Tag Archives: sports

Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Description:
Injured pro baseball player Ryan Bower has plenty of reasons for not sleeping. But thanks to a steamy romance novel that’s ignited the imaginations—and libidos—of pretty much everyone in Kissing Creek, Ryan’s kept awake by the sound of his parents. Having sex. Unforgivably gross. And Ryan is almost certain that the town’s adorably quirky and troublemaking librarian is responsible.

Sloane Rickman adores everything about her little town—with the exception of its very tall and infuriatingly sexy Golden Boy. Ryan Bower may be a ball-playing hottie, but where exactly does he get off telling her what books to recommend to her oddball little book club? Good thing he’s only in town for the fall.

Now Sloane and Ryan are stuck planning the main float for the town’s parade. But somewhere between arguments over paint colors and papier mâché flowers, their fights keep turning into red-hot kisses. And between Ryan’s demanding ball career and Sloane’s life in Kissing Creek, they face the biggest game of their lives…if they’re ready to play for keeps.

 

 

Review: 

Kissing Games by Stefanie London is the second book in the Kissing Creek Series, and I loved it. It’s not necessarily essential to read the first book (they all stand on their own really well) but reading this book will have to trotting off to find the first book (which is a great read also ?) It has hilarious moments where I laughed out loud (a little inappropriate when your at work with headphones on) ? It’s also got a few moments where you just want to shake Ryan and tell him to sort himself out before he loses the best thing he’s ever had! 

Ryan is home recovering from a sports injury, as soon as he’s healed he’s away from his hormonal parents (that had tears rolling down my face) in fact the whole town seems to be in the grip of something got and heavy! But at least it’s taking his mind off of his career, essentially he’s too old for baseball (professional level anyway) but he’s unsure where he’s heading, so he’s a bit of a grump at the moment! 

Sloane is the local librarian at Kissing Creek, she loves it there. She loves the small town feel, and finally feels like she’s found a home she can settle and put down roots. Somehow these two characters are forced together to organise a float for the coming town parade. Ryan can’t think of anything worse! The banter between these two is such a joy to read, they bounce off of one another, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at odd moments. But if Ryan isn’t going to be here for much longer, then there is no point starting anything, is there? 

If you love the small town Romance/ semi sporty feel romance then grab this book and be prepared to laugh through most of it. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Wild Card Kiss (Happy Endings 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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A Wild Card Kiss (Happy Endings 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2022

A sexy standalone romance between a single dad athlete and the woman who got away!

Things that suck on my wedding day — walking in on my groom kissing another woman twenty minutes before the ceremony.

Things that suck worse? The woman he’s kissing is my mom.

I head straight for the bowling alley bar down the street and ask for a double. And in walks a deliciously charming local football hero — Harlan Taylor.

Yes, I’ll take another drink in the form of a one-night stand with this hunk of a man. In the morning, he asks if I want to get together again. More rebound nookie? Yes please!

But then I learn his football team just hired my yoga studio to teach downward facing dog to their star player, making my O-delivering hottie officially off limits.

Trouble is, the more time I spend working with the sexy single dad who dotes on his daughter, the more I’m feeling all the things far too soon.

There’s no way this can end well, but tell that to my runaway heart…

•••••••

REVIEW:A WILD CARD KISS is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HAPPY ENDINGS erotic romance series. This is thirty-six year old professional football player for the San Francisco Renegades Harlan Taylor, and thirty-five year old, yoga instructor/studio brand owner Katie Madigan’s story line.

NOTE: There is a prequel novella-WILD CARD NIGHT -that takes place approximately seven years earlier but the prequel is also a part of the current release so there should be no confusion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Harlan and Katie) following two timelines, A WILD CARD KISS focuses on the building romance and relationship between thirty-six year old professional football player, running back turned receiver, Harlan Taylor, and yoga instructor/studio brand owner Katie Madigan. Approximately seven years earlier, Katie Madigan and Harlan Taylor met through mutual friends at a stranger’s wedding, and agreed to meet up again days later but Katie finds herself on the move with her burgeoning career, and loses all contact with our story line hero. Fast forward to present day wherein Harlan, now a single father, finds a familiar face in a jilted bride, a bride who, just hours before, discovered her groom in a compromising position with someone she knew. Still dressed in her gown, Katie and Harlan spend a night on the town, promising to meet up again when Katie has had time to figure out her next move. Another four months will pass before Katie is ready to move forward but like all the times before something or someone keeps putting the brakes on for our story line couple. Working as the yoga instructor for the San Francisco Renegades means Harlan Taylor is probably off limits but our couple find it increasingly difficult to fight their attraction, until an agreed upon deadline, at the end of the season. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Harlan and Katie, and the potential fall-out if their behind the scenes affair threatens Katie’s contract with San Francisco Renegades.

