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Nashville Sound #2
Slap Shot: Bryant
A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2017
71 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Hunter Pace
59 books116 followersAs Alicia Hunter Pace, Stephanie Jones and Jean Hovey write contemporary romantic comedy and light fantasy with a distinct southern voice.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.
Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 10, 2017
Gabriella has reason to not trust hockey players despite the fact that her brother is one. When Bryant, her brother’s best friend and team mate, demands ice cream from the bakery where she works she begins to look at him in a different light. She might be able to have a one and done with him, but she could never trust him enough to have more.
Bryant’s life hasn’t turned out exactly as he had planned when he graduated high school. His family makes emotional demands on him that are taking their toll. Suddenly however, Gabriella seems to make the weight on his shoulders a little less heavy.
This couple has quite a spark going between them and despite the promises they make to themselves and each other to remain friends only, you just know it’s all going to blow up in their face spectacularly. I enjoyed their light hearted banter and easy camaraderie they shared.
On the other hand, I just wanted to yell at Bryant’s mother. She was so passive aggressive and controlling when she spoke to him. This is all part of the plot, and these authors totally made it believable, thus my anger at his family.
The end was wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste and an epilogue would’ve gone a long way toward making me feel better about it. However, with Emile and Amy from the first book playing a large role here, I assume we’ll get more of Bryant and Gabriella in the next installment.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Adams Media.
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
Bryant’s life hasn’t turned out exactly as he had planned when he graduated high school. His family makes emotional demands on him that are taking their toll. Suddenly however, Gabriella seems to make the weight on his shoulders a little less heavy.
This couple has quite a spark going between them and despite the promises they make to themselves and each other to remain friends only, you just know it’s all going to blow up in their face spectacularly. I enjoyed their light hearted banter and easy camaraderie they shared.
On the other hand, I just wanted to yell at Bryant’s mother. She was so passive aggressive and controlling when she spoke to him. This is all part of the plot, and these authors totally made it believable, thus my anger at his family.
The end was wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste and an epilogue would’ve gone a long way toward making me feel better about it. However, with Emile and Amy from the first book playing a large role here, I assume we’ll get more of Bryant and Gabriella in the next installment.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Adams Media.
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
October 21, 2017
Slap Shot started right where the first book left off, except it focused on Gabriella and Bryant’s POV. I love when the author just continues the story because we get to see Emile and Amy continue their story as well.
Emile and Amy’s rush wedding was closely wrapped around Gabriella’s feelings. As close as she is to her brother, she was afraid she was going to lose some of her connection with him now that he had Amy in his life.
Bryant was dealing with his own issues that involved a past that wouldn’t stop haunting him. Being around the happy engaged couple affected both Bryant and Gabriella in a way that made it feel natural to turn to each other.
The more these two took comfort, the more they grew close and realized what was keeping them both from moving on.
I’m pretty much in love with this series. These two authors really know how to create characters that just draw you in and make you want to be a part of their lives.
There is no epilogue and that gives me hope that the next book will continue telling us about both couples, as well as give us a new couple to look forward too.
Emile and Amy’s rush wedding was closely wrapped around Gabriella’s feelings. As close as she is to her brother, she was afraid she was going to lose some of her connection with him now that he had Amy in his life.
Bryant was dealing with his own issues that involved a past that wouldn’t stop haunting him. Being around the happy engaged couple affected both Bryant and Gabriella in a way that made it feel natural to turn to each other.
The more these two took comfort, the more they grew close and realized what was keeping them both from moving on.
I’m pretty much in love with this series. These two authors really know how to create characters that just draw you in and make you want to be a part of their lives.
There is no epilogue and that gives me hope that the next book will continue telling us about both couples, as well as give us a new couple to look forward too.
