Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Have you ever read a romance novel where the heroine has a bucket list that she wants to complete, and the hero steps up to offer assistance? If not, allow me to introduce you to Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic. This is a college sports romance that just released on May 26, 2023. It tells the story of Juliette, Ryder, and her long forgotten list. 

The description for Hate You Always is what pulled me in. How can it not when it mentions someone helping another complete their bucket list? Add in that it's a hockey romance, and I'm pretty easily sold. I knew I was getting a college romance between two people who had known each other for most of their lives. I figured the attraction was mutual, and that it was just all fronting on their parts.

What to expect: 

🏒 Brother's Best Friend & Teammate

♥️ Childhood Friends

🏒 Enemies to Lovers

♥️ Hate to Love

🏒 Opposites Attract

♥️ Secret Relationship

Juliette and Ryder struggle to get along. They've known each other for YEARS, and they've been annoyed with each other for just as long. Obviously though underneath that annoyance there is an attraction. Who knew it would be a bucket list that would finally get them to admit their true feelings. 

So how does this bucket list even get discovered? For Julia it was when she flipped through a book, and stumbled upon it. She thought she had thrown it away, but clearly that wasn't the case. Ryder finds the list when he helps Juliette to her apartment after a party. He was making sure she got home safely, had some water and medicine, and was tucked in. He happened to flip through that romance book, and found the list. Naturally he was shocked, and then knew he was the one to help Juliette with these 10 items.

Juliette is a very relatable character. I personally loved that she wasn't into the party scene. Juliette's degree choice was impressive. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting her to be pre-med, but it fits. I also loved the friendship that she and Carina had. When it comes to Ryder, Juliette acknowledges the pull, yet she is fighting it tooth and nail. 

Ryder is everything you want in a hockey romance book boyfriend. He is simply the best, not to mention protective, and he is going to get the girl. The storyline regarding his last year of college hockey was an interesting one to read. Seeing him struggle was not my favorite. Add in that certain teammate, and I understood what he was dealing with. I do wish we had gotten closure with that character.

Loved this romance, and the journey through the bucket list. Also, that pool scene?!? OH MY! I look forward to returning to the Western Wildcats for additional stories. Especially Carina's.

Do you read college romances? I've said it before that I am well past college age, but honestly I still enjoy the stories. I'm a sucker for a good romance. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on Hate You Always. Please let me know! I'd love to chat with you about the book.

Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Thank you Jennifer Sucevic, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of Hate You Always!

Off-Ice Collision by Cali Melle {blog tour}

One moment in time, one freak accident, and my entire hockey career was over.

Off-Ice Collision, an all-new grumpy-sunshine hockey romance from USA Today bestselling author Cali Melle is available now! Want to read my review on the book? I posted that yesterday, so please visit that post!

Vaughn

One moment in time, one freak accident, and my entire hockey career was over.

Two years have passed since my injury and I am still mentally struggling with this loss.

Mad at the world and everyone in it, I sought solace at my parents' lake house for the summer.

It was supposed to be somewhere for me to be alone and heal.

But when London Hayes walks back into my life, the universe has different plans.

And I need to find a way to derail them because I refuse to drag her down with me.

London

It had been over two years since I'd last seen Vaughn Carter.

And he feels like a stranger.

Cold and distant, abrasive and angry.

He’s a shell of a person compared to the version I used to know, but I know he’s still in there.

Somewhere deep inside is the boy I used to love, but he needs help finding himself again.

And I won’t be the one to give up on him, even if it costs me my own heart in the end.

Start reading today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/officecollision

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/officecollision

"London Hayes needs to learn to stay as far away from me as possible. Because I will only destroy her in the end."

“He really believes he's broken beyond repair. And I'm here to show him he's wrong."

"We all have scars, Vaughn... They become a part of us and mix with the beauty. There's nothing ugly about them at all."

“I want to fix you.”

—“I’m broken beyond repair, baby.”

"Who the hell am I anymore? I don't know who I am without hockey."

 "You're Vaughn Carter. One of the funniest, sweetest people that I've ever met," she says softly as her fingertips trace invisible patterns along the back of my neck. "You just have to let me in so I can find you."

I swallow. "You belong in the light, not the darkness."

"I'm not afraid of it," she breaths, her breath fanning across her face. "I'll follow you into the dark."

“Maybe I don’t like talking to anyone but you.”

Strong and steady, like an anchor that holds a boat from drifting out to sea during the darkest storms.

London Hayes is my anchor...

As long as I don't fray the rope that holds us together.

