In the game of love, can she learn to trust again?
After a disastrous relationship, my heart is closed to men—especially smoldering hot hockey players. Only problem? James Adler, star player of the New York Raptors, hasn’t received the memo. He flirts with me like it’s a full-time job, but I’m not about to fall for his charm—no matter how many abs he sports. But when my ex crosses a line, James swoops in. He sends him packing and ends up injured in the process. The doctor says James can’t be on his own, and before I can second-guess myself, I’m offering to be his temporary roommate. Living with James reveals a different side of him, and I discover there’s more to him than a goofy, charming hockey player—including a slight home fragrance addiction and a complicated past that speaks to me in ways I can’t ignore. With each passing day bringing us closer, he melts the ice I carved around my heart, and I find it hard to stick to the no-flirting rule I established. Everything about being with James feels right, but is risking my heart again worth the chance at something real?
What to expect: ✔️Hockey Romance ✔️He Falls First and Hard ✔️Annoyance to lovers ✔️Roommates ✔️She Takes Care of Him ✔️Touch her & die ✔️SO MUCH BANTER!! ✔️Closed door/Kisses only
Marion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.
Once more, a fantastic book. James was the definition of yearning. That man would wait his whole life for her to finally see him. He was always there for her and respect her wishes and boundaries. Elizabeth had just ended a relationship and the last thing she needed was another hockey player in her life. But who can resist a man that makes his sole purpose to be there for you? She tried to resist, she really did but at the end there was no use. I was grinning ear to ear when they finally got together
Power Play Pursuit is book 2 in the New York Raptors series, it reads entirely fine as a standalone. This one was a super fast, sweet and cute hockey romcom. I started it thinking I would just read a few pages, I should know better by now with Marion, read it straight through. It was just so light, fun and easy to breeze along. I absolutely adore Marion for her joyful stories and flowy writing style that just makes it impossible not to enjoy. The storyline was fun to follow, low drama, no third act breakup and a nice developing relationship, couldn't ask for more !
I absolutely adored Elizabeth & James, the banter between them was priceless. The way James was so obsessed with her, the way he defended her honor, he absolutely stole my heart. Had the public persona of a player, but was actually the sweetest most adorable person, I feel hard for him! I adored how their relationship evolved, how he kept being patient with Elizabeth after her breakup. Her parents were so much fun, so welcoming, and gave such a warm family aspect to the book. The Golden Age retirement home was such a vibe and fun add on to the book.
Overall, this was a super fun, easy read that I really enjoyed. I loved revisiting the whole hockey team family. I can't wait for the next book in this series, especially after that ending!
✨️Thank you to @marionderewrites for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in the Raptors series. Beth sees all her friends happy in their relationships yet she knows deep down hers is going nowhere. Twice she caught him out cheating but still she accepts it and takes him back, but this time it's different she's not going to keep falling into the same routine. It doesn't help the James is constantly flirting with her, but he's a hockey player just like her ex, she can't fall for him. James what do I have to do to prove I'm serious about her. Her ex has done a real job on her but he'll wait, she is definitely worth the wait. She knows he's a flirt, he always hugs his fans and he's so handsome how could he possible be interested in her. The way he always refers to her as Elizabeth is so endearing, he'll do just about anything for her. But can she really let her walls down and risk her heart. This story just has you rooting for the perfect hea. With lots of characters from the previous book you won't be disappointed so make sure to add this to your tbr list.
I have been so ready for another Raptors Hockey romance after seeing all the quotes and teasers the past few months! Power Play Pursuit was fun and cute. It had me smiling til the very end!
James has had a crush on Elizabeth for a while now, but she has been in a relationship with a hockey player from another team. This hasn’t stopped James from flirting with her whenever she is in sight though. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is now getting out of a bad relationship and does not want to get involved with another hockey player.
I really loved James. He really cares about Elizabeth and just wants to see her smile. He is pretty relentless in his pursuit but also so respectful of her and her boundaries. If you like a flirty MMC let me tell you James is your man. He is super flirty yet sweet. There were many cute moments from their visit to the nursing home, to skin care night, and the way Elizabeth took care of him after his injury. Seeing James and Elizabeth finally find their way to each other was the ultimate treat. Loved those sweet kisses too!
Read if you love - Hockey - Forced Proximity - She takes care of him - Protective hero - He falls first - Slow burn
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Even better than the first book in the series! I loved both of these main characters, but especially James! There's also a perfect "who did this to you" scene - so good.