December 6, 2020
I might not be that into hockey but this romance series I just my jam! I enjoyed the plot line as much as the romance it was a nice balance. Definitely wanna keep my eyes on Alicia Hunter Pace in the future
November 5, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley..oh god have the tissues ready, why am I doing this to myself, sometimes I need a good cry, l but normally I just want to laugh, and I did with this book, but I also cried..This book had it all. some fun, a good amount of time for you to cry (boo hoo cry) and irritation times. And again we have another situation where guy does not want to have a relationship with his best friends sister, you have read it before, but they can't help themselves and they did start as friends, anyway I do not want to give anymore away, it is a good read, just prepare yourself.
October 18, 2017
Pretty nifty hockey romance. Byrant's family were a little intense. Wow. Highly developed story with rich fun characters. ARC Netgalley
October 7, 2017
Bryant is sometimes a very focused man, “go ahead. I’ll catch up. I need to pee.” A lie. What he needed was to watch Gabriella walk away until she was out of sight. After all, you didn’t go to the Louvre and glance at the Mona Lisa as you walked by." I liked this book, I really liked Bryant.
October 13, 2017
Been a hot minute since I've read a hockey romance!.
Bryant Taylor aka swifty to his team is what's described to be a walking angel lookalike. He also happens to be best friend to our heroines Brother Emile.
Bryant with all his handsome angelic looks isn't without his demons. Having suffered horrendous loss at such a young age, he's left with the scars and guilt over what ifs.
Gabriella a pastry chef and the little sister of Bryant's best friend and teammate Emile. She comes with her own demons too. Having been abused at a young age by her father a minor league hockey player, she vowed never to date one. Although she grew up and understood that not all men are like her father she was still scarred heavily by the past.
The book is definitely a slow burn romance and quite honestly pretty light in the romance department anyway. They both are very attracted to eachother however fighting the attraction and their own demons definitely takes its toll on these pair through the story. The story is set a good a good pace with no unnecessary drama. The characters are likeable with good development.
I have to be honest and say that while it's not a bad story at all ... I didn't connect to it either. I just couldn't click with either characters or their story. I felt barely anything and found myself skimming pages. Neither character was bad by any means I just didn't feel anything towards them. I found there to be excessive amounts of unnecessary descriptive sentences. It was a lot for a book that didn't have a lot going on. The ending for me was extremely abrupt considering we never had a chance to see them together in a relationship and not being sneaky or just hanging out as "friends".
This is my first read by this author so I had no idea what to expect and while I won't say I'll ever read this again it's not a bad story either and I'd definitely still look at future books by this author. I've given it 3stars because it's written well. I just didn't connect to it but that's my personal experience.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bryant Taylor aka swifty to his team is what's described to be a walking angel lookalike. He also happens to be best friend to our heroines Brother Emile.
Bryant with all his handsome angelic looks isn't without his demons. Having suffered horrendous loss at such a young age, he's left with the scars and guilt over what ifs.
Gabriella a pastry chef and the little sister of Bryant's best friend and teammate Emile. She comes with her own demons too. Having been abused at a young age by her father a minor league hockey player, she vowed never to date one. Although she grew up and understood that not all men are like her father she was still scarred heavily by the past.
The book is definitely a slow burn romance and quite honestly pretty light in the romance department anyway. They both are very attracted to eachother however fighting the attraction and their own demons definitely takes its toll on these pair through the story. The story is set a good a good pace with no unnecessary drama. The characters are likeable with good development.
I have to be honest and say that while it's not a bad story at all ... I didn't connect to it either. I just couldn't click with either characters or their story. I felt barely anything and found myself skimming pages. Neither character was bad by any means I just didn't feel anything towards them. I found there to be excessive amounts of unnecessary descriptive sentences. It was a lot for a book that didn't have a lot going on. The ending for me was extremely abrupt considering we never had a chance to see them together in a relationship and not being sneaky or just hanging out as "friends".
This is my first read by this author so I had no idea what to expect and while I won't say I'll ever read this again it's not a bad story either and I'd definitely still look at future books by this author. I've given it 3stars because it's written well. I just didn't connect to it but that's my personal experience.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2017
***ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt disjointed as I was reading this story. The writing style unfortunately didn't capture my attention and I found it difficult to engage in the story or the MCs relationship. It's never a good sign for me as a reader when I'm skimming a lot.
