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Love and Hockey #2
The Romance Line
The first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.
That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.
But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.
Turns out it is.
Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts – right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.
Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.
But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.
Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, player and publicist, forbidden romance, workplace romance, hockey romance, secret dates, hate to love
That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.
But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.
Turns out it is.
Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts – right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.
Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.
But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.
Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, player and publicist, forbidden romance, workplace romance, hockey romance, secret dates, hate to love
498 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2024
4129 people are currently reading
19413 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
245 books24.4k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,266 reviews
September 25, 2024
This man straight up crashes a date she's on, and I WAS LIVING FOR IT. Giggling and kicking my feet 🤭 Don't get me started on the spice because the MOUTH ON THIS MAN good lordy!
October 4, 2024
I really don't think any contemporary romance needs to go over 400+ pages (this is 494, to be exact). Like, what else is going on in that story to stretch it out like that? And the worst part is, the book just wraps up in a HFN situation. Tell me, why did I spend hours on goddamn long ass book only to see the MCs still together as boyfriend and girlfriend? To me, the story would have been more satisfying if the MCs had already tied the knot at this point, and the epilogue had taken place years later. I mean, don't the readers deserve that? 🥲
Anyway, idk how to review this, so bear with me while I ramble. 😅
Into the story, I can't remember how long—maybe years—but Max and Everly have been working for quite some time now. She handles the PR for their hockey team, and Max is the team's goalie. Apparently, they can't stand one another because he hates talking to the press, and she encourages each player to do their part when it comes to post game interviews.
Max needs a makeover because of the scandal he got into a year and a half ago. Since breaking up with his cheating popstar ex-girlfriend and getting into a fight with the man she cheated on him with, Max's life has taken a turn for the worse. He lost several sponsorships, and his ex-girlfriend released a song that portrayed him as the villain and the reason for their breakup. It didn't help that he never aired his side and just let the press and gossip magazines spread lies about him.
This is where Everly comes in; he became her next project, and their goal is to make him the decent guy he was before the scandal. She promised to help him turn around his image as the grumpy goalie and get back those sponsorships he lost. This will also help her get that promotion she's been working hard for. This would be a win-win scenario for both of them.
They said in their POVs that they weren't fans of working together, but the constant lust-filled thoughts just kept coming. So, it looks like they can't stand each other, but there's still some attraction going on. 🤷♀️
With them spending time together working on his image makeover, things were bound to eventually change. But idk, I just didn’t get the sudden switch from wanting to do nothing with one another to tearing each other’s clothes off. It honestly gave me a whiplash. Like, did I miss something crucial that caused this sudden shift in their dynamics? 🤔
It just felt rushed and unbelievable, imo. And when they finally gave in to the attraction, they both agreed that it wasn't a good idea. They took a week apart, but then they just couldn't help themselves and got back together, and this is how their secret dates started.
The story wasn't entirely bad, but it was too freaking long. It felt so dragging and boring at some point. It made me feel like I should have been almost done, but when I checked where I was, I was still shocked to see that I still had a long way to go. I'm not going to lie; I did check my current percentage several times while I was reading. 🤷♀️
And, out of the blue, this issue popped up that nearly led to a breakup. I was really puzzled about why Max's thoughts suddenly took a turn for the worst. Everly hasn't really done anything to make him doubt her, but I guess it's tough to shake off trust issues.
I'm glad, though, that this whole thing only led to one night apart. Max had come to his senses, and Everly didn't let him get away with what he did. At least in the end, they understood and forgave one another.
It was also a plus that he stayed the night in his car so he wouldn't miss her when she left her apartment, and that he brought her her favorite coffee. 🤭
Overall, it wasn't a disappointing book; it's just way too long for a story that doesn't have a complicated plot. This would've been better if it were a few pages shorter. Like I said, some parts just felt dragging and a bit repetitive, and that took away some interest I had in the story. But all in all, it was still a decent read.
Book info:
— Sports romance
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Death of a loved one (past, recounted)
— Scarred MC (body)
— Mutual pining (despite the dislike)
— No cheating
— No V (both lasts were 1 1/2 yrs)
— OM/OW
— Separation
— HFN (in a relationship)
— Bonus epilogue (mos later(??), he proposed 🫠)
Notes:
— OM1: She accompanied him when he went to coach underprivileged kids. A kid's dad tried to chat with her, but Max jumped in and interrupted them. 😂
— OM2: She was out on a date with her physical therapist, but then Max showed up and crashed it, bringing his sister along too (the sister was clueless about his plan). 😂
— OW: His ex showed up at his game, but it's not really clear what she was up to. Everly had her own assumptions, though. Anyway, he didn't talk to her, and he told Everly that he had no idea she was going to be there.
— Separation: When they first acted on their attraction, they figured it wasn't the best idea, so they kept their distance for a week. And, when they finally became a secret couple, they ended up having a fight almost at the end, which made them spend a night apart.
— Celibacy: She went on a date a year and a half ago, but when the guy saw her scars, he ghosted her after. Around the same time, Max broke things off with his ex after he caught her doing the nasty with his rival at their place.
— I wanna know if his current apartment is the same one he shared with his ex. Because, ewww, Everly decided to move in with him at the end of the book and the idea of her living where his ex lived was driving me crazy. 🤧
Anyway, idk how to review this, so bear with me while I ramble. 😅
Into the story, I can't remember how long—maybe years—but Max and Everly have been working for quite some time now. She handles the PR for their hockey team, and Max is the team's goalie. Apparently, they can't stand one another because he hates talking to the press, and she encourages each player to do their part when it comes to post game interviews.
Max needs a makeover because of the scandal he got into a year and a half ago. Since breaking up with his cheating popstar ex-girlfriend and getting into a fight with the man she cheated on him with, Max's life has taken a turn for the worse. He lost several sponsorships, and his ex-girlfriend released a song that portrayed him as the villain and the reason for their breakup. It didn't help that he never aired his side and just let the press and gossip magazines spread lies about him.
This is where Everly comes in; he became her next project, and their goal is to make him the decent guy he was before the scandal. She promised to help him turn around his image as the grumpy goalie and get back those sponsorships he lost. This will also help her get that promotion she's been working hard for. This would be a win-win scenario for both of them.
