Tag Archives: hockey

The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting-Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
42

THE GOOD LUCK CHARM by Helena Hunting-Review & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2018

Lilah isn’t sure what hurt worse: the day Ethan left her to focus on his hockey career, or the day he came back eight years later. He might think they can pick up just where they left off, but she’s no longer that same girl and never wants to be again.

Ethan Kane wants his glory days back. And that includes having Lilah by his side. With her, he was magic. They were magic. All he has to do is make her see that.

Just when Lilah might finally be ready to let him in, though, she finds out their reunion has nothing to do with her and everything to do with his game. But Ethan’s already lost her once, and even if it costs him his career, he’ll do anything to keep from losing her again.

•••••

REVIEW: THE GOOD LUCK CHARM by Helen Hunting is a contemporary, adult, erotic, hockey romance story line focusing on twenty-seven year old, professional hockey player Ethan Kane, and twenty-six year old, practical nurse Lilah Smith.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lilah and Ethan) THE GOOD LUCK CHARM focusing on the second chance relationship between twenty-seven year old, professional hockey player Ethan Kane, and twenty-six year old, practical nurse Lilah Smith. Eight years earlier, high school sweethearts Ethan and Lilah were making plans for the future when Ethan’s chance to play professional hockey found our hero walking out of Lilah’s life without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein Ethan’s trade to his home-state of Minnesota brings with it too many memories of the past, and reminders of what was and what could have been for our story line heroine. With his dad’s recent stroke Ethan would have to face the reality of having lost the woman he has always loved as Lilah remains a permanent fixture in his parents’ lives. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Lilah and Ethan, and the potential fallout as Ethan’s need for Lilah becomes overwhelming leaving our heroine feeling smothered and lost at the same time.

Lilah’s heart was destroyed the day Ethan walked out of her life with nothing more than a phone call saying he needed to focus on his hockey career. Losing the only man she would ever love Lilah spent the next eight years trying to find what she had lost only to come to the realization that nothing and no one could ever replace her broken heart. Ethan Kane has never stopped loving Lilah Smith, and his actions eight years earlier have been a heavy burden throughout his career. Having a second chance at love finds our hero trying to regain everything he has lost but in doing so begins to push away the woman he loves-Lilah will, once again, unknowingly sabotage her future for the man that could potentially destroy her heart.

The relationship between Lilah and Ethan is one of second chances; a palpable sexual attraction that has never diminished; a heart breaking and emotional reunion that begins to pick at a scar that had yet to heal. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Lilah’s sister Carmen; Ethan’s parents Martin and Jeannie Kane; Dr.Noah Lovely; and college student Emery Dove-Smith. I am hoping for a future story between Noah and Carmen.

THE GOOD LUCK CHARM is a story of sacrifice and acceptance; family and friendships; second chances and a happily ever after. The premise is emotional and sensitive; the romance is spirited and provocative; the characters are flirty but wounded. THE GOOD LUCK CHARM is a character driven, realistic and passionate story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

FOLLOW: NTY 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.

 

Helena Hunting’s publisher is graciously offering a  paper copy of  THE GOOD LUCK CHARM to TWO (2) lucky commentators at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Helena Hunting on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from August 5-10, 2018

Share

Marek ( Cold Fury Hockey #11) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

Posted on by
12

Marek (Cold fury Hockey #11) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / ibooks

When the Carolina Cold Fury’s hottest young star gets blindsided by an ex with a scandalous secret, it’s game on.

Marek Fabritis is used to delivering blows, not receiving them. But when he gets tipped off by an anonymous email about his ex-girlfriend, the news leaves him ice cold—and it’s not because Gracen Moore is getting married to a total jerk. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter he never knew about. Now he’s going back home, not to play knight in shining armor but to make damn sure that no man takes what’s his. For the first time, there might be something more important than hockey.

Gracen Moore has always loved Marek. That’s why she let him go, so he could pursue a career in the NHL. And that’s why she never told him about Lilly. Only now does Gracen realize that she made an unforgivable mistake. But is that any reason for Marek to crash her wedding and make an epic scene? If the spark that still smolders between them is to be trusted, maybe. Still, Gracen’s not getting her hopes up. Because she knows better than anyone that appearances aren’t always what they seem.