Learn more about Cali Melle and her releases by visiting her website: https://calimelle.com/

Off-Ice Collision by Cali Melle {a review}

The time has come to close the book on the Wyncote Wolves series. Cali Melle released the first book back at the end of July 2022. I fell for the characters immediately, and was hooked on Cali's storytelling. In one of more recent books, I feel like it was Hayden's, Vaughn experienced his injury. I recall my jaw dropping, and I could not believe that just happened. Yet I held out hope that Cali would write Vaughn's story, and it would be his redemption so to speak. Well that book is here, and it's Off-Ice Collision.

What to expect:

🏒 Grumpy-Sunshine

♥️ Small Lake Town

🏒 Childhood Friends to Lovers

♥️ Injured Hockey Player

Two years ago Vaughn had his future plans ripped from him. He was destined for the NHL. Instead one hockey game changed his entire life. Now here he is grieving, healing, dealing with heartache, and trying to go through recovery. While he will never play professionally, maybe one day he'll be able to get back on the ice. Right now though he isn't able to do that mentally. As it has been two years, Vaughn's parents are about to dish out a bit of tough love. They are sending him to Stillwater Lake to work the family business. He needs something in his life, and maybe this will be the push that he needs to restart his life.

Stillwater Lake is a difficult place for Vaughn to return to though. His family has been going there for years, and he has many friends in the area. Now he has to return there as someone who had their future completely changed due to an injury. Vaughn is just hoping to be left alone. But we all know that will not happen. Especially since his parents lake house is right next to London's. These two have been friends for many years, and there's been an attraction building. They've never acted upon it, but it is very much mutual. I love the history that these two have.

Vaughn arrived in Stillwater Lake as an injured person. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I fully believe that this is where he was meant to be in this season of life. Stillwater Lake would bring healing. What happened in this little lake town gave him everything he could have wanted, even though he wasn't expecting any of it. 

I loved that London was by his side throughout the journey to recovery. She was a great motivator for him, and wasn't afraid to use some tough love to get her point across. Especially since London is a lover, a fixer, and she just wants what is best for those she cares about. Whether that be Vaughn, Emery, or her twin brother. That being said you could see that switch begin to flip, as she came to terms with the fact that she has to let them figure things out on their own from time to time. Yes she can be there to guide, but ultimately they have to make the choice.

I'll be honest, I thought I would cry a bit while reading Off-Ice Collision. I remember when the accident first happened, and how shocked I was. So I fully expected to have some tears going down my face while reading Vaughn's version of events. I say all of that to say, no actual tears fell. Were there some in my eyes? Well yeah there were, it goes with being an emotional person/reader. 

One thing that did cause a bit of an emotional punch was when former teammates made an appearance. Vaughn's reaction hurt my heart. It probably hurt them as well. I wasn't expecting an overjoyed reaction, but something friendly was expected. I can only hope that in the future Vaughn is able to mend relationships with his fellow Wyncote Wolves.

Having read all 8 books in the Wyncote Wolves series, I can say without a doubt that Vaughn is my favorite. He pushed Hayden out of the way at the last moment, and believe me I didn't think that was possible to push Hayden from the #1 spot. It wasn't because Vaughn's story is the freshest in my mind, but because of the person he is. He overcame so much, had to work through a lot of emotions, and is just now starting to make it through to the other side. A lot of that has to do with his parents sending him to Stillwater Lake, a smidgen has to do with London, but the majority of it goes to Vaughn. He did the work. He had some encouragement, but ultimately it was his choice on how to respond. Vaughn looked to forever, and forever also includes London. 

This series may be complete now, but I know Cali Melle has many more wonderful stories (and characters) to come. I look forward to reading each and every one. Chances are I will fall just as hard for the newbies as I did the OGs.

If college hockey romances are something you enjoy reading, or even if you just like the new adult genre, then give Off-Ice Collision a read. You don't NEED to read the other books in the series, but it would help to know backstories and relationships.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you read the book, I'd love to know yours as well.

Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Thank you Cali for providing me with an advanced copy of Off-Ice Collision!

How to Win the Girl by Sara Ney {a review}

My name is Laura, and I've fallen hard for the Colter brothers. First it was Duke and his living arrangement with Posey. Then it was Dallas and his fake relationship with Ryann. Now it's Drake, and his desire to help Drew find a girlfriend. Sara Ney's rom-coms are some of my favorites, and How to Win the Girl is right at the top of the list. I have even declared that Drake Colter is the best Colter. I'm not accepting any criticism on that. There is only one Colter left that could change my mind, so now I wait on Drew's book.

What to Expect:

Grumpy/Sunshine

Hate to Love

Sports Romance

Enemies to Lovers

Twin Switch

College Setting

How to Win the Girl is a college sports romance that features twin switching. I think the last time I read a trope like that might have been back in my Sweet Valley High or Sweet Valley University days. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG AGO THAT WAS?!? Oh I'm old. Moving on. Drake just wants the best for Drew, and his twin clearly is not doing well trying to find a girlfriend. Or at least that's Drake's take. So Drake takes it upon himself to download a dating app, and set up a profile for Drew. Does he tell Drew about this? No, why would he do that. Drake knows best!

