The Romance Line (Love & Hockey 2) by Lauren Blakely-review

🩷The Romance Line (Love & Hockey 2) by Lauren Blakely-review🩷

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 2,2024

he first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.

That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.

But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.

Turns out it is.

Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts – right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.

Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.

But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.

Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.

•••••

REVIEW:THE ROMANCE LINE is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series set in the author’s MY HOCKEY ROMANCE world. This is Seattle Sea Dogs goalie Max Lambert, and PR agent Everly Rosewood’s story line. THE ROMANCE LINE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Max and Everly) THE ROMANCE LINE follows the building romance and forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Seattle Sea Dogs’ goalie Max Lambert’s popularity with the media and fans is tanking, and the Sea Dogs have assigned their PR agent Everly Rosewood to refine and rebuild Max’s reputation but Max has been struggling in the face of a previous betrayal, and is reluctant to reveal the private side of his life. With the help of Everly, Max’s popularity begins to rise but their attraction to one another forces our couple to keep secrets their burgeoning relationship. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Max and Everly, and the potential fall-out when Max discovers Everly is in line for a promotion, and Max may be her ticket upwards.

The world building follows several paths including the revival of Max Lambert’s ‘likeability quotient’; Everly’s battle to prove Max is worthy of a second chance; the secrets Everly hides from most of the people in her life; and the return of Max’s ex who may or may not be looking for a second chance.

The relationship between Max and Everly is one of the forbidden. Max and Everly work for the same organization, and in this, there is an unwritten rule about fraternizing with fellow employees. Keeping their relationship a secret is difficult when the media wants to match Max with someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and eager secondary and supporting characters including several of Max’s teammates; Everly’s co-workers, as well as her best friends; media influencers, journalists and television programmers and executives.

THE ROMANCE LINE is a story of secrets, betrayal, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is slow building, thought provoking and inviting; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are sassy and spirited but the appearance of Max’s ex is more of a red-herring as it goes nowhere, fast.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BOYFRIEND GOAL

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Just let me walk you to the door.””Fine,” she says, her palms raised in surrender.

I set my hand on her back again. A slight shiver seems to run through her when I touch her. I try not to let that go to my head. Or my dick.

But as we go, I spread my fingers wider across the silk of her shirt. Press a little harder. Rub a little more. Curl my thumb around her waist. Register every hitch of her breath.

By the time we’re at the top of the steps, my hand feels too right on her back to let go. “I’m not sure I have made my point, Everly.”

She turns to me, facing me, so I have to drop my hand from her back. Her gaze is wary but intrigued, her eyes flickering with questions. “What’s your point exactly?”

“Like I said earlier, if this was a date I’d walk you to the door.”

“But it’s not. You keep telling me it’s not.” It’s like she’s trying to catch me on a technicality, or maybe to push me into admitting something. She doesn’t make a move to go inside. Her gaze is locked on mine, and the air is charged between us. It crackles with anticipation.

“You’re right. It’s not,” I say, weighing how far I’ll go. What it’ll cost me.

She rolls her lips together, then breathes out, like she’s centering herself. “And you did it anyway.”

“True,” I say. Like I could do anything else with her. I couldn’t have stopped myself from showing up at The Spotted Zebra tonight if I’d tried. I couldn’t have resisted driving her home. I couldn’t have refrained from walking her up her steps. Now we’re standing in the warm October air, the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, the ocean hugging us. And I’m not walking away—not with her closer than she’s ever been. I look at her lush mouth one more time, then her gorgeous eyes. “And if this were a date I’d kiss you at the door.”

She’s quiet, but her lips curve up. “That’s not what you said at the restaurant.”

Wait. I’m confused now. “That is what I said,” I point out.

She crosses her arms, shaking her head, but she’s smiling and it’s flirty. Inviting. “No, Max. You said you’d devastate me with a kiss.”

And that’s it. That’s enough. Just f*&k it. F*&k everything. “I guess I’d better start.”