🖤he falls first 🖤friends to lovers 🖤roommates 🖤Hockey romance 🖤clean read
Tropes: 🏒Hockey Romcom ❤️She takes care of him 🏒He falls first and hard ❤️Touch her and ☠️ 🏒Close proximity ❤️Lots of awesome banter
Power Play Pursuit is the 2nd book in the New York Raptors series and released TODAY! I wasn't able to put it down and finished it within 8 hours! Such an awesome read!
Beth's in an awful relationship and has caught her boyfriend cheating on her twice. She see's all her friends in happy relationships and decides to stop being in this situation and move out. Beth ends up having a hard time finding somewhere to stay and ends up moving in with James.
James is a Raptors hockey player and a full of sunshine. He has a big heart and loves hugs, he's also a huge flirt too🤭❤️ He has the feels for Beth too! Beth's ex is hockey player and she wants nothing to do with them romantically at all even if they are extremely caring, patient and kind.
James ends up getting badly injured during a game that ends up getting him benched and now he needs a little help. Beth feels responsible for James injury and agrees to become his caretaker and moves in - works out cause she has no where to go but does plan on looking for her one place.
The connection and chemistry they have is epic! The banter is wild! Beth is James dream girl and he will do anything to win her heart, he definitely wins her parents hearts and eventually Beth's too! James is the ultimate book boyfriend and will steal your heart! This story is amazing and you'll have a hard time putting it down!
I highly recommend this amazing hockey romcom! Thank you Marion De Rè for having me on your ARC team🫶❤️
ARC Review Power Play Pursuit by Marion De Ré ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📅 Release Date: July 17, 2025
If you’re a sucker for a swoony, golden-retriever hero and slow-burn chemistry that sizzles beneath the surface—Power Play Pursuit is about to steal your heart.
James Adler, Raptors hockey star and certified hug dealer, is all sunshine, charm, and soft smiles. Elizabeth? She’s sworn off hockey players for good, and she’s not about to fall for another one—even if he’s endlessly patient, annoyingly flirty, and dangerously kind. But when a game-time injury lands James on the bench (and Elizabeth as his temporary caretaker), their forced proximity creates the perfect setup for witty banter, tender moments, and undeniable tension.
Watching James fall for Beth from page one is like watching your friend finally realize get soulmate has been right in front of her all along! And let’s be honest, Marissa called it from the beginning! He falls hard, flirts harder, but never pushes! Absolutely irresistible. The banter is laugh-out-loud funny, the emotional beats are heartfelt, and the chemistry? Off the charts.
This book checks every box: 🏒 Friends-to-lovers 🏒 Forced proximity 🏒 Caretaking 🏒 Slow burn sweetness 🏒 Protective cinnamon roll MMC 🏒 Closed-door romance (with kisses that count)
While this is the second installment in the New York Raptors series, it works perfectly as a standalone. That said, longtime fans will appreciate the cameos from the One More Chapter series and the cozy return to Rise n Grind—Beth’s café that feels like a warm hug in book form.
And can we talk about James? New favorite book boyfriend. Pamper nights? Check. Defending your honor? Double check. Making you feel like the only person in the room? Every. Single. Time. You will not be able to resist James Adler and you’ll be craving one of his hugs as much as I do!
Whether you’re here for the humor, the heart, or the hockey, Power Play Pursuit delivers. A must-read for romance lovers who want the swoon without the spice, and the feels without the extra drama. This one will become your new favorite read of the summer!
ARC Book Review Power Play Pursuit A Novel Written By Marion De Re’ Fiction - Romance Published July 2025 295 Pages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 2 in the author’s New York Raptors Series. I am looking forward to the third book.
I devoured this book. Mainly because of the main character, James Adler. Readers have met James in other books by this author. His personality really shone through in this book. James is a flirt and a hugger. He is a hockey player. He still visits the nursing home his deceased grandmother lived in to play cards with and entertain the residents. James is a dreamboat.
He falls first for Elizabeth Bowen. She is Beth to everyone else, but to James she is Elizabeth. He wants to protect her from her cheating ex boyfriend.
This book was hard to put down. I wanted Elizabeth to finally see that she was meant for James, and James was meant for her.
“Touch her again, “ I growl, looking him dead in the eye. “and I will end you.”