Katie Madigan watched from the sidelines as her parent’s marriage imploded, and with the demise of her relationship feared heading in the same direction but a deep betrayal meant Katie had to start anew, and starting over with the man who continues to star in her fantasies and dreams. Harlan Taylor never forgot about the ‘one’ who got away but Harlan is now a single father whose football career has placed him at the top of the world. Reuniting with Katie Madigan gives Harlan hope for a second chance but fate keeps interfering with our couple’s future.

The relationship between Katie and Harlan begins as a one-night stand seven years earlier but a promise for more is quickly dashed when Katie has an opportunity to kick-start her future. Finding Harlan again, at one of the lowest points in her life, gave Katie hopes for her own happily ever after but timing is everything, and the stars were, once again, never properly aligned. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

We are introduced to Katie’s business partner and sister Olive, and their VP of business development Zachary; her friends Skyler, Emerson and Jillian; Harlan’s daughter Abby and her mother Danielle, and his teammates Cooper, Jason,and Shane. Emerson’s story line is next.

A WILD CARD KISS is a story of family and betrayal, heart break and pain, second chances and love, moving forward and renewal. The premise is captivating and romantic; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are dynamic, energetic, and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.

Until one man suddenly changes everything…

Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.

For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

 

 

Review: 

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is the 7th book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Donovan is a sports personality, so has an image to uphold. The last thing he needs is to be found out that he’s gay! So much pressure and financial worry has Donovan firmly in the closet! 

Beckett a financial genius, gay and proud of it. It’s taken him a long time to accept and live himself, and he’s dated men who are scared of being found out, he’s not going to do that to himself again. He wants a man to openly show his love. 

I loved the beginning of this story, the moment their eyes locked across the crowded restaurant, the chemistry practically sizzled off my kindle. Introductions are made and Donovan is just a gibbering wreck, he knows Beckett knows he’s gay, and hopes that he stays quiet. But at some point he wants to get to know this man. But working together is going to cause all types of hassles. 

Donovan is dismayed that Beck is going to be working at the club he’s at! People will only have to look at them and know he fancies Beck! Beckett Stanton is a wonderful character, gentle, kind and totally gets where Donovan is coming from. He’s patient when Donovan has a melt down, he’s assertive when needed, and such a foil for the rough and gruff rugby player. He sees the real Donovan and does his best to bring that side out. 

It’s about weighting up the pros and cons of a relationship. It’s about doing what’s right for you, and damn the consequences. But in Donovan’s case, he has his career/family to think about, what will his daughter think? What will his family and fans do? 

But spending time with Beckett has him questioning those values. What if he misses out on the best thing that will ever happen to him? Doesn’t he deserve happiness? Yes he could wait until his career is done. But would Beck wait that long? 

Beck understands where Donovan is coming from, but he won’t be a dirty little secret. He’s allowed to show his love, and if Donovan doesn’t want to show the world, then he’ll find someone who will! 

It does slow down a little, and the constant looking over his shoulder has me wanting to shake Donovan, you understand his reluctance, but he going to lose Beck if he’s not careful! 

This book is in a series, I’ve not read any of the previous books, but I probably will go back at some point. It doesn’t spoil this book if you don’t read the others first, but I was surprised to find it’s an MM (male/male) read in a FM (female/male) series (I’ve noticed a lot of authors branching out recently, which is good, nothing wrong with a little change up).

It’s also a sports romance (not a big fan) but it’s written really well. A slow burn romance that will tug at the heartstrings and the face muscles. It’s left me with a smile ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Isn’t it Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams – Review & Giveaway

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Isn’t it Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad wrote one.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.

The bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love—and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena’s past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt.

 

 

Review:

Isn’t It Bromantic by Lyssa Kay Adams is the 4th book in her Bromance Book Club series.  Having enjoyed the first three books in this series, I looked forward to reading Isn’t It Bromantic and happy to say it was equally as good.  This is a fun romantic series that centers around a male book club group, most being athletes, and how they read and discuss romance novels to help teach each other how to handle women with care and love.

