On the Rebound

by Kate Willoughby

NHL player and single dad Jason Locke needs a nanny who can protect his baby from a deranged fan known only as @RoxieLuvsJason. Having graduated from a British nanny college specializing in defensive arts, Finley Pigott-Smith is all that and a side of hash browns. A cross between Mary Poppins and a Charlie's Angel, she’s unsettlingly sexy, with a body and accent that inspire his late-night fantasies.
Finley thinks her new boss is a bit of a wanker—overbearing and overprotective with a tendency to mansplain—but he’s a teddy bear around his daughter and hotter than a Guy Fawkes bonfire. More importantly, he knows nothing of why she left England in disgrace.
But proximity and temptation are a dangerous combination and soon they can’t keep their hands off each other. Unfortunately, when @RoxieLuvsJason finds out they’re a couple, she doesn't take it well.

Genres: Hockey Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2024

Reviews

[Dom Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

♥️Finley for the win!!♥️
 
Okay, so “On the Rebound” wasn't exactly a "drop everything and read it again NOW" kind of situation, but let me tell you, Finley is a character that will stay with you. Seriously, this British nanny is a force of nature—smart, funny, badass, and capable of handling anything a stalker or even grumpy hockey player and his adorable baby can throw at her. 

Jason is the brooding, recently separated first-time dad to 3-month-old Aria. He’s a pro hockey star who basically lives for his baby girl, and then there's Finley, who had to move away from England due to a situation with her previous placement as a nanny. When they initially clash, it's equal parts adorable and laugh-out-loud funny. 

Now, I'm a sucker for a good hockey romance, and this was an enjoyable book, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark, with a couple of things holding me back from giving it 5⭐️.

First, the story is told in third person, which isn't my favourite style. I feel it can create a bit of distance between the reader and the characters. Second, the romance moves at lightning speed, from the first kiss to finding a new house together. It felt a tad rushed, to be honest. Lastly, I just found the twists in the story very predictable, whether intentional or not. I just like to be a little shocked.

But even with those minor bumps, I enjoyed reading this book! It's light, heartwarming, and good to unwind after a long day, with characters you can’t help but like.

📚ARC review - I was kindly given this advance review copy by Victory Editing by NetGalley Co-op in exchange for my honest review.📚

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "On the Rebound," Kate Willoughby immerses readers in the world of the San Diego Barracudas, where Jason Locke, the team's captain, faces sudden upheaval when his wife leaves him. Enter Finley Pigott-Smith, a modern-day badass Nanny, who steps in to care for Jason's newborn daughter and shield him from an obsessed fan.

Willoughby's storytelling shines with romance, humor, and suspense, while Finley's strength and resilience captivate from the start. With engaging characters and a heartfelt storyline, "On the Rebound" is a must-read for fans of hockey romances.

Full review at https://Bookcaseandcoffee.com

[Kayla Bieker · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to say thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to arc read this. I am an absolute sucker for hockey romances, or single dad/nanny in this book you’ll find the following.
-Sports romance (MMC HOCKEY)
-single dad/nanny
-age gap 10 years
-Crazed fan who’s obsessed with the MMC
The things I absolutely love about this book is it gives off total Mary poppins vibes from the FMC the MMC comes off as grumpy but (with reason) he’s totally adorable with his sweet daughter and does come around to the FMC. This book had me laughing in several parts of the book it also had me sad at times, excited and on the edge of my seat wondering who is the crazed fan. The FMC is from London but after a bad nannying experience she ends up nannying for Jason. Will they be able to fight for their relationship with this crazed fan? Who is it? And why? It is in third person pov it was a tad bit confusing in the beginning but that’s cause I’m used to reading first person dual pov. I found the plot to be super interesting that I didn’t mind the 3rd person. I would recommend to anyone who loves the above tropes it’s not a fast pace romance but it’s also not incredibly slow to where it drags you can feel the tension between them. Would absolutely read again

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Locke is an NHL player for the San Diego Barracudas and a dad to a newborn. He finds he's in need of a nanny since his wife decides she wants a divorce. He's lucky that his mom has found a British nanny that has unbelievable and specialized skills which should come in handy since he has an overzealous fan stalking him.

Finley Pigott-Smith left England disgraced from her last job. She's never been to the US so this is all new to her but not to being a nanny.
She has fallen in love with her new charge, three week old Aria and will do everything to keep her safe.

When she first meets Jason she thinks he's grumpy, overbearing and of course overprotective but loves his daughter. Slowly they start to be friends and get close and secretly become a couple. But when that fan finds out, bad things start happening. Can she keep Aria safe?

4 stars

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Rebound was the sixth book in the San Diego Barracudas series by Kate Willoughby.