•••••••••

REVIEW: MAREK is the eleventh instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey team. This is hockey player Marek Fabritis, and nurse Gracen Moore’s story line. MAREK 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 (Marek and Gracen) MAREK is a second chance romance between Carolina Cold Fury player Marek Fabritis, and nurse Gracen Moore. Four years earlier, as he was about to embark on a professional career in the NHL, Marek Fabritis walked away from the woman he loved destroying her heart in the process. Fast forward to present day wherein Marek will receive an anonymous email that his ex-girlfriend had birthed him a daughter, and was in the process of marrying a man she did not love. All but kidnapping Gracen and the little girl he never knew Marek will effectively tie our heroine’s hands as he comes to terms with the knowledge that Gracen kept secret the birth of their daughter.

From the outset Marek Fabritis’ anger and hatred towards Gracen is despicable and appalling. There is nothing worthy about his actions and immature attitude towards the woman he once loved, a woman he despises for keeping secret her pregnancy and the birth of their child. As the story line progresses, there are small glimpses into a man who is willing to forgive but something will trigger the memory of the secrets and lies thusly setting Marek off on a vicious tirade meant to humiliate and wound. Gracen knows she screwed up four years earlier but the man that she loved (and still loves) all but destroyed the very essence of her heart and her soul. As a single parent Gracen needed to focus on her young daughter but things go from bad to worse when she finds herself, yet again, sacrificing her own happiness for someone she loves.

The relationship between Marek and Gracen is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that struggles in the face of past sins, secrets and lies. Marek’s treatment of Gracen is embarrassing, infuriating and juvenile, and our heroine places the blame all unto herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but once again, I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word I believe serves no purpose in a romance story line.

We are introduced to Marek and Gracen’s daughter Lilly-a sweet child who could have been easily used as a pawn in her parent’s war with one another.

MAREK is a well written, fast paced, emotional and heart breaking story line made all the more painful by the hero’s actions and behavior. I had a bit of a struggle with how Gracen easily acquiesced to Marek’s accusations and tirades-for a strong, independent woman she was constantly apologizing for sins of the past. The premise is spirited and dramatic; the characters are infuriating, colorful and passionate; the romance is provocative and edgy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Alex
Garrett
Zack
Ryker
Hawke
Max
Roman
Lucas
Van
Reed
Marek

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

Share

Misadventures With a Rookie (Misadventures #11) by Toni Aleo-a review

Posted on by
9

MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE (Misadventures #11) by Toni Aleo

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

***MISADVENTURES ARE STANDALONE ROMANCES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER***

Winning has always come naturally for stud ice hockey defenseman Gus “the Bus” Persson. On the ice or off, he’s never had any trouble scoring, racking up goals—and girls. As the best player in his rookie class and the number-one draft pick of the Malibu Suns, he’s taking his game to the next level and is justifiably full of swagger.

So why does one of the Suns’ ice girls treat him like he’s invisible?

Bo St. James doesn’t have time for rookie hotshots who think their gloves don’t stink. She knows them, she works with them, she trains them. It doesn’t matter that Gus Persson is the hottest newbie she’s ever seen. She knows his type. She’s got big plans of her own, and she’s not going to let some cocky rich kid athlete keep her from her goals.

But there’s a chemistry between them they cannot deny. A lust that burns so hot, it threatens to melt the very ice on which they make their livings. The game has changed for both of them. Together, can these two play to win?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE by Toni Aleo is a stand-alone, contemporary, new adult, erotic, sports romance story line, a part of the multi-authored MISADVENTURES series. This is twenty-two year old AHL’s Malibu Suns hockey defenseman Gus ‘The Bus’ Persson, and twenty-one year old Sun’s ice girl/college student Bo St. James’ story line.

