Release Blitz + Review: "Walk of Shame" by Avery Flynn

I'm thrilled to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Walk of Shame" by Avery Flynn, book #2 of the Downside of Dating series. Characters from the previous book (as well as the earlier Ice Knights and Hartigans series) make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Five years after being left at the altar by her professional hockey player fiance, Astrid O'Malley has created a new life for herself. She's sworn off both relationships and anything to do with hockey, a challenge given that her dad is the head coach of the Harbor City Ice Knights. She's working a shift as a bartender one night when she meets a handsome man and breaks her own rules to hook up with him. The following evening, her father invites her to a dinner which turns out to be a welcome party for his newest assistant coach: Astrid's hookup, Cal Matsen. It's a shock to both of them, but they manage to hide their previous acquaintance from her father. It's an even bigger shock when Astrid's father announces that he wants her to work with Cal to help her ex-fiance, now the goalie for the Ice Knights, get over his case of the yips.

 

Cal's NHL career ended prematurely due to a traumatic injury, and his singular goal since then has been to get back into hockey in whatever way he can. Landing a coaching position with the Ice Knights has him one step closer to that dream, and the last thing he wants is to jeopardize it by getting involved with the coach's daughter. But no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to stay away from each other. Can Cal have it all or will he be forced to choose between hockey and Astrid?

This was such a fun story! Astrid and Cal had great chemistry, and I adored their flirty, witty banter. After everything she went through with her ex-fiance, particularly the media attention in the aftermath of their breakup, Astrid's concerns about getting involved with Cal were completely understandable. It took a lot of courage for her to overcome her fears and learn to trust in love again. As for Cal, he needed someone like Astrid to help him see that there was more to life than hockey. They made a wonderful couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

 

I highly recommend "Walk of Shame" for all steamy romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever the author writes next.
 

*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Walk of Shame"

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Unending Love" by Stacey Lynn

I'm pleased to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Unending Love" by Stacey Lynn, book #1 of the Kelley Family series.

When she found out she was pregnant after a one-night stand, Emily Russo tried unsuccessfully to track down her baby's father. With the support of her best friend Gianna, she managed to finish college, find a teaching job, and move to Colorado, where she's raising 3-year-old son Landon on her own. She'd given up on ever finding the mysterious Caleb until the day Gianna happened to see him at a football game - or so she thought. It was actually Caleb's twin brother Cameron, but he agreed to pass along a letter, allowing Emily to finally share the news about their son.

 

Professional hockey player Caleb Kelley is shocked to learn of Landon's existence, but he's never been able to forget his night with Emily and doesn't doubt that she's telling the truth. He's excited to get to know his son but quickly realizes that he wants a second chance with Emily too. She's determined to take things slowly for their son's sake, however. Can Caleb convince her that love is worth taking a risk?

Caleb and Emily had great chemistry, and I really appreciated the way he handled finding out about Landon. He didn't get mad at Emily, simply accepted what had happened and moved forward with getting to know his son. However, his irrational behavior near the end of the story drove me crazy! I did like that he figured out his mistake quickly and didn't try to use an over-the-top grand gesture to get out of trouble. Instead, he figured out a way to give Emily what she really wanted and needed to be happy.

As for Emily, I was somewhat bothered by her choice to be so open about Landon being the result of a one-night stand. I completely agree with her that it's nothing to be ashamed of, but at the same time, it seems like too much information to share with your co-workers. If they were nosy enough to ask, why not just say that Landon's father wasn't in his life and leave it at that? As the saying goes, discretion is the better part of valor, and in this case Emily's discretion would have prevented several problems down the road.

 

In any event, I did enjoy "Unending Love" and would recommend it for all steamy contemporary/sports romance fans. I look forward to reading Caleb's brothers' books!
 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Unending Love"

Everyone knows who Caleb Kelley is. I’m at the top of my game, known all around Colorado and beyond for not only my elite skills in professional hockey, but also my family’s ranching heritage. For this reason, I trust very few people as I’m used to strangers and so-called friends trying to get close to us for a piece of fame.

But when I receive a letter from a woman I slept with years ago, letting me know I’m a father—I implicitly trust her. Emily Russo is forever ingrained in my memory, and is the exception to every rule.

That one night I spent with her was unforgettable. I still remember the feel of her lips and the way her body moved under mine. For years, I’ve regretted not leaving her my phone number because if I had, I wouldn’t be seeing the first glimpses of my son in glossy pictures. Instead, I would've held him in my arms the minute he was born.

Now, I not only have to get to know my son, I also have to convince Emily that the spark that once burned between us is still smoldering, ready to burn even hotter a second time around.