They said in their POVs that they weren't fans of working together, but the constant lust-filled thoughts just kept coming. So, it looks like they can't stand each other, but there's still some attraction going on. 🤷♀️
With them spending time together working on his image makeover, things were bound to eventually change. But idk, I just didn’t get the sudden switch from wanting to do nothing with one another to tearing each other’s clothes off. It honestly gave me a whiplash. Like, did I miss something crucial that caused this sudden shift in their dynamics? 🤔
It just felt rushed and unbelievable, imo. And when they finally gave in to the attraction, they both agreed that it wasn't a good idea. They took a week apart, but then they just couldn't help themselves and got back together, and this is how their secret dates started.
The story wasn't entirely bad, but it was too freaking long. It felt so dragging and boring at some point. It made me feel like I should have been almost done, but when I checked where I was, I was still shocked to see that I still had a long way to go. I'm not going to lie; I did check my current percentage several times while I was reading. 🤷♀️
And, out of the blue, this issue popped up that nearly led to a breakup. I was really puzzled about why Max's thoughts suddenly took a turn for the worst. Everly hasn't really done anything to make him doubt her, but I guess it's tough to shake off trust issues.
I'm glad, though, that this whole thing only led to one night apart. Max had come to his senses, and Everly didn't let him get away with what he did. At least in the end, they understood and forgave one another.
It was also a plus that he stayed the night in his car so he wouldn't miss her when she left her apartment, and that he brought her her favorite coffee. 🤭
Overall, it wasn't a disappointing book; it's just way too long for a story that doesn't have a complicated plot. This would've been better if it were a few pages shorter. Like I said, some parts just felt dragging and a bit repetitive, and that took away some interest I had in the story. But all in all, it was still a decent read.
Book info:
— Sports romance
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Death of a loved one (past, recounted)
— Scarred MC (body)
— Mutual pining (despite the dislike)
— No cheating
— No V (both lasts were 1 1/2 yrs)
— OM/OW
— Separation
— HFN (in a relationship)
— Bonus epilogue (mos later(??), he proposed 🫠)
Notes:
— OM1: She accompanied him when he went to coach underprivileged kids. A kid's dad tried to chat with her, but Max jumped in and interrupted them. 😂
— OM2: She was out on a date with her physical therapist, but then Max showed up and crashed it, bringing his sister along too (the sister was clueless about his plan). 😂
— OW: His ex showed up at his game, but it's not really clear what she was up to. Everly had her own assumptions, though. Anyway, he didn't talk to her, and he told Everly that he had no idea she was going to be there.
— Separation: When they first acted on their attraction, they figured it wasn't the best idea, so they kept their distance for a week. And, when they finally became a secret couple, they ended up having a fight almost at the end, which made them spend a night apart.
— Celibacy: She went on a date a year and a half ago, but when the guy saw her scars, he ghosted her after. Around the same time, Max broke things off with his ex after he caught her doing the nasty with his rival at their place.
— I wanna know if his current apartment is the same one he shared with his ex. Because, ewww, Everly decided to move in with him at the end of the book and the idea of her living where his ex lived was driving me crazy. 🤧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
The first rule of PR? Never fall for the player you’re promoting. But sometimes breaking the rules is half the fun.
📚 Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, hockey romance, workplace romance, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, secret dates.
Max is the last man our heroine wants to work with—his infamous temper and brooding attitude make her job as his PR manager an uphill battle. Yet beneath his icy exterior lies a vulnerability she can’t resist. As they navigate charity events, pet photoshoots, and endless bickering, sparks turn into forbidden passion. Suddenly, the one man she thought she’d never fall for becomes the one she can’t live without.
👨👧 Max is the ultimate brooding goalie, hiding a heart of gold under his gruff exterior. He’s distant, haunted by his past, but as his walls come down, you see the man who fiercely loves and protects. Our heroine is sharp, driven, and has no time for distractions—especially not from the cocky goalie who makes her job impossible.
💞 Their chemistry? Off the charts. From enemies-to-lovers banter to steamy, secret encounters, their connection is palpable. Their story isn’t just about passion, though—it’s about healing, letting someone in, and learning to trust. Watching these two broken souls find their way to each other is a journey full of heat, tension, and tender moments.
👧 The side characters bring plenty of fun and warmth to the story, adding depth to the world beyond the ice rink. Teammates, friends, and even kittens at a fundraiser make this romance feel vibrant and real.
✍️ Lauren Blakely’s writing shines here, and the audiobook narration elevates the experience with a dual-narrator format. You’ll feel every longing glance, every playful jab, and every passionate kiss as they come to life.
🌟 This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for—emotion, laughter, and fire all rolled into one. If you’re a fan of hockey romance and love a good slow-burn with plenty of heat, this is your book.
📲 **QOTD: What's your favorite sports romance trope?**👇
#BookReview #HockeyRomance #GrumpySunshine #ForbiddenRomance #EnemiesToLovers #WorkplaceRomance #LaurenBlakely #RomCom #SlowBurn #Bookstagram #BookLovers #RomanceBooks
📚 Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, hockey romance, workplace romance, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, secret dates.
Max is the last man our heroine wants to work with—his infamous temper and brooding attitude make her job as his PR manager an uphill battle. Yet beneath his icy exterior lies a vulnerability she can’t resist. As they navigate charity events, pet photoshoots, and endless bickering, sparks turn into forbidden passion. Suddenly, the one man she thought she’d never fall for becomes the one she can’t live without.
👨👧 Max is the ultimate brooding goalie, hiding a heart of gold under his gruff exterior. He’s distant, haunted by his past, but as his walls come down, you see the man who fiercely loves and protects. Our heroine is sharp, driven, and has no time for distractions—especially not from the cocky goalie who makes her job impossible.
💞 Their chemistry? Off the charts. From enemies-to-lovers banter to steamy, secret encounters, their connection is palpable. Their story isn’t just about passion, though—it’s about healing, letting someone in, and learning to trust. Watching these two broken souls find their way to each other is a journey full of heat, tension, and tender moments.
👧 The side characters bring plenty of fun and warmth to the story, adding depth to the world beyond the ice rink. Teammates, friends, and even kittens at a fundraiser make this romance feel vibrant and real.
✍️ Lauren Blakely’s writing shines here, and the audiobook narration elevates the experience with a dual-narrator format. You’ll feel every longing glance, every playful jab, and every passionate kiss as they come to life.
🌟 This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for—emotion, laughter, and fire all rolled into one. If you’re a fan of hockey romance and love a good slow-burn with plenty of heat, this is your book.
