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Hockey With Benefits
Hockey with benefits. That was what Mara proposed, and I was down.
She said no feelings and she meant it.
Just benefits. No strings attached. Nothing else. Not even friendship.
College was her escape, including us.
I didn’t have time for a girlfriend.
I had classes, the team, my family, and the game.
It was all working too…
Until somewhere down the line, things got messy.
Until somehow we were dealing with threats, secrets, rivals, and so much more.
Until I began to want her in ways that weren’t part of the deal.
Our agreement didn’t just get checked into the wall, it got obliterated.
She said no feelings and she meant it.
Just benefits. No strings attached. Nothing else. Not even friendship.
College was her escape, including us.
I didn’t have time for a girlfriend.
I had classes, the team, my family, and the game.
It was all working too…
Until somewhere down the line, things got messy.
Until somehow we were dealing with threats, secrets, rivals, and so much more.
Until I began to want her in ways that weren’t part of the deal.
Our agreement didn’t just get checked into the wall, it got obliterated.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2023
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March 10, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 𝗛𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 ღ Is a full length stand alone, contemporary, sports romance book by author Tijan. Spoken in 'Dual perspectives.' Mara and Cruz.
I haven't had a 5 STAR read in a very long time, and I can't even tell you why I loved this so much because it's that kind of magic this author weaves in all her books, it's unexplainable, it is what it is, it's unique in every way which makes up her, and yet again she's cemented why she's one of my top authors.
These two characters were so relatable, Mara didn't have the best upbringing and without going into detail I connected with her on a much higher level that I expected I would because I too went through what she'd gone through many many times as a child. I kept my friends away, I hid it, everyone was kept at arm's length, though I didn't use Mara's coping mechanism, I buried my head in books.
Cruz he is the kind of guy that all us girls crave in our books, he held my heart in his hands, he wrung out all those mushy feels, alpha when he needed to be, soft in others, caring, patient, and the perfect man to stand beside Mara when it came to breaking down all her prickly walls.
There was one scene with his sister on the ice where the tears just poured out of my eyes, that was heartbreakingly beautiful.
March 10, 2023
All the feels and so much more!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️😮🙂🥰😘
The heroine: Mara Daniels (a.k.a. Little Daniels) - she is a college freshman at Grant West, who just moved into the attic of a house with a bunch of roommates. She likes to keep to herself, but is also a party girl. She doesn’t want to get close to anyone, even as friends. She likes sex and always finds herself a guy who knows the deal, they have fun together, don’t see other people, and they don’t talk about anything personal. Mara has problems at home back in Fallen Crest and doesn’t want to talk about it with anyone.
The Hero: Cruz Styles - He is only a freshman but is the star hockey player at Grant West. He doesn’t have time for a girlfriend, but likes to hook up. He knows the deal and he likes what he has with Mara. He also has issues at home and he doesn’t want to talk about them either. What they have works for both of them.
The Story: At first I hated that this story started out while Cruz and Mara are already in a “just benefits” type relationship. I like the first meeting between the couple and the lead up to how they got where they are now, though it soon became apparent that though they were hooking up, they didn’t know each other at all.
Also, it kind of messed with my head that Mara is from Fallen Crest because it has me wondering if she was ever in any of Tijan’s other books or if she knows all the people from that world. I found out pretty quickly there were people in common with the Crew Series and Rich Prick, which are also books I really enjoyed.
I did like the story and the feelings it evoked. I felt bad for both of these kids and wanted them to just open up to each other so each of them would have that other person so the loads they both carried could be lightened a bit and they could seek solace in each other. Though even before they became more, they did find what they needed in each other and it was super steamy.
There was so much emotion in this story and Tijan has a way of pulling you in and making you feel all of it. I loved how the relationship between Mara and Cruz developed at a realistic pace and they went from just hooking up to desperate for each other to becoming emotionally involved by way of a story that felt completely natural.
This book had everything I like in a new adult sports romance. Such as a feisty and independent heroine, a fantastic Hero, great supporting characters who had depth, a terrific central storyline with all the feels, there were actual hockey games not just hockey players, plenty of steamy scenes, and an intoxicating storyline including a villain. I loved Zeke Allen, Mara’s friend from high school who was so helpful to her, I hope he gets his own story at some point. There were a few characters in this book that I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️😮🙂🥰😘
The heroine: Mara Daniels (a.k.a. Little Daniels) - she is a college freshman at Grant West, who just moved into the attic of a house with a bunch of roommates. She likes to keep to herself, but is also a party girl. She doesn’t want to get close to anyone, even as friends. She likes sex and always finds herself a guy who knows the deal, they have fun together, don’t see other people, and they don’t talk about anything personal. Mara has problems at home back in Fallen Crest and doesn’t want to talk about it with anyone.
The Hero: Cruz Styles - He is only a freshman but is the star hockey player at Grant West. He doesn’t have time for a girlfriend, but likes to hook up. He knows the deal and he likes what he has with Mara. He also has issues at home and he doesn’t want to talk about them either. What they have works for both of them.
The Story: At first I hated that this story started out while Cruz and Mara are already in a “just benefits” type relationship. I like the first meeting between the couple and the lead up to how they got where they are now, though it soon became apparent that though they were hooking up, they didn’t know each other at all.
Also, it kind of messed with my head that Mara is from Fallen Crest because it has me wondering if she was ever in any of Tijan’s other books or if she knows all the people from that world. I found out pretty quickly there were people in common with the Crew Series and Rich Prick, which are also books I really enjoyed.
I did like the story and the feelings it evoked. I felt bad for both of these kids and wanted them to just open up to each other so each of them would have that other person so the loads they both carried could be lightened a bit and they could seek solace in each other. Though even before they became more, they did find what they needed in each other and it was super steamy.
There was so much emotion in this story and Tijan has a way of pulling you in and making you feel all of it. I loved how the relationship between Mara and Cruz developed at a realistic pace and they went from just hooking up to desperate for each other to becoming emotionally involved by way of a story that felt completely natural.
“Never feel safe. When you did, that’s when the world would get pulled out from under you.
That’s when you would fall.
I could never get comfortable. I could never feel safe.
I surrounded myself with people I didn’t fully like… Or I kept them at bay, the ones that were already in.”
This book had everything I like in a new adult sports romance. Such as a feisty and independent heroine, a fantastic Hero, great supporting characters who had depth, a terrific central storyline with all the feels, there were actual hockey games not just hockey players, plenty of steamy scenes, and an intoxicating storyline including a villain. I loved Zeke Allen, Mara’s friend from high school who was so helpful to her, I hope he gets his own story at some point. There were a few characters in this book that I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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March 12, 2023
Oh yeah!!!!!
Already exited about it - Tijan does New Adult College like no one other ♡ and even better it's a hockey sports romance - my favorite kind!!!
