Mood Swings and Hockey Flings

Hot Flash Hookups #2

by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart

In the cutthroat world of professional sports, I’m the agent who always calls the shots. Until a decade-old feud with hockey superstar Banks Bennet resurfaces, and I’m forced to play nice.

When his agent drops him and rumors of a trade swirl through the league faster than a puck on a breakaway, I find myself in the dreaded role of Banks’s new agent. There’s no doubt I can save his career from crashing into the boards, but only if we don’t strangle each other first.

All I need to do is whip this man-baby into shape and negotiate an epic contract that will establish me once and for all as the top hockey agent in the league. No problem, right? But between babysitting Banks, battling perimenopausal mood swings, and fighting this annoying attraction to my client, I’m facing a hat trick of challenges.

Not everything about Banks is what it seems. Under all that bravado and childish behavior lies a sensitive and considerate guy who values more than just his time on the ice–leaving me to wonder if maybe there's more to life than just wins and losses.

If I’m not careful, my emotions might have me losing control and throwing away the professional playbook for a shot at happily ever after… and that’s not how this game is played.

Genres: Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Rom Com

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2024

About the author

Marika 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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Reviews

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book!! Is it because I’m older and can kinda sorta relate to these characters? I’m sure that has a lot to do with it. Is it because it is so well-written and made feel ALL THE THINGS?? Yes…yes it most certainly is. And also because this writing duo is pure RomCom perfection!

Marika Ray is one of my go-to RomCom authors. Add in Sylvie Stewart and it’s a definite 1-click. These two talented authors writing together makes my romance-lovin’ heart so happy.

After I finished reading book one, I couldn’t wait for Banks and Kaitlyn’s story. Not only was my heart bursting with love and affection and adoration while reading this, but my face hurt from smiling so much. It was so much fun and full of everything I love in a romantic comedy. Plenty of heartfelt moments as well that had me swooning and awwww-ing constantly. There is so much more to Banks Bennet and I couldn’t love him more! I loved seeing his true self come out and Kaitlyn with a K fall for him without even trying.

Witty banter galore had me highly entertained from the first page to the last. Thick and delicious sexual tension had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. All the characters, both main and supporting, are so dang lovable and they had my heart feeling full.

This hilarious and adorable RomCom is the perfect mix of all the feels, tons of fun, and just the right amount of spice. If you’ve read and loved the first book, you’ll definitely want to read this one too!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, strength and having it all

Oh I loved this story - the banter, the mood swings, the forced proximity, the forbidden relationship, the smexy hockey player, and the strong professional woman all wrapped up in an enemies to lovers package. It was perfection. Kaitlyn and Banks are hilarious and real and their story was hard to stop reading. I smiled, laughed and swooned my way through this whole thing. Kaitlyn is a sports agent for hockey players. Banks is a professional hockey player. Their first meeting is in a random airport where they share chemistry and pleasant conversation. The next morning at the ice rink when they realize who they each are, the entire relationship shifts and becomes hostile which is where it stays for a decade. Until Banks needs a new agent to save his career and Kaitlyn wants to get it for him to stick it to her old misogynistic boss. The more time Kaitlyn and Banks spend together reworking his image, the closer they become and the harder it gets to ignore their off the charts chemistry without the hostile snark masking it. To get to their HEA, it will take baggage unpacking, goal reimagining and leaps of faith. This heartwarming story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I am loving this series.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from this writing duo. Kaitlyn is a woman driven to cement her place in a male dominated industry. She has earned the nickname "Killer Kaitlyn" for a reason. Ben, is a NHL legend whose goal is to stay and eventually retire with his team.

Kaitlyn and Ben's meet cute is swoon worthy but once Kaitlyn recognized him as a hockey player you would think they were sworn enemies. Kaitlyn can't allow anything to lose her focus. When Ben needs representation, Kaitlyn becomes his babysitter and image queen but those feelings 10 year prior have never gone away. Ben allows Kaitlyn to see the venerable side of Ben and Ben is there to support her.

Their love declarations/HEA are the kind that any romance fan dreams of. It was fun catching up with Olivia and Roman and meeting more of the team.