Where does Daisy come into play in all of this? Well you see she and Drake met each other in class. Drake was attending the class for Drew, and Drake's constant movement was irritating Daisy. They had a few words. Once that dating app is downloaded, and an account is created, guess who match. YEP. What happens next is a lot of banter through messaging, verbal volleys, and an attraction being built. But Daisy is supposed to be for Drew, not Drake.

I so loved the banter in this book. Whether that was between Drake and Daisy, Drake and Drew, Daisy and Drew, or even with the side characters. That just added some additional humorous moments to the book. You know what else I loved? How Daisy was sassy, sarcastic, smart, sincere, and unwilling to put up with Drake's shenanigans. Daisy is a fantastic heroine, and she gave as good as she got. What do I enjoy about Drake? His loving heart, his protectiveness, his desire that his siblings have everything they want, and the fact that this man fell HARD. 

How to Win the Girl had me experiencing a variety of things. From laughter, to swooning, to frustration with Drake, to wanting to protect Daisy at all costs, and so much more. While reading I also found myself wondering what is going on with Drew. Clearly something is up, but what? Sara Ney's storytelling, and character development, had me enjoying every single moment of this story. I cannot wait to return to this college in Wisconsin and learn Drew Colter's story. I need it immediately. 

Do you enjoy college romances? I've been out of college for a LONG time now, but I still enjoy reading stories set at colleges. I can't fully put it into words. If you're looking for a college sports rom-com, I truly hope that you'll give the Campus Legends series a read.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this new release. I truly enjoyed every moment of this story.
Laura

 Please note:
I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Thank you Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of How to Win the Girl.

Scoring the Player by Rebecca Jenshak {a review}

 It's time to return to Valley U, and check in on our favorite Campus Wallflowers! Scoring the Player by Rebecca Jenshak is the third book in this series, and you are not ready for Dahlia and Felix.

What to expect:

• College Setting
• Sports Romance
• Fake Dating
• Opposites Attract
• A Viral Video
• Dual POV

Dahlia has had a crush on Felix for a while now. The problem is that she struggles to talk around him, and just becomes really awkward. She basically makes a fool out herself anytime Felix is around. Is it intentional? Absolutely not. Dahlia gets flustered. Plus she's a quiet, quirky person. I can relate to Dahlia completely. I was that way. In many circumstances I still am. I think that's why she's one of my favorite heroines that Rebecca has created. (or at least that I've read.) That awkwardness doesn't stop Felix though. He's drawn to Dahlia. He wants to get to know her. He wants to hang out with her. After that video that went viral, he's now determined to help her. What better way to protect Dahlia, than to fake date. I know, I know. However in Felix's mind it works. So a plan is put in place, and this will definitely benefit our girl Dahlia who is lacking experience.

One thing I really appreciated about Dahlia was the fact that she didn't leave Jane behind. It would have been so simple to do since she had Felix in her life. Yet that isn't who Dahlia is. She loves her friends, and makes sure that they are included whenever possible. Of course it helps that Jane will insert herself where she can, as she doesn't want to be alone. When it comes to Felix, Jane is pushing for this relationship to happen. She can see the attraction between the two, and knows her friend can be a bit skittish. 

Felix is one of my favorite heroes that Rebecca has brought to life. This man may be all about football, but he is also 100% a protector. I appreciated how quickly Felix's friends accepted Dahlia into the fold, and how they fell for her as well. Based on Felix's ex, that isn't the norm for these guys. Then there's Felix's sisters who latched onto Dahlia immediately. They know when a person is trustworthy, friendly, and they can see something in her that their brother needs. 

I loved the relationship between our hero and heroine. While it may have started off as fake, feelings were quickly caught. That little break that they took was the perfect opportunity for them to realize their feelings, and act upon them. Also, that ending? PERFECT! But it also has me wondering if a spinoff is about to happen. Maybe? If it does, I will absolutely read it. I mean look what happened when Wildcat Hockey happened after Johnny's story. 

Felix and Dahlia have stolen a little piece of my heart, and I loved their story so. That being said, I am beyond excited for Jane's story. We were given a bit more insight into her past, and I was not expecting that! I need to see who she is going to end up with, and the wild journey that will take place. 

If you haven't checked out any of Rebecca Jenshak's books, you need to. I loved her Campus Nights series, this Wallflowers series, and of course the Wildcat Hockey series.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Scoring the Player. I do hope you'll read the book, and fall for these characters like I have.

Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Thank you to Rebecca Jenshak, and Valentine PR, for providing me with a review copy of this book.