But it’s not only hanger-ons who follow me. There are others who want to see this golden boy tossed off his throne. Too bad they don’t know what lengths I’ll go to protect what’s mine. I’ll do anything for Emily and my son. My love for them is unending. 

 

Review: "Undeniable Love" by Stacey Lynn

Undeniable Love by Stacey Lynn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

According to her family, Meredith Kelley has a magical gift that lets her see when two people are meant to be together. It's mostly a party trick until she meets professional hockey player Tuevo Skyye and realizes that he's her one true match. The problem? Not only is Tuevo her brother Caleb's best friend, he doesn't believe in marriage. Even though he's spooked by Meredith's prediction, Tuevo can't help being drawn to her. Can she persuade him to give love a chance?

I've enjoyed many of Stacey Lynn's other stories, but unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. Everything about Meredith and Tuevo's relationship felt rushed and forced to me. Granted, it was a novella, but there was very little conflict and virtually no character development. It was all about the smut, which is fine if that's your jam, but for me, two full chapters of it (out of ten total) was overkill.

If you're looking for a quick, steamy, but mostly forgettable read, then this novella is for you. If, like me, you prefer some story with your steam, then I'd skip this one and go straight to the first full-length book of the Kelley Family series, "Unending Love."

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Review: "Over the Line" by Elise Faber

Over the Line by Elise Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In need of an escape after losing both her job and her boyfriend in the same day, photographer Nova Cassidy gratefully accepts her best friend's offer to spend a week at her brother's house in Lake Tahoe. Unfortunately, there's more bad luck waiting for Nova on the road; her car slides into a snowbank and she's unable to dig it out, leaving her stranded. She's reluctantly rescued by professional hockey player Lake Jordan as he's driving past on his way home from practice. When she informs him of her destination, they're both surprised to learn that Nova's friend gave her Lake's address instead of her brother's.

After a grueling stretch of away games, all Lake wants is to be left alone to rest and recover, but with the snow continuing to fall, he has no choice but to let Nova stay with him. Making her feel welcome isn't part of the deal, however. A rocky start to her stay gradually gives way to the growing attraction between them, but their respective pasts make the prospect of a relationship difficult. When the storm ends, will Nova and Lake be able to overcome their past hurts and build a new future together?

Lake came across as quite a jerk in the early chapters, but as I got further into the story, I came to understand that his behavior was actually an effort to push Nova away and protect himself from getting hurt. Similarly, Nova had to fight her instinct to run when things got too serious. They both had demons to battle, and I appreciated that they each made a conscious choice and put in the effort to be together in the end. I also enjoyed the story's lighter moments, particularly the ones involving Nova's "demon dog," Steve the pug.

I really like the direction Faber seems to be taking with this new hockey series. For a number of reasons, this story didn't feel like a "typical" hockey romance to me, which was refreshing. The Sierra are a dysfunctional team, many of the players don't get along, and some of them have a questionable work ethic. As captain, Lake had to try and figure out how to change the team's culture to give them a chance at winning the Cup. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out through the next few books of the series.

I highly recommend "Over the Line" for all contemporary/sports romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Something Like Lust" by Piper Rayne

I'm delighted to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Something Like Lust" by Piper Rayne, book #2 of the Chicago Grizzlies series. While it does work as a standalone, the main characters' first meeting actually takes place in a free prequel to the series. I'd recommend reading that first for context.

Piper Rayne's sports romances have all been pretty great, but I think this one is my new favorite of theirs. The authors did a fantastic job of redeeming bad boy football star Damon Siska. Learning that he was about to become a father brought out a completely different side of Damon's personality, and I loved the way he stepped up and became a true partner to middle school teacher Adeline Morgan. Their banter and chemistry was phenomenal, but what I most appreciated was their awareness of the challenges they faced and efforts to talk through how to handle them. The one topic that seemed to be off limits was Damon's fear of relationships, but when I learned the reason behind it, my heart broke for him. Adeline and the baby were exactly what Damon needed to move on from his past into a brighter future.

 

I highly recommend "Something Like Lust" for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the authors via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Something Like Lust"

Do it.
Don’t do it.

Never in my life did I think I’d wager in my head whether to sleep with Chicago Grizzlies wide receiver, Damon Siska.

He’s the perfect package—hot body, killer smile, and flirts like he earned a doctorate in it. But anyone who reads gossip blogs knows he is looking for one amazing night and nothing more.

I’m not the usual type of woman he beds. I’m a middle school teacher who cherishes her quiet nights in, drinking wine, and watching romantic comedies, dreaming I’m the heroine. I’m not embarrassed to admit—I want the fairy tale.

But Damon caught me at a weak moment. Fresh off a break-up and feeling lousy about myself, I gave into temptation and left the next morning like every other woman he’d slept with.