NOTE: I have seen this cover and title in two formats including Misadventures of a Rookie.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gus and Bo) MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE follows the acrimonious relationship between AHL’s Malibu Suns hockey defenseman Gus ‘The Bus’ Persson, and twenty-one year old Sun’s ice girl/college student Bo St. James. Bo wants nothing to do with a man like Gus Persson. She knows his type only too well-a love’em and leave’em kinda guy whose reputation with the ladies, and his arrogant and cocky personality precedes his introduction to our story line heroine but a persistent Gus Persson slowly begins to break down Bo’s no-hockey player policy. With secrets in her past, Bo struggles with her attraction and reactions to our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bo and Gus, and the potential break-down when Gus is called up to the professional league.

Throughout the story line our couple find themselves caught up in a series of misadventures that land one or the other in the hospital ER. From a sprained ankle and dog bites, to a hilarious but painful allergic reaction, our couple find themselves participants in a comedy of errors as their relationship continues to grow and build. Bo’s preconceived notions about Gus are quickly blown out of the water with the revelation that his privileged upbringing was anything but. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense; Gus likes to talk dirty both in and out of the bedroom.

We are introduced to Gus’ parents, a couple whose humor, and love and support of their son hides an earlier failure that left Gus and his mother struggling to survive. The opposite end of the spectrum finds Bo’s parents struggling with our heroine’s sins of the past, as their constant reminders push our heroine further out of their life.

MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE is both humorous and heart breaking as our couple navigate through a series of screw-ups, and secrets. The premise is engaging and enjoyable; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful, fun and entertaining.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Playmaker (Breakaway #3) by L.P.Dover-Review & Excerpt Tour

Posted on by
6

PLAYMAKER (Breakaway #3) by LP Dover-Review and Excerpt Tour

PLAYMAKER
Breakaway #3
by LP Dover
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey,romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /ibooks / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 27, 2018

He knows every play in the book. But she’s calling the shots.

I’m Maddox Ledger, all-star winger and the reason the Charlotte Strikers killed it in the playoffs. Yeah, the tabloids like to call me arrogant. A real hothead. All I see is a guy who plays to win. Wreaking havoc on the ice, breaking a few hearts—that’s all just part of the game. And I’m sure as hell not sitting on the bench.

When my teammate asks me to be in his wedding party, I can’t refuse—but that’s the only way you’ll see me walk down the aisle. Commitment is for suckers. Lucky for me, the bridesmaid I’m paired with is the definition of eye candy. Lacey Easton is totally irresistible . . . and weirdly familiar. A glimpse of bare shoulder takes me back to a steamy Vegas night I can’t forget. One I’m eager to repeat.

Suddenly our one-night stand is turning into the sequel . . . and so much more. Still, Lacey’s keeping secrets. She doesn’t trust me. And maybe I deserve it. But there’s no chance I’m letting her get away—or letting another guy take what is mine. This time, I’m playing for keeps.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PLAYMAKER is the third instalment in L.P. Dover’s contemporary, adult BREAKAWAY erotic, romance, hockey series focusing on the men and women of the professional hockey team the Charlotte Strikers. This is left winger Maddox Ledger, and twenty seven year old physician Lacey Easton’s story line. PLAYMAKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lacey is Dallas Easton’s sister, and Maddox is Callie Davis’ cousin (Blocked #2).

Told from dual first person points of view (Lacey and Maddox) PLAYMAKER follows the acrimonious second chance relationship between physician/intern Lacey Easton, and the Charlotte Strikers resident left winger and bad boy Maddox Ledger. Two years earlier, while on vacation in Vegas during spring break, Lacey aka Paige and Maddox spent two wild weeks together that culminated in a Vegas wedding only to have our heroine disappear the next morning with no forwarding address or personal information. All Maddox knew was that his new wife’s name was Paige but had no idea her connection to the team or the man who despised his very existence. Hiring a detective Maddox goes in search of his wayward wife only to come face to face, not once but twice, wherein our heroine refuses to acknowledge his existence or their prior relationship. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Lacey and Maddox, and the potential fall-out as Lacey struggles to trust a man she considers nothing more than manwh*re, and the threat of other suitors who have no idea that Lacey and Maddox have tied the knot.

Lacey and Maddox’s marriage must be kept on the down-low as Lacey’s brother and fellow Charlotte Striker’s teammate Dallas Easton despises the very ground upon which our hero walks. Lacey has known all along the who and what of Maddox Ledger but our hero had no idea about the woman to whom he married or her connections to the Charlotte Strikers. Maddox’s reputation as a womanizer continues to dog our hero in the face of his changed ways and newfound love but keeping their marriage a secret is far more difficult than they could have imagined.