Vlad (aka the Russian) takes center stage in this book. He is a famous professional hockey player, who was well loved by his friends, neighbors and animals.  We got to see him in earlier books as having major stomach issues, but now he is on a gluten free diet, and things have gotten better.  But Vlad is still very much in love with his wife, Elena, but their marriage is on the rocks, as she is never home, at school to learn to be a journalist; both being stubborn thinking neither of them love each other.

Things will change when Vlad suffers a serious injury playing hockey, and his concern that he will never be able to play again.  Elena, who was making plans to go back to Russia, decides she owes Vlad for all the things he has done for her, to pay for everything, and takes over nursing him back to health.  Will this save their marriage?

I did like both Vlad and Elena, but found them both equally annoyingly stubborn, with both having so many misunderstandings and communications that constantly stop them from realizing that they both are very much in love with each other. 

Elena took over full control of nursing Vlad, giving her the chance to meet all the boys from the book club, as well as neighbors, which in time, the boys will push Vlad to learn how to open up more towards Elena, and the girls becoming closer to her, also pushing her to see how much he truly loves her.  This was the fun part, as both groups were truly hilarious.  I even got a kick out the neighbor dog or cat who was always at the house, and the chicken.  The Cheese Man was a riot, and wild fun.

What follows is a fun story, especially with the guys and girl groups trying to help, and the hilarious situations they find themselves in.  Lots of fun.  Vlad was in the process of writing a romance novel, which when the boys discover, they push themselves to help him use the book to learn how to treat Elena.  Elena also had her own secret of investigating the disappearance of her journalist father years before, which also puts her in danger.

Isn’t It Bromantic was another humorous fun story line, with a fantastic group of alpha men and female neighbors that had me laughing throughout.  Lyssa Kay Adams did a wonderful job writing this fun story, which you need to read.  I know I will be waiting for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of ISN’T IT BROMANTIC? to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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9. Giveaway runs from July 21 – 25, 2021

 

 

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The Engagement Arrangement by Jaci Burton – a Review

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The Engagement Arrangement by Jaci Burton – a Review

 

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Description:
Brenna Bellini will never get married again. She plans to live out her days as a happy, successful, single woman. When she’s chosen to be a bridesmaid in her friend’s wedding at the Bellini family vineyard, she’s thrilled. That is, until she realizes who else is in the wedding party. Brenna’s going to have to spend four days in the company of not only her ex-husband, but also her high school nemesis. She just knows the fact that she’s single and alone is going to be rubbed in her face all weekend long. Well, not if Brenna can help it. She’s going to find herself a fake fiancé.

Finn Nolan is thrilled to be offered the job. He’s had it bad for Brenna ever since he came over from Ireland to work at the Bellini family vineyard. After falling for Brenna from afar for years, this Irish cowboy is determined to show the woman of his dreams that he is her Mr. Right.

So what does a confirmed never-getting-married-again woman do when the man of her dreams unexpectedly lands right in front of her? Because for the first time, she might not be able to walk away. This time it might be forever.

 

 

 

Review:

The Engagement Arrangement by Jaci Burton is the 2nd book in her Boots and Bouquets series. Brenna Bellini, our heroine, loves making wine for her family’s winery, and working with her sisters on the family’s wedding planning business.  When one of the weddings is a friend, she is asked to be a bridesmaid using the Bellini vineyard; she is thrilled to be part of it until she learns her ex-husband and former friend (now married her ex) are also attending.  Brenna knows she will have to spend time with them, especially her ex-friend Allison would be giving her snide remarks the whole time; she decides to devise a plan.

Finn Nolan, moved from Ireland years ago (after the loss of his parents), and is considered a member of the Bellini family.  Brenna approaches him to help her at the upcoming wedding of her friend; she wants him to be her fake fiancée. Finn has secretly been in love with Brenna for a long time, and has watched from afar her bad marriage, and dating others.  He accepts to become her fake fiancée for the 4-day event, knowing he plans to pull out all the stops to get her attention.

What follows is a wonderful fun story that has us rooting for Finn to show Brenna that he is the one perfect for her.  They made such a cute couple, and I adored them both together.  Brenna though despite her beginning to have feelings for Finn, has issues from her disaster divorce, that holds her back from ever marrying again.  Finn needs to escalate things to win Brenna over.  The chemistry between them was sizzling, and both will act on their lust for each other, but can Brenna allow herself to get past the fake fiancée Finn to the man who has stolen her heart?  Will she be able to get past her fears of being hurt again and walk away?