Except I walked away with more than just the memories when three weeks later the little white stick glowed with two pink lines.

 

Review: "On the Defense" by Piper Rayne

On the Defense by Piper Rayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"On the Defense" by Piper Rayne is a prequel novella to the Chicago Grizzlies series. Professional football player Miles Cavanaugh, recently traded to Chicago from the San Francisco Kingsmen, moves into an apartment in the same building as two of his new teammates. A new season is about to begin and it's a fresh start for all of them, not just in football, but maybe in love, too.

I'd recommend this novella for all readers who plan to pick up the other books in the series. It helps bridge the gap between the Kingsmen Football Stars series, which concluded with Miles's sister Twyla's story, and the beginning of the Chicago Grizzlies series. It also provides helpful context for later events in the Grizzlies series, especially those of book 2, "Something Like Lust."

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Review: "Where It Begins" by Helena Hunting

Where It Begins by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Where It Begins" by Helena Hunting is a standalone prequel to the Pucked series featuring Violet's mother, accountant Skye Hall, and Miller's father, pro hockey scout Sidney Butterson. It's releasing as part of the 1,001 Dark Nights collection, which is a great way to sample standalone novellas by new-to-you authors (or enjoy a special bonus story from an existing favorite).

I adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story, which made me want to go back and read the entire Pucked series all over again. Skye and Sidney were endearing protagonists whose struggle to fit their relationship around their teenagers' schedules was incredibly relatable. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the younger versions of Violet and Miller. Quite a few of Violet's best (and funniest) personality traits were obviously inherited directly from her mother, and their close relationship was a lot of fun.

I highly recommend this novella for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever the author comes up with next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "No Pucks Lost Between Us" by Elise Faber

No Pucks Lost Between Us by Elise Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"No Pucks Lost Between Us" by Elise Faber, book #6 of the Rush Hockey series, concludes the story of Billie Rose Donovan, mayor of River's Bend, and hockey player Joel Marshall. It is not a standalone, but rather should be read after the first two books of the trilogy, "Love, Pucks, and Other Stories" and "All's Fair in Pucks and War."

This story picks up shortly after the last one ended. Falsely accused of a crime she didn't commit, Billie Rose must figure out who is framing her and why before it's too late. I was honestly shocked by some of the secrets that came to light as she worked to clear her name, and I hope some of them will be explored further in future books of the series. Joel's belief in Billie Rose never wavered, and his fierce love for her absolutely melted my heart. After the emotional roller-coaster of these last three books, they finally ended up in exactly the perfect place. I was thrilled for them to finally get their HEA.

The book's epilogue sets up the next trilogy in the Rush Hockey series, which will apparently feature Joel's teammate Fox and Billie Rose's friend Dessie. I can't wait to find out what's in store for them after the craziness of this book's ending!

I highly recommend the entire trilogy for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to more books set in this world.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Risky Game" by Stacey Lynn

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Risky Game" by Stacey Lynn, book #4 of the Nashville Steel series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Logan Caldwell has barely started his new job as the head coach of the Nashville Steel when his ex-wife calls to inform him that she's leaving the country for three months to travel with her new boyfriend. He was expecting their 4-year-old daughter Amelia to be with her mother in California full-time until after the football season was over, but instead, she's coming to stay with Logan. He's scrambling to find childcare when the Steel's kicker, Jassen Moore, suggests hiring his younger sister Ruby as Amelia's nanny. Recent college graduate Ruby has been temporarily helping out with Jassen's kids but needs to find a paying position so that she can save up money for grad school. As soon as he meets her, Logan knows that Ruby is the perfect person to care for his daughter. The only problem is the explosive attraction that immediately flares between them...

 

This book was STEAMY! If I'm being honest, it probably went beyond my personal comfort level, though that is obviously very subjective and something I can easily get past. What I couldn't get past was my feeling that the steam and game playing between Logan and Ruby had taken over too much of the dynamic between them. Their emotional connection was secondary to their physical attraction, which made it tough to believe when they suddenly decided that they were in love with each other. However, I did like Ruby's relationship with Logan's daughter Amelia, especially that she had to work to get her to like her. As sweet as it is when kids in books bond with their parent's new partner right away, this felt much more realistic.

 

I haven't read many (if any) other sports romances that focused on a coach as a main character, so it was fun to get a glimpse into a different aspect of the sports world through Logan's eyes. That said, his character felt a bit underdeveloped to me and I would have liked to know more about his background. For example, how did he get into coaching? Did he ever play football himself?

Overall, while this was not my favorite book of the series, I would recommend it for all fans of steamy contemporary romance. I look forward to the author's next release.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Risky Game"

Romance between them is strictly off-limits, but forbidden attraction has never felt so irresistible…I’m playing a risky game…

I’m the brand new coach of the current Super Bowl Champions. If that isn’t hard enough, I’m also one of the youngest coaches in the league.