The New York Raptors are back!!! And this time we get to see Elizabeth (Beth) and James's story! I've been anticipating reading their love story after seeing little teasers about them in previous books by this author! And let me tell you that I was not disappointed at all. I was all in with the banter and sweet friendship. This book will have your heart soaring. James is just a big softy and I loved watching Beth discover that as she allowed herself to let her guard down around him.
They've met each other several times, but there is a meet-cute kind of scene that will have you giggling! Then again, you'll be giggling a lot with these two! They're just too much fun! But alongside the giggles, there are some more serious moments that will have you falling for these two and hoping that all works out in the end.
If you haven't read the previous book in this series and the One More Chapter series by this author, I highly recommend them. They're all delightful and left me so happy after I read them. The characters from both series are seen in all of the books. If you just want to pick this one up, the author did write it in a way that you can read it as a standalone. But be warned, you'll be wanting to go back and see what the other characters' stories are.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
This is book 2 in the New York Raptors series. Beth is in a dead end relationship and after catching her boyfriend cheating more than once she decides to move out. James, a hockey player just like her ex can’t help but flirt with her constantly. After Lucas approached her at her coffee shop and grabbed her wrists, bruising her, James is extremely mad and ends up taking it out on Lucas on the ice when they play against each other. Unfortunately for James, he ends up with a broken nose and a mild concussion. Beth feeling responsible offers to help look after James and ends up moving in. That to James is his dream come true. Since he’s off injured for a few weeks he gets to spend some quality time with Beth. Their chemistry is amazing and OMG, James is so charming and dreamy. He’s such an incredible book boyfriend that’s for sure. I rate this story 5 stars but would give it six if I could. Highly recommend and be sure to grab yourself a copy. You will not regret it at all.
I love this book, this series, this world that Marion has written. All of the interconnectedness between series I just can't get enough of! I loved the first book in the raptors stick to me, but this one was even better. I love the whole vibe, the protectiveness, the patiently waiting, the ending 😍 oh my. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, I really need to do some re reads of all Marion's other books to fill the void until it comes out.
This hockey romance was so good! We didn’t dip in, we were fully immersed in it.
If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you’ll know I’ve loved every Marion De Ré book I’ve read, and this book was just as good. It absolutely lived up to my expectations.
This was a sweet and heartfelt romance, built on a strong foundation of friendship (even though he was in love with her the whole time!). It’s very much a “he falls first”—and he definitely falls hard. The story was lighthearted and fun, thanks to the “no flirting” rule that runs throughout.
Huge thanks to the author and team for letting me be part of the ARC group!
James Adler is a hockey player for the New York Raptors. Beth (or Elizabeth, as James calls her) Bowen is dating a hockey player from a rival team, the Sharks. That hockey player has already cheated on her at least once, and yet she still keeps going back to him.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. Elizabeth finally figures that out and breaks things off, but her ex still comes around, trying to get her back. When she refuses, adamantly, the creep dares to put his hands on her, but she manages to fight him off with a hard kick to the you-know-where.
When James finds out what happened, he’s furious. And he takes out that fury on the ex when their teams face off on the ice, but the ex (I’m not going to dignify him by using his name) takes a dirty shot at James, and he goes down. Thankfully, he seems to only have a broken nose and mild concussion, and a lot of bruising. Elizabeth knows he did what he did for her, and since she’s between apartments because she’s no longer living with her ex, she volunteers to take care of James, and he invites her to stay with him. In separate rooms, of course.
I have been excited for this story for a while, and I was not disappointed once I finally got to read it. James is the kind of guy who is nice to everyone, sometimes covers up his true feelings by acting cocky, and is completely in love with Elizabeth Bowen. But she’s determined to never date another hockey player, as if that was the reason for her ex’s bad behavior. Uh, no. That guy was just a jerk.
I honestly just wanted to give James all of the hugs. He truly is one of the kindest people ever, and when I found out his backstory, I wanted to hug him even more. He knows Elizabeth is the one for him, but she just doesn’t see it, won’t acknowledge it, using his profession as a wall against his very sweet advances. I’m sure all of her friends secretly just wanted to shake some sense into her.
I loved the chemistry between these two characters, even with Elizabeth deflecting all of James’ flirting. He has outright stated that he wants to date her, and she doesn’t take him seriously. That has more to do with her than it does with James. I feel like she had been in a bad relationship for so long that she didn’t know what a good one looked like; thankfully, though, everything works out and they get their happily ever after. And how sweet it is.
