick up the Accidentally in Love series.

Happy Reading,
Laura

I never thought I would get pregnant in college.

When I did, I thought leaving Jack Jennings was doing him a giant favor—he had a bright future ahead of him as a football star—the last thing he needed was me and a baby standing in his way of his dreams.

Honestly? I figured he would eventually forget about me.

I would raise our child in secret and watch Jack on television, and the pain of what I’d done to him would heal.

The last person I expected to see on my brothers doorstep seven years later was Jack; obviously, or I wouldn’t have answered it.

A superstitious athlete, dreams were keeping him awake at night that were preventing him from excelling on the field—dreams he was hoping I could make…disappear.

He looked so good. So much older.

Kind. Handsome.

Turns out, he hadn’t forgotten about me either, and he hadn’t put our past behind him.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

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Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The MRS Degree.