Coupled with a recently finalized divorce and the goal to take the team and the city of Nashville's fans by storm, my ex throws me for a loop when she says she’s sending our daughter to me so she can take an extended three-month vacation.
 

Don’t get me wrong, I love my little girl more than anything but suddenly becoming a full-time single dad and the Steel’s new coach rocks the turf beneath my feet. I need some help and I need it fast.

Enter Ruby Moore.

The answer to my prayers. She’s looking for a new start, is great with kids and is the perfect set of eyes to watch my daughter when I’m not around.

The problem? I think she is perfect for me too.

The other problem? She’s not only my nanny, but she’s also the younger sister of a guy I’m tasked with leading. She’s way too young and sweet for me and the way she loves Amelia makes my heart melt. I don’t expect her perfume to remind me of lazy beach days and for her smiles to become a craving I can’t live without. But I can’t stop thinking about her. Fleeting glances turn into deeper conversations and even more carnal nights.

Soon, she’s a forbidden addiction I can’t quit.

I know I'm playing a Risky Game, but can I keep the woman I've fallen in love with, while still maintaining the respect of the team I’m trying to lead to another Championship?

 

Review: "Insta Wedding" by Jen Atkinson

"Insta Wedding" by Jen Atkinson, the final installment of the Insta series, brings the entire cast of characters together to celebrate Iris and Dean's wedding. Despite Iris's meticulous preparations, now that the big day has finally arrived, things aren't exactly going according to plan. Her twin sister Ebony is secretly in labor and has enlisted friend and fellow bridesmaid Bethany to cover for her. Hijinks ensue as Ebony goes to extremes not to miss out on her sister's big day. Ebony isn't the only bridesmaid keeping secrets, either. Will Bethany and Coco be able to keep their news under wraps until after the wedding?

 

This hilarious novella was absolutely the perfect way to bring the Insta series to a close. Reading it felt like being back with old friends and I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend "Insta Wedding" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, though it's a good idea to read the earlier books of the series first. I look forward to Atkinson's next release.

About "Insta Wedding"

An {INSTA} Series Novella
Iris, Ebony, Beth, and Coco are together, at last, for a final novella adventure!

 

Iris has spent the last year planning and preparing for the perfect mountaintop wedding. Everything is in place. Everything is ready to go. Everything is set… Now if only her wedding party would cooperate!

One does not plan to go into labor the day for their twin sister’s wedding. Nope, in fact, Ebony would have chosen any other moment in time to give birth. But apparently she doesn’t get to choose. Peanut is coming, no matter how much she tries to convince herself otherwise.

Beth has a secret. A couple actually. She is great at keeping secrets. Well, sort of great. Maybe don’t ask Tate or Ebony about how great she is… But significant others and best friends don’t count, right? Yeah… just don’t ask Tate’s or Ebony’s opinion on the matter.

Being thrust into motherhood has gotten Coco ready for the madness of this wedding. She can handle Iris, Ebony, and Beth, as well as the craziness they are throwing at her. Why? Because she’s been living with a six-year-old for the past two months, and now she has superpowers. That’s why.

Join Iris, Ebony, Beth, Coco, and, of course, all of Instagram for the wedding adventure of a lifetime!

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Something Like Hate" by Piper Rayne

I'm happy to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Something Like Hate" by Piper Rayne, book #1 of the Chicago Grizzlies series. It's a spinoff of the earlier Kingsmen Football Stars series and features cameo appearances from those characters, but reads as a standalone.

Professional football player Miles Cavanaugh is about to start his first full season with the Chicago Grizzlies after being traded from the San Francisco Kingsmen. The trade cost him a chance at winning the Super Bowl with his longtime teammates and friends back in San Francisco, and he's wondered ever since if the negative articles written about him by sports reporter Bryce Burns factored into the team's decision to trade him. This year, he's looking forward to a fresh start without Bryce looking over his shoulder...until his sister, who's friends with Bryce, informs Miles that she's taken a new job with a magazine based in Chicago. It's difficult to avoid her when they have friends in common, and it becomes completely impossible after she steps in to cover the Grizzlies while a colleague is on maternity leave. As the sparks between them continue to fly, will Miles and Bryce finally admit to the attraction that's hidden beneath their animosity?

 

I've been looking forward to Miles and Bryce's story ever since their characters were introduced in the Kingsmen books, and it did not disappoint. Their chemistry practically leaped off the page and the banter was a ton of fun. I particularly loved that Miles wasn't a typical playboy athlete; he genuinely wanted to settle down with a partner and start a family, something that was difficult for Bryce to contemplate after witnessing the aftermath of her parents' divorce. Her baggage nearly derailed their burgeoning relationship, but she found a way to work through it, and I was satisfied with where they ended up.