 


 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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HOCKEY WIFE (Rookie Rebels 10) by Kate Meader-review tour

HOCKEY WIFE (Rookie Rebels 10) by Kate Meader-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 16, 2024

“I need us to stay married, Big Guy.”
Recently traded to the Chicago Rebels, hockey veteran Dylan “Banks” Bankowski is adjusting to what might be his last team and his final year in the NHL. That means taking care of his battered body while he strives for the one goal that’s managed to elude him: a championship ring. What he does not need is a visit from the woman to whom he gave a different kind of ring months ago.

His young, flighty, socialite wife.

Apparently, signing the annulment papers within a week of their quickie wedding in Vegas didn’t quite take, and now she’s back, right before the playoffs when he needs his focus most. Only this time she has a different request: let’s keep up the charade. He should say no, but he once said “I do” and surely that means something …

Georgia Goodwin has good reasons for wanting to keep her hockey player husband. Convincing the big lug to cooperate is the easy part. Not so easy? Ignoring the flutter in her chest when he grunts in jock, kisses her neck, or calls her wife. But it’s only for a few weeks, and as soon as the playoffs finish, so will they.

But the more time Georgia and Banks spend together, the more real their marriage feels. Less Vegas mistake, and more like the start of something amazing. They said goodbye once. Can they do it again … or will they figure out that a love this good is worth fighting for as much as that championship ring?

•••••••

REVIEW: HOCKEY WIFE is the tenth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult ROOKIE REBELS erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty six year old professional hockey player Dylan ‘Banks’ Bankowski, and twenty-four year old, socialite Georgia Goodwin’s story line. HOCKEY WIFE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Banks and Georgia) HOCKEY WIFE follows in the wake of a one-night stand and accidental Las Vegas marriage between our story line couple. Dylan Bankowski is nearing the end of his professional hockey career but the All-Star weekend in Vegas proved to be much more than his fourth appearance at the annual event. Waking up married to socialite Georgia Goodwin, and his new bride on the run, the anticipation of divorce papers was on the horizon. Fast forward two months, Dylan discovers the annulment did not go through and his young wife wants a second chance with our story line hero. The caveat-Dylan Bankowski also needs to remain married to keep his grandmother happy, two birds, one stone-so to speak. Agreeing to stay together with an end date on the horizon, Dylan begins to fall for the woman who could break his heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Banks and Georgia, and the potential fall-out as perceived betrayal pushes Georgia out of Dylan’s life.

The world building focuses on Dylan’s waning career, potential injuries, and the ‘run’ for the Stanley Cup. Georgia is struggling with a direction in life, wanting to start a charitable foundation for those in need but her parents have other plans for their socialite daughter.

The relationship between Dylan and Georgia begins as a one-night stand, accidental Las Vegas wedding, and Georgia’s need to run when the things begins to spiral out of control.A reputation as a party-girl who tends to straddle the line with her public behavior, Georgia is desperate to keep up the charade in the face of losing everything including her struggling reputation. The $ex scenes are provocative and impassioned.

Several of the previous story line couples return as secondary and supporting characters including Dylan’s teammates on the Chicago Rebels: Ashley and Dex, Tara and Hale, Theo and Elle, as well as Dylan’s extended family, and Georgia’s parents.

HOCKEY WIFE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is entertaining, inviting and thought provoking; the romance is seductive and compelling; the characters are animated, sassy and desperate.

Previous reviews
Good Guy
Instacrush
Man Down
Fore Player
Dear Roomie
Rebel Yule
Jock Wanted
Superstar Rookie
Wild Ride

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

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Collide (Rainbow Dorset University 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour

🏒🏈Collide (Rainbow Dorset University 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour🏒🏈

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2024

Hockey and football coaches on a collision course….

Lemon

With years of hard work, I’ve made the Rainbow Dorset University Unicorns football team the pride of the state. My reputation speaks for itself, so the school stays out of my way, and that’s how I like it. If they can’t handle my sparkle, they have no business in my shine.

Now there’s someone new on campus—a washed up hockey player hired to whip the team into shape. The school had the audacity to cut my budget to pay him!

Needless to say, I’m furious. He just made an enemy he definitely doesn’t want. But why does he have to be so gorgeous?! Why does he have to have a beautiful wife and a perfect life? And why can’t I keep my hands off him and just yell at him like I intend?