[Sonja Ton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Hot Flashes series is even better than the first. It’s making me emotional in the best way. The big hockey player is so very sweet and charming at least when he stops arguing with the heroine.
Kaitlyn is classy and determined and are a force to be reckoned with. When she has to take on Ben as a client she has a hard time keeping her cool. I loved their chemistry and banter and the way they were both stubborn and strong but would sacrifice anything for each other. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait for the next one.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks Bennet is a hockey star that has a bad boy persona and Kaitlyn has now become his new agent. For one small moment Banks and Kaitlyn share banter, chemistry and the promise of what could have been. That is until Banks realizes who Kaitlyn is then an acrimonious relationship begins. That is until the agent and hockey player become a team, then the intensity between the two becomes two much to ignore can the two find that they are just the right fit for one another?

Delightful, pure fun. The attraction is sizzling between Banks and Kaitlyn. Page turning entertainment, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what is next in this series.

[Heather Nobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray. This book was just as fabulous as the first one. I loved the animosity and banter between Kaitlyn and Banks. These two had a wonderful meet cute that went wrong when they met again after parting ways, and the “hate “ between them lasted 10 years. That is a lot of built of dislike and gave us fantastic banter. Kaitlyn takes Banks on as a client when his last agent dropped him…. Putting these two together also made it hard for both of them to hide the attraction they had for each other. Banks wasn’t the playboy/ man child that Kaitlyn believed him to be and Banks also realized that Kaitlyn wasn’t an emotionless ice queen. These two were so fun to watch fall for each other.
Loved getting a little more of Roman and Olivia in this book too. Also seeing more of Banks’s teammates was great. I am really hoping that Nico’s book is next….

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is the second book in the Hot Flash Hookups series by the delightful duo Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray. The first book Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes started out with a bang and this one is just as good. I suggest you read them in order, so you don’t miss out on anything.
This light-hearted and fun Romantic Comedy is a love hate sports romance with witty banter leaving you laughing out loud at the antics and banter. These characters just cracked me up.
Banks Bennet is at it again and has a reputation a mile wide. What’s new! Kaitlyn is driven to succeed in a male dominated arena and finds herself between hot flushes and mood swings and one frustrating male. Well actually make that two because she wants to prove something to her boss.
The heartwarming tale has quirky characters who are to die for, and the chemistry and heat is turned way up.

[Ariana Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story! I was so sad that a small interaction caused them to be “enemies” for so long. But it ultimately is what made the end result of this story so interesting.

Ten years ago Ben and Kaitlyn meet at an airport. They exchanged first names only and had a wonderful time. The next day they meet on the ice…. Ben is a hockey player and Kaitlyn is a new hockey agent for a member of his team.

Rumors were spread and Ben was upset thinking Kaitlyn was pretending when they met the day before. Kaitlyn is focused on her career and knows dating a hockey player would be the end of it. So her ice Queen layer comes down and Ben’s cocky over assured demeanor takes reign.

Now 10 years later Ben needs and agent and Kaitlyn is his last resort. They’ve spent the last 10 years ignoring each other and throwing barbs whenever they spoke. So this is doomed from the beginning. But they need this to work.

The banter and wit they both have had me laughing out loud. I enjoy the writing style and humor. Along with the realness that this book showcases. Not everything is rainbow and unicorns. And this book shows that you can find love and happiness no matter your age or circumstances.

Putting aside their differences and owning up feelings and to their insecurities is the hardest part of them admitting something more is happening between them. Knowing what’s at risk and seeing them navigate that and learn to communicate was heartwarming. But their banter had me chuckling.

I look forward to more in this series.
I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaitlyn is determined to make it as a hockey agent, even though its mainly a male dominant role. She's constantly took all the criticism that comes with the job, she took it all her life from her father who tells her she needs to step up and stop acting all soft and grow a back bone. Losing her mom a week after she was born has made her realise that getting to the top is all that's important, a relationship, a family and love come last on her priority list. When she meets Ben on her way to sign a new client she thinks she's met the perfect man. Until the following day she she him again this time he's not Ben he's Banks obviously he was looking for a quick hook up. Well that's not happening Now or Ever, she totally puts him in his place and turns and walks away. Ten years later she is put in the position of adding him as a client. Can she do it. After all this time he's still the one who she thinks about. This is a brilliant book that deals with the sexism that goes on and how hard it is for a woman to succeed and the pitfalls and sacrifices she needs to make, and is it really worth it. Ben is a brilliant character who's made silly choices and is really a caring, loving and helpful person underneath which he hides from the press. I can't think of anything not to love about this book it has everything, it's funny, it's entertaining and even steamy in places with a couple of heart stopping moments ❤️

