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Hot Flash Hookups #1
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes
He's a hot, shirtless hockey player…and he’s my fake date for my ex-husband’s wedding. Talk about a hot flash to beat all hot flashes.
The wedding bells are ringing and my ex-husband is the groom! When my grown kids hook me up with a fake date to my ex-hubby's tropical island nuptials, I expect sun, sand, and plenty of fruity cocktails - not steamy nights with a shirtless pro hockey player!
Roman might be all swagger on the ice, but this growly, egotistical male model of perfection has a soft side too. While I battle dresses made for twenty-somethings, awkward run-ins with my ex, and unwelcome hot flashes, Roman is there to distract me with flirty compliments, stay up late with me when I can’t sleep, and make me feel vibrant and ageless.
As good as it feels, none of this is real, and Roman is way out of my league. Who’s going to believe this gorgeous, famous, muscle-bound athlete would ever date a scatterbrained, hot-flashing, insomniac nerd with twenty stubborn extra pounds around the middle?
But as the big day approaches, we grow closer. Wedding activities lead to beach walks at sunset, and his oh-so-talented fingers twist my hormones up in a whole new way. Gazing into Roman’s eyes, I start to wonder if he could be my shot at a real happily ever after.
That’s the thing about vacations, though; at some point, you need to return to reality.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes is a single dad pro hockey romance with plenty of spice and a game-winning HEA. It’s the first book in the Hot Flash Hookups series, and can be read as a standalone.
The wedding bells are ringing and my ex-husband is the groom! When my grown kids hook me up with a fake date to my ex-hubby's tropical island nuptials, I expect sun, sand, and plenty of fruity cocktails - not steamy nights with a shirtless pro hockey player!
Roman might be all swagger on the ice, but this growly, egotistical male model of perfection has a soft side too. While I battle dresses made for twenty-somethings, awkward run-ins with my ex, and unwelcome hot flashes, Roman is there to distract me with flirty compliments, stay up late with me when I can’t sleep, and make me feel vibrant and ageless.
As good as it feels, none of this is real, and Roman is way out of my league. Who’s going to believe this gorgeous, famous, muscle-bound athlete would ever date a scatterbrained, hot-flashing, insomniac nerd with twenty stubborn extra pounds around the middle?
But as the big day approaches, we grow closer. Wedding activities lead to beach walks at sunset, and his oh-so-talented fingers twist my hormones up in a whole new way. Gazing into Roman’s eyes, I start to wonder if he could be my shot at a real happily ever after.
That’s the thing about vacations, though; at some point, you need to return to reality.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes is a single dad pro hockey romance with plenty of spice and a game-winning HEA. It’s the first book in the Hot Flash Hookups series, and can be read as a standalone.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2023
737 people are currently reading
1823 people want to read
About the author
Marika Ray
82 books1,439 followersMarika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.
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Be sure to add my new releases to your TBR Today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
October 26, 2023
I have found a new writing duo to love!! This story was so much fun to read. Not only is it a perfect mix of humor, warm fuzzies, and spiciness, but it’s so very relatable. Loved it!!
When I see Marika Ray’s name on a book, I know I’m going to get a well-written RomCom that’s tons of fun and loaded with lovable characters. And to see she has co-written this book with another author had me eager to dive in. And I’m here to say it was double the fun!!
Fake date/relationship? Yes, please.
Forced proximity? Even better.
One bed? I’m here for it.
Olivia was so dang funny and smart and very relatable. An older woman who’s going through menopause and who isn’t afraid to keep it real. I could easily picture myself hanging out with her and having a great time discussing and gabbing about all the things, all the female things. She has two older kids who decide meddling in her love life is a good idea.
Roman is a sexy AF hockey player, and is considered old in the hockey world. At only 41, he’s feeling like his time is about done with the game and his body is telling him to hang his skates up. He has an older daughter who is also involved in the above said meddling.
I love the banter between Olivia and him. He’s a little cocky - aka self-assured, charming, and also a smart ass…but a caring, lovable one at that. Olivia is sassy and snarky and she’s not afraid to dish it right back.