I felt for the H and his annoying and overbearing family who would not let him find peace. I appreciated a H who stood up to his overbearing family while still trying to be a good guy.
I felt disjointed as I was reading this story. The writing style unfortunately didn't capture my attention and I found it difficult to engage in the story or the MCs relationship. It's never a good sign for me as a reader when I'm skimming a lot.
I felt for the H and his annoying and overbearing family who would not let him find peace. I appreciated a H who stood up to his overbearing family while still trying to be a good guy.
October 30, 2017
Slap shot is second in teh Sound series adn this time we get Emile's sister Gabriella and his teammate Bryant. Bryant is on and off again trying to figure out what to do with his family and his past. But the one thing that helps is Gabby. But wanting her goes against the bro code.
Gabriella has her own issues she's trying over come, along with dealing with her attraction to Bry. This was a good read and I liked it however I was going to give it a 5 stars but I feel like the relationship between the two needed a bit more. I feel like their relationship was going well but I was waiting for more heat more passion. It felt more like instalove than anything. But it was good.
Gabriella has her own issues she's trying over come, along with dealing with her attraction to Bry. This was a good read and I liked it however I was going to give it a 5 stars but I feel like the relationship between the two needed a bit more. I feel like their relationship was going well but I was waiting for more heat more passion. It felt more like instalove than anything. But it was good.
October 11, 2017
This is only the second book by this writing duo known as Alicia Hunter Pace that I've read...I can say with all certainty that they have jumped to the top of my "Favorite Authors" list. As with the first book in the series Face Off, Slap Shot is filled with genuine characters who captured my heart nearly instantaneously. The authors created a wealth of depth and dimension in their characters, each with their own unique personalities...while many authors are not often successful in believably creating athletes with authenticity, Alicia Hunter Pace, seemed, in my mind, able to do so with little effort.
Gabriella's inner monologues were priceless, often times making me laugh out loud. She was smart, sassy, sometimes snarky, and always genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed her biting "Pleaser" commentaries and the way her mind could do a 180 shift inside of one thought. Bryant was the type of character who is endearing in his gentle nature...yet still could come across as the alpha elite athlete he is. The interplay between Bryant and Gabriella was fascinating. Their banter was wickedly quick and sharp, with hilarious undertones...I was drawn to them instantly as a couple. The remnants of the couple's individual heartbreaking backgrounds set the foundation for who they'd become as adults, and was amplified by what had been hidden under layers of false expectations placed on them by their families.
With the number of players on this hockey team to find their own HEA, one can only hope that this will be a long running series...I've found that I cannot get enough of these authors’ writing genius.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Gabriella's inner monologues were priceless, often times making me laugh out loud. She was smart, sassy, sometimes snarky, and always genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed her biting "Pleaser" commentaries and the way her mind could do a 180 shift inside of one thought. Bryant was the type of character who is endearing in his gentle nature...yet still could come across as the alpha elite athlete he is. The interplay between Bryant and Gabriella was fascinating. Their banter was wickedly quick and sharp, with hilarious undertones...I was drawn to them instantly as a couple. The remnants of the couple's individual heartbreaking backgrounds set the foundation for who they'd become as adults, and was amplified by what had been hidden under layers of false expectations placed on them by their families.
With the number of players on this hockey team to find their own HEA, one can only hope that this will be a long running series...I've found that I cannot get enough of these authors’ writing genius.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
November 20, 2017
Eh....this book was just okay for me. Typical, boy meets girl, boy fights attraction for girl who starts to fall for him anyway then boy tells girl all the reasons they can't be together.
Gabriella annoyed me. Yes her stepfather abused her (broke her arm), but honestly she acted like a teenager half the time rather than a college graduate. She relied on her brother for absolutely everything, rather than standing on her own two feet. I found her very difficult to relate to because of her immaturity.