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks and Kaitlyn had an immediate connection when they met at a cozy airport bar, where no one needs to know your name and your time together would be brief. They did end up sharing only their first names, with Banks using his given name “Ben” while Kaitlyn, in her sports agent voice, made sure he knew exactly how to spell her name! Their meet cute was funny, flirtatious and not nearly long enough, and both Banks and Kaitlyn were left with memories they would never forget. Unfortunately, their happy memories were shattered when Kaitlyn realized that Banks was a star hockey player and a teammate of her new client! Their second chance for a meet cute was over in an instant when Banks made a rude comment that infuriated Kaitlyn and left a bitter taste in her mouth for ten years, until Kaitlyn’s best friend Olivia’s fiance, Roman, pleaded with her to take on Banks as a client. His career was tanking, his reputation was deplorable and in my opinion, Kaitlyn was the only person who could save him. Kaitlyn would rather be run over by a Zamboni than spend time with Banks, but she reluctantly agreed to whip him back into shape. Their witty banter was comical and they both excelled in teasing, infuriating and flirting with each other. Banks wore his heart on his sleeve and was so crazy about Kaitlyn that he couldn’t concentrate at practice, games and while he was trying to sleep. Kaitlyn was dealing with her own sleepless nights as she thought that, at the young age of forty, she was going through menopause! Besides babysitting Banks, dealing with her younger players, and dwelling on her “symptoms”, Kaitlyn was warming up (or was that a hot flash) to Banks’s sparkling blue eyes, surprisingly thoughtful nature, and his fine body in a suit. Can this combative couple come together in love and in business or will Kaitlyn skate away and leave Banks behind, spinning aimlessly on the ice?

[Melanie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kaitlyn and Banks together. Banks’ character didn’t grow and change significantly throughout the book, but he did become more open to publicizing some of the activities he did outside of hockey and mentoring the younger players. I loved how even though he took Kaitlyn’s advice, he still did things his own way. I loved the scene where he showed some of the younger players how to knit and explained that it relaxed him. Also, when he shared how having a nice and comfortable place to live even if he wasn’t there often, helped him feel at home and settled. I loved his relationship with Eli and Genevieve. Kaitlyn changed more than Banks did, but I think she just realized that there was more to life than her career and that she shouldn’t have to sacrifice a personal life for her career which is common for women these days.
I enjoyed the cameos from Roman, Olivia and some of the other hockey players. They added to the book and made me excited to get some of their stories in future books. I was so glad that they took down Ed, he was a real weasel.
The romance was entertaining with plenty of romance and steam, although the relationship between Banks and Kaitlyn took center stage. The authors created some great characters in this series, and I find it easy to identify with them, their struggles, and insecurities.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two just get on each others nerves. Pushing the other persons buttons every chance they get...for years. Gotta love their banter and snide comments. Crazy chemistry that all started with a gouda grilled cheese sandwich.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Devier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaitlyn and Banks are so fun, I love how killer Kaitlyn has her work cut out for her when she takes Banks on as a client even if it's just temporary and he finds out very quickly she's not one to be messed with. Even though this is book 2 in this series is great that you can truly read out of order and not be lost trying to catch up on who's who. A great rom com for sure.

[Wencke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ben and Kaitlyn first meet they are instantly attracted to each other just to realise the next day that they’re off limits with her being a sports agent and him being a professional athlete…so they pretend to hate each other until hate turns to passion.

I loved that the authors described the struggles of Perimenopause many of us are facing, too.
Loved the chemistry between the two characters and the growth both make!

Can’t wait for the next one!!
ARC provided by the author

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun banter!

This was a great treat, lots of fun, sweetness, heat and sarcasm!

Highly recommend this if you want plenty of laughs.

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness— this series is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites! Between the hockey, the humor, the pre-menopausal moments… Marika and Sylvie can do no wrong! I hope you fall as hard for Banks and Kaitlyn with a K as I did! See y’all on another page!

