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

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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.

Crushed by Elise Faber {a review}

 It's release day for Crushed by Elise Faber!! If you know me, then you know how much I adore the Gold Hockey series. I have read each, and every, book. Not only that but I have fallen HARD for the characters. This found family is one of my absolute favorites. Gold Hockey will always have a place in my heart as it is just simply wonderful.

With Crushed being book 18, it makes me wonder how much longer Elise Faber will continue on with the team. We've already witnessed many retirements, and there is a big one looming. I also am curious as to how Elise will handle Brit's retirement. That's been alluded to a couple of times now in different stories, and I'm not ready for her to retire. Her story was the first!

Will and Lily's story was enjoyable. Yes there were tense moments, steamy moments, as well as plenty of laughter and tears. These two have known each other for so many years. After all it was when Lily was 12, and Will was 16, that this crush first developed. Will squashed it then, and is still trying to put his distance to this day. Yet having Lily live in the same city, work at the same place, and become friends with the same people, it's getting more difficult to ignore any attraction. Plus Will needs to work through the mental hurdles that he has when it comes to Lily. Yes, she was like a sister to him all those years ago, but she's grown up. Maybe it's time to look past what used to be, and look toward the future.

That third act breakup was a doozy. I knew a breakup was coming, I just wasn't sure how it would play out. Especially since a breakup had been thwarted previously. When all of it did play out though, I wanted to knock some sense into the character. Yes it was a protective measure. Yes they thought they were doing the right thing. But clearly they were not. Now the reunion? Perfection. The grand gesture? FABULOUS! 

I also loved that we started to get the lay of the land for the next book, Changed. You already know I'll be reading it. Heck I have it preordered! Lucas and Maddy's story will be filled with enemies to lovers, hate to love, frustration, and realization. I am here for it! Now to wait until the end of August to read it.

Real quick note about the underlying storyline in Crushed. If you read the news reports a couple of years ago about the US gymnastics team, and the doctor- something similar plays out within this book. You don't see any of it, or really hear any of it, but it is a big part of Lily's story. There is also mention of a character succumbing to self harm. I mention this, because if those topics are things you want to avoid, then this might not be the book for you. I will say that the self harm is a small part of a chapter, whereas the other part is an undercurrent throughout. 

Have you read any of the books in the Gold Hockey series? How about the Rush series? Breakers Hockey? I haven't read any of the Breakers hockey books, but they are on my kindle waiting for me.

Thank you for reading,
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 Elise Faber, and 1852 Media, for providing me with an advanced copy of Crushed.

Watching Trilogy by Bethany James {a review}

 During my time away from my blog, I read so many books. I pretty much owe you all a giant wrap up for all the books. Three of the books that I read were part of a trilogy by Bethany James. These books were recommended for people who enjoyed the Salacious Players Club by Sara Cate. 

When I started this trilogy I wasn't completely certain what to expect. The author had said that it was light on the drama, and heavy on the spice. So I kept that in mind. What the author didn't say is that there is virtually no plot to these novellas. If you're looking for a lot of spice, then pick up this trilogy.

The Watching Trilogy follows the relationship of Jack and Celia. They met at a coffee shop, and began a whirlwind romance from there. The first book, Watching, is very insta-lust. No I didn't mean insta-love, I said what I said. In this book is where we also meet Drew and Elle. They appear in all three books to various degrees. Jack is already friends with them, but Celia is just meeting them. It is quite the introduction too. 

Book two, Watched, shows our couple a few weeks later. A proposition has been made, there has been a revelation about an unknown connection, and the couple has to figure out how to move forward. Once again this book is heavy on the spice, and light on the plot. I actually wish there had been more plot in this one because of the bombshell revelation. I wanted more insight on that, and to see how the other person responded and/or communicated.

Book three, Watch, has Celia meeting Jack's family, visiting a club that is similar to SPC, and figuring out how to respond to that second proposition. It is at the club where they have an experience that Celia probably thought she'd never have. Upon returning home they deal with that proposition. Again, no real plot.

If you are looking for a trilogy that is heavy on the steamy scenes, and extremely light on the actual storyline, then you should consider reading this trilogy. 

Honestly I enjoyed it for what it was, but it was nothing more than a 3 star read. That's just from my perspective though, and you may rate it differently. 

Have you read the Watching trilogy? If so, what were your thoughts, and rating? I'd love to know.

Thanks for reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!