📲 **QOTD: What's your favorite sports romance trope?**👇
#BookReview #HockeyRomance #GrumpySunshine #ForbiddenRomance #EnemiesToLovers #WorkplaceRomance #LaurenBlakely #RomCom #SlowBurn #Bookstagram #BookLovers #RomanceBooks
April 18, 2025
This book was a total blast, and way more emotional than I expected! I wasn't expecting to fall so hard for Max and Everly, but here we are.
Everly, the PR queen, is tasked with giving the grumpy hockey goalie, Max, a makeover. And of course, they can’t resist each other! The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and the lines between professional and personal get really blurry. What I loved most about this book is how deep their emotional connection goes. It's so much more than just physical attraction. They really see each other, and it's beautiful.
Max Lambert, sir… where do I sign up?! I thought I loved Wesley, but Max had me rethinking everything. He’s thoughtful, sweet, and totally obsessed with Everly. He brings her coffee, buys her pretty lingerie, and crashes her dates out of jealousy (which is honestly kind of adorable). He’s not just into her looks, he’s all about her brain too. All the little things he does had me swooning.
It’s fun, flirty, emotional, and full of swoony moments. 10/10 would fall for Max again.
❤️🔥 Hockey Player x Publicist
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Secret Dates
❤️🔥 Forbidden Romance
🚨🚨 TW: Death of a close friend, Car accident, PTSD, Grief
Everly, the PR queen, is tasked with giving the grumpy hockey goalie, Max, a makeover. And of course, they can’t resist each other! The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and the lines between professional and personal get really blurry. What I loved most about this book is how deep their emotional connection goes. It's so much more than just physical attraction. They really see each other, and it's beautiful.
Max Lambert, sir… where do I sign up?! I thought I loved Wesley, but Max had me rethinking everything. He’s thoughtful, sweet, and totally obsessed with Everly. He brings her coffee, buys her pretty lingerie, and crashes her dates out of jealousy (which is honestly kind of adorable). He’s not just into her looks, he’s all about her brain too. All the little things he does had me swooning.
It’s fun, flirty, emotional, and full of swoony moments. 10/10 would fall for Max again.
❤️🔥 Hockey Player x Publicist
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Secret Dates
❤️🔥 Forbidden Romance
🚨🚨 TW: Death of a close friend, Car accident, PTSD, Grief
January 30, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. I mean I enjoyed the first book, but there was something about Everly and Max that just hooked me in right from the start.
I loved Max and Everly so much! They were great characters on their own, but together they just brought out the best in each other. It was beautiful how they understood each other so well and how they helped each other heal from their respective traumas. And their banter!! There were so flirty and the double meanings in everything they said had me dying.
My only complaint is that there were some slow parts in the second half of the story. But overall, I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next one!
I loved Max and Everly so much! They were great characters on their own, but together they just brought out the best in each other. It was beautiful how they understood each other so well and how they helped each other heal from their respective traumas. And their banter!! There were so flirty and the double meanings in everything they said had me dying.
My only complaint is that there were some slow parts in the second half of the story. But overall, I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next one!
September 30, 2024
Another wonderful romance from Lauren Blakely!
I loved going back to the San Francisco Sea Dogs and their complicated love lives. Here we get into it with our goalie, Max and the PR gal who is meant to rehabilitate his image.
He's hot and grumpy, with a chip on his shoulder. She's sunshine and fancy lingerie with a side of trauma. They are about to drive each other crazy but it's gonna be super sexy while they do it. They both have some trust issues. For different reasons but both are valid. They have to determine if what they is real, or is it just a fling?
There were a lot of fun moments in this one. Including some adorable kittens and pups, lots of early morning deliveries, and sweet secret moments. Their relationship is a bit forbidden and that ads to the hotness. Who doesn't love a bit of sneaking around?
I loved how caring Max was for Everly, even before they have anything going on. He was a lovely book boyfriend.
My only real complaint was the length of this one. It was almost 500 pages and I got a bit of fatigue at about 60% in. Though thankfully it was narrated by Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton in duet style and that did help keep me moving along. I always enjoy the narrators Lauren Blakely picks and this was no exception.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: grief, PTSD, trauma, mention of loved one with dementia
*Thank you to the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*
I loved going back to the San Francisco Sea Dogs and their complicated love lives. Here we get into it with our goalie, Max and the PR gal who is meant to rehabilitate his image.
He's hot and grumpy, with a chip on his shoulder. She's sunshine and fancy lingerie with a side of trauma. They are about to drive each other crazy but it's gonna be super sexy while they do it. They both have some trust issues. For different reasons but both are valid. They have to determine if what they is real, or is it just a fling?
There were a lot of fun moments in this one. Including some adorable kittens and pups, lots of early morning deliveries, and sweet secret moments. Their relationship is a bit forbidden and that ads to the hotness. Who doesn't love a bit of sneaking around?
I loved how caring Max was for Everly, even before they have anything going on. He was a lovely book boyfriend.
My only real complaint was the length of this one. It was almost 500 pages and I got a bit of fatigue at about 60% in. Though thankfully it was narrated by Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton in duet style and that did help keep me moving along. I always enjoy the narrators Lauren Blakely picks and this was no exception.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: grief, PTSD, trauma, mention of loved one with dementia
*Thank you to the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*
September 29, 2024
ARC/ALC Review
4.5 ⭐️
First, Lauren absolutely killed it with this book and I ate it up! I absolutely adore both Max and Everly!
Everly has boss bitch energy and I’m HERE FOR IT! I love a strong FMC in the workplace and Everly know’s she’s valuable to the PR team and fights for what she wants.
We see softer sides of both of them and see how they both have past trauma that they still struggle to work through and move forward in their lives. Despite Max being seen as a grumpy jerk, he truly has a soft side that I could not get enough of! I mean, he fosters little kittens and is the most patient and reassuring man when Everly does open up to him - SWOON!
The tension between Max and Everly is thick and I love their banter so much! Also the spice between them is HOT and Max’s mouth is to die for with his dirty talk!
Audiobook
The narrators, Vanessa Edwin & Teddy Hamilton did a FANTASTIC job with this audiobook and it was so amazing to listen to - and it’s duet narration which I love!! I honestly love how much emotion you can hear in the narration from both of them and we all know I’m always a Teddy fan! There truly could not be more perfect narrators for this audiobook!