Bryant...my heart broke for him. For what he went through, for what he was struggling with at the time and for what he was still struggling with. I found his character much easier to relate to than Gabriella.
The end seemed very sudden for me...I didn't feel like their love really had a chance to grow considering how much they fought the attraction to one another.
Gabriella annoyed me. Yes her stepfather abused her (broke her arm), but honestly she acted like a teenager half the time rather than a college graduate. She relied on her brother for absolutely everything, rather than standing on her own two feet. I found her very difficult to relate to because of her immaturity.
Bryant...my heart broke for him. For what he went through, for what he was struggling with at the time and for what he was still struggling with. I found his character much easier to relate to than Gabriella.
The end seemed very sudden for me...I didn't feel like their love really had a chance to grow considering how much they fought the attraction to one another.
May 3, 2018
*As this is my first officially written book review/feedback; i'm sorry if i mess up*
Bryant and Gabriella, two people with scarred hearts.
My book preference are mostly about characters who had some shit happening to them at some part of their lives. In my opinion it makes the book more interesting, it makes the story come to life. I especially like it if the books shows some sort of development in becoming a stronger person, dealing with the issues that are addressed in the book. I have to say i didn't really get that in this book. Don't get me wrong, it was a good read and i read it in one session, but i felt like Bryant was a little bit like a push over. I get it, it's hard to stand up against your family, especially if your family is that big. But 5-6 years? And even in the end, someone else had to step up first for you to realize you have to step up? I liked his brother in-law for doing this for him, but i would've liked it if he made that last step on his own.
Gabriella on the other hand, i adored her. She is strong in her own way and has a pretty good look in life, with all her issues considered. She understood Bryant, and she gave him the space he asked for. I like that in my heroine's. I felt sorry for her, since she loved him, but i loved her more for the fact that she didn't push, and didn't really expect anything from him. Why do i like it? Because i really don't like heroine's who become obsessed, and jump on the hero's lap every time the hero comes back for more. Gabriella did do this, but she still kept her distance after. It was written in a good a smooth way.
The writing was good, it was simple. I didn't find any grammer mistakes, but since i am not an native english speaker, that's to be expected. Overall it was a good read.
- I received a copy in exchange for a honest review/feedback via Netgalley-
Bryant and Gabriella, two people with scarred hearts.
My book preference are mostly about characters who had some shit happening to them at some part of their lives. In my opinion it makes the book more interesting, it makes the story come to life. I especially like it if the books shows some sort of development in becoming a stronger person, dealing with the issues that are addressed in the book. I have to say i didn't really get that in this book. Don't get me wrong, it was a good read and i read it in one session, but i felt like Bryant was a little bit like a push over. I get it, it's hard to stand up against your family, especially if your family is that big. But 5-6 years? And even in the end, someone else had to step up first for you to realize you have to step up? I liked his brother in-law for doing this for him, but i would've liked it if he made that last step on his own.
Gabriella on the other hand, i adored her. She is strong in her own way and has a pretty good look in life, with all her issues considered. She understood Bryant, and she gave him the space he asked for. I like that in my heroine's. I felt sorry for her, since she loved him, but i loved her more for the fact that she didn't push, and didn't really expect anything from him. Why do i like it? Because i really don't like heroine's who become obsessed, and jump on the hero's lap every time the hero comes back for more. Gabriella did do this, but she still kept her distance after. It was written in a good a smooth way.
The writing was good, it was simple. I didn't find any grammer mistakes, but since i am not an native english speaker, that's to be expected. Overall it was a good read.
- I received a copy in exchange for a honest review/feedback via Netgalley-
November 2, 2017
This book is more of a 3 1/2 star book than a 4, but I liked it so much more than the previous book in the series I scored it up instead of down.
I liked Gabriella, our heroine. I empathized with her struggles of feeling left out and not quite belonging anywhere. She was someone who needed a placid life and was staring down the barrel of change and I understood her perspective in the book. I liked Bryant, our hero, as well. He came across as a kind man who had been dealt some difficulties early in life that he was finally coming to terms with.
