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

Hidden Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {A Review}

She's everything I remember...yet somehow more.

Hello fellow romance readers. I'm back with a review for the second book in the Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver series. That's right, Hidden Mistake released today along with Rookie Mistake. I've already shared my review for book 1, so be sure to check that out. Also, just a reminder that Rookie Mistake ended on a cliffhanger so this is a continuation of that story! 

As this is a continuation, I have to really limit what I say about the book so that I do not give away any spoilers. Just know that things are heating up between Tristan and Tessa. 

In the beginning of the story, we find out that Tristan's season just ended, and after a golf course discussion with his dad, Tristan is returning home for the break. He's not the only one returning home though. Tessa has just returned also. What happens throughout this story is just the beginning of their new journey toward a potential relationship.

Tristan and Tessa continue to pull me in with their story. Secrets are being revealed. A new friendship is being established. Time together is spent. Yet there is a hesitancy about that. Tessa is keeping her secrets locked tight, and while she feels she should share them with Tristan, she's not ready. Rightfully so. 

The history between these two continues to be revealed. We see little snippets of that past connection, and honestly these two were soul mates that were ripped apart. 

Stephanie makes an appearance in this book, and she is on my radar. I’m not certain she is in the up and up. Curious to see that storyline unfold over the next three books. She may be Tessa's half-sister, but something isn't sitting right with me. She's almost giving Michelle, or even Tatum, vibes. (Michelle was featured in both Luke and Jack's seasons, where as Tatum was in Ben's season.)

I cannot wait to see how the event that is being planned plays out. It's either going to be spectacular, or there is going to be major drama. Or I guess it could be both.

Savannah’s reign of terror could be coming to an end! Or so I hope. Yet I’m sure she has an ace up her sleeve to try and save herself. Ugh she’s still the worst. I also really want to know all of the dirt that she thinks she has on Tristan. What of it will be damaging to his career, to his personal life, and even potentially damaging to herself? 

The last thing that I want to mention is the secrets that Tessa is keeping. I know both will be revealed eventually, but I'm a bit worried about the emotions that will flow with the one reveal. My gut tells me that is going to hit hard, and tissues will be needed. As for the other, I don't see it being a big issue, but I am wondering how the 3rd party will feel once things happen. (Sorry, I know I'm being vague, but again it's a continuing storyline.) 

Have you read Rookie Mistake, or Hidden Mistake yet? Such a good kickoff to the season, and I am beyond ready for books 3, 4, and 5. I need to know ALL THE THINGS.

My rating for Hidden Mistake:

Friendly reminder that Hidden Mistake also ends with a cliffhanger. So you'll have to come back for Honest Mistake to find out how the story continues. Also if you need a reminder of the tropes in this series they are: second chance, small town, surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, and friends to lovers.

Thank you for coming to read my thoughts on Hidden Mistake. This second book in the series has me eagerly anticipating what will happen in the remaining books. If you read it, please let me know. I'd love to talk about everything that is happening. And it's a lot!

Happy Reading!
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

The boy next door is back, and so am I.

He’s spending his NFL off-season in our small Midwestern town after seven long years away, and I’m in town for different reasons.

Memories shift to reality as we find ourselves in the place where we first fell in love. We’re different people now, but I’m falling fast and hard for the man he is now.

But he’s married. He’s working to fix his mistakes as I’m hiding a few of my own.

As we grow closer, I know I won’t be able to keep these hidden mistakes a secret much longer. But if I tell him, I’m afraid I’ll lose him all over again.

HIDDEN MISTAKE is the second book in the VEGAS ACES: THE WIDE RECEIVER series. This series must be read in order.

Thank you to Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Hidden Mistake.

(I am also a member of the Amazon Affiliates program, so any purchases made through links will provide a small commission.)

My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne {A Review}

My first crush on a boy started when I was five years old, after I'd caused my mother's death.

my rating

If you've been around for a while, you know that I absolutely love The Greene Family series from Piper Rayne. These two have created this amazing small town called Sunrise Bay which is located in Alaska. In this town there are numerous businesses, all of which are owned and operated by residents. When you're reading, you can almost imagine this picturesque community. Then you add in the community members, and it just feels like a place to call home. If you haven't read any of the Greene Family books, Hank and Marla are the parents. They married many years ago, and brought together two families. Think modern day Brady Bunch, or a Yours Mine Ours situation. Times haven't always been easy for the family, but together they make their way through the good times, and the not so good moments. As this series progresses, you really see how the family grows, their connection deepens, and healing occurs. For you see that healing is very important. When you lose a parent through death (or divorce), there is grieving that has to occur. That being said, our characters have pretty much all buried that heartache, that pain, those emotions, and so these stories bring that out, and they find their healing moments.