That said, there were a few plot points that didn't entirely make sense to me. For example, why would they have gone tubing/whitewater rafting in the middle of the football season? Even if there weren't a clause in the players' contracts forbidding such a thing (which I'm sure there is - too much risk of them getting hurt and being unable to play), it was late October in the Chicago area. Bryce was so cold a few nights earlier that she had to borrow Miles's jacket, plus it snowed the following week. Why on earth would anyone want to be out in the freezing water under those conditions, and in a bikini no less?

 

At any rate, Miles and Bryce were a terrific couple and aside from a few questionable plot points, I did enjoy their story. I'd recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the next book in the series.
 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Something Like Hate"

I love him.
I loathe him.

It’s like plucking daisy petals in my head, but he’ll never know.

When Miles Cavanaugh, the best safety in the league, was traded to the Chicago Grizzlies football team last year, I could finally breathe. Temptation was miles away.

How naïve to think it would end there because when the opportunity to write for a national magazine based in Chicago lands in my lap months later, I can’t turn it down. Sure, it’s a big city, but the sexual energy feels like a beacon between us the minute my plane lands.

To make matters worse, I end up having to take over the job of reporting exclusively on the Chicago Grizzlies. Which means traveling with the team, interviewing players, and pretty much having an all-access pass to their lives during the season.

Miles and I put up a great front, quickly hating on one another, but we both know it’s a lie. We also know the rules are simple. For me, don’t sleep with the subject of your articles. For him, don’t sleep with the journalist who can make or break your career.

I thought straight-laced Miles Cavanaugh followed all the rules… oh how wrong I was.

 

Review: "Homerun Proposal" by Maren Moore

Homerun Proposal: A Brother's Best Friend Baseball Romance by Maren Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

College freshman Hallie Jo Edwards lives in an off-campus house with her best friend, Eli, and his older brother, star baseball player Lane Collins. She secretly has a crush on Lane, but not only is he a total playboy, she's sure he thinks of her as nothing more than a little sister. The truth is that Lane has wanted Hallie for years but won't risk driving a wedge between himself and his brother by pursuing her. Hallie's been a wallflower her entire life and is tired of feeling like she's missing out. She wants the full college experience, but there's one thing she needs to do first: finally lose her V-card. Tired of waiting for it to happen naturally, Hallie decides to proposition Eli, but she's not brave enough to face him while she does it. She writes out the details of her proposal and presents it to him while he's in the shower. The only problem is that it isn't actually Eli in the shower; it's Lane, and he's more than willing to teach her everything she wants to know.

Maren Moore hit it out of the park with her first baseball romance! There was plenty of chemistry between Hallie and Lane and the spicy scenes were red hot, but the author did a great job of developing their emotional connection right along with the physical. There was always more between them than just Hallie's proposal, even though it took them a while to recognize and acknowledge it. I really liked that Eli knew about their relationship so early in the story so that it didn't become drama later, as so often happens in best friend's brother stories, and I also enjoyed the subplot related to Lane's concerns about going pro. Despite the million-dollar salaries, I don't think it's easy being a professional athlete, so his concerns seemed very realistic to me.

I'd recommend "Homerun Proposal" for all fans of steamy new adult contemporary/sports romance and look forward to whatever the author comes up with next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Body Check" by Teagan Hunter

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Body Check" by Teagan Hunter, book #1 of the Seattle Serpents series.

 

Professional hockey player Reed "Hutch" Hutchinson is on his way back home to Seattle when he meets a beautiful - but entirely too talkative - woman named Auden in the airport lounge. They're also seated next to each other on the plane, and when storms force them to make an emergency landing in Chicago, another chance encounter in a hotel bar leads to a one-night stand. A month later, Hutch is in a different hotel bar following a game in Denver when he sees a familiar woman across the room: Auden. 

 

Hotel entrepreneur Auden Sinclair is in Denver to get to know her latest business partners, the NHL's Seattle Serpents. They've signed a contract for the team to stay at her namesake chain of hotels when they travel, which means that no matter how intense the attraction between Hutch and Auden remains, continuing their involvement is against the rules. Besides, they've both sworn off relationships to focus on their careers. But with fate seemingly bringing them together time and time again, will they be able to resist temptation?

There was no shortage of chemistry between Auden and Hutch, whose matching devotion to career over relationships and apparent fear of commitment made them a good fit. I also enjoyed the book's secondary characters, particularly Hutch's teammates, who will almost certainly return as protagonists in future books of the series. Hutch himself, however, felt a bit underdeveloped to me. For example, at one point he mentioned that he'd been left at the altar years ago, but the circumstances were not explained and it was never brought up again. I wanted to know more about that and how it played into his decisions when it came to Auden.