Hansley

I was directionless when I retired from hockey. So I jumped on the offer from Rainbow Dorset University to be their head hockey coach. The campus is like nothing I’ve ever seen; full of rainbows, community, kindness, inclusivity. It feels like I’m in a brand new world—a better world—and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Everything is amazing until I meet Coach Lemon Frost, who clearly despises me, though I don’t know why. He’s definitely out for my job. But then he keeps kissing me and sending my entire world spinning on its axis.

I can’t tell if he hates me or wants me. The line is blurred. All I know is Lemon is about to make my entire world implode when I tell my wife I’ve been having an affair. Yet… I think I’m here for it.

••••

REVIEW:Yessssss another new series for me to obsess over.

If you’ve read the “For your Love” series, then you’ll recognise one of the main male characters. If you haven’t, then it’s not really an issue, but the four book series gives a little insight to the spiky football coach.

Lemon by name, lemon by nature🍋 he’s sour, rude, obnoxious, arrogant and a total diva!! He’s taken his football team to the finals many times, his players go on to be picked to play for major teams! Does that give him a big head? Yes it does!

Hansley is the total opposite to Lemon. He played ice hockey, he won many games, numerous trophies, management wasn’t really an option, but courted by the university, he’s decided to give coach a go.

Another gay for you story, for this author knows how to write these stories.

Meeting Lemon has Hansley confused. A hetro-male, he’s never looked at men. But something about this feisty man has Hansley questioning his sexuality.

Their relationship has so many ups and downs that it gives you motion sickness 😜 they take one step forward and two steps back. Given the fact that Hansley is still married (hmm) is a bone of contention between the couple. And Lemon is a hard man to please, he’s opinionated, his thought process is the only one he listens too.

But he’s also just a man looking for love. He’s lonely, his prickly exterior keeps people at bay. His first opinion of Hansley is totally out of order. His spending has been cut considerably, and Hansley is at fault.

I loved this couple. I liked how Hansley took on Lemon and “tamed” him 😝 he wanted to make the sparkly coach all his. 💕

So can they really make a go of this relationship? How will Hansley explain to his wife he has a new love? And will Lemon finally mellow?

If this book doesn’t make you go back and read the “for your love” series, then your missing out on meeting Lemon Frost in all his rainbow glory 🌈 😜

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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King (Pittsburgh Titans 14) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

King (Pittsburgh Titans 14) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2024

Jack Kingston is known for his dominant playing skills on the ice, but off, he’s a down-to-earth guy who values a true connection over a meaningless hookup.

I love being a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, even if my teammates are constantly ribbing me about women who they claim are throwing themselves all over me. Could I go for the easy lay? Sure, but that’s not my style. I’m more of long-term kind of guy. Instead, I’m going to keep doing what I do best—killing it out on the ice. Everything else will fall into place…eventually.

That time comes sooner than expected, in the most unlikely of ways. At the rink to watch our goalie’s kids play Peewee hockey, I meet Willa Montreaux and somehow, by the end of that interaction, I’ve offered to help her coach the Ice Pups. Altruism or were there other intentions in that offer? A little of both, if I’m being honest.

As the time I spend with Willa increases, I am absolutely certain I want even more. She’s gorgeous, sure, but that’s superficial. Willa is also funny, loving, determined and smart. SO smart. Doctor smart. Probably too intelligent for a jock like me, but that’s not going to stop me from shooting my shot.

Not looking for anything more than a fling and concerned that she’s too old for me, Willa doesn’t want to venture into anything serious. I’m willing to put in the work and give her the space she needs to come to terms with the fact that the connection we have is far more than physical. Willa and I are end game, but I’m willing to play into overtime if that’s what it takes to walk away with her by my side.

••••••

REVIEW: KING is the fourteenth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series. This is twenty-five year old, defenseman Jack ‘King’ Kingston, and thirty-three year old former figure skater turned physician Dr. Willa Montreaux’ story line. KING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Willa and King) KING follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Willa Montreaux never expected to find herself coaching her niece’s little league hockey tea but when the previous coach quit, Willa was volunteered by her sister for the job. Meeting Pittsburgh Titans’ defenseman Jack Kingston was an added bonus when he volunteered himself as assistant coach but Jack is hoping for something more, and Willa struggles with their age different, and demons from the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jack and Willa, and the potential fall-out when the past returns demanding a second change.