The relationship between Lacey and Maddox is one of mutual attraction, mutual disdain, and mutual love that requires our couple to remain hidden from view and the professional paparazzi. Lacey fears her brother’s wrath when her relationship with Maddox is exposed but Maddox is desperate to claim Lacey for the world to see. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the Charlotte Strikers players: Kellan and Kristen (Hard Stick #1), Callie and Dallas (Blocked #2), Justin and his ‘reality TV ‘ fiancé Miranda: Miranda’s friend Laura; Lacey’s best friend and Strikers player Braeden Wallace; Callie’s friend Hannah Martin; and Lacey’s co-worker Sophia. I am hoping for Sophia and Braeden’s story next.

The world building focuses on the team’s battle for the Stanley Cup; the friendship, camaraderie, and conflicts between teammates and family, as well as the Lacey’s earlier need to pull Maddox along for the ride.

PLAYMAKER is a bit of a frustrating read in the face of our heroine’s attitude and two year disappearance. Her flight from Vegas and subsequent refusal to acknowledge their marriage forces Maddox to remain on the side lines while those around him fell in love. For a smart woman Lacey is oblivious to her best-friends advances and attempts for something more; and her treatment of Maddox Ledger is questionable on so many levels. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and charismatic although the heroine is exasperating for most of the story; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of Lacey’s inability to trust, and her need to control our story line hero –a similarity she has in common with the previous story line heroine. Saying that, if I am unable to get past the main characters’ negative qualities, I have a difficult time with my enjoyment of the overall premise.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Hard Stick
Blocked
Playmaker

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“And we’ll be right back,” Maddox announced, grabbing my wrist.
He pulled me away, and I went willingly with him. I glanced back at Braeden and he started toward us, but I shook my head, stopping him midstep. Maddox turned the corner, his eyes burning like fire.
“I thought I could get through this, but I can’t. I’m so fucking tired of the lies. I know who you are, Lacey.”
My heart stopped. I pretended to be stupid. “Of course, you know who I am. Stop being silly. We need to get back to the wedding.”
He stepped closer, caging me against the wall, with his lips so close to mine. “No,” he growled low. “I mean, I know who you are . . . Paige.” Keeping his eyes on mine, he glided a hand down my bare back and reached inside my dress, circling his fingers around my strawberry birthmark. My whole body broke out in chills. “Did you seriously think I wouldn’t recognize you?”
“Took you long enough,” I snapped.
“Oh, I knew who you were right after you left me in Vegas.” My mouth dropped. “Yeah, that’s right, sunshine. A well-paid private investigator can find out anything.”

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.

Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.

Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Google+ / Amazon / Goodreads / Newsletter

Share

So Over You (Chicago Rebels #2) by Kate Meader-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
9

SO OVER YOU (Chicago Rebels #2) by Kate Meader-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

So Over You

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2017

Three estranged sisters struggle to sustain their late father’s failing hockey franchise in Kate Meader’s sizzling Chicago Rebels series. In this second entry, middle sister Isobel is at a crossroads in her personal and professional lives. But both are about to get a significant boost with the addition of a domineering Russian powerhouse to the Rebels….

Isobel Chase knows hockey. She played NCAA, won Olympic silver, and made it thirty-seven minutes into the new National Women’s Hockey League before an injury sidelined her dreams. Those who can’t, coach, and a position as a skating consultant to her late father’s hockey franchise, the Chicago Rebels, seems like a perfect fit. Until she’s assigned her first job: the man who skated into her heart as a teen and relieved her of her pesky virginity. These days, left-winger Vadim Petrov is known as the Czar of Pleasure, a magnet for puck bunnies and the tabloids alike. But back then… let’s just say his inability to sink the puck left Isobel frustratingly scoreless.

Vadim has a first name that means “ruler,” and it doesn’t stop at his birth certificate. He dominates on the ice, the practice rink, and in the backseat of a limo. But a knee injury has produced a bad year, and bad years in the NHL don’t go unrewarded. His penance? To be traded to a troubled team where his personal coach is Isobel Chase, the woman who drove him wild years ago when they were hormonal teens. But apparently the feeling was not entirely mutual.