No surprise here, I read the book in one sitting - devoured it so to speak. And again, I'm proved correctly, I'm a HUGE lover of her NA college novels, even more so when they are sports romances. It's just Kindle crack for me. My soul needs some Tijan ever few month - more sports/college themed than mafia.
Hockey With Benefits was exactly what I needed on a rainy Saturday.
It was delightfully entertaining, with a good amount of signature Tijan DRAMA, but also much more emotional than expected, and characters, especially the heroine, who stand out from the crowd.
Love Tijan's heroines. They are never bland. Uniquely and individually different.
Also, loved the sweet cameos, especially Zeke's, he has become my favourite supporting character!!!!
I'll be in withdrawal until the next one 🤞🏼 fingers crossed it won't be a mafia one - lol.
Already exited about it - Tijan does New Adult College like no one other ♡ and even better it's a hockey sports romance - my favorite kind!!!
No surprise here, I read the book in one sitting - devoured it so to speak. And again, I'm proved correctly, I'm a HUGE lover of her NA college novels, even more so when they are sports romances. It's just Kindle crack for me. My soul needs some Tijan ever few month - more sports/college themed than mafia.
Hockey With Benefits was exactly what I needed on a rainy Saturday.
It was delightfully entertaining, with a good amount of signature Tijan DRAMA, but also much more emotional than expected, and characters, especially the heroine, who stand out from the crowd.
Love Tijan's heroines. They are never bland. Uniquely and individually different.
Also, loved the sweet cameos, especially Zeke's, he has become my favourite supporting character!!!!
I'll be in withdrawal until the next one 🤞🏼 fingers crossed it won't be a mafia one - lol.
March 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥
I received an ARC from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge lover of sports romances and this was my first read by this author so I was very excited to get my hands on Hockey with Benefits. Unfortunately, I didn't love it has much as I had hoped I would.
There were so many different characters introduced and sometimes they were referred to by their first names and sometimes by their last, it was very confusing and made it very difficult for me to keep track of who was who and from where or how they all knew each other. I don't know if there are other books where these characters are mentioned, but some backstory would have definitely helped. It didn’t feel like a true standalone to me.
In the beginning Mara's whole personality felt very over the top and she came across as very unlikeable in my opinion. Even though apparently everybody who was introduced either wanted to sleep with her or wanted to fight her. 🙄
She did have some major growth throughout the book and I am very glad for that.
Cruz Styles had his sweet moments. He and Mara both have some family baggage, but his helped him be able to understand what Mara needed from him. He was patient with her and never pushed her when he could tell she was dealing with too much. I loved them together and how they blossomed as a couple.
I’m normally not one to complain, but this story almost had too much drama, some completely unnecessary and some of it didn’t really feel finished, which is surprising considering how long the book is.
🔥🔥
I received an ARC from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge lover of sports romances and this was my first read by this author so I was very excited to get my hands on Hockey with Benefits. Unfortunately, I didn't love it has much as I had hoped I would.
There were so many different characters introduced and sometimes they were referred to by their first names and sometimes by their last, it was very confusing and made it very difficult for me to keep track of who was who and from where or how they all knew each other. I don't know if there are other books where these characters are mentioned, but some backstory would have definitely helped. It didn’t feel like a true standalone to me.
In the beginning Mara's whole personality felt very over the top and she came across as very unlikeable in my opinion. Even though apparently everybody who was introduced either wanted to sleep with her or wanted to fight her. 🙄
She did have some major growth throughout the book and I am very glad for that.
Cruz Styles had his sweet moments. He and Mara both have some family baggage, but his helped him be able to understand what Mara needed from him. He was patient with her and never pushed her when he could tell she was dealing with too much. I loved them together and how they blossomed as a couple.
I’m normally not one to complain, but this story almost had too much drama, some completely unnecessary and some of it didn’t really feel finished, which is surprising considering how long the book is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
Let’s just get this out of the way. Yes, I live under a rock because this is the first romance I’ve read by this ridiculously gifted wordsmith. And holy wow, it absolutely, 100% won’t be my last! I’m gob smacked and desperate for more. I’ve known about her for over five years and my only regret is that it took me this long to read her phenomenal work.
This isn’t just young adult. This is young adult romance on steroids! There are shenanigans and silliness and power struggles and drama. So. Much. Drama! Drama on top of drama. But the main characters are fascinating, multi-layered, vulnerable and endearing without being selfish or immature. My absolutely favorite kind of characters who learn and grow and become the most incredible version of themselves.
Mara Daniels is a freshman at Grant West who keeps to herself. She rents an attic room in a house with other students, and she doesn’t have time or patience for petty, jealous mean-girl antics that are so prevalent on the college scene. She has a not-friends-with-benefits arrangement that with hockey player, Cruz Styles, and they stick to one rule: no personal information ever.
It's a great arrangement until their personal lives, Mara's especially, intrude in their college life and refuse to be ignored. Mara's carefully constructed walls are crumbling, leaving her open and vulnerable. It becomes clear who the true friends are when Mara can no longer keep her past and personal life hidden. And this is when our amazing hero, Cruz, really shines.
In the midst of young-adult angst and delightfully endearing secondary characters, Tijan takes on some really tough subject matters, handling them with authenticity, care and grace. My heart broke for Mara, yet seeing one of the antagonists through her eyes evoked a surprising amount of compassion and empathy.
I’ve read a lot of young adult sports romances, and this one is exceptionally well done. Beautifully written, balancing humor and heat while masterfully playing my heartstrings, it took me from devastating, ruinous lows to the sweetest most beautiful highs. This phenomenal, evocative romance has easily made itself a place at the top of my list of favorites, just as the characters have made a permanent place for themselves in my heart. I love absolutely everything about Mara, Cruz, and their road to forever.
While this one stands alone, I’m desperately hoping this gifted storyteller will consider a series in this book world, because there are more stories from some truly wonderful characters just waiting to be told. *fingers crossed* In the meantime, run to the 1-Click and start reading this one ASAP. It will be one of your very best reads this year and promises to make your romantic heart blissfully happy.
This isn’t just young adult. This is young adult romance on steroids! There are shenanigans and silliness and power struggles and drama. So. Much. Drama! Drama on top of drama. But the main characters are fascinating, multi-layered, vulnerable and endearing without being selfish or immature. My absolutely favorite kind of characters who learn and grow and become the most incredible version of themselves.
Mara Daniels is a freshman at Grant West who keeps to herself. She rents an attic room in a house with other students, and she doesn’t have time or patience for petty, jealous mean-girl antics that are so prevalent on the college scene. She has a not-friends-with-benefits arrangement that with hockey player, Cruz Styles, and they stick to one rule: no personal information ever.
It's a great arrangement until their personal lives, Mara's especially, intrude in their college life and refuse to be ignored. Mara's carefully constructed walls are crumbling, leaving her open and vulnerable. It becomes clear who the true friends are when Mara can no longer keep her past and personal life hidden. And this is when our amazing hero, Cruz, really shines.