The world building focuses on the trials and tribulations of little league hockey, and the aggressive parents pushing their kids too hard. We are up close and personal with the demons from Willa’s past, and the return of Jack’s ex pushes Willa out of his life.

The relationship between Willa and Jack begins as co-coaches and friends. Hoping to take their relationship to the next level, Jack begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine but Willa has been burned, and Jack’s past refuses to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including team owner Brienne Norcross and her fiancé Drake McGinn, Brienne’s cousin Tansy Carmichael, several players including Rafferty Abrams, Penn Navarro, Bain and Keira, Stone Dumelin. We are introduced to Willa’s sister Brittany’s and her daughter Izzy, as well as Willa’s ex Scott, and Jack’s ex Emily.

KING is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, friendships and love. The premise is honest and animated; the age-gap romance is spicy; the characters are sassy and lively.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen
Drake
Cannon
Hendrix
Camden
Bain
Van 2
Boone
Callum
Foster

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer’s Newsletter

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Played by Naima Simone-review

Played by Naima Simone-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 3, 2024

Being a firefighter isn’t easy. Especially for a Black woman. Working with family helps a little. But when somebody from your company doesn’t come back from a call, it’s brutal—as in, “How’m I supposed to go on?” brutal.

And one death took me to a really dark place.

A year later, I’m at the Pirates’ hockey training facility. Just another day on the job. Until I find a charred journal. I look inside for the owner’s name, but the words on the page punch me in the gut. It’s like reading my own thoughts. Reliving my own pain.

The journal belongs to Solomon Young, left-winger for the Pirates—a father and widower. When I return it, I’m racked with guilt for the invasion of privacy. The look Solomon gives me is cold as ice.

But damn if that man isn’t hot as hell.

Now he’s stuck in my brain. And fate seems intent on making us face off.

••••••

REVIEW:PLAYED by Naima Simone is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, POC, erotic, hockey / firefighter romance focusing on thirty year old professional hockey player and single dad Solomon Young, and firefighter Adina Wright’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Adina and Solomon) PLAYED follows the building but reluctant romance and relationship between our story couple. Solomon Young has loved and lost, and struggles to move forward especially when he is has become co-dependant upon his in-laws for support in the wake of his wife’s death but his father is the team owner, and Solomon is about to cross a line as far as his former in-laws are concerned, a line that involves our story line heroine. Adina Wright is a firefighter, as are most of her family and siblings but Adina has also loved and lost knowing the pain of which Solomon continues to hide. A perceived act of betrayal threatens any hope of friendships, pushing Adina to the side, until a young boy discovers there is more to life than waiting on the sidelines for his father to come home. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as emotions get the best of everyone including our story line hero.

The world building follows several paths. Adina is struggling with harassment at work: Solomon is battling his own guilt ; someone else is targeting our story line couple, and the fall-out is affecting Solomon’s play and his private life.

The relationship between Solomon and Adina begins acrimoniously as Solomon accuses Adina of a horrible betrayal. Not only does Adina feel threatened and abused but vengeance will come in many forms, threatening our heroine’s personal and work life. As Solomon and Adina begin to build the relationship, someone else give Solomon reason not to trust the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are provocative and impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Solomon’s teammates, his son Khalil, as well as his in-laws Nate and Caroline; Adina’s siblings Malik, Malcolm, her mother professor Viviane Wright, her father Captain Nolan Wright; as well as her best friend Noni Crawford, and several other members of the Providence Firefighters squad including Matt and Jared. I hope the author has plans for several more stories.

PLAYED is a story of power and control, grief and guilt, family and friendships, relationships and love. The thought provoking premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive but struggles with issues of trust and guilt; the characters are dynamic, determined and animated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Defending Goal (For Puck’s Sake 8)by Crea Reitan -review tour

🧡The Defending Goal (For Puck’s Sake 8)by Crea Reitan -review tour🧡

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2024

Not only the net should be protected.