What to expect:
✨️Hockey romance
✨️Player x Publicist
✨️Enemies/Frenemies to lovers
✨️Grumpy x sunshine
✨️Workplace romance
✨️Forbidden
✨️Secret dates
Thank you so much to Lauren Blakely and her team for the ARC & ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
4.5 ⭐️
First, Lauren absolutely killed it with this book and I ate it up! I absolutely adore both Max and Everly!
Everly has boss bitch energy and I’m HERE FOR IT! I love a strong FMC in the workplace and Everly know’s she’s valuable to the PR team and fights for what she wants.
We see softer sides of both of them and see how they both have past trauma that they still struggle to work through and move forward in their lives. Despite Max being seen as a grumpy jerk, he truly has a soft side that I could not get enough of! I mean, he fosters little kittens and is the most patient and reassuring man when Everly does open up to him - SWOON!
The tension between Max and Everly is thick and I love their banter so much! Also the spice between them is HOT and Max’s mouth is to die for with his dirty talk!
Audiobook
The narrators, Vanessa Edwin & Teddy Hamilton did a FANTASTIC job with this audiobook and it was so amazing to listen to - and it’s duet narration which I love!! I honestly love how much emotion you can hear in the narration from both of them and we all know I’m always a Teddy fan! There truly could not be more perfect narrators for this audiobook!
What to expect:
✨️Hockey romance
✨️Player x Publicist
✨️Enemies/Frenemies to lovers
✨️Grumpy x sunshine
✨️Workplace romance
✨️Forbidden
✨️Secret dates
Thank you so much to Lauren Blakely and her team for the ARC & ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 27, 2024
THIS SERIES IS JUST GONNA BE FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH FIVE STAR BOOKS HUH!?! Gahhhhh I loved it!!
I love me a grumpy x sunshine (and he literally calls her sunshine) where they both lowkey want each other the whole time🫦🫦🫦. It’s giving beauty & the beast but make it hockey!!
Max & Everly are so freaking perfect. He makes her life as the hockey team publist hell & she pushes him to his limits like nobody else. But after so much back & forth, something’s gotta give 🤭 these two both have their own person traumas that make them hesitant towards finding love but make them just RIGHT for one another.
Max is so swoony & giving & has the biggest heart hidden beneath his icy exterior. Everly is a warrior who doesn’t take anyone’s shit & has overcome a LOT!! She’s so strong & I love her & the girl friend group. That’s one of my fave things about LB’s books. The group chats and friendship circles are next level!
Fave moments is when Max cockblocks any man from talking to Everly hehehehe when he knows he knows
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Hockey
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden
Forced proximity
I love me a grumpy x sunshine (and he literally calls her sunshine) where they both lowkey want each other the whole time🫦🫦🫦. It’s giving beauty & the beast but make it hockey!!
Max & Everly are so freaking perfect. He makes her life as the hockey team publist hell & she pushes him to his limits like nobody else. But after so much back & forth, something’s gotta give 🤭 these two both have their own person traumas that make them hesitant towards finding love but make them just RIGHT for one another.
Max is so swoony & giving & has the biggest heart hidden beneath his icy exterior. Everly is a warrior who doesn’t take anyone’s shit & has overcome a LOT!! She’s so strong & I love her & the girl friend group. That’s one of my fave things about LB’s books. The group chats and friendship circles are next level!
Fave moments is when Max cockblocks any man from talking to Everly hehehehe when he knows he knows
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Hockey
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden
Forced proximity
October 2, 2024
Thank you Lauren Blakely for the ARC! This book was just as good as the first. I loved every second of it! When Max crashes her date, I laughed SO HARD. I was kicking my feet and giggling through this whole book. I loved Max and Everly together so much.
Back to back 5 star books from Lauren Blakely. I need this entire series NOW. Waiting is going to be so hard for me.
Back to back 5 star books from Lauren Blakely. I need this entire series NOW. Waiting is going to be so hard for me.
October 27, 2024
I would rather do homework than read this book again
September 19, 2024
Everly Rosewood is the hockey team’s PR go to. She knows to stay professional even with hockey men all around. Well, when goalie Max Lambert accidentally gets her luggage at an away game it’s his chance to torment her a little more. They have a hate secretly lust relationship going on. That may turn into a secret romance if the tension is anything to go by between them!! When she is assigned to help him recreate his image will they be able to keep it professional? Wow! This is one book you won’t want to put down. The chemistry, the emotions, it’s a perfect mix! She is dealing with something that truly spoke to me. I loved Max and Everly together so much. He is a keeper! Let’s score a goal and fall in love! Told in first person and dual POV.
September 28, 2024
• 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲
• 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
• 𝗚𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘆/𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲
• 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿
• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
• 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
• 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻
"𝑰𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒔?"
This book had me 𝑯𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑬𝑫 from the first sentence! I thought that the first book in this series was my favorite book by Lauren Blakely! And don't get me wrong I still adore Wes and Josie. But Max and Everly, MY GOSH, I LOVED this book! While Wes and Josie's story was so sweet. This book stole my heart completely! I loved watching these two characters heal together. And the way that Max helps Everly heal after everything she's been through was so beautifully done!
I loved Max's character so much! He took care of his family, coached kids hockey teams, and was the most adorable cat dad! All while expecting nothing in return. Not even for recognition. He just did it because he loved it. And every time he shared a fun fact about him with Everly I swooned even harder.
Everly was a beautiful character. And she needed a Max in her life to help her realize just how beautiful she was! And that declaration of love at the end of the book!!! My gosh!! 😍
The banter between these two was hilarious!! You just knew their chemistry was going to be explosive! And it was!
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
• THE VERY FIRST SCENE!!
• Everytime Max called her Sunshine
• Max's sister and Everly comparing Max to grumpy animals!
• HE SLEPT IN HIS CAR so he wouldn't miss her waking up! Talk about an amazing grovel scene!
• I also love how easy the 3rd act breakup scene was handled!
• The way these two became a safe place for each other!
• How confident he was when he said "my future wife"
This was the perfect grumpy/sunshine book!
"𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕" and that's exactly what you should do with this audiobook! PUT IT IN YOUR EARS! Say yes!