What I loved about this series is the three sisters, and the whole Bellini family and winery business.  Jaci Burton has created a wonderful group of characters that are so much fun and enjoyable; such a wonderful couple and family.  The Engagement Arrangement is a wonderful pure romance that was fun, entertaining, witty banter, and sexy.  If you enjoy wonderful romances, then look no further than Jaci Burton.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Ruff and Tumble by Lucy Gilmore – a Review

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Ruff and Tumble by Lucy Gilmore – a Review

 

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Description:
As a production assistant for the Puppy Cup, Hailey Lincoln knows all things puppies and football. So when Seattle Lumberjacks star quarterback Cole Bennett asks for PR help, she agrees. She’s not swayed by Cole’s good looks or stellar career, but by the puppies they can help. Okay, maybe she’s swayed just a tiny bit by his good looks.

Winning at puppy football, however, is only the start. If she really wants to win—the game, the man, and the warm, welcoming family he takes for granted—she needs to pull out all the stops. And Cole, who’s spent his entire life playing a game, has to realize that losing at football isn’t nearly as catastrophic as losing the woman he loves

 

 

Review:

Ruff and Tumble by Lucy Gilmore is another one of her fun cute romances, featuring wonderful adorable dogs, not to mention some hunks along the way. Hailey Lincoln, our heroine, is a production assistant who runs the annual Puppy Cup, which coincides with official pro football cup.  While in the planning stages with her co-worker, Penny, Hailey is shocked to see Cole Bennett (our hero & gorgeous hunk), the Seattle Lumberjacks star quarterback, walking into to her office.

Cole is determined to win this year’s Puppy Cup to help break their football team’s cursed luck, and he knows that the woman standing in front of him is undefeated for a few years; neither have met, though that is about to change. Hailey is not swayed by Cole’s charm, but agrees to work with him to help him select dogs for his team; Hailey only cares about making sure all the cute puppies get adopted.  When Cole tries to use his charm, which never fails, she tells him all the things he does wrong on the football field.  Though he is shocked how much she knows, he laughs and follows her to the elevator, with the pregnant dog she is taking care of; but to their dismay the elevator breaks, leaving them stuck and the dog is about to give birth to puppies.   It was a funny and cute.

What follows is a sweet romance that develops between Cole and Hailey, and the fun with all the puppies was adorable.  I got a kick out of Hailey getting Cole to take care of Phillip (a dog that was suffering anxiety), as well as getting another dog set up with Cole’s football friend.  As their relationship grows, Hailey (who has no family) gets to meet Cole’s wonderful family, and they welcome her with open arms. They all enjoy Hailey easily setting in, especially since she has an uncanny ability to see what the players are doing wrong.  Football is the major importance for the family, with Cole worried that his family will be upset, as his shoulder injury is not healing the way it should. 

Ruff and Tumble was a fun sweet heartwarming romance with a couple that sizzled, but I totally adored how Hailey took care of the dogs/puppies, which was so much fun.  Lucy Gilmore gave us some great secondary characters, besides Hailey and Cole; such as Penny, Regina, Garrett and Cole’s family.  Ruff and Tumble was so very well written by Lucy Gilmore. If you love puppies, and a sweet romance, you should read this enjoyable story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Virgin Game Plan (Rules of Love)by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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The Virgin Game Plan (Rules of Love 2) by Lauren Blakely -Review tour

THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN
Rules of Love 2
by Lauren Blakely
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: June 9, 2021

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55748340-the-virgin-game-plan

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 9, 2021

The woman I want is as off-limits as they come.

I had an excuse two years ago when I met her on campus. She interviewed me for a story on major league baseball’s rising stars, and we shared a hot, passionate night that ended far too soon, and without a mention of who her father was.

Now I know the innocent but sexy woman I can’t stop thinking about is the coach’s daughter.

That means her dad is the guy who determines if I bat fourth in the starting lineup in every game, or ride the bench.

All the more reason to resist alluring, confident, brainy Reese every time I run into the reporter-turned-sports publicist.

That ought to be easy enough, until the time she confesses she’s still carrying her V card, and she’s been wanting me to cash it in since the day we met.

Staying away from her is going to be harder than resisting a fastball down the middle.

Especially since I’m pretty sure she’s the one who got away, and letting her slip through my fingers again would be a rookie mistake.