That Vadim might have failed to give Isobel the pleasure that was her right is intolerable, and he plans to make it up to her—one bone-melting orgasm at a time. After all, no player can perfect his game without a helluva lot of practice.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SO OVER YOU is the second instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO REBELS erotic, hockey, romance series focusing on three estranged sisters-Harper Chase, Isobel Chase and Violet Vasquez- who recently inherited the struggling NHL hockey franchise the Chicago Rebels. This is Chicago Rebel’s co-owner and skating consultant Isobel Chase, and Russian left-winger Vadim Petrov’s story line. SO OVER YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Upon their father’s death, estranged sisters Harper Chase, Isobel Chase and Violet Vasquez inherited the ownership of the struggling NHL hockey franchise-the Chicago Rebels. With only months remaining in the current season, the sisters are tasked with turning the team into a play-off bound franchise or risk loosing everything, including their father’s legacy, one piece at a time.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Isobel and Vadim) SO OVER YOU follows the second chance relationship between Chicago Rebels injured left-winger Vadim Petrov, and co-owner/skating consultant Isobel Chase, NCAA star, Olympic hockey silver medalist, and former player in the National Women’s Hockey League-thirty seven minutes that would break more than her spirit and end her career. Several years earlier, Vadim Petrov was on the verge of making a name for himself in the NHL when Isobel’s father destroyed any hopes, for our hero, for the foreseeable future including breaking the bonds between Vadim and the woman with whom he would fall in love. Fast forward to present day wherein an injured Vadim Petrov will come face to face with his past when he is traded to the embattled Chicago Rebels. What ensues is the back and forth, sexually palpable antagonistic relationship between Isobel and Vadim, as Isobel begins coaching our hero back to the star she knows he can be, and the potential fall out when Isobel battles between her head and her heart, and the man that she loves, as she endeavours to return to the game in the hopes of the elusive gold medal.

We are up close and personal as Vadim battles his own preconceived notions about the mother he believes all but abandoned her only son. With his younger sister’s burgeoning skills as an elite hockey player herself, Vadim becomes the over protective Russian bear as it pertains to the two most important women in his life-Isabel Chase and his sister Mia Wallace. The Chase fractured family dynamics begin to heal as the sisters forge together to ensure the Chicago Rebels continue their upward flight on a path bound towards the hockey playoff rounds.

The relationship between Vadim and Isobel is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people whose relationship was destroyed by a man whose sole focus was on the game that he loved-a game that would come between a father and the daughters he cared little about. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Isobel’s sisters Harper Chase and her boyfriend Remy Dupre (Irresistible You #1), Violet Vasquez; Vadim’s sister Mia Wallace, and their mother Victoria Wallace, Vadim’s personnel assistant Alexei Medvedev; team GM Dante Moretti, defenseman Cade Burnett, Rebels captain Bren St. James, head-trainer Kelly Townsend, and left-winger Leon Shay.

SO OVER YOU has moments of humor and fun; betrayal and revenge; romance and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. SO OVER YOU is a story of family, friendship, forgiveness and forever.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
In Skates Trouble
Irresistible You
So Over You