[Maleficent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Really sweet mature romance. It surprised me how much I liked it.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaitlyn and Banks meet each other 10 years before the main part of the book, and they have an instant connection and terrific chemistry. But the next day, they find out that they are in the same industry. That shock causes things to be said that change them from a potential couple to enemies who have to tolerate each other professionally. That situation changes when Banks needs a new agent (for reasons that Kaitlyn thinks she knows but does not). A mutual friend talks her into helping Banks, so they are now forced into each other's company for hours at a time. That chemistry comes roaring back, but now there are even more reasons why they can't be together. Oh, and Kaitlyn can't figure out why she can't keep her mood in one place for more than 5 minutes. (I hear you, girl.) The rest of the book is how they found out the truth about each other, themselves, and the antagonist. It's a lot of fun. There is great banter and lovely tenderness. I loved that Olivia and Roman were back and helping move the plot along. A great series so far!

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaitlyn is a top range hockey agent although being a woman in a mans world can be tough she has a reputation of a killer in the boardroom. Now she is representing young blood in the team and is damn good at it, although no-one ten years ago told her she would have to be a babysitter and agent all in one, but now she has her own agency and can pick and choose who she wants, until a friend asks her for a favour and in steps Bennet Banks her sworn enemy.

Can she put the past behind her to help him extend his contract and be a better person?

Ben "Bennett" Banks has lived to annoy Kaitlyn seen that day they meet ten years ago in the airport, she seemed okay with him then but once she knew who he was it has been daggers and teeth when ever they meet, but when he falls out with his agent just before a crucial extension of his contract no-one will touch him accept Kaitlyn. But can he keep his feelings for her under wraps as she has made it plain she hates him and is only doing this as a favour and to stick it to her old boss.

So, when something is released in the press at a critical time can Kaitlyn believe in Bennett or will she let him loose?

I love this calibration, the writing is brilliant and the characters are so real you wish they were your friends. This is the second book in this series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel but I recommend you read the first one as it is just as good.

Kaitlyn's character is fiery and strong but as always you get to see the venerable side of her and that not everything is rosy in the garden. Ben's character is lovely the rough alpha male on the ice but behind the scenes is a man who is misunderstood, caring and humble which makes these two characters just brilliant for each other.

The secondary characters as always are full of depth and life and just add to this wonderfully developed book, with you wanting to know the more about them in the next book. I hope Niko Drugov is our next mean hockey player to find love as it would be great for him and Chole to have some sparks in their future.

Can't wait for the next instalment going forward.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaitlyn is a sports agent in a man's world of hockey, and has to be as badass as it sounds like she does to deal with the alpha males in the sport. She started in football under a highly misogynistic male boss, Ed, but put up with all the comments and BS associated with women in a men's highly competitive sport because she knew she wanted to end up being an agent with her own company.

As she is rushing through the airport to meet up with her first hockey player who took a shot on her, she meets an insanely attractive man named Ben at the airport bar and they had a great day eating grilled cheese sandwiches and sitting next to one another on the flight. They both walked away with many secrets they didn't share and many thoughts of one another into the following day - when Kaitlyn meets Banks on the ice as she meets the team of her new athlete. Things go from having great chemistry, a lot of fun and positive thoughts to quickly making enemies of one another. They spend the next decade absolutely devastating each other with the horrible burns they dish out when they aren't totally ignoring and avoiding each other.

10 years later, Kaitlyn has 3 players on the team, Banks is the oldest player at 38 with bad habits that make him look like he doesn't take his job seriously, contract negotiations in the very near future and a retiring agent who has dropped him. The retiring agent just so happens to be Ed, and Kaitlyn is offered the suggestion of picking up Banks so he can finish his career with a bang. In addition to making herself look like a goddess in the world of agents, she also would get to make Ed look bad, negotiate a ton of money for making Banks look great, and offer herself a challenge in the meantime. While it takes a touch of work and help from his best friend, Banks takes Kaitlyn up on her offer.