Roman can totally relate with the aging process and is sympathetic when it comes to Olivia’s hot flashes and other symptoms of ‘the change.’ I couldn’t love these two any harder if I tried. They were absolutely perfect for each other. Each had their vulnerabilities, and each were understanding and compassionate with the other. Their connection was strong and the care and kindness they had for each other felt so genuine and I loved that they had each other’s back.
I loved everything about this book. I loved how happy it made me, how often it made me smile, and the number of tummy flutters it gave me. I adored all of the characters, even the secondary ones were amazing - their kids, the sisters of the bride, and Roman’s teammates.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. In the last chapter of this book, I could already feel the tension between Banks & Kaitlyn vibrating through my kindle. Bring it!!
When I see Marika Ray’s name on a book, I know I’m going to get a well-written RomCom that’s tons of fun and loaded with lovable characters. And to see she has co-written this book with another author had me eager to dive in. And I’m here to say it was double the fun!!
Fake date/relationship? Yes, please.
Forced proximity? Even better.
One bed? I’m here for it.
Olivia was so dang funny and smart and very relatable. An older woman who’s going through menopause and who isn’t afraid to keep it real. I could easily picture myself hanging out with her and having a great time discussing and gabbing about all the things, all the female things. She has two older kids who decide meddling in her love life is a good idea.
Roman is a sexy AF hockey player, and is considered old in the hockey world. At only 41, he’s feeling like his time is about done with the game and his body is telling him to hang his skates up. He has an older daughter who is also involved in the above said meddling.
I love the banter between Olivia and him. He’s a little cocky - aka self-assured, charming, and also a smart ass…but a caring, lovable one at that. Olivia is sassy and snarky and she’s not afraid to dish it right back.
Roman can totally relate with the aging process and is sympathetic when it comes to Olivia’s hot flashes and other symptoms of ‘the change.’ I couldn’t love these two any harder if I tried. They were absolutely perfect for each other. Each had their vulnerabilities, and each were understanding and compassionate with the other. Their connection was strong and the care and kindness they had for each other felt so genuine and I loved that they had each other’s back.
I loved everything about this book. I loved how happy it made me, how often it made me smile, and the number of tummy flutters it gave me. I adored all of the characters, even the secondary ones were amazing - their kids, the sisters of the bride, and Roman’s teammates.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. In the last chapter of this book, I could already feel the tension between Banks & Kaitlyn vibrating through my kindle. Bring it!!
December 6, 2024
Loved this story and loving this series! On to the next one…
January 3, 2024
Me ha gustado mucho la historia, no solo es una comedia romántica, no, los personajes son cuarentones y eso se agradece, es un amor maduro, que obvio se da con el paso de los días y de interactuar diariamente durante sus días en Belice.
La química entre Olivia y Roman definitivamente es fabulosa, pero la sentí muy instantánea, pero lo que más amé, fue la manera en que Roman siempre hacia sentir importante, guapa, y deseada a una Olivia que por culpa del ex marido se sentía un poco menos.
Y no podemos dejar de lado la complicidad de los hijos.
Me encantó la manera en que las autoras integraron lo que pasamos las mujeres al entrar a la pre-menopausia. Cómo me reí 😂
La química entre Olivia y Roman definitivamente es fabulosa, pero la sentí muy instantánea, pero lo que más amé, fue la manera en que Roman siempre hacia sentir importante, guapa, y deseada a una Olivia que por culpa del ex marido se sentía un poco menos.
Y no podemos dejar de lado la complicidad de los hijos.
Me encantó la manera en que las autoras integraron lo que pasamos las mujeres al entrar a la pre-menopausia. Cómo me reí 😂
October 17, 2023
"My mission at this wedding isn't to put Olivia's ex in his place. My mission is to put Olivia in her rightful place as a queen among women."
Freaking Roman LaFontaine....definitely not just a dumb jock. This man has been around the sports scene for 20 years and is just now finding his love of a lifetime. 20 years of juggling puck bunnies and constantly putting his body through the grinder and it all led up to Olivia Wylder. Having a strained relationship with his daughter he doesn't even hesitate to be a fake date for her bestie's mom in Belize. What he didn't expect was to actually like her and be attracted to her.