🎧 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪🎧
•Duet style•
Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin
Oh my gosh! This audio was so good! Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin in duet!! SIGN ME UP! I've said it so many times, but Lauren knows how to pick the perfect narrators for every book she does!!! It becomes so much more than just an audiobook performance. I could feel it, just as much as I can hear it! TEDDY was perfect! As always. But there's just something about Teddy playing a broody/grumpy hockey player that gets me every time! Vanessa did an incredible job bringing Everly's playful side to life! While always delivering the emotional scenes perfectly! I was blown away!!! It was so beautifully done. She put so much feeling into Everly's character. I loved these two in duet together!! I highly recommend this audio. Hands down!
January 3, 2026
Audio:
5 stars for Teddy Hamilton
5 stars for Vanessa Edwin
In duet style, but only for their characters (if that makes sense)
Book: 4 stars
Can be read as a standalone.
Nothing I love more than seeing a grumpy man fall first! And this didn’t disappoint!
I don’t know if I have read any Lauren Blakely books before this one, but I am glad I have this a chance. This was addictive, I couldn’t put it down and I just loved seeing the banter between these two.
One thing I wished happen was more interactions with family and friends with Everly and Max together, we had them talking to family and friends, but separately, not as a couple.
I know this won’t be my last Lauren Blakely book, and she chooses killer narrators, so 100% will be picking up another book by her!
5 stars for Teddy Hamilton
5 stars for Vanessa Edwin
In duet style, but only for their characters (if that makes sense)
Book: 4 stars
Can be read as a standalone.
Nothing I love more than seeing a grumpy man fall first! And this didn’t disappoint!
I don’t know if I have read any Lauren Blakely books before this one, but I am glad I have this a chance. This was addictive, I couldn’t put it down and I just loved seeing the banter between these two.
One thing I wished happen was more interactions with family and friends with Everly and Max together, we had them talking to family and friends, but separately, not as a couple.
I know this won’t be my last Lauren Blakely book, and she chooses killer narrators, so 100% will be picking up another book by her!
October 8, 2024
4.5 starts and a really good book, though the plot is overused!
Don't get me wrong, I loved the characters, the cat, and really everything about this book. I just feel like, ok maybe I DO read too much hockey romance, but I feel like there just has to be other plot lines we could use?? Again, 100% loved this book, but I felt like I was comparing it to other books I've read before. No hate, just truth.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the characters, the cat, and really everything about this book. I just feel like, ok maybe I DO read too much hockey romance, but I feel like there just has to be other plot lines we could use?? Again, 100% loved this book, but I felt like I was comparing it to other books I've read before. No hate, just truth.
April 7, 2025
Workplace romance between a broody hockey player & the gorgeous woman who handles the PR for the team??? Sign me up.
Max & Everly have never had anything between each other, that is, until he is her new “project” for her promotion on the marketing team. These two are absolutely forbidden but the tension is rising and the broody player is not so broody anymore to her.
This man is actually down bad for Everly and would do literally anything for her and I loved this one so much. If you are looking to feel warm and gooey, this is the romance for you.
Really loving this series!
Max & Everly have never had anything between each other, that is, until he is her new “project” for her promotion on the marketing team. These two are absolutely forbidden but the tension is rising and the broody player is not so broody anymore to her.
This man is actually down bad for Everly and would do literally anything for her and I loved this one so much. If you are looking to feel warm and gooey, this is the romance for you.
Really loving this series!
September 22, 2024
Another absolute BANGER from miss lauren
October 3, 2024
Lauren Blakely is quickly becoming one of my very favorite romance authors!! I can always expect her characters to be real- flawed, heavy backstory, but relatable, lovable, and amazing. She is the QUEEN of banter, and that's a big one for me.
The first book I read by Lauren was Love and Hockey series with The Boyfriend Goal, and The Romance Line was no different. I completely fell in love with her characters- Max and Everly were perfect contenders for hate-to-love, they both had difficult histories that played into the plot, but I seriously wanted to dive into the pages of the book and become they're best friend.
I listened to the audiobook version, and let me tell you- you cannot get better than having Teddy Hamilton as a narrator!!! I don't know many book narrators names, but I know his, because his voice is so smooth and dreamy, you can't help but swoon over his words. Vanessa Edwin also did an excellent job voicing Everly! I love audiobooks, and the narrators can really kill a book for ya, so these are two winners!!
Overall, I absolutely adored this story!! I can't recommend it highly enough. The sport, the spice, the banter, the secret dates, it's just all perfect.
And now I'm back to waiting for the next book in the series!! Ugh!
The first book I read by Lauren was Love and Hockey series with The Boyfriend Goal, and The Romance Line was no different. I completely fell in love with her characters- Max and Everly were perfect contenders for hate-to-love, they both had difficult histories that played into the plot, but I seriously wanted to dive into the pages of the book and become they're best friend.
I listened to the audiobook version, and let me tell you- you cannot get better than having Teddy Hamilton as a narrator!!! I don't know many book narrators names, but I know his, because his voice is so smooth and dreamy, you can't help but swoon over his words. Vanessa Edwin also did an excellent job voicing Everly! I love audiobooks, and the narrators can really kill a book for ya, so these are two winners!!
Overall, I absolutely adored this story!! I can't recommend it highly enough. The sport, the spice, the banter, the secret dates, it's just all perfect.
And now I'm back to waiting for the next book in the series!! Ugh!
October 13, 2024
This is my first book by this author and I have to say I absolutely loved it. It ticked all the right boxes.
Grump x sunshine
Self accomplished and talented MFC
Enemies to friends to lovers
Past traumas
Kind of slow burn with lots and lots of sexual tension
Small gestures that scream of love
Max is a grump on the outside but a complete sweetheart on the inside. Looking after his parents and sister like that. Sending his parents breakfast platters to their place of work and small thoughtful gifts to Everly under the excuse of thanking her for her help at work.
Everly is a strong beautiful female who has worked to get where she is. She doesn't tolerate bullying and treats people with the utmost respect. She's professional and never sways from her professional objectives. I am so happy that in this case they both worked towards a plausible professional solution without her having to give up her dream job!
God I love it when women/ girls in books are nice and friendly to each other instead of going out for each other's throats especially in Sports Romance! I need to see more of that camaraderie between females especially strangers or acquaintances and not just having jealousy and contempt portrayed as the norm between them.
Date crashing? Really? 😂 best kind of possessive MMC!
I loved the scene were he showed so much self restraint yet, though dreamy, I have it hard to believe that a man can show so much control over an easy lay. It's just not believable enough. Unrealistic to say the least!