The 2 have incredible chemistry, incredible dislike for one another, a passion for hockey and an absolutely hilarious cast of characters that offer laugh out loud fun for this super quick read. I planned to read a bit at a time but I couldn't put this book down and finished it within a day. Absolutely recommend. Fantastic fun, funny and steamy read.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hot Flash Hookups book series is one that I adore reading! The authors do an amazing job of creating a great storyline with characters that you would not normally think to pair together. One of the main characters is a hockey player, and the other is usually a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants but not what she needs in her life. Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is no exception to this amazing formula that truly works, and it works well. I had a good laugh as I read about our main female stressing over possibly being in perimenopause, especially when the doctor let her know she may still have a good 10 years of fertility left before menopause kicks in. To our main character, this means that her eggs are all drying up, and she needs to get pregnant ASAP, despite how busy she is working as an agent to hockey players. Our main male character falls hard for his new agent, with whom he has been having a love/hate relationship for the past 10 years. His agent has been hiding her feelings for her client through a love/hate relationship herself. Throughout the story you get to see the point of view of both main characters and follow along as they work through their client/agent relationship, all the while fighting against their attraction for one another. There's a fine line that shouldn't be crossed, but what is more important, a career or finding your soul mate? What a sweet romance this story was, filled with dilemmas that our main characters must work through, including not allowing their impressions of one another to shadow the real characters of our main people. I love that we got to continue along with Olivia and Roman's love story from the first book while following along with Ben and Kaitlyn's story in this new book. I cannot wait to see who gets featured in the third book in this series. I am so invested in reading more about the development between each of our couples we've met so far.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaitlyn is a sports agent, a woman working her way to the top in a male-dominated field. She's in the airport, on her way to meet her newest pro hockey player client, when she meets Ben in the airport bar. Their flight gets delayed and they spend several hours chatting. It's the most relaxed she's felt in a long time. They arrive in Florida and part ways, never to see each other again. Or so they both think.
The next day she goes to the rink to see her client and is surprised to see Ben - whose name is actually Banks - on the ice next to him. Their relationship turns adversarial in a moment.
Fast forward ten years and that hasn't changed. Kaitlyn now represents three of Banks' teammates. When Banks himself loses his agent, Kaitlyn is persuaded to represent him, just to negotiate his next contract. The problem is, his age and reputation make it more likely that he'll get traded than get a new contract, so Kaitlyn has her work cut out for her. She decides the best way to get the job done quickly is to move in next to Banks. That way she can keep him out of trouble and hopefully get away from him as soon as possible.
That plan backfires when Kaitlyn starts to see another side of Banks - the one that's not all just arrogant hockey player. It surprises her, and she sees him in a different light. But she definitely can't get involved with him - that wouldn't be ethical. He's her client. Her job and her reputation are on the line.
But keeping her distance proves to be easier said than done.
There are enemies to lovers and forbidden love themes. Add in a middle-aged woman who is emotional over unexpected health issues, a weasely enemy trying to tear her down, and some very funny hockey players, and it's a definite winner! I can't wait to continue with this enjoyable series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anya Davies-schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is an enemies-to-lovers romance. Kaitlyn is a sports agent breaking into the hockey scene. On her way to meet her first client, her flight is delayed and she ends up having a great conversation with the man at the bar. They flirt, even on the flight, and at the end they part ways with no contact. However, to her surprise, he is a hockey player on the same team as her client and she gets mad because he has “lied” about who he was. Banks “Benny” Bennet is a professional hockey player but is known as the bad boy, who cares-type of player who is getting up there in age. After his and Kaitlyn’s meet cute, they end up as enemies and now 10 years have gone by. At this point, they claim to hate each other but have some residual sexual tension from 10 years ago. Banks is now looking for a new agent and Kaitlyn is persuaded into helping him. Through this “arrangement,” they start to learn more and more about each other and see that there is more to the story. Will they be able to cross these boundaries to satisfy what has been hanging over their heads for so long? Is this possible “arrangement” worth both of their careers?
I really enjoyed this story. Kaitlyn is a badass woman rocking it in a man’s world. She is respected but also hated for her position in the league. She had many sides to her character and I enjoyed all of them. As for Banks, OMG I just fell in love with him. The way he handled all the things that came his way (especially when they were not true) was just amazing. He is misunderstood, manly, gently, and hiding a really big heart. I just really enjoyed learnig about him and seeing his character develop throughout the story. In the end, he is just a down right good man who wants to protect what he wants, but learns that consequences occur, but sometimes it is totally worth it!!