Olivia cannot believe it when she receives an invitation to her ex-husbands upcoming wedding and doesn't want to go but her kids want her there. She was not expecting her daughter to set her up with a fake date who just so happens to be a professional hockey player. She sees herself as a forty something who is going through menopause and just trying to run business.
Roman and Olivia together are so much fun. She is a huge negative Nancy when it comes to seeing her self worth and beauty but Roman finally starts to get through to her and shows her just how fabulous she truly is. He awakens her in a way she deserves and they way he treats her...the man's mama raised him right. They enter each other's lives at the most perfect of moments....fate (their kids) has a way of doing that. Seeing how attentive Roman is to Olivia just warmed my heart.
I cannot say how much I loved the fact that these main characters were older in age. Ms. Ray and Ms. Stewart did a fantastic job of giving the readers a romance story showing that now matter your age a chance at love is still there. The humor throughout this book had me giggling, mainly Olivia, and there is just something about an older man who knows how to treat a lady as he has had years of experience. I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series.
Freaking Roman LaFontaine....definitely not just a dumb jock. This man has been around the sports scene for 20 years and is just now finding his love of a lifetime. 20 years of juggling puck bunnies and constantly putting his body through the grinder and it all led up to Olivia Wylder. Having a strained relationship with his daughter he doesn't even hesitate to be a fake date for her bestie's mom in Belize. What he didn't expect was to actually like her and be attracted to her.
Olivia cannot believe it when she receives an invitation to her ex-husbands upcoming wedding and doesn't want to go but her kids want her there. She was not expecting her daughter to set her up with a fake date who just so happens to be a professional hockey player. She sees herself as a forty something who is going through menopause and just trying to run business.
Roman and Olivia together are so much fun. She is a huge negative Nancy when it comes to seeing her self worth and beauty but Roman finally starts to get through to her and shows her just how fabulous she truly is. He awakens her in a way she deserves and they way he treats her...the man's mama raised him right. They enter each other's lives at the most perfect of moments....fate (their kids) has a way of doing that. Seeing how attentive Roman is to Olivia just warmed my heart.
I cannot say how much I loved the fact that these main characters were older in age. Ms. Ray and Ms. Stewart did a fantastic job of giving the readers a romance story showing that now matter your age a chance at love is still there. The humor throughout this book had me giggling, mainly Olivia, and there is just something about an older man who knows how to treat a lady as he has had years of experience. I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series.
April 12, 2025
Loved this book. Fake dating turned to true love.
July 12, 2024
Hea ✔️
3rd act b/u ✔️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Ok…. So, I’m not sure how one can simultaneously love a book and be bored by it at the same time, but I managed.
On one hand this book was so good. Cute and funny, and it had quite a few line that demanded to be highlighted and shared. It had main characters who were over 40 living their best life. It was honest about the struggles with aging and finding (or not) love in the second half of life.
Buuuuut. While there were some great lines, there were also some really cheesy ones where the author was trying too hard. There were parts that dragged on. Where I found myself skimming the pages, and while there were days I couldn’t wait to pick it back up, there were also days I dreaded it. Is it me? Probably. But I think a lot of it could have also been solved by a little more tightening up in the editing phase.
I probably would have given it 4 stars if the character development didn’t lean so heavy on the MMC. While he came to the scene “perfect” with very few flaws other than wanting to be a better dad, all of the internal growth was his. The FMC had so much more she could have learned and grown, and I would have loved to see her actually interact with her kids more than just in passing a handful of times. There was nothing deep or connecting from her side. We want to root for our characters! There was nothing to root for, other than her getting laid?
Side note, as someone in perimenopause, I loved reading about a character going through it. HOWEVER, omg I don’t want the characters every fricking moment to be about her perimenopause and hot flashes. It was just a tad too much, imo.
Ok, overall it was a good book, but it had to potential to be great. And that’s why I felt I needed to spew all this at 6 am
3rd act b/u ✔️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Ok…. So, I’m not sure how one can simultaneously love a book and be bored by it at the same time, but I managed.