I wanted to love this book. I really enjoy Marion De Ré's writing. But this one was lacking, it felt rushed and confusing. The timeline was confusing and so fast. There was minimal time or attention given to Beth to recover from a nearly 2 year relationship that was volatile and included multiple instances of infidelity. She should have been single and working on healing for at LEAST three months, they say at least a month per year of the relationship, more if there were volatile elements like cheating, abuse, etc. She didn't have nearly enough time to be ready to jump into a healthy relationship. Then there was the concussion injury and broken nose. He was way to active, tolerant of light and noise, and in general didn't act like a man with a concussion and broken nose that took him out of practice for two weeks and no contact practice for longer. I wanted to love it, but I just can't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This has been a great series so far. I really enjoy the characters. The friends in this group are also supportive of each other and it is a pleasure to read uplifting good books. Elizabeth has dated a jerk hockey player for a while now. But his actions speak louder than words, and she finally comes to her senses. James has been attracted to Elizabeth for quite a while, and can’t figure out why his charms aren’t working on her. The chemistry between these two is so sweet and cute. James is the perfect guy. I also love the family bond. Elizabeth has a wonderful relationship with her parents and grandmother. And James has such a wonderful attitude, even though his parents deserted him. He still has a great outlook on life and holds dear the special relationship with his grandmother, that passed away. The sweet romance is charming and closed door. There are always great lessons to be learned. This next paragraph is a little bit nit-picky but I think it could’ve been researched better. I was a big hockey fan for many years, I still watch sometimes, but not nearly as much, so maybe things have changed, but I recall traditionally hockey players (and other sports players) usually attend if they are on the injured list and able. They also travel with the team and attend team meetings as a support. James, other than socializing, had abandoned his team while he recovered. The team, injured or not, use to always wear a suit to games, it was a professional standard. Sadly everything in life is getting more lax, so maybe that’s changed. James wore a black T-shirt and jeans when he attended with Elizabeth’s parents also that they sat on the team bench during warm-ups. That is a big no no. The players bench is for Rostered Personnel Only. Way too much liability, even if they’re only warming up. All in all, I really enjoyed the story. It was a very enjoyable feel good read.
Before I begin, I would like to thank Marion De Ré for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, Power Play Pursuit, which is part of her New York Raptors series and will be available on July 17th, 2025.
Beth Bowens has had enough of romantic relationships, especially with popular hot hockey players. Professional hockey player James Adler has been flirting with her since the day they met, and she’s not gonna let his charm and abs change her mind. When her ex goes too far, James lets him have it and gets injured afterwards. The doctor says that James shouldn’t be on his own, and Beth needs a place to stay for a while, so she offers to keep an eye on him. The more time they spend together, Beth realizes that the hockey player is more than a flirting goofball- he loves fragrances and has a rough past. Even though the connection between them seems to grow stronger every day, can Beth risk another potential heartbreak for happily ever after?
This book was fantastic. You have Beth Bowens, a kind, hardworking, independent, sassy, and beautiful young woman that loves baking for her small business and spending time with her loved ones. You have James Adler, a funny, charming, caring, talented, and handsome young man that plays professional hockey and likes being around people and taking care of them. The interactions between Beth and James are funny, sweet, and heartwarming. I love Beth’s grandma, and it was wonderful to see familiar faces from the author’s previous books. The food sounds amazing, and both main characters’ insecurities were relatable and written with compassion. I cheered for Beth and James throughout the story, and can’t wait to see what happens next. Overall, if you like found family, sassy grandmas, hockey, baked goods, and sweet roommates/annoyances-to-lovers sports romance with low spice, then I highly recommend this book.
I LOVED Beth and James’s story! James is the goofiest, flirty, golden retriever, cinnamon roll MMC I’ve read in a long time (and yes I had to use all of those descriptions because just one or two does not do him justice). Beth is cautious around him because his public persona is the exact opposite of what she thinks she needs in her life. She has been burned by charismatic athletes in the past and she has no intention of repeating that.
I adored their friendship. The thing that surprised me the most was that Beth and James were never enemies. Beth simply had misconceptions about James that he never bothered to correct. I usually don’t love it when a man continues to pursue a woman after she has said no (repeatedly), but there’s something different about it when EVERYONE KNOWS she’s in denial and just has her guard up. She doesn’t dislike James. She just has no interest in dating at all until she’s ready for it. I loved watching them go from her toleration of his presence to enjoying it.