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood Swings & Hockey Flings is a sports romance with some animosity and passion. A slight second chance. The author gives you two characters that had a wonderful “meet cute” yet quickly had a misunderstanding that changed things for them.
Banks has always been slightly troubled in his hockey career. Yet a chance meeting with a beautiful woman at the airport he was willing to change things about himself. What he didn’t expect was that woman to show up at his practice and she wasn’t who she seemed. Now that he’s older and has been dumped by another agent, this woman is his only hope of not only continuing his career but with his current team.
Yet can he trust her?
What about the attraction he has for her?
Kaitlin is out to prove herself. Prove that she doesn’t only know football by moving into the hockey world. A sports agent with a passion that’s being held back by her boss. Unfortunately she runs into one of the hockey players on a flight down to her new client. He seemed great but later proved himself otherwise. Now there’s everlasting animosity between them. Yet they travel in the same circles so are constantly crossing paths. Now he needs her more than he realizes. Not only that but gives them both a chance to stick it to her previous boss.
However, what happens when she truly gets to know them?
Can they keep things strictly professional or will feelings become an issue?
I already stated it’s a romance but nothing is ever cut and dry. These two characters have so much to give to anyone. However they both get in their own way. They are stubborn. Yet they both care deeply for those that mean something to them.
If that’s the type of book you’re looking for, it’s up to you to jump right in. I can guarantee it won’t be disappointing. Just trust me!

[Jessica Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylyvie Stewart and Marika Ray - Review by Jessica Stone

Oh man! This book was so fun, so total transparency, I have not read the previous book in this series, but rest assured after getting a few chapters in I, to my complete delight discovered this book could in fact be read alone. And I'm so glad it could, this was my first hockey rom com and it felt soooo good! I'm so excited to dive into this series more and into this genre more.


The chemistry between the two main characters was absolutely palpable, tension so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Let's start of with Kaitlyn with a K, I was a bit worried she was going to be a soulless, work to live live to work type, but I was so happy to get to know the girl underneath her stone cold facade. And I fully squealed when she got her HEA.

Now Ben, or should I set Bennett, oh boy, I think I've loved him since the moment i read him penned on those pages. His sense of humor and general nonchalance is weirdly endearing. I loved his character arc, and his final admirable to his feelings, his character blossomed SO hard in this book. And it was everything i needed.


So throw these two interesting characters together in a force proximity/reluctance situation and you get pure magic. Add a splash of hockey, the love of the game, rivalry, heavy atmosphere, and it's complete as one of the best rom com's I've read in a good while.


Mood Swings and Hockey Flings, Hot Flash Hookups Series, Sylvie Stewart, Marika Ray, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Sports, Romance, Jessica Stone, May 2024

[Carrie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings" is a delightful and hilarious rom-com by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray that will have readers laughing out loud and swooning simultaneously. The collaborative effort of these talented authors brings to life a charming story filled with witty banter, lovable characters, and a romance that will warm your heart.
The dynamic between the main characters is electric from the very beginning. The authors have expertly crafted a romance that sizzles with chemistry and tension, keeping readers hooked as they navigate their way through unexpected obstacles. The humor infused into the narrative adds an extra layer of enjoyment, ensuring plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book.
Stewart and Ray have a knack for creating relatable and well-rounded characters. The protagonist's snarky and quick-witted personality is balanced perfectly with the hero's charming and slightly cocky demeanor. Readers will root for this lovable duo as they navigate through funny and heartwarming situations.
The writing style of "Mood Swings and Hockey Flings" is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it easy to lose oneself in the story. The pacing is spot-on, with the perfect balance of tender and steamy moments that engage the readers thoroughly. And with its upbeat and lighthearted tone, this book is a perfect escape when you need a pick-me-up.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies with well-developed characters, sparkling dialogue, and a dose of laughter, "Mood Swings and Hockey Flings" is a must-read. Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray have crafted an entertaining and feel-good novel that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Hot Flash Hookups Series. I loved the first book and this one was just as good. This is a sports romcom with a enemies to lovers theme. What I love about these books is the authors writing of the characters. The banter between them had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I also love how the female lead are of an older age and going through menopause and all the joys that women go through around that time. It really makes the characters feel human and relatable.