The way he spiraled at the end, the doubt, the assumptions and the inner dialogue that lead to the almost third act breakup! I felt it was more a woman's domain than a man's. A man might've had his doubts sure but the way he went about it was a bit too much in my opinion even if we take in consideration what happened to him with his ex.
But I guess authors do need that extra drama rearing towards the end of their book.
His groveling after though was so sweet!
I love the idea of this MMC.
I love his genuine feelings.
I love that even though he's an athlete he is not a manwhore. (Jab at you Chris 😂)
All in all, this book is just right.
Grump x sunshine
Self accomplished and talented MFC
Enemies to friends to lovers
Past traumas
Kind of slow burn with lots and lots of sexual tension
Small gestures that scream of love
Max is a grump on the outside but a complete sweetheart on the inside. Looking after his parents and sister like that. Sending his parents breakfast platters to their place of work and small thoughtful gifts to Everly under the excuse of thanking her for her help at work.
Everly is a strong beautiful female who has worked to get where she is. She doesn't tolerate bullying and treats people with the utmost respect. She's professional and never sways from her professional objectives. I am so happy that in this case they both worked towards a plausible professional solution without her having to give up her dream job!
God I love it when women/ girls in books are nice and friendly to each other instead of going out for each other's throats especially in Sports Romance! I need to see more of that camaraderie between females especially strangers or acquaintances and not just having jealousy and contempt portrayed as the norm between them.
Date crashing? Really? 😂 best kind of possessive MMC!
I loved the scene were he showed so much self restraint yet, though dreamy, I have it hard to believe that a man can show so much control over an easy lay. It's just not believable enough. Unrealistic to say the least!
The way he spiraled at the end, the doubt, the assumptions and the inner dialogue that lead to the almost third act breakup! I felt it was more a woman's domain than a man's. A man might've had his doubts sure but the way he went about it was a bit too much in my opinion even if we take in consideration what happened to him with his ex.
But I guess authors do need that extra drama rearing towards the end of their book.
His groveling after though was so sweet!
I love the idea of this MMC.
I love his genuine feelings.
I love that even though he's an athlete he is not a manwhore. (Jab at you Chris 😂)
All in all, this book is just right.
October 2, 2024
ARC Review
Fun Fact: this is one of my top reads of the year!!!!
I say YES to everything in this book. I am absolutely in love.
Things I loved in this book:
- Max is a grump. But he’s a grumpy CAT FOSTER DADDY! His foster: Athena was adorable. I loved Max’s thoughts about her and cats in general. Obsessed. The man is soooo swoony. He is now one of my top book boyfriends ever.
- I love Max’s parents. Especially his dad!
- Everly is a STRONG amazing FMC (also Sunshine). I love her resilience, her outlook on life, her grounding exercises and her positive attitude.
- I love both of their group of friends. They are so empowering and supportive! (I cannot wait for the next books in the series)
- Max ruining Everly’s date/prospects was EVERYTHING. Very alpha and hot and I LOVE IT.
- Everly's Pole classes. The instructor and how Everly found her strength in the classes.
“You are my favorite real thing”......SWOON SWOON SWOON!!!!
In this book:
-Hockey Workplace Romance
-Enemies-ish to Lovers
-Secret Dating
-MMC rep transformation
-Strong FMC - Team Publicist
-Foster Cat
-Found Family with great friend group
Thank you Lauren Blakely and team for this ARC. All opinions are my own!
Fun Fact: this is one of my top reads of the year!!!!
I say YES to everything in this book. I am absolutely in love.
Things I loved in this book:
- Max is a grump. But he’s a grumpy CAT FOSTER DADDY! His foster: Athena was adorable. I loved Max’s thoughts about her and cats in general. Obsessed. The man is soooo swoony. He is now one of my top book boyfriends ever.
- I love Max’s parents. Especially his dad!
- Everly is a STRONG amazing FMC (also Sunshine). I love her resilience, her outlook on life, her grounding exercises and her positive attitude.
- I love both of their group of friends. They are so empowering and supportive! (I cannot wait for the next books in the series)
- Max ruining Everly’s date/prospects was EVERYTHING. Very alpha and hot and I LOVE IT.
- Everly's Pole classes. The instructor and how Everly found her strength in the classes.
“You are my favorite real thing”......SWOON SWOON SWOON!!!!
In this book:
-Hockey Workplace Romance
-Enemies-ish to Lovers
-Secret Dating
-MMC rep transformation
-Strong FMC - Team Publicist
-Foster Cat
-Found Family with great friend group
Thank you Lauren Blakely and team for this ARC. All opinions are my own!
November 8, 2024
These two have a fascination with what is being worn under their clothes.
📚 hate to love
📚grumpy c sunshine
📚workplace romance
📚 sports romance
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
Loved how Max’s love language was gift giving, he is just so thoughtful throughout the story. And such a big softie at heart.
Was invested in her backstory and the progress she made over accepting her body after the accident.
“I love them (your scars) so much. Because they mean you’re alive…alive and here with me”
Makes me want to try pole dancing again.
It was a fun story with some great chemistry and heat filled scenes. Nothing overly unique though about the particular story but enjoyed it all the same.
A nice conclusion with some karma thrown the way of each of their ‘enemies’.
🟢 For more bookish content follow me instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
📚 hate to love
📚grumpy c sunshine
📚workplace romance
📚 sports romance
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
Loved how Max’s love language was gift giving, he is just so thoughtful throughout the story. And such a big softie at heart.
Was invested in her backstory and the progress she made over accepting her body after the accident.
“I love them (your scars) so much. Because they mean you’re alive…alive and here with me”
Makes me want to try pole dancing again.
It was a fun story with some great chemistry and heat filled scenes. Nothing overly unique though about the particular story but enjoyed it all the same.
A nice conclusion with some karma thrown the way of each of their ‘enemies’.
🟢 For more bookish content follow me instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
October 1, 2024
ARC Review 🩷
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Why was this book even cuter than The Boyfriend Goal 😭😭
I thought Wesley and Josie were adorable, but Everly and Max are even cuter 🥹 They had the most natural and sweet relationship I’ve read of and I cannot get enough of them. I honestly don’t know how the rest of the book series will top this one 😩
This book is the second one in the Love & Hockey series, following Everly, Sea Dogs’ PR Manager, and Max, Sea Dogs’ grumpy goalie. Everly is given the project to help rehab Max’s image in the public eye. We follow their journey in fixing his image and falling in love in the process.