On one hand this book was so good. Cute and funny, and it had quite a few line that demanded to be highlighted and shared. It had main characters who were over 40 living their best life. It was honest about the struggles with aging and finding (or not) love in the second half of life.
Buuuuut. While there were some great lines, there were also some really cheesy ones where the author was trying too hard. There were parts that dragged on. Where I found myself skimming the pages, and while there were days I couldn’t wait to pick it back up, there were also days I dreaded it. Is it me? Probably. But I think a lot of it could have also been solved by a little more tightening up in the editing phase.
I probably would have given it 4 stars if the character development didn’t lean so heavy on the MMC. While he came to the scene “perfect” with very few flaws other than wanting to be a better dad, all of the internal growth was his. The FMC had so much more she could have learned and grown, and I would have loved to see her actually interact with her kids more than just in passing a handful of times. There was nothing deep or connecting from her side. We want to root for our characters! There was nothing to root for, other than her getting laid?
Side note, as someone in perimenopause, I loved reading about a character going through it. HOWEVER, omg I don’t want the characters every fricking moment to be about her perimenopause and hot flashes. It was just a tad too much, imo.
Ok, overall it was a good book, but it had to potential to be great. And that’s why I felt I needed to spew all this at 6 am
December 28, 2023
3.75⭐️. A lighthearted romance read but it is weird that she says hochimama when she orgasms (it was funny the first time.. but the reference to sex/orgasms as hochimama continuously thereafter is weird)
March 11, 2024
Too insta-love'y for my liking
Read
March 17, 2025DNF @30%. All I know about the FMC is that she has hot flashes. That is her entire personality. Hard pass.
October 17, 2023
This is the first book I've read from the authors and it did not disappoint! If you are looking for a light hearted romance with a heavy dose of humor and hochimamas, this book will satisfy. The antics between Roman and Olivia made me giggle so much.
Olivia is an introverted engineer & fashion designer. She's divorced and going through menopause. The hot flashes just might take her down. Roman is the oldest hockey player in the national league and has a strained relationship with his daughter. He's having to come to terms with his aging body while trying to patch up his relationship with his daughter. Olivia and Roman are thrown together by all their kids after Olivia's ex tells Olivia's kids she agreed to be at his wedding.
This book is just a feel good romance with two people who are moving into a new period of their lives and who compliment each other like an old married couple. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Olivia is an introverted engineer & fashion designer. She's divorced and going through menopause. The hot flashes just might take her down. Roman is the oldest hockey player in the national league and has a strained relationship with his daughter. He's having to come to terms with his aging body while trying to patch up his relationship with his daughter. Olivia and Roman are thrown together by all their kids after Olivia's ex tells Olivia's kids she agreed to be at his wedding.
This book is just a feel good romance with two people who are moving into a new period of their lives and who compliment each other like an old married couple. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book about Olivia and Roman. Two people in their early forties, single with college kiddos. Roman is the hot ready to retire hockey star who tries to do what he can for his daughter and their relationship. Olivia is divorced, successful business owner of a famous shoe company with two kids in college. It’s when she gets invited to her exs wedding in Belize her kids set her up with Roman to fake date for the wedding week. The banter between these two is hilarious. I fell for Roman he made it his mission to take care of this tornado of a woman and show her just how amazing she is. The attraction these two have for one another is electric. He’s the perfect date. How these two navigate through the week together and then after has you pulled in and before you know it you’ve completed the book in no time. Can’t wait for book #2 in this series. I’m a huge fan!!!
October 10, 2023
I loved this book!! From the very beginning I was all in on Olivia and Roman. The banter between them was fantastic and holy cow the attraction was instantaneous and HOT! Olivia is in her early 40’s and dealing with hot flashes and what is great about her is she just owns it and goes with it. Seriously the amount of fans she gets is hilarious and I see me doing this in my future, lol. And Roman is just a unicorn for Olivia. These two were just so good together and I want more of them.
Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down but I wanted to make it last because it was so good. I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for more in this series!
Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down but I wanted to make it last because it was so good. I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for more in this series!