In the midst of young-adult angst and delightfully endearing secondary characters, Tijan takes on some really tough subject matters, handling them with authenticity, care and grace. My heart broke for Mara, yet seeing one of the antagonists through her eyes evoked a surprising amount of compassion and empathy.
I’ve read a lot of young adult sports romances, and this one is exceptionally well done. Beautifully written, balancing humor and heat while masterfully playing my heartstrings, it took me from devastating, ruinous lows to the sweetest most beautiful highs. This phenomenal, evocative romance has easily made itself a place at the top of my list of favorites, just as the characters have made a permanent place for themselves in my heart. I love absolutely everything about Mara, Cruz, and their road to forever.
While this one stands alone, I’m desperately hoping this gifted storyteller will consider a series in this book world, because there are more stories from some truly wonderful characters just waiting to be told. *fingers crossed* In the meantime, run to the 1-Click and start reading this one ASAP. It will be one of your very best reads this year and promises to make your romantic heart blissfully happy.
March 11, 2023
This book was a struggle to get through but I persevered as I normally love Tijan’s writing.
When I started reading it felt like I had missed a couple of chapters as we just jumped straight into the FWB relationship that had already started. There was so many characters who were being called by both their first and last name making it impossible to keep track of who was who and what their relationship was with the MC. Throughout the whole book I felt like I was reading a sequel without reading the first book…
When I started reading it felt like I had missed a couple of chapters as we just jumped straight into the FWB relationship that had already started. There was so many characters who were being called by both their first and last name making it impossible to keep track of who was who and what their relationship was with the MC. Throughout the whole book I felt like I was reading a sequel without reading the first book…
March 6, 2023
I want to start off by saying that I absolutely love Mara and Cruz together! They made such a good couple and I loved their chemistry. I was so soft for how sweet he was with Mara and how hot he was for her. My favourite scene had to be the laser tag, though! It was so fun to read it, and I really enjoyed how well Mara fit in with the guys.
However, I had a lot of confusion reading this. There were A LOT of characters. By the end, I still don't think I have them all straight and I'm confused with who was who, who belonged to what group, and who knew who from what. There was so much going on and it was really hard for me to keep up with everything. I also felt like I missed a book or a supplement somewhere. When I started reading, all the characters seemed familiar with each other, but I had no clue what was going on. I don't know if I missed a tie-in series or what, but it definitely felt like something was missing.
I also thought that Mara's character came across as highly unstable. She was so hot and cold, and seemed to flip on a dime sometimes. Her character development though **chef's kiss** she came so far by the end of the book and I'm so here for it! I loved how much she was ready to fight for herself and for others, and it was so fascinating to watch her grow throughout the book!
However, I had a lot of confusion reading this. There were A LOT of characters. By the end, I still don't think I have them all straight and I'm confused with who was who, who belonged to what group, and who knew who from what. There was so much going on and it was really hard for me to keep up with everything. I also felt like I missed a book or a supplement somewhere. When I started reading, all the characters seemed familiar with each other, but I had no clue what was going on. I don't know if I missed a tie-in series or what, but it definitely felt like something was missing.
I also thought that Mara's character came across as highly unstable. She was so hot and cold, and seemed to flip on a dime sometimes. Her character development though **chef's kiss** she came so far by the end of the book and I'm so here for it! I loved how much she was ready to fight for herself and for others, and it was so fascinating to watch her grow throughout the book!
March 12, 2023
***4,25 "#teamcruz & #teamdaniels" stars***
“Never feel safe.
When you did, that’s when the world would get pulled out from under you.
That’s when you would fall.”
This was such a heartbreaking, but at the same time, wonderful story!!!
Yes, this book was about one girl and one boy that had an arrangement between them, but soon, it became something so much more than just sex with benefits...
Mara was breaking my heart cause she was living with walls a mile long around herself and Cruz was a man who had so much to offer, even when his own world was tumbling down...
Something that started as only sex with benefits, turned out to be just...everything!!!
"I wasn't the girl that got the guy.
I knew the deal.
The guys knew the deal..."
Mara and Cruz are having a deal... Whenever they felt like it, they were having sex, but outside that, they weren't connected in any way... They weren't friends, they weren't running around the same circles, but several times the week, they would find release to each other;s body...
But soon, everything are about to change...
Soon, this arrangement won't be enough for neither of them, but that new need is scary and they will try to suffocate it!!!
Will they succeed to keep their walls up when one by one this said walls are being wrecked from the circumstances that are surrounding them???
"She did that. She shifted the wall.
I'd never let her put it back."
I liked Mara and Cruz so much!!!
Mara was a very complicated creature and she had a good reason for that...
She preffered her isolation over the gossip about her life...
She preffered to be surrounded by solid and unbreakable walls...
But this semester, Mara will find out that loneliness is not always the right choice...
Cruz for her is a getaway from her solitude, but he seems to be the one who is holding the more powerful sledgehammer and he is about to bring chaos in her already chaotic life!!!
"I could push everyone else away. But not him. Not Cruz."
Cruz is living and breathing hockey... He doesn't need more complications in his life than he is already having...
That's why Mara Daniels is the perfect girl for him, cause she is uncomplicated and everything that he needs...
Until, he is realizing that he needs more of her!!!
Cruz was the perfect boy I'm telling you... I loved him so much and he was playing my heart strings so masterfully... I can totally understand why Mara couldn't resist him anymore...
"I was addicted to her, and it was becoming more."
Another one great story by Tijan's pen!!! I am always under her spell when I am reading her books...
I love the drama and her complicated heroes very much...
I won't hide to you that the many names and persons was a little frustrating from time to time, or that I was feeling that I was missing something since I haven't read everything by her yet... But I got over it soon and I enjoyed the story very much!!!
Also...I am very charmed by Zeke... He kind of stole the show here!!!
And I wonder.... Is there somewhere out there his story??? And if not, maybe Tijan needs to write it??? LOL
"I don't let myself get close to anyone.
But you, you changed the game."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
“Never feel safe.
When you did, that’s when the world would get pulled out from under you.
That’s when you would fall.”
This was such a heartbreaking, but at the same time, wonderful story!!!
Yes, this book was about one girl and one boy that had an arrangement between them, but soon, it became something so much more than just sex with benefits...
Mara was breaking my heart cause she was living with walls a mile long around herself and Cruz was a man who had so much to offer, even when his own world was tumbling down...
Something that started as only sex with benefits, turned out to be just...everything!!!
"I wasn't the girl that got the guy.
I knew the deal.
The guys knew the deal..."
Mara and Cruz are having a deal... Whenever they felt like it, they were having sex, but outside that, they weren't connected in any way... They weren't friends, they weren't running around the same circles, but several times the week, they would find release to each other;s body...
But soon, everything are about to change...
Soon, this arrangement won't be enough for neither of them, but that new need is scary and they will try to suffocate it!!!
