WHEN IT’S RIGHT (San Francisco Thunder #3) by Victoria Denault

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 14, 2018

IT’S ALL A MATTER OF TIMING

Griffin Sullivan is handling the ultimate balancing act. Between being a single dad to an active six-year-old and the crazy demands of his job as a hockey coach, finding love is not in the cards. But when the team’s goalie is rushed to the ER, he’s immediately captivated by the gorgeous, sassy nurse on duty… who just happens to be the sister of one his players.

Sadie Braddock has always had a big, open heart and a bit of a wild side. But since her dad got sick, she’s closed herself off to life and love. Relationships are way too complicated – and so is Griffin. He’s also funny and tender and sexy as hell. How can something that feels so right come at the worst time ever? Then again, someone to lean on may be exactly what they each need – if they’re only brave enough to take the risk

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REVIEW:  WHEN IT’S RIGHT is the third instalment in Victoria Denault’s contemporary, adult SAN FRANCISCO THUNDER hockey, erotic, romance series focusing on the Braddock siblings and the San Francisco Thunder professional hockey team. This is thirty-something, hockey coach and single father Griffin Sullivan, and twenty-seven year old, ER nurse Sadie Braddock’s story line. WHEN IT’S RIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Griffin and Sadie) WHEN IT’S RIGHT follows the building relationship between hockey coach Griffin Sullivan, and ER nurse Sadie Braddock. Just your typical night in the local ER finds Sadie Braddock facing her future when her sister’s boyfriend and the goalie for the San Francisco Thunder Eli Casco, is side-lined with a possible concussion. Enter the team’s goalie coach Griffin Sullivan, and the man with whom Sadie will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Sadie and Griffin, and the potential fall-out as Sadie struggles with family responsibility, and Griffin’s past makes for some difficult situations.

Sadie Braddock battles between head and heart with her attraction to Griffin Sullivan. Sadie’s father struggles with ever worsening ALS, and our heroine takes full responsibility for the family, their problems, and her father’s continuing care. A martyr to the end, Sadie forgoes any personal happiness in an effort to ensure she is close at hand. Griffin Sullivan, single father, hockey coach and former professional goalie has his sights set on Sadie Braddock but troubles with his ex-wife begin to spiral out of control pulling Sadie into a potential media nightmare if Griffin isn’t able to reign in his former spouse.

The relationship between Sadie and Griffin is a case of insta-lust but slow to develop as Sadie fights her attraction to Griffin in an effort to remain available for her father’s care. A persistent Griffin will finally convince Sadie to take a chance on love, a chance that will be derailed by Sadie’s need to be close to home. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Jude Braddock and Zoey (Score #1), Dixie Braddock and Eli Casco (Slammed #2), sister Winnie, as well as their parents Enid and Randy Braddock; Griffin’s daughter Charlie his brother Hunter, Griffin’s ex-wife Lauren, and her boyfriend Cale. The Braddock family camaraderie is spirited and real.

WHEN IT’S RIGHT is a thought provoking tale of family, responsibilities, emotions and love. The premise is intelligent and engaging; the romance is spicy and hot; the characters are sassy, fun and energetic although Sadie’s need to martyr herself was questionable although understandable because there is always one child / one sibling that takes on more responsibility than all of the rest. WHEN IT’S RIGHT is an impassioned look at a debilitating disease that affects every member of the family, and the people they love.

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Reviewed by Sandy