This is Banks and Kaitlyn's story. When a chance meeting and a delay at an airport put Kaitlyn and Banks together there was no denying the chemistry and attraction between them. But with them going their seperate ways thats the end of their connection right?
So imagine Kaitlyn's surprise when the hockey player she is representing turns out to play in the same team as Banks
Kaitlyn knows she needs to remain professional at all costs. And the animosity between them gradually grows.
Fast forward and Banks finds himself in need of a new agent. Kaitlyn is definitely the woman he needs to turn his career around but can they work together to achieve that or will the animosity that's build up between them cause more issues?
As well as fighting her attraction to a guy she can not have Kaitlyn is also suffering with symptoms of perimenopuase. With all this going on does she even stand a chance of sorting this man-baby out? And what happens when temptation becomes to much will they give in to it?

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies-to-lovers story had strong romantic intensity and excellent banter. And not just between the main characters. The banter was one of my favourite elements. It was so entertaining. Sports agent Kaitlyn and hockey player Banks had a meet-cute full of attraction, but it quickly soured after they discovered she was working with a player from his team. “Normally Banks verbally spars with me until one of us is bleeding out on the floor or limping back to a neutral zone.” A decade full of antagonism later she took him on as a client during important contract negotiations and their attraction could no longer be suppressed. But their professional relationship and other complicating factors also couldn’t be ignored. The characters were engaging. There were a lot of layers to Kaitlyn as a 40 year-old woman grappling with balancing her intensive career and a desire to be a mother someday, but the waning of her fertility. And being successful in such a male-dominated field, plus working with difficult athletes was challenging. “Because that’s what being an agent is. I’m a glorified, well-paid babysitter of grown men who act like babies most of the time.” Banks presented as a successful athlete who didn’t care about other people and lived an unsettled lifestyle, but the reality was much different. The team dynamics were fun to follow, with some hockey sprinkled in. This is a very detailed open-door romance with frequent moderate/strong innuendo and strong harsh language throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maisie Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mood Swings & Hockey Flings is the second installment of Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart’s Hot Flash Hookups series. It follows Kaitlyn, hockey agent at the height of her career who, at the age of forty, is starting to think about starting a family, and Banks, hockey player who isn’t ready to retire at thirty-eight. I read a lot of hockey romances, but it was really refreshing seeing a woman of colour lead, and the leads being in their late thirties rather than early twenties. I think the authors handled the balance between having a career and starting a family really well, because I don’t think women should have to sacrifice one for the other. I also think they handled a woman nearing menopause really well, because women tend to feel old once they start thinking about menopause, but Kaitlyn is still confident and she still feels attractive, despite her mood swings or weight gain or fatigue. I did think, at the beginning, that Banks’ behaviour was immature for someone his age, but the more I read the more I changed my mind. My favourite character was Kaitlyn and my least favourite character was Ed. I recommend this book, mainly because it’s so refreshing to see an Asian female lead and a romance between two people in their late thirties. I also appreciate how the romance didn’t lead to anyone sacrificing any other important parts of their lives. ‘So much so that I might have been half in love with her by the time we said our goodbyes.’

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is Book 2 of Hot Flash Hookups. It's a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden, mid-life, girl gets her hockey player rom com. Kaitlyn is a smart, sassy, and fierce 40 year old hockey agent. She has had to claw her way to the top in a male dominated, misogynist industry, giving her the nickname of "Killer Kaitlyn." Banks is a hunky, 38 year old hockey player with a heart of gold. The two met 10 years ago in an airport and had a connection until they saw each other the next day, and Kaitlyn put Banks in his place. But both have thought of each other often. Through a series of interactions, they become somewhat enemies constantly hostile with each other, but when Roman (book 1) asks Kaitlyn to take on Banks as a client after losing his last agent, she reluctantly agrees. As the two work together to save his career, both realize they may have misjudged each other, and feelings come to the surface. Their snarky banter is hysterical. The chemistry is off the charts hot, and the ending is very happy after a roller-coaster of emotions. I absolutely loved the first book and loved this one, too!!! Banks is a big old teddy bear and totally drool-worthy!! This is another definite read!!!

#hattricksforoldchicks forever 🤣🤣🤣.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.