Overall, I enjoyed and would recommend "Body Check" for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I plan to continue with the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Body Check"

I have two goals this season:
Be named captain of the Seattle Serpents.
Stay single.

I’m right on track…until she happens.

Auden Sinclair.

We’re stuck together for a night when our plane is forced to make an emergency landing, and that’s all the promise we make—one night, then we go our separate ways.

Except she pops up again.
Then again.

Suddenly, she’s everywhere. In my head and in my bed, completely taking over my life and ruining all my plans with her quippy comebacks, her smarts, and a body that fits against mine just perfectly.

The problem? Auden is off limits. Forbidden. Strictly in the DO NOT TOUCH zone. She goes against all the rules, but never have I wanted to bend them as badly as I do when it comes to her.

This might be one battle I’m not going to win…

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Flirtation or Faceoff" by Leah Brunner

I'm excited to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Flirtation or Faceoff" by Leah Brunner, book #2 of the DC Eagles Hockey series. Characters from the previous book and prequel novella appear as supporting characters in this story, but it reads as a standalone.

Colby Knight, professional hockey player for the DC Eagles, has been smitten with history professor Noel Woodcock ever since they met at their mutual friends' engagement celebration, but she won't give him the time of day. A year after their first meeting, Noel is asked to represent her university at a charity gala and invites her grandmother to be her plus one. They're seated at the same table as Colby, who's there to participate in the gala's charity auction on behalf of the team. Noel's grandmother senses the romantic tension between Noel and Colby and, in an effort to further her quest for great-grandchildren, bids on and wins the team's offering of "An Evening With an Eagle." Even though she's annoyed by her grandmother's attempts to set them up on a date, Noel gives in to put a stop to her badgering. Colby, meanwhile, couldn't be more excited to have the chance to show Noel a new side of his personality. While on the date, the subject of Noel's crush on a co-worker comes up, and Colby impulsively offers to be her dating coach. He hates the idea of her with another man but hopes that spending this time with her will help her see him in a different light. It's a good plan, but Noel won't give in without a fight.

 

I very much enjoyed this charming story. Colby and Noel had great chemistry and their banter was quite amusing. Colby came across as a bit of a flirt at first, but he turned out to be a real sweetheart. It's a shame it took Noel so long to see how truly smitten he was! That said, her trust issues seemed very relatable and realistic to me, and I appreciated that she acknowledged and tried to work through them. Colby also showed a great deal of character growth in realizing that he didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps, but rather settle down with a partner and family of his own. I particularly loved Colby's efforts to learn about Noel's interests in fantasy novels and cosplay, as well as his sweet relationship with his little sister, Ruthie. He's the kind of book boyfriend dreams are made of, and I will be dreaming about finding someone like him for a long time to come!

 

I highly recommend "Flirtation or Faceoff" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Wordsmith Publicity. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Flirtation or Faceoff"

After getting my heart broken, I’ve sworn off athletes forever.

Then my best friend has to go and marry an NHL player, and his teammate, Colby Knight, won’t leave me alone.

Colby is a master at scoring (on and off the ice), and he’s not used to being told no. So he takes my disinterest as an invitation to pursue me even harder. I ignore him… until I realize I can use his expertise to help me get my crush’s attention.

But now that he’s my dating coach, and we’re spending so much time together, I’m growing more and more distracted. I mean, those dimples? Very enticing.

Just when I think he might be more than just a playboy hockey player, a blast from the past comes back and reminds me why I swore off athletes in the first place.

Can I trust Colby, or is he just another jerk who will break my heart?

(This is a dual POV, fade-to-black romance, and can be read as a standalone. This book contains mild language. Trigger warnings: cheating exes.)

 

Review: "Checking the Center" by Delancey Stewart

Checking the Center by Delancey Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Professional hockey player Rock Stevens is back in his hometown of Singletree, Maryland to play in an all-star pickleball tournament. He's planning to stay in the duplex he rents there from his aunt, though he hasn't visited in months. As soon as he arrives, Rock notices a few changes to the apartment's decor, but he assumes that his aunt has made a few updates. He settles in to watch hockey on TV and soon falls asleep on the couch, naked. He's startled awake by a woman claiming that he's broken into her apartment and demanding that he leave. As it turns out, there's been a mix-up: Rock's aunt meant to rent the other side of the duplex, which is supposed to be vacant, to local bakery worker Drea Coppersmith. Instead, the previous tenant has been squatting there for the past six months without paying rent, and Drea was mistakenly set up in Rock's apartment. Until the situation is straightened out, Drea and Rock are forced to become roommates - and it might just be the best thing that ever happened to them both.