It comes out Oct 2nd ❤️
Thank you @laurenblakelybooks & @good.girls.pr for the ARC 🩷
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Why was this book even cuter than The Boyfriend Goal 😭😭
I thought Wesley and Josie were adorable, but Everly and Max are even cuter 🥹 They had the most natural and sweet relationship I’ve read of and I cannot get enough of them. I honestly don’t know how the rest of the book series will top this one 😩
This book is the second one in the Love & Hockey series, following Everly, Sea Dogs’ PR Manager, and Max, Sea Dogs’ grumpy goalie. Everly is given the project to help rehab Max’s image in the public eye. We follow their journey in fixing his image and falling in love in the process.
It comes out Oct 2nd ❤️
Thank you @laurenblakelybooks & @good.girls.pr for the ARC 🩷
April 21, 2025
i had higher expectations cuz i loved them in the other one but it kinda fell flat once they got together
October 3, 2024
I'm listening today and tonight so I can review by tomorrow (because I already read an ARC lol) and the only thing I'd like to share right now is that this is a much better experience for me than the first book :)
OKAY! I just finished 🎧listening🎧 to this story maybe an hour ago and I’m patting myself on the back because that means I’m only “late” reviewing my ARC by one day! LOL But you see, I learned a long time ago that Lauren is the Queen of audio and all since I’m in my #AudiobookEra, here we are. I LOVE THIS WOMAN SO MUCH! #TruthBomb: not every story that Lauren has written has hit me right. That’s a fact. But I never stop reading/listening because even when she’d not glorious, she ain’t half bad. Feel me? I LOVE HER!
THIS STORY. My expectations were met at every turn. Like that isn’t a thing kids. Meeting all of a reader’s expectations is a unicorn! Well, Lauren is a unicorn today. I expected shenanigans to run amok without them being eyeroll inducing and that’s exactly what I got, all over the place. I felt so happy while I read this story that I’m jittery right now thinking about it! I expected the story to be romantic and I swooned like a loon so many times! I expected to be entertained and for laughter to fill my head and yup, I laughed out loud plenty! I was captivated by this journey. It’s not like it’s anything band-new trope wise, but it was still fresh, and it came across for me as original. And you know what? Even though this isn’t a “world” I live in or ever have lived in, but the journey felt so relatable and organic, like it could be me in the pages. Magic.
I don’t know how Lauren does it, but she truly has a magic pen. I’ve read all kinds of stories written by her and I am almost always very impressed with their depth and development. Her characters grown in the story as individuals and of course in the romance journey. She’s entertaining as fudgsicles all the time with her stories and I never really tire of them!
Now, about this performance … OMG, it was next level greatness! Vanessa Edwin & Teddy Hamilton were so powerful with their duet narration! They never once missed a beat! GAH, everything about my experience with this story was ridiculously good! THANK YOU Lauren for writing such wonderful stories and for always casting the best of the best for your narrators!
👏🏻👏🏻HUDE ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS STORY!👏🏻👏🏻
OKAY! I just finished 🎧listening🎧 to this story maybe an hour ago and I’m patting myself on the back because that means I’m only “late” reviewing my ARC by one day! LOL But you see, I learned a long time ago that Lauren is the Queen of audio and all since I’m in my #AudiobookEra, here we are. I LOVE THIS WOMAN SO MUCH! #TruthBomb: not every story that Lauren has written has hit me right. That’s a fact. But I never stop reading/listening because even when she’d not glorious, she ain’t half bad. Feel me? I LOVE HER!
THIS STORY. My expectations were met at every turn. Like that isn’t a thing kids. Meeting all of a reader’s expectations is a unicorn! Well, Lauren is a unicorn today. I expected shenanigans to run amok without them being eyeroll inducing and that’s exactly what I got, all over the place. I felt so happy while I read this story that I’m jittery right now thinking about it! I expected the story to be romantic and I swooned like a loon so many times! I expected to be entertained and for laughter to fill my head and yup, I laughed out loud plenty! I was captivated by this journey. It’s not like it’s anything band-new trope wise, but it was still fresh, and it came across for me as original. And you know what? Even though this isn’t a “world” I live in or ever have lived in, but the journey felt so relatable and organic, like it could be me in the pages. Magic.
I don’t know how Lauren does it, but she truly has a magic pen. I’ve read all kinds of stories written by her and I am almost always very impressed with their depth and development. Her characters grown in the story as individuals and of course in the romance journey. She’s entertaining as fudgsicles all the time with her stories and I never really tire of them!
Now, about this performance … OMG, it was next level greatness! Vanessa Edwin & Teddy Hamilton were so powerful with their duet narration! They never once missed a beat! GAH, everything about my experience with this story was ridiculously good! THANK YOU Lauren for writing such wonderful stories and for always casting the best of the best for your narrators!
👏🏻👏🏻HUDE ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS STORY!👏🏻👏🏻
October 3, 2024
I absolutely love a good hockey romance, and this book featuring Everly and Max did not disappoint! Everly, the publicist for The Seadogs, and Max, the goalie, had incredible chemistry that made their enemies-to-lovers journey a joy to read. The banter between them was a perfect 10/10, and the spice was spot on!
I really appreciated how Everly found confidence in her body, with Max encouraging her along the way. It was refreshing to see a romance that didn’t rely on a dramatic breakup scene, which often feels overdone in romcoms. Instead, their challenges were focused on balancing their secret relationship while Everly worked to improve Max’s public image, which added an exciting twist.
Max’s refusal to badmouth his ex showed how much of a stand-up guy he is, and I loved Everly’s confidence, especially when standing up to her bosses in the name of love. Overall, this was a 5-star read for me! But honestly, what hockey romance isn’t?
I really appreciated how Everly found confidence in her body, with Max encouraging her along the way. It was refreshing to see a romance that didn’t rely on a dramatic breakup scene, which often feels overdone in romcoms. Instead, their challenges were focused on balancing their secret relationship while Everly worked to improve Max’s public image, which added an exciting twist.
Max’s refusal to badmouth his ex showed how much of a stand-up guy he is, and I loved Everly’s confidence, especially when standing up to her bosses in the name of love. Overall, this was a 5-star read for me! But honestly, what hockey romance isn’t?
September 21, 2024
ALC/ARC Review
Lauren knocked it out of the park with this one! I love a good enemies to lovers and this one nailed it!