It was a quick, lighthearted and fun read. Jason Locke was a single dad and professional hockey player. Finley Piggot-Smith was a British Nanny looking for a new start in the US. The author also threw in an adorable infant and a crazed fan for suspense. All in all, an entertaining read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a new book by Kate Willoughby is like coming home after a long trip. It's comforting, cozy and full of good feels.

"On the Rebound", book six in the San Diego Barracudas series is just that. Seen in earlier books of the series, this is Jason Locke's story. The first few chapters have Jason and his future heroine, Finley, in separate worlds but setting up their eventual meeting. Nothing in the book is contrived, and the story flows well. There is a subplot that has the reader on the edge of their seat, curious to know the resolution. Willoughby gives a satisfactory answer without making it unnatural to the setting. Well done!

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Rebound 🥅

On the Rebound is book six of the San Diego Barracudas series but is my first by this author❣️

Jason is an NHL Hockey player and captain for the Barracudas. When he comes home to discover his wife has abandoned him and their daughter, his mother helps him hire a well qualified nanny😁

Finley had left the UK, after a job she was working ended distastefully. Now on her way to the US for the first time, she’s hoping her past doesn’t follow her😳

An enjoyable story. The blurb with regards to Finley being this well rounded, kick butts and take names nanny appealed greatly. I enjoyed the story and the characters but feel there could’ve been a few more instances of showcasing Finley’s skills throughout🤷‍♀️

I will definitely look at reading some more of this authors books in the future. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an early copy of this book. I liked how original this storyline was, and despite usually struggling a bit with books written in 3rd person, the writing in this flowed well. The main characters were both likeable and there were a couple of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Willoughby was suggested to me by one of my favorite authors. Hockey is my sport of choice & I love the fact that it has become so popular in the romance genre! She really thought I would love the story & she wasn't wrong!
Jason Locke has known for a while now, that his marriage was over. Having Brit leave him right after having their daughter, has been a slap in the face, but nothing he didn't expect. Now he is a single dad with a hockey career & a possible stalker. His mom finds him the perfect nanny from an accredited school in London. It isn't his ideal situation, but he needs help & his mom needs to return to TX & back to her life there with his dad.
Finley Piggot-Smith is not only trained in all things child related, she is trained defensive arts & is well equipped to care for Aria & make sure she stays safe. She is looking for a fresh start in the States after her life was run through the ringer back in the UK. She left her job for the Prime Minister after she was sexually harassed by her husband. He however drug her name through the mud saying she had abused his child.
Jason had no idea that he would have feelings toward Finley. He can't stop thinking about her, he's fascinated by her & the way she cares for Aria. Finley doesn't want to feel anything for him, she just got away from a terrible situation where even her family didn't support her. What would it look like if she started a relationship with her boss? She would look like fraud back in the UK, they would most definitely believe the stories about her then. Too bad you don't get to choose when life decided that you've found your person!
This story was so well written, the author left me with all the feels & an original, entertaining story. It had hot hockey players, independent leading women & some amazing secondary characters. Jason & Finley were very relatable & I enjoyed getting to know them. Watching them deal with his "overzealous fan", with her deranged heart set on Jason. The way they both loved on Aria & made her a priority all the time. Jason & Finley had such a wonderful chemistry & this story had a spice level of three/four peppers!! I can't wait to go back & read the first five books of this series. Enjoy!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, darn. This book started off really well, and I had high hopes for a solid 5 stars. I loved the idea of a kick-arse British nanny turning an American pro-hockey player's life upside down. And at first, it seemed that's where we were going. But about halfway through, it just gets sluggish.

The author takes time to establish Jason's and Finley's situations (i.e., the reason he needs a nanny and she needs to leave London). Most notably, Finley had a bad experience as the nanny for the Prime Minister. It seemed odd that the news didn't follow her to the States. Had her client been an average family (even a wealthy one, perhaps even minor nobility), I could have bought the idea that the news didn't cross the pond. But the Prime Minister?And then she comes to San Diego to nanny for a famous pro athlete? The chance of the truth coming out is even greater.

That's just one of the stretches that threw me off. Others, without getting too detailed, include uberdad Jason not researching her background prior to hiring her (letting his mom do it), Jason's ex's total lack of presence (I get it, but I don't get it), and the not entirely believable relationship between our two main characters.

I really like both Jason and Finley. I think I just wanted a more gradual (and hotter) growth of their relationship. I also wanted to see more Charlie's Angels and a little less Mary Poppins in Finley, as well as a better developed and believable element of suspense (like, throw in a red herring or two). And finally, I was disappointed not to have resolution with regard to Finley's issue back in England.

I'm a bit all over the place, I'm afraid (recovering from jetlag and a cold). In short, it's a good novel but could be a great one.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Locke thought his life was perfect, a beautiful wife, a precious newborn baby girl and the captain of the NHL team San Diego Barracudas. Then just as quickly it fell apart. His wife decided that she didn’t want to a wife, let alone a mom, so left him suddenly. His hockey career was in a rut and he had a woman fantasizing about him on social media not just a little bit, but a lot. The solution his mother said, a nanny and of course only one of the best, who could handle everything including protecting her boss. What he hadn’t expected though was that the nanny might not just be the solution for his daughter, but for himself as well.