Will they succeed to keep their walls up when one by one this said walls are being wrecked from the circumstances that are surrounding them???
"She did that. She shifted the wall.
I'd never let her put it back."
I liked Mara and Cruz so much!!!
Mara was a very complicated creature and she had a good reason for that...
She preffered her isolation over the gossip about her life...
She preffered to be surrounded by solid and unbreakable walls...
But this semester, Mara will find out that loneliness is not always the right choice...
Cruz for her is a getaway from her solitude, but he seems to be the one who is holding the more powerful sledgehammer and he is about to bring chaos in her already chaotic life!!!
"I could push everyone else away. But not him. Not Cruz."
Cruz is living and breathing hockey... He doesn't need more complications in his life than he is already having...
That's why Mara Daniels is the perfect girl for him, cause she is uncomplicated and everything that he needs...
Until, he is realizing that he needs more of her!!!
Cruz was the perfect boy I'm telling you... I loved him so much and he was playing my heart strings so masterfully... I can totally understand why Mara couldn't resist him anymore...
"I was addicted to her, and it was becoming more."
Another one great story by Tijan's pen!!! I am always under her spell when I am reading her books...
I love the drama and her complicated heroes very much...
I won't hide to you that the many names and persons was a little frustrating from time to time, or that I was feeling that I was missing something since I haven't read everything by her yet... But I got over it soon and I enjoyed the story very much!!!
Also...I am very charmed by Zeke... He kind of stole the show here!!!
And I wonder.... Is there somewhere out there his story??? And if not, maybe Tijan needs to write it??? LOL
"I don't let myself get close to anyone.
But you, you changed the game."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
March 7, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh. I’m a huge HUGE lover of Tijan books and just when I think I have a new favourite she goes and brings out a new book and it takes over everything.
When I heard Hockey With Benefits was going to be Mara’s book my interest was piqued..and I just KNEWthat the girl I hated from Rich Prick I would end up loving and I was absolutely right. I loved Mara. That girl has been through so much I’m actually surprised she’s still standing. Her childhood wasn’t great, the things she dealt with was horrific, the things she deals with in the present was heartbreaking. She’s a strong and caring woman and man, my heart goes to her.
Cruz, oh that guy. The trauma he’s been dealt was simply heartbreaking and made me want to hug him so hard. On the outside he’s tough and hard faced but on the inside there’s so much more to him. He’s kind, he’s caring and those who are close to him, he loves them fiercely.
From the get go there was instant chemistry with these two but watching their whole relationship thing develop and them sort through some stuff they have going on has been so great. I legit could not bring myself to put the book down.
I just have to say I absolutely loved the fact that some of the Rich Prick crew were in this book and that they were in it often. I love me crossover characters and no Rich Prick does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this story but I totally would because Tijan books are SO GOOD
The only thing I had a problem with is the amount of characters in it, I was so confused as to who was who but maybe that was just me. Sometimes their first name was used then their last and my brain was instant no haha but other than that I absolutely loved everything!
Hockey With Benefits is a fun and heart wrenching young adult sports romance. A story that’ll leave you wanting more.
When I heard Hockey With Benefits was going to be Mara’s book my interest was piqued..and I just KNEWthat the girl I hated from Rich Prick I would end up loving and I was absolutely right. I loved Mara. That girl has been through so much I’m actually surprised she’s still standing. Her childhood wasn’t great, the things she dealt with was horrific, the things she deals with in the present was heartbreaking. She’s a strong and caring woman and man, my heart goes to her.
Cruz, oh that guy. The trauma he’s been dealt was simply heartbreaking and made me want to hug him so hard. On the outside he’s tough and hard faced but on the inside there’s so much more to him. He’s kind, he’s caring and those who are close to him, he loves them fiercely.
From the get go there was instant chemistry with these two but watching their whole relationship thing develop and them sort through some stuff they have going on has been so great. I legit could not bring myself to put the book down.
I just have to say I absolutely loved the fact that some of the Rich Prick crew were in this book and that they were in it often. I love me crossover characters and no Rich Prick does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this story but I totally would because Tijan books are SO GOOD
The only thing I had a problem with is the amount of characters in it, I was so confused as to who was who but maybe that was just me. Sometimes their first name was used then their last and my brain was instant no haha but other than that I absolutely loved everything!
Hockey With Benefits is a fun and heart wrenching young adult sports romance. A story that’ll leave you wanting more.
March 9, 2023
This was a cute read overall, though it lost some cookie points at the end. I’m a fan of HEA but sometimes it’s just too sappy, and this was exactly it. It felt like reading a fairytale, the last sentence being: “ and they lived happily ever after”. This is automatically a no for me.
I get it, things got dealt with, you guys are in love, but nah. Give me something more!!
But yeah, other than that ending, this was a cute read that deals with some heavy stuff.
I get it, things got dealt with, you guys are in love, but nah. Give me something more!!
But yeah, other than that ending, this was a cute read that deals with some heavy stuff.
March 24, 2023
***AVAILABLE NOW***
3.5 STARS
I liked it. There are things I really loved and things that were lackluster.
What I loved:
1. I really loved Mara. She was tough, was honest about who was and was a fighter for others.
2. I loved Cruz too. He was the perfect guy for Mara.
3. They were a really good couple together, they healed each other and got each other on a deeper level because of their trauma.
4. I loved that Mara found a family in her roommates and other secondary characters.
What I needed more of:
1. I needed more action. It was very character driven and it lost steam for me a bit.
2. There seemed to be some plot points left unresolved or just glossed over. There was a lot of back story.
3. There were so many characters and, and for some, I did feel like I needed to have read their books just to know who they were.
4. The steam died off for me. It started great and then just kind of vanished.
Overall, it was a decent read. It started out strong but then petered out as the book went on.
3.5 STARS
I liked it. There are things I really loved and things that were lackluster.
What I loved:
1. I really loved Mara. She was tough, was honest about who was and was a fighter for others.
2. I loved Cruz too. He was the perfect guy for Mara.
3. They were a really good couple together, they healed each other and got each other on a deeper level because of their trauma.
4. I loved that Mara found a family in her roommates and other secondary characters.
What I needed more of:
1. I needed more action. It was very character driven and it lost steam for me a bit.
2. There seemed to be some plot points left unresolved or just glossed over. There was a lot of back story.
3. There were so many characters and, and for some, I did feel like I needed to have read their books just to know who they were.
4. The steam died off for me. It started great and then just kind of vanished.
Overall, it was a decent read. It started out strong but then petered out as the book went on.
March 11, 2023
“Cruz knew the deal. No personal shit.
He knew the rules because he was my not-friend with benefits.”
I dont know what Tijan puts in her stories but I am addicted and can not put them down till The End.
Both Mara and Cruz are both navigating their time in college and relationships. Cruz with hockey, friends and younger sister at home.