•••••

REVIEW:THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult RULES OF LOVE erotic, sports, romance series. This is journalist/pod caster Reese Fallon, and professional baseball player for the LA Bandits Holden Kingsley’s story line. THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Holden and Reese) THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN follows the forbidden relationship between twenty-four year old Reese Fallon, and twenty-five year old Holden Kingsley. Two years earlier Reese Fallon landed an interview with up and coming baseball star Holden Kingsey but an almost one night stand ended when an early storm finds our hero jetting to the next game, and Reese gets a job offer in South America. Fast forward to present day where Holden’s professional career lands him in San Francisco where he will reconnect with our story line heroine but all is not well when they discover that Reese’s estranged father is the new manager of Holden’s baseball team, and Reese is none too pleased to face the man that destroyed her family and her thoughts on love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Holden and Reese, and the potential fall-out as the forbidden aspect of their relationship may affect both of their careers going forward.

The relationship between Holden and Reese is one of second chances but their timing was off two years earlier. Neither one stepped into another relationship in their two years apart, and reconnecting was easy as their feelings for one another grew during their time apart. Reese has remained a virgin, and Holden is the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Reese’s father Edward Thompson, and his new wife Becky; Reese’s best friends Layla, Tia, and Grant Blackwood (catcher for the San Francisco Cougars) Crosby and Nadia (The Rules of Friend with Benefits / The Virgin Rule Book ); Declan Steele, Chance, Grant’s sister Sierra as well as several members of both teams. Grant and Declan’s duet begins with Scoring With Him.

THE VIRGIN GAME PLAN is a story of reconnecting and relationships; family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging, inviting and realistic ; the characters are feisty and fun; the romance is captivating and tender.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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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Hot on the Ice by Anna Sugden – a Review

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Hot on the Ice by Anna Sugden – a Review

 

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Description:
Lily Eddison is on the way to making it—her personalized, gourmet chocolates are in high demand. She has it all going on…until her landlord pulls the rug out from under her. Now she needs investors but the last person she expects or wants to save the day is the oh-so-hot, but arrogant, pro-hockey player Dante “Fireman” Taylor.

Hockey is Dante’s life and as the Docker’s star defensemen, he has no time for love. An opportunity to invest in Lily’s dream is just business, even though he can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous chocolatier. Despite his reluctance to be in a relationship, Dante and Lily move from partners to friends to lovers and he’s all in… Until an obsessive fan’s revenge tanks their romance and it’s dead on the ice.

Great hockey players know they have to take more shots on goal to score a hat trick and Dante gives it his all to prove to Lily that off the ice, she’s the only one for him.

 

Review:

Hot on the Ice by Anna Sugden has two of my favourites; hockey and chocolate.  I knew from those items this book was going to be a winner and I was right.  Hot on the Ice captured my interest from beginning to end with Lily and Dante.  Their adventure was fast paced and electric. The chemistry between the two even though hostile in the beginning was sizzling.  As their adventure moved forward it only got hotter.  Little wonder Dante’s nickname is Fireman!  Woohoo can he start a fire with one little look! 

Lily and Dante have a history and I’m glad Ms. Sugden takes the time to really let us learn their backstory because it plays a major role in their current situation and what’s to come thanks to a crazy stalker fan of Dante’s who doesn’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer.  Thanks to stalker fan Sheree, she tosses poor Dante’s plans of a do over with Lily into precarious waters and almost causes Dante to loose Lily for a second time in his life. I like how both characters had great friends who rallied behind them to help solve the problem of stalker fan and hopefully pave the way for a reconciliation for Dante and Lily.  What’s the old saying 3rd times a charm?  LOL!! Well in Dante’s case it really was. 

Hot on the Ice was a fairly quick read for me. Like I said, hockey and chocolate as part of the story I couldn’t go wrong. Toss in two well crafted characters who had great chemistry and just clicked from the get go only propelled the story forward, kept it interesting and page turning all the way through.  Her secondary characters added another solid layer to Dante and Lily’s story, giving us more info on both and allowing the story to just keep rolling along. Now I’m wondering if Ms. Sugden will continue with another hockey book based on two of the secondary characters we meet along the way because there seemed to be enough hints that these two like each other and could have something more down the road. Guess I’ll have to wait and see. It also helped that Ms. Sugden tossed in a good amount of hockey talk and play along with some really delicious chocolate making talk/scenes as well.  All I wanted to do was watch hockey and eat chocolate afterwards, LoL!!  If anyone is as big a hockey fan and chocolate fan as I am then Hot on the Ice won’t disappoint at all.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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