Copy supplied by the Publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

He leaned in again, smelling of fame, privilege, and raw sex appeal. Discomfort at his proximity edged out the hormonal sparks dancing through her body.
“Does Moretti know that we have history? That you are the last person I wish to work with?”
Before she could respond, someone squealed, “Vadim!” A blond, skinny, buxom someone, who now wrapped herself around Vadim in a very possessive manner. “You said you’d be back with a dwinkie!”
A dwinkie?
Drawing back, Vadim circled the squealer’s waist and pulled her into his hard body. “Kotyonok, I did not mean to be so long.” He dropped a kiss on her lips, needing to bend considerably because she was just so darn petite! Not like big-boned Isobel, who could have eaten this chick and her five supermodel Playmates for a midmorning snack. A group of them stood off to the side, clearly waiting for the signal to start the orgy. And Vadim clearly wanted to give it, except he had to deal with the annoying six-foot fly in the sex ointment.
Why did the lumberjack hotties always go for twigs instead of branches? Did it make them feel more virile to screw a pocket-sized Barbie?
Yep, feeling like a schlub.
But he didn’t need to know that. All he needed to know was that she had the power to return him to competitive ice. This was her best shot at making a difference and getting the Rebels to a coveted play-off spot. Vadim Petrov and his butt-hurt feelings would not stand in her way.
“Do you need to talk about it, Russian?”
She infused as much derision into the question as possible, so that the idea of “talking about it” made him sound a touch less than manly. Big, bad, brick-house Russians didn’t need to talk about the women who done them wrong.
“There is nothing to talk about,” he uttered in that voice that used to send Siberian shivers down her back. Now? Nothing more than a Muscovian flurry.
“Excellent!” Superscary cheerful face. “Regular practice is tomorrow at ten, so I’ll see you on the ice at 9 a.m. Don’t be late.”
Pretty happy with her exit line, she walked away.
Far too easy.
A brute hand curled around hers and pulled her to the other side of the bar, out of the sight line of most of the VIP room. She found her back against a wall—literally and figuratively—as 230 pounds of Slavic muscle loomed over her.
He still held her hand.
If she weren’t so annoyed, she’d think it was kind of nice.
She yanked it away. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
“Who am I?” he boomed, and she prayed it was rhetorical. Unfortunately, no. “I am Vadim Petrov. Leading goal scorer for my first two years in the NHL. Winner of both the Kontinental and the Gagarin Cups. A man not to be trifled with. And you are, who, exactly? The daughter of a hockey great who was not so great when it came to running a team. The woman who can no longer play yet thinks she can offer ‘tips’ to me. To me! You may have pedigree, Isobel, but there is nothing I can learn from you.”
This arrogant, douchewaffle piece of shit!

About The author

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

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.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter give-away. If you have any questions, please contact the publisher.

Kate Meader will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card during release week. To
enter, please go  here

Simon and Schuster

Share

VAN (Cold Fury Hockey #9) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

Posted on by
10

VAN (Cold Fury Hockey #9) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

Van Banner

VAN
Cold Fury Hockey #9
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: November 28, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey, romance

Van

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks/Google Play /

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35018727-van

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2017

Score one for the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team as a stone-cold badass melts for a woman who makes his blood run hot.

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VAN is the ninth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Cold Fury Hockey team. This is twenty eight year old, team enforcer Van Turner, and Simone Fournier’s story line. VAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of VAN run parallel to and cross over with book eight LUCAS where we are first introduced to our story line couple. Simone is Lucas (#8) and Max’s (#6) younger sister.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Van and Simone) VAN follow the building relationship between the Cold Fury’s enforcer Van Turner, and Simone Fournier, Max and Lucas’s sister, who at the end of book eight-LUCAS-had quit university, and moved in with Lucas and Van. Simone’s parents had always planned for our heroine to attend medical school but a few months before completing her bachelor’s degree Simone walks into Lucas’s apartment and announces she wants something different for her life. Enter brooding and tormented Van Turner, Lucas’s teammate, and the man with whom Simone will fall in love. What ensues is the secret ‘friends with benefits’ relationship between Simone and Van, and the potential fall out as Van’s past is revealed for the world to see.

Van Turner is an unknown entity to the Cold Fury hockey team. A dark and dangerous past has our hero withdrawn, isolated, cold and calculating, refusing to acknowledge the elephant in the room; the demons that destroyed the family he once knew. Emotionally distant, with a temper to match, Van’s own teammates struggle with his attitude and actions, fearing reprisals if pushed too hard. Simone Fournier is a twenty-two year old young woman who struggles with a lack of direction, and her sexual attraction to a man who refuses to accept Simone, and everything she represents. Our heroine’s ‘seduction’ of Van Turner is methodical and calculating including pushing the boundaries of personal space and Van’s on-going rejection of Simone’s advances.