Mara just wants to finish her education and keep her walls up and people away because of her mom.
Mara sets rules with Cruz to keep it strictly physical.
However the angst and chemistry between Mara and Cruz is undeniable.
Mara doesn’t want to rely on anyone but things occur that slowly allow some vulnerability.
This plot felt familiar Tijan with drama, fights, family conflicts and emotions. Plenty of spice also.
I loved that this is also Fallen Crest adjacent so some surprise characters that added laughs and heartfelt moments.
Dual POV
New Adult
Check triggers
ARC
He knew the rules because he was my not-friend with benefits.”
I dont know what Tijan puts in her stories but I am addicted and can not put them down till The End.
Both Mara and Cruz are both navigating their time in college and relationships. Cruz with hockey, friends and younger sister at home.
Mara just wants to finish her education and keep her walls up and people away because of her mom.
Mara sets rules with Cruz to keep it strictly physical.
However the angst and chemistry between Mara and Cruz is undeniable.
Mara doesn’t want to rely on anyone but things occur that slowly allow some vulnerability.
This plot felt familiar Tijan with drama, fights, family conflicts and emotions. Plenty of spice also.
I loved that this is also Fallen Crest adjacent so some surprise characters that added laughs and heartfelt moments.
Dual POV
New Adult
Check triggers
ARC
Want to read
February 15, 2023Genres: New Adult Romance, Sports Romance
Tropes: Alpha Hero, Angsty, Athlete, Sports, Tortured Lead, Tragic Past
Tropes: Alpha Hero, Angsty, Athlete, Sports, Tortured Lead, Tragic Past
March 6, 2023
I received an eARC in return for my honest review. I was super excited to receive this one. I love hockey romance, I basically make it my whole personality but this was tough to get through. It's hard for me to even write this review bc it was just all over the place.
There was so many characters, it was very confusing. They are called by their last name and then their first, it was all over the place and made it hard to follow along.
Cruz and Mara are already like in their sex deal, won't call it FWB, bc Mara doesn't do friends. I wish we could of seen the beginning of their relationship.
I did like the MCs chemistry and how their relationship seemed to naturally develop. The book does cover some heavier topics, mental illness, sexual assault. So make sure to check triggers warnings before diving into this one if you decide to.
I would pass on this one, better hockey romances out there.
Overall: 3.25
Spice: 1
There was so many characters, it was very confusing. They are called by their last name and then their first, it was all over the place and made it hard to follow along.
Cruz and Mara are already like in their sex deal, won't call it FWB, bc Mara doesn't do friends. I wish we could of seen the beginning of their relationship.
I did like the MCs chemistry and how their relationship seemed to naturally develop. The book does cover some heavier topics, mental illness, sexual assault. So make sure to check triggers warnings before diving into this one if you decide to.
I would pass on this one, better hockey romances out there.
Overall: 3.25
Spice: 1
March 21, 2023
I had to DNF this at 44%. Mara is very hard to like, she's very cold, and a bit OTT with some of her outbursts. There's some things in her past, things that have her the way that she is. I did like Cruz enough to try to push forward, curious about him, his past, but I just couldn't. . There's a lot of other characters in both of their lives and it felt overwhelming at times needing to keep them all straight. This was my first read by this author, and sadly I just couldn't connect enough with the story to continue.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 28, 2023
finally a hockey romance where the guy isn’t a complete whore 🙌🏽 i honestly liked this book, i wouldn’t go as far as to say i loved it but it was enjoyable.
i will say i didn’t like how it kinda just jumped straight into the thing they had, i would’ve preferred if we got the back story because i had felt like i was missing a big chunk of the story
also everything about these college romances are so unrealistic 😭 i get that they’re books but i’m so glad i didn’t read these before moving out for college cause my expectations would have been through the roof
i will say i didn’t like how it kinda just jumped straight into the thing they had, i would’ve preferred if we got the back story because i had felt like i was missing a big chunk of the story
also everything about these college romances are so unrealistic 😭 i get that they’re books but i’m so glad i didn’t read these before moving out for college cause my expectations would have been through the roof
Read
March 15, 2023So I’m about 50% done with this book and I think I’ll DNF.
The FMC is so infuriating. She’s a grade A b*tch to literally everyone. For seemingly no reason most of the time. She has zero girl friend (red flags) only guy friends. She’s the girl all the guys want, all of the girls at parties hate. It’s so cliche and not in a cute way. I do not like her honestly. She has some unknown trauma (not known to me yet) but the whole *I hate girls bc they’re just drama* thing and literally gets into a knock out brawl with a girl bc the girl said some stupid sh*t to her. Gross.
I am very invested in the plot and want to know what’s going to happen but honestly I don’t think I can read this FMC anymore.
The FMC is so infuriating. She’s a grade A b*tch to literally everyone. For seemingly no reason most of the time. She has zero girl friend (red flags) only guy friends. She’s the girl all the guys want, all of the girls at parties hate. It’s so cliche and not in a cute way. I do not like her honestly. She has some unknown trauma (not known to me yet) but the whole *I hate girls bc they’re just drama* thing and literally gets into a knock out brawl with a girl bc the girl said some stupid sh*t to her. Gross.
I am very invested in the plot and want to know what’s going to happen but honestly I don’t think I can read this FMC anymore.
March 8, 2023
Hockey with Benefits is Tijan's newest standalone and she nails this college sports.
Cruz and Mara have a no-friends with benefits agreement that works for the both of them. It's just as unique as they are; these two are very complex characters in their own right.
I enjoyed getting to know them both as individuals and together as their agreement became more convoluted as the school semester moved along. These two definitely were hot between the sheets but as they let their walls crumble, they could see there was possibly more – but did either really want more?
These two plus their college roommates, friends and teammates rounded out this book so well. I enjoyed all the banter between everyone and could easily see each scene play out before me. While certain scenes were more emotional and heavier to go through, I found the lighter ones blended in perfectly to give this book a very well-rounded story.
Tijan delivers a very heavy plot that I will say could be triggering for some people. I loved that she kept it all real and authentic; no sugar coating from either side – just pure raw emotion. But at the same time, she gave us characters that we can easily relate to and would want as friends.
Another phenomenal story from Tijan.
Cruz and Mara have a no-friends with benefits agreement that works for the both of them. It's just as unique as they are; these two are very complex characters in their own right.
I enjoyed getting to know them both as individuals and together as their agreement became more convoluted as the school semester moved along. These two definitely were hot between the sheets but as they let their walls crumble, they could see there was possibly more – but did either really want more?
These two plus their college roommates, friends and teammates rounded out this book so well. I enjoyed all the banter between everyone and could easily see each scene play out before me. While certain scenes were more emotional and heavier to go through, I found the lighter ones blended in perfectly to give this book a very well-rounded story.
Tijan delivers a very heavy plot that I will say could be triggering for some people. I loved that she kept it all real and authentic; no sugar coating from either side – just pure raw emotion. But at the same time, she gave us characters that we can easily relate to and would want as friends.