This short but sweet and funny story was exactly the palate cleanser I needed between longer reads. I loved Drea and Rock's instant chemistry and witty banter. Their speculation regarding the man next door (was he a vampire?) made me laugh out loud, and I wish they'd actually had a chance to interact with him on the page. I can only imagine the hilarity that would have ensued. Rock and Drea were a fun couple, and while this story ended in an HFN, I'm sure we'll see more of them in future books of the upcoming Zamboni Diaries series.

I'd recommend "Checking the Center" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. Stewart's new series promises to be a fun one and I'm looking forward to the first full-length book later this year.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Just Don't Fall" by Emma St. Clair

Congratulations to Emma St. Clair on today's release of "Just Don't Fall," book #1 of the multi-author Sweater Weather series. Each book reads as a standalone, but all are set in the same small town and feature a few recurring characters.

 

Professional hockey player Logan Barnes was recently sent back to the minors to learn how to be a team player. He's now stuck in his hometown of Harvest Hollow and forced to play for the Appies, a team better known for viral videos than hockey. His contract obligates him to take part in the videos, but Logan fears that they'll ruin his professional reputation along with his chances of returning to the NHL. 

 

Parker Douglas, the Appies' social media manager, is the mastermind behind the team's viral video success and an old acquaintance of Logan's. He was best friends with her older brother (and her secret crush) until he ghosted them after being drafted at 18. Parker has problems of her own; the charity gala celebrating her wealthy father's birthday is coming up, and he wants to arrange a date for her with the odious son of one of his business associates. She makes up a fake date to try and get out of the setup, and when pressured for a name, blurts out the first one that comes to mind: Logan Barnes. Now she'll just have to convince him to go along with her plan...and try not to fall in love with him all over again in the process.

The slow burn in this story was absolutely delicious and featured some of the hottest almost kisses I've ever read. The sparks between Logan and Parker practically flew off the page, and I couldn't wait for them to finally give into what they were feeling. I also loved their witty banter and adorable superhero nicknames for each other. They made a fantastic couple and their HEA was well deserved.

 

I highly recommend "Just Don't Fall" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. The Sweater Weather series is off to a tremendous start and I can't wait to find out what's coming next!

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Just Don't Fall"

Before Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah--and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.

Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team.

Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily.

As the hockey team's social media manager, it’s my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesn’t want to be wrangled.

Turns out … neither does my heart.

Because my old crush never died.

And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.

But this is all totally one-sided. Isn’t it? Totally fake.

No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Logan’s not home for good.

I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, I’m not so sure my heart will recover …

Just Don't Fall is a small town, closed door hockey romcom with all the fake dating, brother's best friend vibes. You'll get smoking chemistry and characters to root for but no spice. (Yes, you read that right--a low spice hockey romance.) Perfect for fans of sports romance who want a bit less heat. 

 

Review: "Changed" by Elise Faber

Changed by Elise Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'll be honest: This story is not going to be for everyone because the content may be triggering. However, for those readers willing and able to take the ride, it is absolutely worth it. The story's twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat until the very last page, and ultimately broke my heart and put it back together again within just a few short hours. Mads and Lucas had to fight for their happy ending, but they could not have deserved it more.

I highly recommend "Changed" for all contemporary/sports romance fans, though again, with a nod to the content warnings. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

CW: Addiction; Rape; Abortion; Gun Violence

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Review: "Shattered Truths" by H. Hunting

I'm thrilled to celebrate the release of "Shattered Truths" by Helena Hunting (writing as H. Hunting), book #3 of the Lies, Hearts & Truths series. Characters from the previous books (as well as the earlier Pucked series) make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Like the previous two books of this series, "Shattered Truths" was quite the emotional roller coaster, but I couldn't put it down. Main characters Winter Marks and Randall "BJ" Ballistic III (son of Randy and Lily from "Pucked Over") were incredibly likeable and three-dimensional. Their chemistry was phenomenal, and I liked that it was a slower build - not really a slow burn, but they definitely hit all the bases before heading for home! I also appreciated the way they communicated with each other; they had the hard conversations, and it only made them stronger as a couple.

 

Overall, Winter and BJ's story was my personal favorite of the series and I adored it. I highly recommend this book for all fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance and look forward to whatever Hunting writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

CW: Domestic Abuse

 

About "Shattered Truths"

The first time I met Winter Marks, I almost took her out with my Jeep.
To be fair, she came out of nowhere.

I flirted with her, and she flipped me off and disappeared into the woods on her bike.
But she left me a souvenir: a single hockey skate.

Seemed to me that divine intervention shouldn’t be ignored.