October 17, 2023
This book grabs you from the beginning. Olivia was very relatable most ex wives would be a little scattered to have to attend the ex wedding. Fell for Roman from the first introduction of him speaking about his daughter. Then their meeting when he was so focused on giving Olivia back her confidence. The relationship progress was seem less. Loved the concession that were made to be together. Epilogue was fantastic and satisfying. Great read that left a smile on my face the whole way through.
November 23, 2023
They had me at hot flashes..
Thank you Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart for not only writing the sexiest silver fox hero, for making me and all of us going through these strange and grueling changes feel seen.
I loved every bit of this story, from Roman and Olivia finding themselves in each other, to the honesty they had every step of the way from reluctant roommates to lovers (a big reason why I love stories with older MCs, the misunderstandings fall to the waste-side), and there is no time limit for falling madly in love.
Thank you Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart for not only writing the sexiest silver fox hero, for making me and all of us going through these strange and grueling changes feel seen.
I loved every bit of this story, from Roman and Olivia finding themselves in each other, to the honesty they had every step of the way from reluctant roommates to lovers (a big reason why I love stories with older MCs, the misunderstandings fall to the waste-side), and there is no time limit for falling madly in love.
July 1, 2024
DNF… oh dear God! Olivia is a spineless twit! Letting a complete stranger treat her like she’s some damn brainless Bambi was so ridiculous. I rolled my eyes through the majority of this train wreck of a story and that was only the first couple of chapters. He is a self serving entitled douche. The way he planned this and that so that she can look better on his arm and she goes along with it was cringe. Sad that a lot of women like to be brainless vapid twits. SMH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
The main gal says “hoochimama” (I’m not kidding) when she orgasms so the best rating I can give 3 stars regardless of plot. How am I the only review putting this trigger warning out there?
November 12, 2023
I quite enjoyed this. I saw that cover and I was a goner. It's gorgeous!
The entire premise for this book was plotted out very nicely. I don't typically enjoy vacation or destination-type stories but this one really surprised me. The plot and characters were engaging and the pages flew by (metaphorically). The world-building was vivid and atmospheric. I say that a lot in reviews but I could truly picture the overwater bungalows, the beautiful reef, and the entire tropical paradise. This book is coauthored and I loved this duo's collective writing voice. The writing style was very polished and easy to read.
I liked that the main characters were in their forties. It was refreshing to read about a different type of love story but one that still included some of my favorite tropes. I didn't love Roman's character at first. He seemed a little too cocky right off the bat. But he grew on me and I eventually loved him to pieces. Olivia's character was so relatable and all of her fans had me amused to no end. I loved the family themes in the story. I loved that Roman and Olivia's daughters were best friends and set them up. Too cute.
There was great banter and chemistry with Roman and Olivia. Their romance was a whirlwind but it felt natural and organic. Nothing about it felt super rushed even though the whole book takes place in a short period.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a promising series with mature characters that are relatable and memorable. The whole idea of this series is clever and I truly hope to see more authors writing about mature characters in refreshing ways. It feels like there could be a niche for this sort of modern storytelling of mature characters just like there is a niche for new adult books. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
⛔My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
The entire premise for this book was plotted out very nicely. I don't typically enjoy vacation or destination-type stories but this one really surprised me. The plot and characters were engaging and the pages flew by (metaphorically). The world-building was vivid and atmospheric. I say that a lot in reviews but I could truly picture the overwater bungalows, the beautiful reef, and the entire tropical paradise. This book is coauthored and I loved this duo's collective writing voice. The writing style was very polished and easy to read.
I liked that the main characters were in their forties. It was refreshing to read about a different type of love story but one that still included some of my favorite tropes. I didn't love Roman's character at first. He seemed a little too cocky right off the bat. But he grew on me and I eventually loved him to pieces. Olivia's character was so relatable and all of her fans had me amused to no end. I loved the family themes in the story. I loved that Roman and Olivia's daughters were best friends and set them up. Too cute.