Another phenomenal story from Tijan.
March 8, 2023
I got an arc of this book for my honest opinion . This book was ok ,i was expecting to love it because i love Tijan's books and i love hockey romances but this book kinda fell a little flat for me ,it was good but not great,
So Mara is an ok character ,there were times i just didn't care for her or her reactions to some of the things that were going on ,i get she has a shitty past but i don't get why she felt like she needed to be a bitch to push people away ,i just didn't really connect with her character.
Now i loved Cruz ,he was awesome through out this whole book ,i kinda don't get what he see's in Mara ,i get it she has an awful home life but i just didn't like how she would push him away and get mad at him if he even tired to connect with her in a non sexual way ,like how she got mad that he texted her ? like really ,Cruz himself has had a rough life but i didn't see him treating people shitty but whatever ,overall i loved him but mara not so much .
This book was ok ,i didn't love it like i thought i would ,i have read alot of Tijan's books and this is the first time that i have ever giving her only 3 stars ,at times i felt like maybe this book was just too much drama ,i mean i felt like Mara would get into a fight over the littlest thing and then get into a fight over something huge but her reaction to those situations were the same and it didn't make sense to me . overall it was just an okay read for me .
So Mara is an ok character ,there were times i just didn't care for her or her reactions to some of the things that were going on ,i get she has a shitty past but i don't get why she felt like she needed to be a bitch to push people away ,i just didn't really connect with her character.
Now i loved Cruz ,he was awesome through out this whole book ,i kinda don't get what he see's in Mara ,i get it she has an awful home life but i just didn't like how she would push him away and get mad at him if he even tired to connect with her in a non sexual way ,like how she got mad that he texted her ? like really ,Cruz himself has had a rough life but i didn't see him treating people shitty but whatever ,overall i loved him but mara not so much .
This book was ok ,i didn't love it like i thought i would ,i have read alot of Tijan's books and this is the first time that i have ever giving her only 3 stars ,at times i felt like maybe this book was just too much drama ,i mean i felt like Mara would get into a fight over the littlest thing and then get into a fight over something huge but her reaction to those situations were the same and it didn't make sense to me . overall it was just an okay read for me .
March 5, 2023
The Queen of Hearts and Words strikes again!!
Cruz and Mara, have the perfect solution, they are a Friends with Benefits relationship that has been working perfectly. Both have different yet similar issues, they don't trust, they keep their family and lives to themselves with high walls, yet their relationship is full of passion and hot as hades!!
Things take a turn when their personal lives starts encroaching on their arrangement, turning things upside down for both of them.
Entering into this new emotional "beyond friendship" relationship, is inspirational and heart wrenching. There are so many facets to this couple and their kindred spirits. Tijan takes us down a hard path with heavy hitting issues, but the courage and strength this couple finds just blew me away. Expect the unexpected because this book takes you in deep!! Their growth just about left me in a puddle. The friends well what fun most of them were, and make you realise how special it is to have good people surround you.
Tijan characters just lay out your heart and claims it.
Cruz and Mara, have the perfect solution, they are a Friends with Benefits relationship that has been working perfectly. Both have different yet similar issues, they don't trust, they keep their family and lives to themselves with high walls, yet their relationship is full of passion and hot as hades!!
Things take a turn when their personal lives starts encroaching on their arrangement, turning things upside down for both of them.
Entering into this new emotional "beyond friendship" relationship, is inspirational and heart wrenching. There are so many facets to this couple and their kindred spirits. Tijan takes us down a hard path with heavy hitting issues, but the courage and strength this couple finds just blew me away. Expect the unexpected because this book takes you in deep!! Their growth just about left me in a puddle. The friends well what fun most of them were, and make you realise how special it is to have good people surround you.
Tijan characters just lay out your heart and claims it.
March 4, 2023
✨𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬✨
Mara is used to keeping people at arm's length because when you let them in, they hurt you, after all. She establishes a secret not-friends-with-benefits deal with the hot-rising hockey superstar. But when the part of Mara’s life she’s kept hidden is exposed, her new reality starts to crumble.
🏒Sports Romance
🏒Not-Friends with Benefits
🏒Tragic Past
🏒Angsty
🏒Dual POV
First of all, Mara is a complete BADASS! I wasn’t sure I was going to like her in the beginning but learning about her past helped me understand her behavior/internal struggle.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩.”
Cruz is the perfect balance of sweetheart and asshole. It is the little things in this story!! This couple started with nothing but a physical connection. Seeing them slowly open up made their connection seem more genuine.
Full of lovable side characters that will make your heart flutter! A few twists and turns through the story made this a page-turner! I loved this so much!
⭐️- 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓
🌶️- 𝟑/𝟓
*Stand-alone contemporary sports romance. (TW: sexual assault, mental illness)
Mara is used to keeping people at arm's length because when you let them in, they hurt you, after all. She establishes a secret not-friends-with-benefits deal with the hot-rising hockey superstar. But when the part of Mara’s life she’s kept hidden is exposed, her new reality starts to crumble.
🏒Sports Romance
🏒Not-Friends with Benefits
🏒Tragic Past
🏒Angsty
🏒Dual POV
First of all, Mara is a complete BADASS! I wasn’t sure I was going to like her in the beginning but learning about her past helped me understand her behavior/internal struggle.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩.”
Cruz is the perfect balance of sweetheart and asshole. It is the little things in this story!! This couple started with nothing but a physical connection. Seeing them slowly open up made their connection seem more genuine.
Full of lovable side characters that will make your heart flutter! A few twists and turns through the story made this a page-turner! I loved this so much!
⭐️- 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓
🌶️- 𝟑/𝟓
*Stand-alone contemporary sports romance. (TW: sexual assault, mental illness)
March 12, 2023
*3,5
Eu estava muito ansiosa para este livro desde que li a antologia A Year of Love com a novella da Mara e do Cruz. Expectativas estavam lá em cima
Eu gostei da maior parte do livro, mas depois de 80%, eu achei meio enrolação. Acho que esse livro ficaria muito bem com umas 100 páginas a menos.
Eu estava muito ansiosa para este livro desde que li a antologia A Year of Love com a novella da Mara e do Cruz. Expectativas estavam lá em cima
Eu gostei da maior parte do livro, mas depois de 80%, eu achei meio enrolação. Acho que esse livro ficaria muito bem com umas 100 páginas a menos.
March 27, 2023
Could not get into the story at all.
March 12, 2023
A fun new adult sports romance! This book follows Mara and Cruz as they both navigate life at college, and their own personal lives outside of school. I enjoyed the dynamic between these characters and seeing what started off as casual hook ups between the two turn into something heartwarming and sweet that neither one expected
March 24, 2023
4.5 STARS
I think long time fans of the author will be very happy with this book. It’s something new with some nods to the past that I adored.
