Rookie Move {a review}

Samantha Lind has released a brand new book called Rookie Move! Rookie Move is the 9th book in her Indianapolis Eagles hockey series. You already know I love a good hockey romance, so this book drew me in!

 

In this book we are following the relationship between Dylan and Hailey. These two are high school sweethearts, and both know that one day they will marry. They are completely on the same page. The only issue is that he's in Indiana, and she is in California.

If you are not familiar with the premise of Rookie Move, here is the teaser blurb for it.

Dylan

My future was all mapped out.
Graduate high school.
Get drafted.
Make a professional hockey team's roster.
Marry my high school sweetheart.

I had it all within my grasp;
Everything was falling into place.
Except for the distance,
And our conflicting schedules.

Hailey

My future was all mapped out.
Graduate high school.
Graduate Med-School.
Land my dream residency.
Marry my high school sweetheart.

My dream took me to the opposite coast, but my heart just wasn't in it anymore.

Could I find a new path to my goal and still find happiness?

Was thinking we could make this work another rookie move?

 

Time for my thoughts. 

(I will do my best to be spoiler free.)

Rookie Move was a sweet story, and I really liked how it flowed. I felt like I knew the characters, and could imagine the heartache that they were both dealing with due to the distance. Other than their relationship, what also grabbed my attention was the way Dylan was accepted into the Indianapolis Eagles team with little to no issue. From what I could "see" his teammates had no issue with this rookie, and a recently retired player took Dylan under his wing. I thought that was awesome. I love seeing teammates who are more like family than coworkers. The fact that Hailey was also immediately accepted by the WAGs was equally impressive. She didn't have to struggle through making these connections, and building the friendship, it just happened. I mean, yes, she put her foot in her mouth once or twice, but those moments were quickly over looked. 

Honestly, for me, it felt like something was missing in the story. 

I have read NUMEROUS hockey romance series, and and they all seem to follow the same path. We witness the relationship build, we see how the characters connect and fall in love, we meet their friends/family, there are minor issues that get worked through, and then there is the big conflict that happens, and we find ourselves wondering how they will fix this. It is at this point in the book where I am screaming (internally) at the characters, and wondering how they could screw this up! Once that is remedied, we get the reunion, and see them on their way to their HEA.

For me, Rookie Move was missing that. Yes, Dylan and Hailey are living thousands of miles apart. Yes they are both extremely busy with their work (him hockey, her school). But that's minor. Where is this moment that drives them apart, and we witness them coming back together? I needed that, and it wasn't there.

I liked that they were high school sweethearts, I really did. However Dylan and Hailey were almost too perfect. 

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story. I really did. I just wish it had everything I wanted. 

At the end of the day, as I reflect on the book, I decided to give it a 3/5. 

For those who have read the entire Indianapolis Eagles series, are all the books this way? I fully admit that I jumped into book 9 without having read any of the other books, so I'm not certain. I'm debating with myself about if I should go back and read the other 8 books. Part of me wants to.

Thank you for reading my review. If you've read Rookie Move, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading,

Congratulations Samantha Lind on your new release. Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and Samantha Lind for the advanced reader copy of Rookie Move. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. As you can see, mine was more middle of the road.

Make It Sweet {a review}

 

I just finished Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan, and I'm in love with Luc, Emma, Mamie, Sal, and Brommy. I also really want to visit the Rosemont, and stay there for a while. Especially if Luc is in the kitchen.

Why yes, I did pretty much pick this book because of the hockey player aspect. That being said though, it was so much more. So raw at times. Then there was the sarcasm and innuendo that had me staying put. Not to mention the heat between Emma and Luc.

Make It Sweet gave me everything I wanted. I felt like I was fully present for the story, and could feel the emotions.

I want more of these characters, and the Rosemont.

Oh and is there something going on between Anton and Sal? Because I'm feeling like there is. Although maybe I'm reading into things that aren't truly there.

Played by the Rockstar {new release}

 Congratulations Christina Hovland on your new release!

Friends, the folks at Wildfire Marketing Solutions wanted to share a bit about the author, as well as the book, so please keep  reading!

Also, let me know if this is a book that interests you! I have it on my kindle, and I cannot wait to dive in.

Happy Reading,
Laura

March TBR {Romance-opoly Edition}

 

March is right around the corner! That means SPRING is coming! I am so over snow and cold. I long for open windows, green grass, and warm sun. Not to mention being able to sit out on my patio. Come on spring, I'm ready for you. (and please hurry, I know winter is going to try and throw another snow storm at us.)

Of course the end of the month, also means it's time for my TBR game! This is my second month playing Book-opoly Romance Edition, and I'm liking it. Choosing books by trope or sub-genre is agreeing with me.

Quick recap of my Book-opoly Romance Edition rules: 

• I start with 4 rolls which means 4 book selections.
• If I roll a double, I have to add a roll which means an additional book.
• If I land on "go to jail", I have to read an audio book to be released.
• If I land on start, then I have to read one of the Amazon First Reads books that I have on my TBR. 

Fingers crossed that March does not repeat February and throw another audio book my way. I might cry if that happens. 

One last thing, when I finished my February rolls, I left off on Slow Burn. So that is where I will pick up.

Here we go!

Roll 1

My first roll was a 5! So moving 5 spaces, I landed on Enemies to Lovers. Ooh this is a favorite trope of mine. Now to decide what I am going to choose. I had a book in mind, but darn it, that was friends to lovers. Back to the drawing board I go. Okay I got it.  I know which book to read.

For enemies to lovers, I will be reading The Hold Out by Mickey Miller.

Roll 2

Eleven. I think I jinxed myself. Pardon me while I go cry. Two months in a row I have landed on Go to Jail. Sigh. Well, like last time, you'll have to wait for one of my weekly wrap ups to see what audio book I settled on.

Roll 3

For roll 3, I rolled a 3!  I get to read a cowboy romance! YAS! So many options to choose from, but I know which book I'm selecting. On March 15, Roped Tight by Kim Loraine will be published. Roped Tight is the fourth book in the Ryker Ranch series. Yes, I have it pre-ordered. Yes, I've been waiting on this book!  So yes, Roped Tight is going to be my pick to fulfill this prompt.

Roll 4

My final roll was an 8, which puts me on work place romance. I know I have a book or two that will fit this prompt.  After scrolling through all my kindle books, I've made my choice. I am going with Piece of Work by Staci Hart.

My rolls for March were mostly good. Three out of the four I am happy with. That second roll though, that hurt. I'm curious what I'll find this month. Some how I ended up staying clear of the doubles, so that made my mood reading heart happy. 

What books are you planning on reading for March? Have you read any of the three books that I selected?

Happy Reading,

Make It Sweet {new release}

 Friends, 

Last night I started reading Make It Sweet, and oh my I am loving it.
When I finally turned out the lights, I was 45% of the way through my arc copy.

I cannot wait to dive back in, and see what happens between Luc and Emma!

Here is more information about the author, as well as the book, from Grey's Promotions.

Happy Reading,

Laura