There was great banter and chemistry with Roman and Olivia. Their romance was a whirlwind but it felt natural and organic. Nothing about it felt super rushed even though the whole book takes place in a short period.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a promising series with mature characters that are relatable and memorable. The whole idea of this series is clever and I truly hope to see more authors writing about mature characters in refreshing ways. It feels like there could be a niche for this sort of modern storytelling of mature characters just like there is a niche for new adult books. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
⛔My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
December 8, 2023
I was so excited when I saw the blurb for this book and that these two authors were writing together. I was not disappointed. Book one in this series can be read as a standalone, is written in first person from an alternating dual POV, and ends in a HEA.
Olivia is a 43 year old nerd, business woman, and divorced mother of two college age "kids". I really related to her and the physical things she is experiencing. I love her positive expression of sisterhood throughout the book. I absolutely adored her friendship with her best friend Evie. Her kids were wonderful, and a demonstration of the good mom parenting she has done. I also really loved the relation ship she has with her assistant, Ashley. At 24, Ashley really looks to Olivia as a role model and that is 100% deserved.
Roman, 41, is a professional hockey player who happens to be the father of Hannah. Hannah happens to be roommates and best friends with Olivia's daughter, Holly. This is the connection that leans meddling "kids" to arrange for Olivia and Roman to spend a week together in Belize at Olivia's ex-husband's wedding "fake" dating.
It doesn't take long for fake to be real. These two are fire. There is serious heat between them and I loved that Olivia is an older character that is still exactly what Roman wants. The laugh-out-loud moments are plentiful. As I neared the end of the book, my face was covered in a huge smile that even caught the hubby's attention. Even he could see how much I loved this book.
Olivia is a wonderful and likeable character that I related to on so many things. Roman is hot AF and I loved his journey of self-discovery in this book. Olivia and his daughter help him realize what next steps need to be taken in his life. Olivia's journey involves gaining confidence in who she is now. Both journeys had me turning pages like crazy.
I am here for whatever comes next from this duo. Count me in.
Olivia is a 43 year old nerd, business woman, and divorced mother of two college age "kids". I really related to her and the physical things she is experiencing. I love her positive expression of sisterhood throughout the book. I absolutely adored her friendship with her best friend Evie. Her kids were wonderful, and a demonstration of the good mom parenting she has done. I also really loved the relation ship she has with her assistant, Ashley. At 24, Ashley really looks to Olivia as a role model and that is 100% deserved.
Roman, 41, is a professional hockey player who happens to be the father of Hannah. Hannah happens to be roommates and best friends with Olivia's daughter, Holly. This is the connection that leans meddling "kids" to arrange for Olivia and Roman to spend a week together in Belize at Olivia's ex-husband's wedding "fake" dating.
It doesn't take long for fake to be real. These two are fire. There is serious heat between them and I loved that Olivia is an older character that is still exactly what Roman wants. The laugh-out-loud moments are plentiful. As I neared the end of the book, my face was covered in a huge smile that even caught the hubby's attention. Even he could see how much I loved this book.
Olivia is a wonderful and likeable character that I related to on so many things. Roman is hot AF and I loved his journey of self-discovery in this book. Olivia and his daughter help him realize what next steps need to be taken in his life. Olivia's journey involves gaining confidence in who she is now. Both journeys had me turning pages like crazy.
I am here for whatever comes next from this duo. Count me in.
August 11, 2024
.
Olivia’s ex husband invites her to his mid-life crisis wedding and she feels as though she has to go to prove a point.
Meanwhile, her daughter is scheming behind her back and hooks her up with a fake date for the destination wedding to make her look good. The fake date being her friend’s dad. Roman. Who also just so happens to be a star hockey player and the oldest in the league.
I loved a lot of about this book - the immediate attraction, the humour, the sexual tension…but most of all I loved how relatable Olivia’s perimenopausal symptoms were. And seeing it was written by two perimenopausal authors, you can see why it was legit.
Some things were overdone - I mean 5 fans and the aircon? I’m good with one fan alone for the most part so it was kind of overkill for the sake of humour.
But I loved how attracted Roman was to Olivia. How he didn’t see her own perceived flaws - and those that he did noticed, he found endearing (hot flash sweats anyone?)
The only thing I really struggled with is how short of a timescale everything was. I get the why, but it was all just a little bit too instalove and I struggle with that in books.