Forced proximity is one of my favorites and I loved how it was done in this story. There were so many other solutions but Beth CHOSE to put herself in the situation that would help them both.
Although I will always be cheering for the first kiss, there was something so delightful about how long it took to get there in this story. The characters had time to grow and change. They were able to figure out what they wanted before they jumped into something they weren’t ready for. It made that first kiss all that much sweeter.
I loved this second installment of the New York Raptors Hockey Romance series! It is full of humor, personal growth, and so many swoony moments. I can’t wait to see how Caleb’s story plays out when the third book comes out.
Oh my, oh my. This book was so incredible. If I keep reading these hockey romances, I might become a hockey fan. This was Beth's story. Beth is a phenomenal baker and barista, but her personal life is pretty much in shambles.
James Alder is one of the star players for the New York Raptors, and he is a big flirt with a capital F. He has made it his mission to make Beth (or as he likes to call her Elizabeth) blush on a daily basis. It was immediately obvious to me that James had a crush.
I enjoyed seeing Beth's character fleshed out a little more so I could see why she was willing to stay in a toxic relationship. I wanted to cheer when she finally had enough. The banter between Beth and James was priceless. Whether Beth wanted to admit it or not, it was a flirty banter.
You initially see James as the swoony hunk who flirts with everyone, but as you get to know him better, you will see there is a lot more to this sexy man. When I realized he was spending time at the Golden Age Nursing Home, he had me hook, line and sinker. Then when he defended Beth against her vile ex, my heart swelled three sizes. Swoony hero does not even begin to describe James. He is the real deal.
There were also some very funny scenes. One in particular stood out when poor Beth's undergarments were lying all over the floor of the apartment building and James was helping her pick them up.
This classy romance is full of swoony moments, wonderful characters and plenty of laugh out loud scenes. There is nothing more enjoyable to me than a clean, romantic comedy, and this one definitely fits in that category.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I LOVED this book!! I think James might be my ultimate book boyfriend, even better than Miles and he was top class. We’re back with the Raptors and James Adler is their larger than life winger with a heart of gold. He’s totally gone on Elizabeth Bowen, who co-owns the local coffee shop. His team mate Miles is dating the other co-owner Marissa (see the previous book Stick To Me for their story).
When Elizabeth finally ditches her no good boyfriend Lucas (who is also on a rival team), she ends up needing a place to stay and moves in with Marissa and Miles but feels very much like a third wheel. When James hears how her ex physically hurt Elizabeth, he goes after him during a match. When Lucas retaliates, he injures James bad enough to put him out of action for a few weeks. Feeling guilty for being the cause of the injury and the fact James has nobody to take care of him, she offers to move in and look after him. Dream come true for James but she insists on a no flirting rule (no spoilers in that James totally disregards that as much as possible).
I loved the banter between these two. James constantly pushing the boundaries of flirting and Elizabeth, although wary to trust another hockey player, is not totally immune to his charms. Add to the mix James loves visiting the old peoples home where Elizabeth’s grandma resides (as his own grandma lived there before she passed), he has a home fragrance obsession, only swear like a grandma (oh crab!) and loves hugging people, Elizabeth soon sees the man underneath the goofball persona and comes to love the man he is.
And I loved the fact he let her perform a full skincare routine on him, even I wouldn’t let someone do that to me so he is definitely an angel in hockey gear.
This was even better than I had hoped. Power Play Pursuit is the second book in Marion de Re's New York Raptors series. The first book was so cute and I had high hopes for this book. James and Beth had the angst but also the sweetest interactions. James was such a sweetheart. He was extroverted and at times could be a flirt but he understood boundaries. He cared deeply for his people and he would do anything to protect them. Beneath his smiles and jokes was a man who wanted a family that would last. Beth had been scared by her past relationship and she didn't know how to move forward. She was strong and a good friend but she was kind of burnt out of love. She wanted to help James but she didn't want to let him past her walls. I loved Beth's determination. She sounds like she would be a great friend. James and Beth were pushed together after James got hurt. As they spent time together, Beth started to see James for who he truly was. I loved their quirks and reading about them spending time together. Visiting the golden age and playing cards were such fun scenes. The romance was slow burn and just perfect. The book was engaging and I didn't want to put it down. I adored both of the characters. I always love the books with sports teams because the characters became like families to each other. The other hockey players were definitely James' family. The side characters were fun and I loved seeing old characters. I would totally recommend this book! It was wonderful. I am so excited for the next book too. Power Play Pursuit is a closed door romantic comedy. I received a complimentary copy
Power Play Pursuit is book two in the New York Raptors series. Beth is nursing a broken heart and has sworn herself off hockey players; however, James Adler, star player for the Raptors, hasn’t got the memo. He’s pure charm, famous for giving hugs to his fans; he’s the last person she could trust her heart with. The trouble is, he’s smitten, and when Beth’s ex crosses the line, James swoops in but ends up with a concussion. She feels responsible and quickly offers to move in to look after him. It doesn’t take long to see the real James, and it’s scary because she likes what she sees. Can she take a chance?