The relationship between Van and Simone is one of immediate attraction but saying that our heroine’s flirting and come-ons are not welcome by our story line hero. Van’s past is rife with betrayal and a darkness he prefers not to acknowledge-a darkness he believes threatens everyone he loves. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic, intense and edgy but, once again, I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word that I do NOT find romantic or seductive. Also, while Simone struggles with a lack of direction in her life, the choices she makes are questionable under the circumstances considering the close relationship with her family including two brothers who would do anything to help their little sister. For an intelligent woman she takes risks, and exposes herself to some controversial and problematic situations.

Several of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Simone’s brother Lucas and Stephanie, Max and Julianne, as well as Van’s aunt Etta, a woman he loves like a mother.

VAN is an emotional story line of one man’s desperate attempts to move on from the past, and one woman’s frenzied pursuit of the man that calls to her heart. The premise is impassioned and heart-breaking; the characters are colorful but broken; the romance is highly sexual and energetic-Van and Simone like it rough in the bedroom. VAN is a bold and lively addition to the author’s Cold Fury Hockey series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Alex
Garrett
Zack
Ryker
Hawke
Max
Roman
Lucas
Van

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

about the author

Sawyer Bennett : Juliette PoeSince 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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

Share

Blocked (Breakaway #2) by L.P.Dover- a review

Posted on by
10

BLOCKED (Breakaway #2) by L.P. Dover-a review

Blocked

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 31, 2017

He’s got every reason to be cocky . . . until a female cuts him down to size.

I’m Dallas Easton, the best goaltender in the league. I make a damn good living playing hockey, and with women falling at my feet wherever I go, why not enjoy it? I get whatever I want, whenever I want—that is, until I come across the one player who gets the best of me on the ice.

When I try to pummel the dude, all hell breaks loose. Imagine my surprise when the helmet comes off to reveal a woman underneath. And not just any woman, but the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. Callie Davis is the complete opposite of the puck bunnies I usually go for, a good girl with sick moves and a selfless streak a mile wide. I need to make amends, but she dodges me at every turn. It doesn’t help that Callie’s brother hates my guts, or that my agent thinks she’s bad for my career.

But I could care less what they think. I can’t let our little run-in on the ice be the end of our story. Because when I set my sights on something, I won’t rest until I score.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  BLOCKED is the second instalment in L.P. Dover’s contemporary, adult BREAKAWAY erotic, romance, hockey series focusing on the men and women of the professional hockey team The Charlotte Strikers. This is twenty nine year old goalie Dallas Easton, and twenty six year old nurse Callie Davis’ story line. BLOCKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Dallas in book one HARD STICK. Callie is the Charlotte Strikers’ Justin Davis’ younger sister.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callie and Dallas) BLOCKED looks at the building but acrimonious relationship between the Charlotte Strikers goalie Dallas Easton, a bit of a manwhore by reputation, and nurse Callie Davis, a woman who can hold her own against our story line hero. Callie’s introduction to Dallas comes at a party where Dallas finds himself on the receiving end of a jealous boyfriend who gets physically violent with our story line hero; to add insult to injury an unsuspecting Dallas will come face to face with a woman who isn’t afraid to go one on one but a meeting that doesn’t end well for Dallas Easton. What ensues is the building relationship between Callie and Dallas, and the potential fall out as Callie’s over protective brothers intend to protect Callie from their less than worthy teammate; and an overzealous agent who intends to keeps Callie and Dallas apart.

The relationship between Callie and Dallas is one of immediate attraction but Dallas’ reputation as a manwhore and player precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. Puck bunnies aside, Dallas’ life is about to get more complicated when he is chosen as the ‘bachelor’ for the reality television series Rich and Single. Callie’s brothers intend to make Dallas’ life a living h*ll in order to protect the sister they love including running interference both on and off the ice but Callie makes our hero work just as hard to ‘prove’ he is worthy of her attention and love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to look at the run for the Cup; the camaraderie between players, family, fans and the media; and the potential fall-out as past sins are slowly revealed.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters including Kristen and Kellan Carter (Hard Stick #1); Braeden Wallace, Coach Carlisle, and Maddox Ledger We are introduced to Callie’s twin brothers and sports agents Corey and Brant, as well as her brother Justin; her best friend and co-worker Hannah Martin, and Dr. Sands; as well as Dallas’ sister Lacey, and his parents Theresa and David Easton. There is some backstory and history between Lacey and Maddox that I am looking forward to the reveal.; and the developing relationship between Hannah and Corey.