I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series though!
Olivia’s ex husband invites her to his mid-life crisis wedding and she feels as though she has to go to prove a point.
Meanwhile, her daughter is scheming behind her back and hooks her up with a fake date for the destination wedding to make her look good. The fake date being her friend’s dad. Roman. Who also just so happens to be a star hockey player and the oldest in the league.
I loved a lot of about this book - the immediate attraction, the humour, the sexual tension…but most of all I loved how relatable Olivia’s perimenopausal symptoms were. And seeing it was written by two perimenopausal authors, you can see why it was legit.
Some things were overdone - I mean 5 fans and the aircon? I’m good with one fan alone for the most part so it was kind of overkill for the sake of humour.
But I loved how attracted Roman was to Olivia. How he didn’t see her own perceived flaws - and those that he did noticed, he found endearing (hot flash sweats anyone?)
The only thing I really struggled with is how short of a timescale everything was. I get the why, but it was all just a little bit too instalove and I struggle with that in books.
I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series though!
February 3, 2025
3.5⭐️
laugh out loud romcom with mature characters.
When Olivia is forced to accept the wedding invitation of her ex-husband, holding her head up high while dealing with unforgiving menopause symptoms is going to be a tough gig. Cue her interring daughter setting her up with her best friend’s sexy single Dad - sparks and temperatures flare.
💙 mature MCs
💙 fake dating
💙 forced proximity
💙 one bed
💙 single parents
💙 daughter’s best friend’s Dad
💙 sports romance
💙 menopausal FMC
💙 hilarious banter
I stumbled a little at the beginning where Olivia, appears to be a literal hot mess and flawless Roman is going to swoop in and make her “better”. He kind of redeems himself by eventually helping her learn to value herself but I found it a bit cringe.
Overall a light read/listen (consumed as an audiobook)
laugh out loud romcom with mature characters.
When Olivia is forced to accept the wedding invitation of her ex-husband, holding her head up high while dealing with unforgiving menopause symptoms is going to be a tough gig. Cue her interring daughter setting her up with her best friend’s sexy single Dad - sparks and temperatures flare.
💙 mature MCs
💙 fake dating
💙 forced proximity
💙 one bed
💙 single parents
💙 daughter’s best friend’s Dad
💙 sports romance
💙 menopausal FMC
💙 hilarious banter
I stumbled a little at the beginning where Olivia, appears to be a literal hot mess and flawless Roman is going to swoop in and make her “better”. He kind of redeems himself by eventually helping her learn to value herself but I found it a bit cringe.
Overall a light read/listen (consumed as an audiobook)
December 29, 2025
Funny, Refreshing, and Almost There
This book was genuinely hilarious, which surprised me given the title. I was a little concerned it might lean too heavily into perimenopause and menopause, but it struck a really nice balance … light enough to be fun, serious enough to feel grounded. The main characters were a delight and felt refreshing, making the story easy to enjoy.
Some of the secondary characters didn’t quite work for me, but I really enjoyed watching the relationship evolve. Toward the end, though, the story lost a bit of momentum. The last stretch relied more on internal monologues that felt unnecessary, and instead of building toward a strong conclusion, the ending slowly fizzled out. Even so, it was a good read overall, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
This book was genuinely hilarious, which surprised me given the title. I was a little concerned it might lean too heavily into perimenopause and menopause, but it struck a really nice balance … light enough to be fun, serious enough to feel grounded. The main characters were a delight and felt refreshing, making the story easy to enjoy.
Some of the secondary characters didn’t quite work for me, but I really enjoyed watching the relationship evolve. Toward the end, though, the story lost a bit of momentum. The last stretch relied more on internal monologues that felt unnecessary, and instead of building toward a strong conclusion, the ending slowly fizzled out. Even so, it was a good read overall, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
January 7, 2025
I listened to the audio for this one. I loved that there would be dual narration but did not like that if it was the FMC POV they used the female voice for the man and vice versa m. If you have dual narration why not have the guy do all the guy parts and the girl do all the girl parts?