It’s the quintessential Tijan New Adult college romance with plenty of drama, fights, spiteful girls & guys, and plenty of supportive friends. There’s a lot of emotions and plenty of depth as well.
This author writes likable, strong, emotionally damaged young women that can hang with the guys and verbally bite back at the bullies in such a way that it makes me wish I had been like that in my youth.
I think that is a lot of the appeal.
Mara is a loner, she’s no frills, doesn’t let anyone get close and is having a not friends with benefits strictly relationship with Cruz.
Cruz is a hockey star who has quick wit, clever humor and he knows when to back off of things with Mara and he is there for her in perfect ways. I really adore him!
Both characters have heavy family issues that they carry with them.
I loved their banter when they finally get more personal and I loved that they understood each other quickly when they saw each other more clearly.
It’s a very entertaining story with the drama I expected along with some really good emotional depth and some very emotional moments and connections.
It’s also very hot and sexy, I love the explosive chemistry between Mara and Cruz.
This was a fun, entertaining and very satisfying story.
I love the connections to past books and characters. You might see some beloved characters in cameo appearances.
I love this world the author has created. It’s a great getaway from reality with the perfect amount of deeper feelings and character growth.
I think long time fans of the author will be very happy with this book. It’s something new with some nods to the past that I adored.
It’s the quintessential Tijan New Adult college romance with plenty of drama, fights, spiteful girls & guys, and plenty of supportive friends. There’s a lot of emotions and plenty of depth as well.
This author writes likable, strong, emotionally damaged young women that can hang with the guys and verbally bite back at the bullies in such a way that it makes me wish I had been like that in my youth.
I think that is a lot of the appeal.
Mara is a loner, she’s no frills, doesn’t let anyone get close and is having a not friends with benefits strictly relationship with Cruz.
Cruz is a hockey star who has quick wit, clever humor and he knows when to back off of things with Mara and he is there for her in perfect ways. I really adore him!
Both characters have heavy family issues that they carry with them.
I loved their banter when they finally get more personal and I loved that they understood each other quickly when they saw each other more clearly.
It’s a very entertaining story with the drama I expected along with some really good emotional depth and some very emotional moments and connections.
It’s also very hot and sexy, I love the explosive chemistry between Mara and Cruz.
This was a fun, entertaining and very satisfying story.
I love the connections to past books and characters. You might see some beloved characters in cameo appearances.
I love this world the author has created. It’s a great getaway from reality with the perfect amount of deeper feelings and character growth.
March 7, 2023
this book features mara and cruz, both individuals with their own baggage and cope with it in the same way. but after a while, things begin to change and walls start to come down. both slowly let their guards down and start trusting each other a little more outside the bedroom.
mara is a tough character to like. she’s tough, guarded and lashes out to protect herself. but her character development was lovely to watch as she slowly opens herself up to love, friends and romance. i liked how she was written and honestly how stubborn she was. a lot of authors try to write “guarded” female characters who cave when a guy is nice to her. but not mara. it took a while to get over the wall she built.
cruz was such a cutie and had his own baggage that he was able to emotionally a little better than mara. i loved his relationship with his mom and how he never gave up on mara. he was patient with her and didn’t push her, but never asked questions when she needed someone. im glad the two of them overcame their struggles and they got their HEA!
however, this book is difficult to keep up with. there are so many characters in different circles who are introduced throughout the ENTIRE book and im not sure i could clearly define who is who, who liked who and who is from where. it made it feel like i opened a book in the middle and read from there, like i was missing an important introduction. i believe these characters are mentioned in other books and while this is a standalone, more background would have helped a lot.
i also felt like this book had a LOT of drama. like over the top, would never happen in college, one thing after another. so at times, that made the characters sometimes i relatable and the story unbelievable. like if i’d read this at 17 or 18, i would’ve eaten it UP. but after being in college, i couldn’t help but think half of these situations would never happen.
overall, if you love drama, damaged characters and some spice, you’d love this book. mara and cruz have a nice story and make a great couple.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: Coming to Kindle Unlimited after March 7th!
Apple: http://bit.ly/3S0zu9p
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3Iu5UWx
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3YND7BQ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3lqdR69
i received an electronic ARC from valentine pr. my review is voluntary.
mara is a tough character to like. she’s tough, guarded and lashes out to protect herself. but her character development was lovely to watch as she slowly opens herself up to love, friends and romance. i liked how she was written and honestly how stubborn she was. a lot of authors try to write “guarded” female characters who cave when a guy is nice to her. but not mara. it took a while to get over the wall she built.
cruz was such a cutie and had his own baggage that he was able to emotionally a little better than mara. i loved his relationship with his mom and how he never gave up on mara. he was patient with her and didn’t push her, but never asked questions when she needed someone. im glad the two of them overcame their struggles and they got their HEA!
however, this book is difficult to keep up with. there are so many characters in different circles who are introduced throughout the ENTIRE book and im not sure i could clearly define who is who, who liked who and who is from where. it made it feel like i opened a book in the middle and read from there, like i was missing an important introduction. i believe these characters are mentioned in other books and while this is a standalone, more background would have helped a lot.
i also felt like this book had a LOT of drama. like over the top, would never happen in college, one thing after another. so at times, that made the characters sometimes i relatable and the story unbelievable. like if i’d read this at 17 or 18, i would’ve eaten it UP. but after being in college, i couldn’t help but think half of these situations would never happen.
overall, if you love drama, damaged characters and some spice, you’d love this book. mara and cruz have a nice story and make a great couple.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: Coming to Kindle Unlimited after March 7th!
Apple: http://bit.ly/3S0zu9p
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3Iu5UWx
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3YND7BQ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3lqdR69
i received an electronic ARC from valentine pr. my review is voluntary.
March 4, 2023
“I just want to be with you.”
Oh. My. Wow! I’m still feeling and reeling from Hockey With Benefits, a moving mashup of hockey and romance that wholeheartedly held me captive the whole time reading. Tijan weaves an electrifying love story of heartbreak and healing with characters you’ll feel long after the last page. I was so consumed by this smartly-written tale that radiates steam, strength and soul. I was a goner for Hockey With Benefits.
Immediately I became a student at Grant University, falling hard for the crush-worthy Cruz who’s a hero on and off the ice, and Mara who’s a warrior of a heroine I couldn’t help but admire and adore. I felt Mara’s struggle along with her strength, and she quickly seeped right into my soul. I wanted to hug her and help her. Cruz defines hero. I adored this strong man who would walk through fire to save those he loves. I had a big hero crush and an even bigger heroine crush, so in love with this couple who are perfection together.
Full of spirit and soul, Hockey with Benefits is so much more than a sports romance. It squashes stereotypes and slays demons, as it shows the value of unconditional love and life, of friends who become family, and strength in spades. Like the other connected books in the growing Fallen Crest world, what I love the most is the close friendship circle or this crew … that wherever they are and whatever they’re doing, they always have your back.