The relationship between the main characters felt solid and right. They did make me feel like they would make each others lives better.
There were a few things that I did not like about the book. I disliked Bryant's mother excessively. She was a truly controlling and toxic hag. People like her never really turn around or stop trying to orchestrate what goes on in their children's lives. I can't stand people who see every situation through the lens of how it affects them first and foremost. Maybe because I have known women like this, I find even reading about this type of character exhausting. Also, I really hate Amy still and I didn't like the little reminders of the previous book (there is a little something called Fiduciary duty and I really hated the entire storyline of Faceoff).
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I liked Gabriella, our heroine. I empathized with her struggles of feeling left out and not quite belonging anywhere. She was someone who needed a placid life and was staring down the barrel of change and I understood her perspective in the book. I liked Bryant, our hero, as well. He came across as a kind man who had been dealt some difficulties early in life that he was finally coming to terms with.
The relationship between the main characters felt solid and right. They did make me feel like they would make each others lives better.
There were a few things that I did not like about the book. I disliked Bryant's mother excessively. She was a truly controlling and toxic hag. People like her never really turn around or stop trying to orchestrate what goes on in their children's lives. I can't stand people who see every situation through the lens of how it affects them first and foremost. Maybe because I have known women like this, I find even reading about this type of character exhausting. Also, I really hate Amy still and I didn't like the little reminders of the previous book (there is a little something called Fiduciary duty and I really hated the entire storyline of Faceoff).
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
November 28, 2017
Title: Slap Shot
Author: Alicia Hunter Pace
Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖
I just finished this book and I loved it. Any hockey romance catches my attention but the ones that I want to begin again as soon as I finish are few. The characters are well rounded and are ones that the reader can relate too. There were times I wanted to smack some of the secondary characters. This story requires the healing of emotional pain and discovery that guilt just holds pain tight. This story has many deep parts leading it to be more than the standard; hockey player meets non-bunny woman, hockey player must lose the bunnies or lose the girl, hockey player finally gets the girl. This story is a feel good story but also a tearjerker. I was a bit frustrated with the hockey player at times early in the book. His mom needed a muzzle. On the other hand the woman was very self-aware but that awareness didn’t necessarily show in her behavior. Her brother is another that needed a smack upside his head. They are both very human.
I chose to review this book after receiving an ARC from Netgalley. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves hockey romances. It is a bit hotter than a sweet romance but no hotter than the romances I read from age 10 on. Parents should read for themselves and decide based on their child or teen if it is something acceptable for their child to read. This book does deal with some references to past experiences that some people may find triggering but the references are kept brief
November 3, 2017
This is a love story between Bryant and a successful Hockey player and his best friend sister Gabriella. Although they know each other for years, they are not secretly in love with each other. But one day everything changes and Bryant sees Gabriella more than his best friend's sister and Gabriella lets down her guard and lets Bryant in. But they are both full of scares from the past. Gabriella had learned to overcome then but Bryant because of his family still struggling. They are both well-developed characters, both likable and what happened to them in the past is really horrible. Gabriella had a great chance of having her brother on her side, but she is also afraid to be left alone. Bryant's past is also horrible and what his mother did to him I felt sorry for him. In a way, I think that the past is something that connects those two, the struggle finding the strength to live forward. And because of that Gabriella can help Bryant stand up for himself and for her and their love. A heartbreaking love story. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
November 7, 2017
This book picks up where the last book ended with Gabriella having to listen to other people about her brother planning for the wedding between him and his new fiancé. At the same time Emile’s teammate Bryant who has always thought Gabriella a beautiful women is working on ways to spend time with her. Wanting to date her he is slowly making time with her and making it possible for her to see him as a possible person to date. The problem he is having is that she is dealing with her and Emile’s past and their father who was an abuser, so Emile made her promise not to date any hockey players. The problem with that is even though she owns a bakery she mostly around hockey players. Bryant is dealing with his own issues from his past and you find out that he was married at a young age. Can these two become a couple you hope so because they are good for each other and you want them together if they can get past themselves and others. A very good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us us www.1rad-readerreviews.com
January 13, 2019
This book picks up where the last book ended with Gabriella having to listen to other people about her brother planning for the wedding between him and his new fiancé. At the same time Emile’s teammate Bryant who has always thought Gabriella a beautiful woman is working on ways to spend time with her. Wanting to date her he is slowly making time with her and making it possible for her to see him as a possible person to date. The problem he is having is that she is dealing with her and Emile’s past and their father who was an abuser, so Emile made her promise not to date any hockey players. The problem with that is even though she owns a bakery she mostly around hockey players. Bryant is dealing with his own issues from his past and you find out that he was married at a young age. Can these two become a couple you hope so because they are good for each other and you want them together if they can get past themselves and others? A very good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 11, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to get this book after enjoying the first in the series so much. I was not disappointed. This was another pleasurable read.