She was my icy Cinderella and I would be her Prince Not-So-Charming.

Winter was more than just a sassy, badass hockey-playing hottie.
She’s stuck in a prison of a life. And I’m the perfect escape.

Neither of us expected to fall.
Or for the truth to shatter us. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Tight Spot" by Stacey Lynn

I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Tight Spot" by Stacey Lynn, book #3 of the Nashville Steel series. Characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Despite the drama she brings into his life, professional football player Dawson Butler has always supported his sister Crystal because of a promise he made when they were kids. He's all out of patience after her latest stunt gets him arrested, however. With his position as a member of the Nashville Steel in jeopardy, Dawson decides to cut Crystal off, but that's not the end of his problems; the team wants to see that he's settling down, which means he needs a girlfriend, fast. He swore off relationships after witnessing the fallout from his parents' disastrous marriage, so based on a suggestion from his teammates, Dawson turns to a local matchmaker for help in finding a fake girlfriend. Surprisingly, the matchmaker suggests her best friend, Hailey Parillo. She's been avoiding dating ever since being left at the altar by her cheating fiance, and her friends think it's time for Hailey to get back out there. She's willing to go along with Dawson's plan, but she wants something from him, too: help losing her V-card.

This book didn't pack quite as much of an emotional punch as the first two of the series, though it was still a entertaining read. Hailey and Dawson had great chemistry and seemed well matched in terms of personality, but there were things about each of their characters that annoyed me. For Hailey, it was that she was so clueless. I couldn't understand how she consistently managed to miss important things that were happening around her. For Dawson, it bothered me that he went on and on about what an idiot Hailey's ex was for letting her go when he planned to do the exact same thing just a few short months later. Fortunately, he worked through enough of his emotional baggage to deliver a phenomenal grovel after screwing up, and they ended up in a good place.

 

Despite those few frustrations, I'd recommend "Tight Spot" for all fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance and look forward to Stacey Lynn's next release.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Tight Spot"

When a fake relationship feels a little too real…. I’m in a Tight Spot.

I’m not a nice guy. I’m too rude. Too gruff. I want to be left alone and stay in my lane as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Too bad management has a sudden problem with my image and all the fines I’ve been racking up.

Now I’m told I need to settle down, shape up…or they’re shipping me out.

Except no playbook could have prepared me for the Hail Mary pass they threw at me:

Enter Hailey Parillo. My fake girlfriend. She’s the Sunshine to my Grump, the Sweet to my Sour and the Smile to my Scowl. As ridiculous as it is, she agrees to play this fake game with me, for something in return:

Lessons in seducing a man and losing her virginity.

I almost balk at the idea, but I've got a career I don't want to lose in a city I don't want to leave.

AND little did I know this is the most important game of my life. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Proposal" by Adriana Locke

Today, I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "The Proposal" by Adriana Locke.

When Blakely Evans heads to Las Vegas to celebrate her recent promotion and upcoming 30th birthday, she's expecting a fun and relaxing weekend with her best friend, Ella. Instead, her older brother Brock decides to crash their girls' weekend along with his own best friend, professional rugby player Renn Brewer, so that he can make up with girlfriend Ella after a fight. Left to their own devices while Brock and Ella are "making up," Renn and Blakely wind up drunk - and accidentally married. News of their wedding quickly spreads through social media, but Renn can't afford another scandal after getting into trouble with his old team. To minimize the damage to his reputation, he proposes that they stay married for 90 days to let the story die down before quietly separating. For reasons of her own, Blakely agrees, but will she be able to protect her heart when she learns that Renn isn't the player she always thought he was?
 

Renn and Blakely were such a fun couple! I adored their steamy chemistry and witty banter, as well as how sweetly protective he was of her. It never came across as over the top or controlling, but rather as an honest expression of how much he cared. I also LOVED the cameo appearance from a certain character from another series (who I won't name because it's a spoiler). Renn's siblings were terrific supporting characters too; I'd love to see them get stories of their own in the future.

 

I highly recommend "The Proposal" for all steamy contemporary romance and rom-com fans and look forward to whatever Adriana Locke writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "The Proposal"

An unexpected proposal occurs when a Vegas oops marriage turns into a marriage of convenience between a rugby player and his best friend's little sister.

The Proposal by Adriana Locke is now live!

Breaking News: Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sister

If Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.

Why?

One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era.

Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices.

The cocktail in my hand—similar to the one that got me into this situation—is the prettiest shade of pink. It’s almost the same color as the giant rock on my left hand. And instead of discussing an annulment, I’m considering a 90-day marriage of convenience to the man I accidentally married in Las Vegas.

Renn didn’t propose marriage. But he does deliver a proposal I might be unable to turn down.