Felton

I’m a disappointment, a failure, a shit show. Every decision is wrong. None of my accomplishments are good enough. I don’t do anything right.

This is what I’ve been told my entire life.

For more than thirty years, no one knew. What the world sees is a lie. I do a good job of hiding it.

Until I don’t.

Ren

Sometimes, all it takes is a single moment to realize you’re needed somewhere and in that moment, your entire life changes. Felton has so many broken pieces that he can barely breathe.

But that’s okay. I’m going to show this man what love is. If he doesn’t have the capacity to protect himself, I’ll do it for him. The abuse ends now.

••••

REVIEW: If I could reach into a book and hug/protect a character, then Felton would be it.

He may be a huge goalie, a mountain of a man , but he’s been belittled and terrorised all his life, and not by kids at school, no, far worse! By his own father!! His family, especially his mother didn’t really try to stop it! So Felton has no confidence at all, in fact when hearing his fathers voice, Felton goes into panic/shut down mode (his way of trying to protect himself!)

Then Felton’s world falls apart! His career is on the line. And Felton begins to spiral…..

Ren plays on the same team as Felton, they know each other, but not really friends. Ren has his own set of friends and a loving family. So when Ren begins to notice Felton, it’s firstly as a concerned team member. And the more Ren gets to know about Felton (the one behind the fake smile) the more Ren

It’s a sloooowburn, but watching as Ren slowly comes to realise that Felton is it for him, has me not minding the spice scenes being missing. In fact, if they’d gone at it from the get go, I think we would have lost a beautiful story.

Ren becomes Felton’s friend/confidant/mentor and cheerleader. He becomes the wall that Felton needs against his father. And Ren shows him that family can love each other unconditionally. Felton hands over the reigns to Ren, and lets him make ALL of his decisions. Suddenly a huge weight is lifted, and Felton can finally breathe.

I squealed as a crossover character is mentioned. Puzzled to myself as to who will be in the next book. And sighed, as I close yet another emotional book. I love this series.

I like how the author builds the story and the characters. This one has less crossovers, but it does have a few hockey moments. (Which the last few have been lacking. This one is possibly another “gay for you” as Ren has slept with women, and has never really looked at men “that way”, until Felton.

Felton and Ren are probably my second favourite couple in this series.

No need to read in order. You can dip in and out.

Another recommended read from me 👍🏻

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shiver
Starting Line
Lucky Shot
The Crease
Wingman Score
Coach Stare Down
Stick Lessons

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Light Em Up (Bang Brothers Hockey 5) by Kelly Jamieson-review

Light Em Up (Bang Brothers Hockey 5) by Kelly Jamieson-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 2024

Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey series

Annie Bang

I’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games. Except one of the guys is Logan Coates—the guy who sent my brother to the hospital in a memorable game three seasons ago. I want nothing to do with him.

Logan Coates

I don’t need some tiny figure skater telling me what to do. I know how to skate. I wouldn’t be in the NHL if I didn’t. Although, I am a fourth liner. I do want more ice time. I want to make a difference on the team. But learning how to figure skate isn’t it. Especially from Annie Bang, who hates my guts. Speaking of guts…she has ’em. She’s a pint-sized badass. And that’s sexy as hell. When I’m around her, my skate blade’s not the only thing made of steel.

••••••

REVIEW:LIGHT ‘EM UP by Kelly Jamieson is the fifth instalment in the contemporary, adult, multi-authored hockey romance series focusing on the Bang siblings. This is former figure skater turned skating coach Annie Bang, and professional hockey player Logan Coates. LIGHT ‘EM UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. For followers of Kelly Jamieson, the story line is set in the author’s Bears Hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Annie and Logan) LIGHT ‘EM UP follows the forbidden relationship between Annie Bang and Logan Coates. Annie Bang is the new skating coach for the professional hockey team the New York Bears but Annie never expected to come face to face with Logan Coates, a one-night from six years earlier, and the man who almost destroyed her brother’s career.Working with each member of the team, Annie teaches strength and agility but most of the players become defensive when a figure skater threatens everything they thought they knew including our story line hero. Logan Coates’ knows his reputation precedes his introduction to Annie Bang but not everything is as it appears to be. What ensues is the building but secret relationship between Annie and Logan, and the potential fall-out when their affair is revealed.