Vanessa Edwin is fantastic! I love her gravely male voice and she did an excellent job with all of her character voices. She has one poignant monologue that will bring you to tears!
I love a funny Teddy Hamilton, but grumpy Teddy is spectacular. The way he punches each word to make a point…top tier voice acting.
You will root for these characters so hard. They’ve both been through trauma and when they finally come together, it’s explosive.
Lauren knocked it out of the park with this one! I love a good enemies to lovers and this one nailed it!
Vanessa Edwin is fantastic! I love her gravely male voice and she did an excellent job with all of her character voices. She has one poignant monologue that will bring you to tears!
I love a funny Teddy Hamilton, but grumpy Teddy is spectacular. The way he punches each word to make a point…top tier voice acting.
You will root for these characters so hard. They’ve both been through trauma and when they finally come together, it’s explosive.
September 22, 2024
“Say yes”
The romance line was so addictive and beautifully written . The way you connect with the characters and watch them develop throughout the book was truly amazing. I loved the chemistry they had and I loved the slow burn. You got to get to know the characters and how they were with each other and you got to watch them fall in love. I loved getting to know the real max not only through Everly‘s point of view, but you get to know him through his own point of view and you get to read about how his thought process works when he’s dealing with these deep emotions of his. And I loved Everly’s development throughout the book and dealing with her own trauma and her own insecurities . She was so bad to embrace her beauty and the love that she had for max . I probably could have read this book in a day, but I chose to take my time because I wasn’t ready for it to be over and I just know I am going to be in the hugest book hangover after this book.. It was raw, emotional and beautiful..
The plot was well written and it flowed so nicely you got to know everything about each character and where they come from and why they are the way they are and also get to experience how they change and become better throughout the book. if you are wondering if you should read this book, my answer is just say yes. Read the book hands-down one of my most favorite reads this year.
The romance line was so addictive and beautifully written . The way you connect with the characters and watch them develop throughout the book was truly amazing. I loved the chemistry they had and I loved the slow burn. You got to get to know the characters and how they were with each other and you got to watch them fall in love. I loved getting to know the real max not only through Everly‘s point of view, but you get to know him through his own point of view and you get to read about how his thought process works when he’s dealing with these deep emotions of his. And I loved Everly’s development throughout the book and dealing with her own trauma and her own insecurities . She was so bad to embrace her beauty and the love that she had for max . I probably could have read this book in a day, but I chose to take my time because I wasn’t ready for it to be over and I just know I am going to be in the hugest book hangover after this book.. It was raw, emotional and beautiful..
The plot was well written and it flowed so nicely you got to know everything about each character and where they come from and why they are the way they are and also get to experience how they change and become better throughout the book. if you are wondering if you should read this book, my answer is just say yes. Read the book hands-down one of my most favorite reads this year.
August 7, 2025
4⭐️ even though I liked this more than the first book (and I gave the first book 4.5⭐️ so I guess I have to change it 😂)
Read
January 13, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & trauma
September 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Sigh. Where to begin? First and foremost, I fear that no man will ever compare to Max Lambert.
Mrs. Blakely, you’ve done it again and we’re gonna have to have words about this book. Here I thought I was reading a hockey romance about a player and the PR manager, getting ready to giggle and kick my feet, to blush and scream and fan myself. But little did I know that I would be SOBBING at multiple points during this book.
You’ve cut me deep. This is my favorite of Lauren’s books so far and I don’t know how anything can ever top it 😭
Thank you so much to Lauren for the ARC of this book 🥹🫶🏻
🌶️🌶️
Sigh. Where to begin? First and foremost, I fear that no man will ever compare to Max Lambert.
Mrs. Blakely, you’ve done it again and we’re gonna have to have words about this book. Here I thought I was reading a hockey romance about a player and the PR manager, getting ready to giggle and kick my feet, to blush and scream and fan myself. But little did I know that I would be SOBBING at multiple points during this book.
You’ve cut me deep. This is my favorite of Lauren’s books so far and I don’t know how anything can ever top it 😭
Thank you so much to Lauren for the ARC of this book 🥹🫶🏻
October 21, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Lauren Blakely might just be my new obsession. The way she writes these swoony men just absolutely cannot be beat. I adore every single word of this book, and it made me feel every feel there was to feel.
Everly stole this book. She was one of the most endearing FMCs that I have ever read, and I loved her so dang much. She was the perfect blend of tough and vulnerable and I wanted her and her to have all the happiness in the world, especially happiness with a grumpy cat dad goalie named Max.
🩷 Professional Hockey
🩷 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 Frenemies to Lovers
🩷 All the Banter
🩷 Publicist FMC/ workplace romance
🩷 Emotional Past
Max and Everly had the cutest banter when they were at each other’s throats at the beginning and the chemistry jumped off of them in waves. Max was hurt deeply in the past and Everly had her own emotionally backstory, and watching them open up to each other little by little as they fell for each other was beautiful.
Everyly’s “say yes” mantra still lives in my head, and when that spice hit and Max loved her for everything she was, my panties about dropped to the floor. It was so hot.
Bottom line this story had and equal amount of heat and heart and I truly enjoyed every bit of it.
I loved this friend group and I cannot wait for more from this girl gang.
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Lauren Blakely might just be my new obsession. The way she writes these swoony men just absolutely cannot be beat. I adore every single word of this book, and it made me feel every feel there was to feel.
Everly stole this book. She was one of the most endearing FMCs that I have ever read, and I loved her so dang much. She was the perfect blend of tough and vulnerable and I wanted her and her to have all the happiness in the world, especially happiness with a grumpy cat dad goalie named Max.
🩷 Professional Hockey
🩷 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 Frenemies to Lovers
🩷 All the Banter
🩷 Publicist FMC/ workplace romance
🩷 Emotional Past
Max and Everly had the cutest banter when they were at each other’s throats at the beginning and the chemistry jumped off of them in waves. Max was hurt deeply in the past and Everly had her own emotionally backstory, and watching them open up to each other little by little as they fell for each other was beautiful.
Everyly’s “say yes” mantra still lives in my head, and when that spice hit and Max loved her for everything she was, my panties about dropped to the floor. It was so hot.
Bottom line this story had and equal amount of heat and heart and I truly enjoyed every bit of it.
I loved this friend group and I cannot wait for more from this girl gang.
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