BLOCKED is a story of family and friendship; of one man’s desire to change for the woman he loves, and one woman’s strength to look beyond the past. The premise is entertaining, inspiring and engaging; the characters are dynamic, edgy and spirited; the romance is passionate and uplifting. I did have to question some of the intended humor as our hero must ‘work’ for the heroine’s heart but humiliation is not on my list of proof of intention or love.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-HARD STICK

Copy supplied for review by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Lucas (Cold Fury Hockey #8) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

Posted on by
11

LUCAS (Cold Fury Hockey #8) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book tour

Lucas Banner

LUCAS
Cold Fury Hockey #8
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: September 19, 2017

Lucas

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /ibooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2017

The Carolina Cold Fury hockey team is stacked with hotshots. But when a new player joins their ranks, he learns that even superstars can’t go it alone when it comes to love.

Lucas Fournier is only serious about one thing: hockey. The league’s fun-loving charmer, Luc is always up for a good prank or a great lay, and he has no intention of settling down. But being traded to the Carolina Cold Fury—and to play alongside his big brother, Max—is no joke. With another title in sight, the last thing Luc wants is to let his new teammates down. To succeed, Luc will need to keep his head in the game and the most . . . er, demanding member of his anatomy in check. But when temptation hits, Luc hits back harder.

Museum curator Stephanie Frazier has always put business before pleasure, which just about explains her nonexistent sex life. But when Stephanie meets Luc at a champagne-fueled gala, she finds herself flirting like crazy—and going home with the uninhibited athlete. For one night, she learns what passion is all about. She just never counted on the little surprise Luc leaves behind. And that’s when things really start to get . . . interesting.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: LUCAS is the eighth installment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Carolina Cold Fury professional hockey team. This is defenseman Lucas Fournier, and museum curator Stephanie Frazier’s story line. LUCAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lucas is Max Fournier’s (MAX) younger brother.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luc and Stephanie) LUCAS follows the building relationship between the Carolina Cold Fury’s latest player acquisition Lucas Fournier, and museum curator Stephanie Frazier. Having met at a local fund raising gala Lucas finds himself up close and personal with the woman in charge. Enter Stephanie Frazier, museum curator and the woman with whom Lucas will fall in love. A one-night stand with Stephanie will change Lucas Fournier’s future-a future he is hoping to convince Stephanie to come along for the ride.

Stephanie struggles with memories from the past-a past shrouded in parental emotional and physical neglect that has shaped our heroine’s outlook with low self esteem and the inability to trust. Lucas is a man determined to bring Stephanie out of her shell but Stephanie’s past has done too much damage to be overcome by the seduction of Lucas Fournier.

The relationship between Stephanie and Lucas is one of immediate attraction but an attraction that is tempered by Stephanie’s news and Lucas’s battle for the Stanley Cup. Lucas makes every attempt to bring Stephanie into his life but our heroine battles too many demons. Stephanie’s inability to move on from the past is frustrating-sometimes growing up means taking responsibility for the present and the future-not wallowing in what was or what could have been. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the previous story line characters including Max and his fiancée Jules, and Luc’s parents Marilyn and Laurence Fournier play secondary and supporting roles. We are re-introduced to Max and Lucas’s younger sister Simone, and Luc’s teammate/roommate Van Turner. Simone and Van’s story line is next.

LUCAS is a heartbreaking and emotional story line as one woman struggles with her past, and the man who is willing to push her to accept everything he has to offer. Both of the leading characters have issues with maturity including the push and pull, yin and yang of a relationship that was never meant to go beyond a one-night stand. Stephanie’s independence is hampered by her stubbornness, thick walls, and inability to let go of the past. The premise is engaging; the romance is edgy but I struggled with my lack of lack of concern for the story line heroine. I could completely understand Luc’s frustration with the emotional distance and attitude of the woman with whom he had fallen in love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Alex
Garrett
Zack
Ryker
Hawke
Max
Roman
Lucas
Van (November 2018)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Lucas Teaser

about the author

Sawyer Bennett : Juliette PoeSince 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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

 

Share