I liked Bryant a lot. He may not have been as flashy a hero as Emile he was also a more realistic and less annoying one. His story was touching and he was such a solid character. Gabriella was a little more tricky for me. She is the typical romance heroine in that she is a sweet as pie, has an amazing skill, a traumatic past that she is striving to put behind her, and is breathtakingly beautiful. I also had a hard time truly warming to her. There is not that much more to her. She doesn't seem to have much of a personality. There was a lot initially made of her being a people pleaser but it never went any where. Luckily this book was more about Bryant's journey and that story was engrossing. I look forward to see what book three in the series will bring.
I was very excited to get this book after enjoying the first in the series so much. I was not disappointed. This was another pleasurable read.
I liked Bryant a lot. He may not have been as flashy a hero as Emile he was also a more realistic and less annoying one. His story was touching and he was such a solid character. Gabriella was a little more tricky for me. She is the typical romance heroine in that she is a sweet as pie, has an amazing skill, a traumatic past that she is striving to put behind her, and is breathtakingly beautiful. I also had a hard time truly warming to her. There is not that much more to her. She doesn't seem to have much of a personality. There was a lot initially made of her being a people pleaser but it never went any where. Luckily this book was more about Bryant's journey and that story was engrossing. I look forward to see what book three in the series will bring.
October 30, 2017
This is a sweet story about Bryant (a hockey player) and Gabriella (a baker who’s the sister to Bryant’s best friend/teammate). This story actually has a sweet buildup with both of them craving each other even though they shouldn’t. Bryant, because he feels guilty over wanting someone even though his wife and unborn child are deceased and Gabriella because she was abused as a child and wants to stay away from all hockey players. The pull between these two characters is too strong for them to stay away from each other and before you know it, they are happily in love – hidden love. What’s going to happen when her brother finds out??? Will this newly in love couple last or are there too many obstacles??? You need to read it to find out.
I greatly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading all other books from this author. This was my first book of hers to read. The subject of hockey is what appealed to me. This is book two in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
I greatly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading all other books from this author. This was my first book of hers to read. The subject of hockey is what appealed to me. This is book two in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
October 30, 2017
Slap Shot is book 2 in the Nashville Sound Series by the duo known as Alicia Hunter Pace. I did not read book 1, so it can also be read as a stand-alone.
The story centers around Bryant, the Sound goalie and Gabrielle, the sister of Sound player Emile. Bryant is immediately attracted to Gabrielle, but afraid to admit his feelings due to the Bro code and guilt that he still feels after his young wife and unborn son died. Gabrielle doesn’t want to date any Hockey players because she had been abused as a child by her step father, who had been a hockey player. Their attraction to each other helps them overcome their fears and hang ups.
The characters are well developed and likeable and the storyline is interesting. The story of Amy and Emile, from book 1 continues in this book. Bryant’s other is very annoying, it you come to accept her by the end of the book.