There is no question about it, after receiving her degree from the top Nanny college, Finley Pigott-Smith is the 21st century version of Mary Poppins. She is the best, beating out multiple candidates for a job with a high government official and it seems to be going great. That was until the husband turned out to be a butt head by hitting on her constantly When she stopped him, he wasn’t happy so said words that could stop her career. A quick solution was caring for a newborn baby girl in the US and while also making sure a fan of her new boss who just happened to be a little unbalanced, wouldn’t continue her obsession. Little did she know that the helicopter dad wasn’t that bad after all and she might just be falling in love with them both. But when the truth of Finley’s last job comes out will they be able to work through it? As well as the obsessive fan?

This book is a zinger to be added to your TBR list. I loved the way Kate was able to use the British slang and ways into the book and done perfectly. Finley is one character I would want in my corner definitely. I do hope that this isn’t the end of the series and there will be another book, or at least an update.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Willoughby lights the lamp with ON THE REBOUND (San Diego Barracudas #6). In this story, NHL player/single dad Jason Locke hires a British nanny, Finley Pigott-Smith, who specializes in defensive arts due to the threat of him having a potential stalker.

I loved this story; it was original and thought provoking. I never knew there were schools that specialized in nannies. It makes sense. They are watching and nurturing children for people with a lot of money. I have had friends who have had nannies, but clearly this caliber of nanny is out of my social circle. It was fun to read about that aspect.

I like Jason and Finley. Jason has recently separated. He is nearing the end of his hockey career. Finley had problems with her previous employer making advances toward her. She moved to the US from England and is homesick. The two have a great dynamic relationship. They initially rub each other wrong. Things develop as they get to know one another.

ON THE REBOUND is a fantastic addition to the San Diego Barracudas. It is skillfully written and entertaining. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I've been a fan of Kate Willoughby's hockey romances for years and I couldn't tell you how happy I was to get a new book in the series! Which, by the way, if you haven't read, then what are you waiting for?

This is the perfect single father/nanny romance but with a cute Mary Poppins style twist. Finley is a British nanny, professionally trained to serve the best of clients. She had a position as the nanny of the Prime Minister, but scandal ensued and she's now left with the only option of working outside of the country. Jason Locke urgently needs a nanny after his wife decides it's finally time to walk out on their marriage and family in the middle of his hockey season.

And all with a crazy stalker in the background as well. The mystery of that was not hard to immediately figure out, but it still added a fun element to the story.

Cute and sexy, with a bit of hockey (although I would've loved a bit more of that).

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finley is a nanny who has graduated from a nanny college in the UK. Initially she gets a job working for the Prime Minister but it forced to leave due to a scandal which sees her flying out to the US to become the nanny for Jason’s newborn daughter, Aria. Jason is a professional hockey player who has just become a single Dad. You could tell Finley takes her job seriously and at first Jason is cold towards her. He has a crazy fan and those around him are worried about his and his daughter’s safety. With Finley’s training, she is the perfect nanny for the job and Jason begins to trust her.

Despite Finley wanting to stay professional and Jason not looking for love, the pair can’t deny their attention to each other.
Jason is such a doting Dad and it was adorable reading about him and Aria.

Unfortunately while enjoying the first half i kind of lost excitement in the second half. I loved the character of Jason but have mixed feelings towards Finley. The plot was good but just a little too predictable towards the end. This was the first book I’ve read by this author but would like to read more from them in the future.

[elexisreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgallery and the author for the arc for this book.

If you love a cozy hockey romance, you would probably like this cozy read. The story follows the life of Jason Locke who is an NHL player for the San deigo Barricuddas. His wife who suddenly wants a divorce after giving birth to their baby Aria. Jason's mother decides that he needs a full time nanny to help look after Aria. This is where Finley a British bad ass nanny who is trained to do anything life throws at her comes in.

At first Finley is overprotective, grumpy and strictly wanting to stick to what she was hired to do. But as time goes on, she begins to relax and slowly becomes friends with Jason before falling in love with him. That's when the stalker that has been posting about Jason for years comes out to play for good. Leaving the question has Finley's years of training prepared her for what she has to face?

My thoughts are that the book is a good cozy read if you like a sports romance book, at points of the book it was slow but not slow enough that you want to stop reading it. I enjoyed the plot and loved it showed character developments and history of the characters also

[Kathleen Kolling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this title as an ARC from NetGalley.