The world building focuses on the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. Logan’s take down of Annie’s brother was an accident but the ensuing penalty, suspension, and fan negativety added more heart break to our hero’s already floundering self-esteem. Too many injuries ended Annie Bang’s figure skating career, and in an effort to prove herself worthy of being a ‘Bang’ sibling, Annie focused on getting a job in the NHL.

The relationship between Annie and Logan is one of second chances, of a sorts. A one-night stand six years earlier, and their careers going in different directions culminates in a rekindling but potentially forbidden romance. Annie is the team’s skating coach, and Logan is off limits as far as Annie is concerned . Keeping their relationship on the down-low, Annie must come to terms with betraying her entire family, a family she believes had given up on our story line heroine. Logan doesn’t want to be Annie’s dirty little secret, and finds himself struggling with his own issues of low self esteem. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to several members of the Bears team and coaching staff, as well as Logan’s parents, and Annie’s brothers, mom and dad.

LIGHT ‘EM UP is a story of secrets, family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is seductive ; the characters are charismatic and compelling.

Previous reviews in the Bears Hockey series
Must love Dogs and Hockey
You Had Me at Hockey
Talk Hockey to Me
The O Zone

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over fifty romance novels and novellas. She writes the kind of books she loves to read–sexy romance with heat, humor and emotion. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white) and shoes (high!). She also loves watching hockey. She is the author of the popular Heller Brothers Hockey series, Aces Hockey series, and the Rule of Three trilogy.

Connect with Kelly

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3oqDFet
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37x0pTe
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33MTofY
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33Njsb2
BookBub: https://bit.ly/39LQaxm
Website: https://www.kellyjamieson.com

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If You Want Me (Toronto Terror 2) by Helena Hunting-review

🩷💚If You Want Me (Toronto Terror 2) by Helena Hunting-review🩷💚

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2024

A standalone age-gap, dad’s best friend’s hockey romance.
There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter.

Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me.

I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles.
When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly.

Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break.
But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine.

I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.

••••

REVIEW:IF YOU WANT ME is the second instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult TORONTO TERROR erotic, hockey, romance series. This is thirty three year old hockey player Hollis Hendrix, and twenty-one year old, university student Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. IF YOU WANT ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Aurora and Hollis) IF YOU WANT ME follows the age-gap, father’s best friend relationship between our story line couple. Aurora Hammerstein is the daughter of Toronto Terror goalie Roman Hammerstein, and has been a team princess all of her life but Aurora has had a crush on her father’s teammate Hollis Hendrix since Hollis’ trade seven years earlier. Hollis and Roman are best friends, travel roommates and professional teammates and in this Hollis struggles with his attraction to our story line heroine but Aurora is always in Hollis’ orbit, and when Hollis is injured, Aurora becomes his nurse and lover without looking back. Trying to keep their relationship a secret is about to implode, and Hollis believes he may have lost more than his best friend but the woman he loves.

The world building is detailed and follows Aurora as she navigates her feelings for her father’s best friend. Knowing to lie to her father will break his heart but Aurora knows that Hollis is her own happily ever after. As Hollis battles between head and hear knowing he is about to destroy a friendship, our hero is willing to walk away in the face of their secrets and lies.

The relationship between Hollis and Aurora is a best friend’s daughter , forbidden relationship. Roman Hammerstein has forbidden his daughter from dating any and all hockey players but especially in the face of his own experiences when he was too young to understand. As Aurora and Hollis’ relationship moves into something more, Hollis must come to terms with his own injuries, and the love of a woman he has been forbidden to love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting character including many of whom we met in the previous story line. We are reintroduce to Bea and Tristan (If You Hate Me), Dallas Bright, attorney Ashish Palaniappa, Flip Madden (Bea’s brother), PR manager Willy, Hemi, Dred, as well as Hollis’ ex Scarlet Reed, and Aurora’s mother.

IF YOU WANT ME is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, betrayal, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and heartwarming; the characters are animated, charismatic and stubborn; the romance is sizzling and spicy

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one IF YOU HATE ME

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.

 

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