Slap Shot was a very enjoyable hockey book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
The story centers around Bryant, the Sound goalie and Gabrielle, the sister of Sound player Emile. Bryant is immediately attracted to Gabrielle, but afraid to admit his feelings due to the Bro code and guilt that he still feels after his young wife and unborn son died. Gabrielle doesn’t want to date any Hockey players because she had been abused as a child by her step father, who had been a hockey player. Their attraction to each other helps them overcome their fears and hang ups.
The characters are well developed and likeable and the storyline is interesting. The story of Amy and Emile, from book 1 continues in this book. Bryant’s other is very annoying, it you come to accept her by the end of the book.
Slap Shot was a very enjoyable hockey book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
March 15, 2023
excellent!!
There were many, many parts of this story that just got me in the feels, but that is t the only reason why this book is excellent.
First we’ve got an excellent (and beautiful) heroine. Then we’ve got an excellent hero (also beautiful!). Ad to that an excellent back story of each of these two characters - not that there back stories are happy or wonderful, but rather that their back stories are almost completely not happy or wonderful, and how these two beautiful characters manage to find each other is simply excellent!
The large crazy family of Bryant, with all their idiosyncrasies, their “Minnesota” lingo, their over-the-top love for their son/brother/in-law was so spot-on. And Gabrielle’s misgivings about all hockey players gave her such gravity when other young women might leap before they loved was so sweet.
Loved Patrick’s big speech at Olive Garden. Loved Bryant & Gabrielle’s first heart-to-heart about his life & hers. Excellent!
There were many, many parts of this story that just got me in the feels, but that is t the only reason why this book is excellent.
First we’ve got an excellent (and beautiful) heroine. Then we’ve got an excellent hero (also beautiful!). Ad to that an excellent back story of each of these two characters - not that there back stories are happy or wonderful, but rather that their back stories are almost completely not happy or wonderful, and how these two beautiful characters manage to find each other is simply excellent!
The large crazy family of Bryant, with all their idiosyncrasies, their “Minnesota” lingo, their over-the-top love for their son/brother/in-law was so spot-on. And Gabrielle’s misgivings about all hockey players gave her such gravity when other young women might leap before they loved was so sweet.
Loved Patrick’s big speech at Olive Garden. Loved Bryant & Gabrielle’s first heart-to-heart about his life & hers. Excellent!
October 24, 2017
Slap Shot is a crisp, clear story about characters who have some darkness in their past. Bryant is a star hockey player who is hiding a big secret from his friends on his team: when he was 19, his pregnant wife died, and years later his family won't let go of his tragedy. He wants to move on but isn't sure how, until he makes a connection with Gabriella. Unfortunately, she is the sister of Bryant's teammate, and the bro code is clear: he should stay away. Gabriella's brother is especially protective, because their family was ripped apart by abuse in the past.
This book isn't about Bryant and Gabriella's tragic pasts, but how they are eager to move beyond them. They have to learn to assert themselves to their families - and they do, with sincerity and charm, not angst.
This book is part of a series, but can be understood on its own.
Netgalley provided a free copy of this book.
This book isn't about Bryant and Gabriella's tragic pasts, but how they are eager to move beyond them. They have to learn to assert themselves to their families - and they do, with sincerity and charm, not angst.
This book is part of a series, but can be understood on its own.
Netgalley provided a free copy of this book.
November 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
Slap Shot is the second title in the Nashville Sound series. This was my first time reading anything written by Alicia Hunter Pace, and whilst I usually love a sports romance, or brother's best friend trope I struggled to connect with this story.
Overall Gabriella and Bryan't story is fun and emotional, slow burn romance, told from a dual point of view. Their story pulls at your heart strings, and I could completely empathize with both of these like-able and complex characters. Both characters are haunted by events of their past, and struggle with change and moving forward with their lives.
Bryant is a nice guy but his family leaves something to be desired, they were overbearing, controlling and kind of quirky but not in an endearing way.
I hope that I will connect more with future titles by this author as it's well paced and overall well written.
Slap Shot is the second title in the Nashville Sound series. This was my first time reading anything written by Alicia Hunter Pace, and whilst I usually love a sports romance, or brother's best friend trope I struggled to connect with this story.