That being said I loved the story and the characters. The FMC is divorced going through menopause and her ex is getting remarried. The hockey player is close to retirement and trying to make hard decisions. I found myself laughing out loud at times. Definitely recommend!
That being said I loved the story and the characters. The FMC is divorced going through menopause and her ex is getting remarried. The hockey player is close to retirement and trying to make hard decisions. I found myself laughing out loud at times. Definitely recommend!
June 28, 2025
This was the first book I've read by this author after meeting her at a book convention. I'm so glad I bought the series because this was one of the cutest rom-com books I've read in a long time! I could not stop reading it! The writing was perfection and had me cracking up starting on page 1! If you've been through any type of menopause symptoms, you will love this book and have a lot of laughs!
I loved the playfulness between Roman and Olivia and whew... there were some steamy scenes! 🔥 Can't wait for Book 2!
I loved the playfulness between Roman and Olivia and whew... there were some steamy scenes! 🔥 Can't wait for Book 2!
October 3, 2024
Listened to this book on my daily commute, sure did make going to work more enjoyable! So nice to have a romance with people who are not perfect twenty-somethings with their fake confidence….if we can’t laugh about the foibles of life, what can we laugh at? Can’t wait for the next two books in the series.
February 9, 2025
3.5 stars. The premise, fake date to ex’s wedding, was fun. I liked that the characters were late 30’s/early 40’s. It’s nice to read a romance about grownups. The empowerment and pro-female messages were great. The book was pretty cheesy, but that’s the genre. Overall, it was a good, light, steamy read.
September 5, 2025
*Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes* by Marika Ray + Sylvia Stewart
Hot Flash Hookups #1
Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5
5 scenes with a hot hockey player who knows how to please his woman!
This book was fun! I picked it up because it was a short read, and a friend was reading it, and she told me about how, when Olivia has the Big O, she says “hoochie mama,” and I was cackling, so I knew I had to read it.
We have Olivia and Roman. Olivia has to go to her ex-husband’s wedding in Belize. She’s invited, and her kids are going, so for some reason she feels she has to go too. Her kids conspire to get Roman there. Roman is her daughter’s best friend’s dad, and he’s a hockey player. He desperately wants to get closer to his daughter, who’s also going to the wedding, so he says, “Sure, why not?” and he agrees to go as Olivia’s fake boyfriend for the week.
Olivia doesn’t know about this until she gets there. After some initial reluctance, she realizes he can help her get through the week.
It doesn't hurt that they’re both also very attracted to each other and get along great. Eventually, they decide, “You know what? Why not just hook up over here for the week?” And hoochie mama…do they hook up!
Overall, it’s a fun, sweet read. Nothing too crazy spice-wise, but we do get some fun scenes between a hockey player who knows how to please his woman and a woman who says hoochie mama when she finishes, hahaha.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
Hot Flash Hookups #1
Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5
5 scenes with a hot hockey player who knows how to please his woman!
This book was fun! I picked it up because it was a short read, and a friend was reading it, and she told me about how, when Olivia has the Big O, she says “hoochie mama,” and I was cackling, so I knew I had to read it.
We have Olivia and Roman. Olivia has to go to her ex-husband’s wedding in Belize. She’s invited, and her kids are going, so for some reason she feels she has to go too. Her kids conspire to get Roman there. Roman is her daughter’s best friend’s dad, and he’s a hockey player. He desperately wants to get closer to his daughter, who’s also going to the wedding, so he says, “Sure, why not?” and he agrees to go as Olivia’s fake boyfriend for the week.
Olivia doesn’t know about this until she gets there. After some initial reluctance, she realizes he can help her get through the week.
It doesn't hurt that they’re both also very attracted to each other and get along great. Eventually, they decide, “You know what? Why not just hook up over here for the week?” And hoochie mama…do they hook up!
Overall, it’s a fun, sweet read. Nothing too crazy spice-wise, but we do get some fun scenes between a hockey player who knows how to please his woman and a woman who says hoochie mama when she finishes, hahaha.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
November 19, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down
January 26, 2025
So funny, so real, made me laugh and cry a little and enjoyed every second from beginning to end.
August 6, 2025
Carinello proprio .
November 17, 2025
Cute story
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