My Thoughts I loved the One More Chapter series, so Beth working at Rise n Grind brings such a familiarity, which I loved. I always feel like it’s a place I could see myself going too. I’d love nothing more than grabbing a coffee, one of Beth’s cookies, and a good book from non other than No Shelf Control 💗 As far as hockey romance books, this series is easily my favourite. The storylines and character development are fantastic, and I get pulled into their world in such an immersive way. Oh James….he is top-tier book boyfriend. This man dotes on her; when she’s in the room, no one else exists. He’s goofily funny, adoringly sweet, and who couldn’t fall for a guy who agrees to a “skincare pamper evening”? This is just pure slow-burn heaven and just goes to show that you don’t need to have spice if the storyline is this good. Thank you Marion De Ré for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
Power Play Pursuit is the second book in the New York Raptors series. While those who have read the previous book may have a better understanding of the team dynamics, I do think this one could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone.
Oh my goodness, this story! James and Elizabeth very quickly won my heart. I'm always here for a MMC who falls first... and James!? Oh, he most certainly falls first... and he falls hard. I love how unapologetic he is about that fact--- he's flirty, yes... but still super patient while she comes around too. And when he defends her!? My goodness. I'm not usually one to condone violence, but... well, let's just say I didn't mind it so much. Truly, James is a character that loved to make people around him happy... and the came off the pages as well. I loved him and Elizabeth together... they had such a great chemistry with just the right blend of flirting and banter. Theirs was certainly a slow burn... but boy, what a payoff! Of course, as much as I loved the romance, I was also so happy to spend some more time with the whole Raptors team... they truly feel like a family, and I can't help but enjoy every visit with them. We get just a glimpse of what's going to happen next, and I absolutely cannot wait to see how it's all going to play out!
Power Play Pursuit is a closed-door romance with kisses only. There is a bit of light innuendo and language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I really adore the shared world Marion is creating between her series. I can revisit The Raptors and the One More Chapter friends in this new story, and we got a tiny heads up that James was getting his love story in Fate, Fireworks, and Finish Lines. It's all just so masterfully woven together, and it makes me not want to miss a moment! But YAY, for James and Elizabeth!
“As for the rest,” I say, tilting my head with a smile, “I’m a patient man.”
Patient, patient, James. Because of the interconnected series world, we have known that James has been burning for Elizabeth for a long time. He finally gets to shoot his shot, but be prepared for a very slow but incredibly sweet, slow burn. Elizabeth is wounded - mentally, emotionally, and physically - so James has his work cut out for him. I really love good guys as MMCs, and James really proves himself as the best of them. He is solid, steady, and reliable. This love story is so precious.
The supporting characters... Beth's parents, the nursing home residents, and the Raptors team really rounded out this sweet romcom by making everyone feel like family.
The extended epilogue is the cherry on top... you don't want to miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
This is book 2 of the New York Raptor’s series. If you didn’t know, this is a spin off from Ms. De Ré’s No Self Control Series. While it’s not necessary to have read the first series, to enjoy this series, it is where we first met the main character’s in Power Play Pursuit. If you have read the first series, you know these two have been dancing around each other for a while. While James is determined to win the girl, after all the heart wants what the heart wants. So when she finally ends things with her cheating ex (also a hockey player, only on a different team). James is determined to finally win the girl. However, Elizabeth doesn’t want anything to do with the sexy, always flirting hockey player. But when he gets hurt on the ice, defending her honor while playing her ex’s team, Elizabeth feels guilty and agrees to stay with him when the doctor says he can’t be alone.
Elizabeth is determined to keep it platonic, friend zoning James in the process. But James has other plans. The chemistry between these two is electric (no matter what Elizabeth thinks) and their banter is borderline hilarious. Another amazing read from Ms. De Ré. I highly recommend all her books, they are all fun, great romantic reads.