This was a cute hockey star-nanny romance. In a rush to leave the UK after a bad nanny experience, Finley moves to the US to work as a nanny for famous NHL star, Jason Locke. Jason's wife has just left him with a newborn daughter and he's bound to make sure his daughter gets all the best. Unfortunately, this means he tends to mansplain childrearing to his new nanny and get in her way. After putting him in his place, Finley and Jason continue to build respect and friendship for each other that slowly builds to romance. Will they be able to get past his ex-wife, his stalker, and her history, to stay together?

This was a cute run-of-the-mill hockey star romance. I wish there had been another chapter showing the dissolution of the marriage between Jason and his ex, and also more details in the chapters with the stalker to build tension. The 3rd act drama was fairly minimal, or I probably would've rated this higher. It seemed a little too easy for this couple to get over their hurdles.

[Sue Gurling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jason’s story, he’s the captain of the Barracudas hockey team and a single dad of a baby daughter after his wife left him and asked for a divorce leaving him holding the baby, literally! His mum has been helping him out but she needs to return home, before she leaves she helps him out by hiring a nanny, Finley a modern day Mary Poppins arrives from the UK and all his prayers are answered. Fast forward an online stalker and a slow burn romance makes a really enjoyable story.
I really enjoyed this story as I have all the previous books in the barracuda’s stories, if you like hockey romances then this is the series for you, the writing flows really well and the characters are likeable, although this book can be read as a stand-alone I would highly recommend reading the previous books just because they are so good.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for the advanced copy of this book.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit book by Kate Willoughby! On The Rebound is Kate’s book in the San Diego Barracudas series and it dues not disappoint! Jason Locke has a crazy stalker! That’s actually not a new part of his life, but now he has a new baby daughter to care for and protect, and the stalker is threatening his family! Even his estranged wife who had abandoned their daughter!
Finley is the nanny chosen by Jason’s mother and she’s one of a kind! Well educated, talented and well trained in martial arts, Jason is amazed at her abilities!
But that stalker keeps coming!
Beautifully written, believable characters, hot hockey players, strong leading women!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For Kate Willoughby’s On The Rebound!

[Taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willoughby is back with our first novel in a few years. And she picked right up where she was at with our Barracuda's captain Jason. This book had a little of everything, a hot British nanny who could put you on your butt with quickness, a hot hockey player, and a beautiful baby girl. I like that their relationship built organically over time and that Jason worked hard to make Finley feel that she was perfect for him. I adored Jason and Finley‘s relationship with his mom. Looking forward to more books by Willoughby in the future.

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writing style, the characters and pace. She's a good author.

But its one of those books that you have to suspend disbelief to enjoy. The whole nanny Prime Minister scandal not being known is simply ridiculous. There was a lack of insight into being a nanny for a high profile person esp in the UK.

A lot of the British stuff is almost accurate, certainly the author has made real effort. But I did grit my teeth a bit.

If you do put thar I'm a box then you will dhizz through this and totally enjoy it.

[Karen Boozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Kate Willoughby fan for a long time and again she scores a goal with this book. In the beginning I wasn't a big fan of Finley but it was because she seemed so stiff. Kate really wrote Finley as a proper English nanny and she did an amazing job. Finley became more real to me as time went on and I fell in love with her! I couldn't imagine leaving everything I know to start a new life because I stood up for myself. She was truly a good person and a great nanny and loved Aria and took amazing care of her.

Jason knew his marriage to Brit was over for a long time but then she got pregnant and agreed to have the baby. Shortly Aria was born Brit left and filed for divorce. His mom had to move back to Texas and he needed help quickly so Mom hired Finley. Luckily Finley was trained in defensive arts as Jason had developed an overzealous fan. Little did they know that the fan was closer than they liked to believe.

This can be read as a standalone but if you haven't already, go read the other 5 books in the series first. You won't be disappointed.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. The characters are so real and dog relight into your heart. I was captivated by them from the very beginning and only fell more in love as the pages rolled on by. The plot was very interesting and action packed from the very beginning. I love the banter that was between the characters. I really appreciate the author’s attention to detail and willingness to embrace some of the crappier sides of life. A great read that I really enjoyed.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
The description of this sounded so good - a hockey romance with a single dad and a nanny that have chemistry… when I read this, there wasn’t a lot that kept me captivated… the romance happened quickly and seemed like they kiss and then bam! They are so in love and planning a life together. Overall, it was an ok book, but not one that I would read again.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for On the Rebound by Kate Willoughby

Another great read for an amazing series. It was nice to catch up with the Barracudas. Love the storyline. You fall in love with Finlay and Jason. They are perfect for each other. They bring a lot of sizzle to the page. Can't wait for another installment of San Diego Barracudas.

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my absolute favorite of the whole series.

I loved Finley and Jason, their relationship is realistic but also that right touch of insta love.

[Msb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There was plenty of tension, a plot that moved at a pleasant pace, realistic characters, and lots of spice. Definitely a good weekend read!