Overall Gabriella and Bryan't story is fun and emotional, slow burn romance, told from a dual point of view. Their story pulls at your heart strings, and I could completely empathize with both of these like-able and complex characters. Both characters are haunted by events of their past, and struggle with change and moving forward with their lives.
Bryant is a nice guy but his family leaves something to be desired, they were overbearing, controlling and kind of quirky but not in an endearing way.
I hope that I will connect more with future titles by this author as it's well paced and overall well written.
October 14, 2017
SLAP SHOT is jam-packed with wonderful characters, a great storyline and enough foresight to have the reader anxiously awaiting the next instalment, while devouring this book in one easy session.
Bryant has demons in his past and is determined to stay single and loving it, while Gabriella is wholesome and sweet, with a traumatic past and a brother who adores her. Together they have explosive chemistry, but codes of conduct and common sense say that this is a relationship destined for doom.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second of the series and can’t wait to get my hands on the next exciting story of the men that rule the ice with the Nashville Sound.
Bryant has demons in his past and is determined to stay single and loving it, while Gabriella is wholesome and sweet, with a traumatic past and a brother who adores her. Together they have explosive chemistry, but codes of conduct and common sense say that this is a relationship destined for doom.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second of the series and can’t wait to get my hands on the next exciting story of the men that rule the ice with the Nashville Sound.
October 11, 2017
Bryant’s broken past is something no one in Nashville knows about. His family continues to mourn his wife that he was married for a very short time. Bryant feels trapped and in an endless cycle of mourning. Having Gabriella as one of his friends evolved into so much more than they knew. Gabriella is feeling at a loss as her brother Emile moves on with his life. Always saying yes to everyone has her feeling life could be so much more than the endless cycle of living for others. Will they find life has more in store for them! Absolutely loved this second book in the series.
October 27, 2017
4.5 Stars
Slap Shot is book 2 in the Nashville Sound Series but it can be read as a standalone, I know this because this author is new to me but I will certainly be looking up the previous book in this series and her other books, if you love hockey or sports romance this is a must read. The characters have depth and sizzling chemistry, the story flows and this book is beautifully written with a big emphasis on family and the team, I was hooked from the first chapter and can’t wait to read more from this author and the Nashville Sound.
Slap Shot is book 2 in the Nashville Sound Series but it can be read as a standalone, I know this because this author is new to me but I will certainly be looking up the previous book in this series and her other books, if you love hockey or sports romance this is a must read. The characters have depth and sizzling chemistry, the story flows and this book is beautifully written with a big emphasis on family and the team, I was hooked from the first chapter and can’t wait to read more from this author and the Nashville Sound.
November 3, 2017
Book two started right where book one ended which I like. Gabriella has sworn off all hockey players except her brother but when she meets her brother’s friend Bryant she feels a spark she doesn’t want too. Bryant has his own problems but is also drawn toward Gabriella. I can’t say too much without spoiling but if you pick up this book you will not be disappointed.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
November 2, 2017
Slap Shot is a fun, sexy, emotional read. Bryant has a past that no one from his current team knows about. Gabriella’s life is changing, her brother is getting married and it will no longer be the two of them. Bryant and Gabriella form a friendship and help each other out during a rough time. They develop feelings for each other and their chemistry is scorching hot. Too bad Bryant has to worry about the “Bro Code” being that plays hockey with Gabriella’s brother and Gabriella promised her brother not to date any hockey players. I loved the first book in the series and this book did not disappoint. I can’t wait for the next book to be released.
November 22, 2017
I love books that start right where the previous book ends; it really helps me get back into the world of the book. This was a sad at times and incredible at times book. A few times there was some irritation, but not too much. I loved Bryant. His and Gabriella's relationship was very spirited and fun. Bring on more Sound!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
June 7, 2018
This romance is a slow burn that will keep you turning page after page and soon becomes a full raging fire of passion and forbidden love.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
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