Hockey with Benefits tugged at my heart every step of the way. I smiled, swooned, smoldered, and my soul was shaken as I felt these characters. I felt all the feels. I FELT EVERYTHING! This heart-hitting romance swept me away. Hockey with Benefits is so pucking good! I loved it!
💋💋💋💋💋 heart-tugging kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3ZpXMfR
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
Oh. My. Wow! I’m still feeling and reeling from Hockey With Benefits, a moving mashup of hockey and romance that wholeheartedly held me captive the whole time reading. Tijan weaves an electrifying love story of heartbreak and healing with characters you’ll feel long after the last page. I was so consumed by this smartly-written tale that radiates steam, strength and soul. I was a goner for Hockey With Benefits.
Immediately I became a student at Grant University, falling hard for the crush-worthy Cruz who’s a hero on and off the ice, and Mara who’s a warrior of a heroine I couldn’t help but admire and adore. I felt Mara’s struggle along with her strength, and she quickly seeped right into my soul. I wanted to hug her and help her. Cruz defines hero. I adored this strong man who would walk through fire to save those he loves. I had a big hero crush and an even bigger heroine crush, so in love with this couple who are perfection together.
Full of spirit and soul, Hockey with Benefits is so much more than a sports romance. It squashes stereotypes and slays demons, as it shows the value of unconditional love and life, of friends who become family, and strength in spades. Like the other connected books in the growing Fallen Crest world, what I love the most is the close friendship circle or this crew … that wherever they are and whatever they’re doing, they always have your back.
Hockey with Benefits tugged at my heart every step of the way. I smiled, swooned, smoldered, and my soul was shaken as I felt these characters. I felt all the feels. I FELT EVERYTHING! This heart-hitting romance swept me away. Hockey with Benefits is so pucking good! I loved it!
💋💋💋💋💋 heart-tugging kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3ZpXMfR
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
March 5, 2023
Mara Daniels doesn't do relationships. She doesn't do close friendships, either. She likes to keep everyone at surface level as a way to protect herself from getting hurt. Cruz Styles is her current surface level intimate relationship. They have a rule that as long as they are together intimately, then they aren't with anyone else.
Cruz is on the college hockey team. He has a lot of friends and is a pretty big deal on campus. At first, they try to keep their non-relationship/relationship quiet, but soon pictures are taken and word gets out. Mara doesn't want that. She has a mom who struggles with her mental health and Mara has been dealing with that all her life. She didn't want her mom knowing where she was.
I loved Cruz and Mara. Separately and together. Cruz is awesome. He has a single mother and a disabled younger sister whom he loves so much. Mara has been through a lot in her life with her mother's mental illness. She doesn't like anyone to know and to talk about it with those she knows from her hometown. But, Cruz just gets her and soon she is relying on him and knows that their relationship is more than what it initially started out as.
The only thing about this book is that there are soooooo many characters. I am not even sure I got them all straight. Sometimes, they are referred by last names and sometimes by first names. It was confusing. I couldn't remember who was a hockey player, who was Mara's roommate or who was in the fraternity.
Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cruz is on the college hockey team. He has a lot of friends and is a pretty big deal on campus. At first, they try to keep their non-relationship/relationship quiet, but soon pictures are taken and word gets out. Mara doesn't want that. She has a mom who struggles with her mental health and Mara has been dealing with that all her life. She didn't want her mom knowing where she was.
I loved Cruz and Mara. Separately and together. Cruz is awesome. He has a single mother and a disabled younger sister whom he loves so much. Mara has been through a lot in her life with her mother's mental illness. She doesn't like anyone to know and to talk about it with those she knows from her hometown. But, Cruz just gets her and soon she is relying on him and knows that their relationship is more than what it initially started out as.
The only thing about this book is that there are soooooo many characters. I am not even sure I got them all straight. Sometimes, they are referred by last names and sometimes by first names. It was confusing. I couldn't remember who was a hockey player, who was Mara's roommate or who was in the fraternity.
Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2023
Tijan never disappoints, you want that young love drama and all that it encompass well here you go, Tijan served it and you're going to be left wanting more!
Tijan has the amazing ability to bring characters to life, not going to lie I had to look back and see who was Mara in Rich Prick and boy was I glad I did because Tijan made Mara into this unbelievably strong and courageous individual in Hockey with Benefits.
Mara and Cruz heat up the pages in Hockey with Benefit and the way Tijan introduces their story to us is pure brilliance because this isn't your average college romance.
Hockey with Benefits will leave you loving Mara and Cruz relationship dynamic, but even more you will be enjoying some of your favorite past characters making special appearances. This is another Fallen Crest character getting their spot light and boy did Tijan do her justice.
Can't wait to see what else Tijan has in store for us.
~Glori💜
Tijan has the amazing ability to bring characters to life, not going to lie I had to look back and see who was Mara in Rich Prick and boy was I glad I did because Tijan made Mara into this unbelievably strong and courageous individual in Hockey with Benefits.
Mara and Cruz heat up the pages in Hockey with Benefit and the way Tijan introduces their story to us is pure brilliance because this isn't your average college romance.
Hockey with Benefits will leave you loving Mara and Cruz relationship dynamic, but even more you will be enjoying some of your favorite past characters making special appearances. This is another Fallen Crest character getting their spot light and boy did Tijan do her justice.
Can't wait to see what else Tijan has in store for us.
~Glori💜
March 11, 2023
Hockey With Benefits
By Tijan
Looking for a new hockey romance that featured spice and plot? Look no further!!
In Tijan’s latest novel, Hockey With Benefits, we get to watch a FWB duo progress into something more 👀
Read if you like:
— sports romance/hockey romance
— college-aged characters
— friends with benefits
— mental health rep
This is the first book I’ve read by Tijan and I really enjoyed it! This was also the first FWB-to-lovers book I’ve read and it won’t be the last.
I will say, this book is lengthy. There are quite a few characters and friend groups to keep up with. With how it starts, it jumps right in with all the characters and I did feel a little bit like I was missing something? Like a previous book almost. Also, with it being established FWB-to-lovers, I did miss the build up that you normally get in romances.
Thank you Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest review <3
By Tijan
Looking for a new hockey romance that featured spice and plot? Look no further!!
In Tijan’s latest novel, Hockey With Benefits, we get to watch a FWB duo progress into something more 👀
Read if you like:
— sports romance/hockey romance
— college-aged characters
— friends with benefits
— mental health rep
This is the first book I’ve read by Tijan and I really enjoyed it! This was also the first FWB-to-lovers book I’ve read and it won’t be the last.
I will say, this book is lengthy. There are quite a few characters and friend groups to keep up with. With how it starts, it jumps right in with all the characters and I did feel a little bit like I was missing something? Like a previous book almost. Also, with it being established FWB-to-lovers, I did miss the build up that you normally get in romances.
Thank you Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest review <3
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