Chevelle Greene owns and operates her own little fishing charter business that has a slip at the marina Cameron's family owns. Cameron's dad recently came up with an idea to open a charter of their own that is of course more impressive, and very much higher end. This ends up creating a bit of conflict at the docks, as Rowdy is already struggling to make ends meet, and Chevelle is doing okay, but now with a third boat, it's going to be rough. Cameron and his dad are also not getting along, and he's decided to essentially upend Cameron's life for a bit. The goal is to show Cameron how good he's got it, and to wrangle him in a bit. Cameron goes through the motions of the day to day life, all while living with Chevelle, and keeping his side hustle a secret. Slowly but surely the forced proximity to Chevelle, and their history together, begins to blur the lines of their relationship. 

My Brother's Forbidden Friend hit a bit harder than the other Greene Family stories. Chevelle has been carrying this guilt for so long, and just burying it down deep. Everything that happened with that storyline just had me a bit weepy. Cameron's situation also showed the issues he is dealing with when it comes to his parents, the family business, and their feelings of jealousy. It was the moments with the Hank, and the Greene children that really hit me emotionally. To see them come together, supporting Chevelle, and finding what they did just really brought it all full circle. Healing has begun.

After watching these two dance around each other for so many books, I am so giddy that Chevelle and Cam got their happily ever after. Cam may have already felt like family to the Greenes, but now he's really solidified his role within.

Cam really impressed me throughout the story. I thought that situation with his dad would have done a number on him. Instead it pushed him in all the right ways. Cam came out stronger, and with a partner by his side. I was also a bit nervous about his friendship with Fisher (Chevelle's brother), and how this relationship might cause issues. Thankfully Allie was there to buffer the emotions, and bring a bit of lighthearted comedy.

Oh, and that cameo toward the end of the book? I love it when Lake Starlight and Sunrise Bay come together for a scene or two. 

My only complaint for the book was that there wasn’t enough of the Grandma trio. 😂 I just love those ladies. But I also know that they are getting older, and it has me nervous for Rylan and Calista's story. I'm worried that one of the ladies might no longer be with us, but I'm also curious to see how Piper Rayne handles that situation.

Our Couple:

• Cameron Baker
• Chevelle Greene

The Tropes:

• Blended Families
• Brother's Best Friend
• Forbidden Love
• Secret Romance
• Small Town
• Will They or Won't They

Locations: 

• Sunrise Bay Alaska
• Winterberry Falls Alaska

This final full length book in the Greene Family series was one of my favorites. The storyline, the characters, the emotions that played out, just all of that came together to create this delightful story. Chevelle and Cam's story is one that I won't soon forget. 

Now I can begin to count down the days until A Greene Family Christmas releases! That novella will signal the official end of the series, and I'm not ready to say goodbye. Thankfully Rylan and Calista's story will allow us to reconnect with both the Bailey's and the Greene's. I am so ready for that one!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on My Brother's Forbidden Friend. I hope you'll give this book a read, and fall for the characters like I have.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

I’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him.

Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them.

But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most. When I was five years old, grieving the loss of my mother, he showed me how big his heart is, and I’ve never forgotten.

He comes from the richest family in town. Cam’s bad boy gorgeous, flirts like he has a Doctorate in charm, and he’s my brother’s best friend. That last part is where it gets tricky and the sole reason we’ve never crossed the line.

Now, his parents have cut him off to force him to prove himself. I never thought he’d open a competing business to mine. So, I do what I do best, shove all my feelings aside and ready myself to crush him. Game on.

Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of My Brother's Forbidden Friend.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliate program. Purchases from the links above may allow me to earn a small commission.

Rookie Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {A Review}

 

We are about to kick off a new season of the Vegas Aces series! In this fourth season we are focusing on Tristan Higgins who is the wide receiver for the Aces.

Are you ready for some football, romance, and drama?

Main Characters:
Tristan Higgins
Tessa Taylor
Savannah
Dr. Cam Foster

Genre:
Contemporary Romance
Sports Romance

Tropes:
Second Chance
Accidental Pregnancy
Small Town