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Redtails Hockey #2
The Grinder
Riley Hatch is a fast-talking minor-league hockey player with a reputation as a grinder. He goes in deep, hits hard and comes out with the puck. He's not known for giving up and, when he meets a cool blonde who trips all his switches, he's not about to take no for an answer.
Aly Martin's aversion to professional athletes falters when faced with the six-foot-four hockey god. He's everything she never wanted in a man...overtly sexy, rough around the edges and pushy. And absolutely irresistible.
Riley falls hard and fast but he knows he's going to need more than determination to break down Aly's reservations. But will his lifelong dream of making it to the NHL cost him the woman of his dreams?
Aly Martin's aversion to professional athletes falters when faced with the six-foot-four hockey god. He's everything she never wanted in a man...overtly sexy, rough around the edges and pushy. And absolutely irresistible.
Riley falls hard and fast but he knows he's going to need more than determination to break down Aly's reservations. But will his lifelong dream of making it to the NHL cost him the woman of his dreams?
182 pages, Paperback
Published December 26, 2016
57 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Julian
163 books1,058 followersStephanie Julian is a USA Today and New York Time best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She writes stories with sultry heat and sweet heart.
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 30, 2016
2.5 stars
December 17, 2016
Allison Martin is working at her job in the billing office of the Reading Health Center when the hottest guy she’s ever seen comes in to ask about a bill. She’s taken aback by her insta-lust, never having felt this way about a guy before. So when he asks her to come to his hockey game and go out for drinks after, she’s shocked to hear herself say “maybe,” while thinking “yes!”
Riley Hatch, newest hockey player on the Reading Redtails, asks Aly to come to his hockey game and out for a drink. After playing the field for the past seven years, he realizes he’s ready for a commitment rather than a string of one-night-stands. He’s totally taken by Aly and likes that she doesn’t come on to him like a hockey bunny. In fact, she knows nothing about the sport.
The Grinder is a delightful romance between two individuals who feel an immediate spark and recognize what they have could lead to something special. Riley is a seasoned veteran, but he’s still waiting for his big break that will take him to the NHL. Aly is a no-nonsense, play by the rules kind of girl. Together, the pair are explosive, and it was easy to lose myself in their passion. While set in the same world as the previous book in the series, The Grinder is completely standalone.
Overall, The Grinder is an enjoyable, quick read filled with sexy romance and all the good feels that come when you find your special someone. Aly and Riley worked well together, both in and out of the bedroom. With life experiences under their belts, they have some maturity when making decisions; however they are still insecure enough to have those same doubts many of us have experienced ourselves. They are open and honest when it most counts. I appreciated how both had set plans for their lives, yet when meeting that special someone, they took the time to question their preconceived plans, then adjusting them to fit the other, rather than either sticking with said plan or completely tossing it out the window.
The Grinder is a feel good, happy novella. Sexy and smart. Enjoyable and entertaining.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Riley Hatch, newest hockey player on the Reading Redtails, asks Aly to come to his hockey game and out for a drink. After playing the field for the past seven years, he realizes he’s ready for a commitment rather than a string of one-night-stands. He’s totally taken by Aly and likes that she doesn’t come on to him like a hockey bunny. In fact, she knows nothing about the sport.
The Grinder is a delightful romance between two individuals who feel an immediate spark and recognize what they have could lead to something special. Riley is a seasoned veteran, but he’s still waiting for his big break that will take him to the NHL. Aly is a no-nonsense, play by the rules kind of girl. Together, the pair are explosive, and it was easy to lose myself in their passion. While set in the same world as the previous book in the series, The Grinder is completely standalone.
Overall, The Grinder is an enjoyable, quick read filled with sexy romance and all the good feels that come when you find your special someone. Aly and Riley worked well together, both in and out of the bedroom. With life experiences under their belts, they have some maturity when making decisions; however they are still insecure enough to have those same doubts many of us have experienced ourselves. They are open and honest when it most counts. I appreciated how both had set plans for their lives, yet when meeting that special someone, they took the time to question their preconceived plans, then adjusting them to fit the other, rather than either sticking with said plan or completely tossing it out the window.
The Grinder is a feel good, happy novella. Sexy and smart. Enjoyable and entertaining.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
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December 19, 2016review to come
May 17, 2020
I will start by saying this sissies the first book for me by this author and I really like her writing, story telling, characters, etc...
I am not generally one who likes novellas. This book was a freebie for me through the generous authors sharing their works for readers stuck at home during the COVID crisis.
I am glad that I read it. The characters are strong, the feelings are real, the heat is top notch and though the story is a condensed version, I felt the facts of the sport and player turmoil were realistic, from my limited knowledge.
I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything by starting on book #2 in the series and I really like that aspect. Stand alone, HEA, the good stuff!
I am not generally one who likes novellas. This book was a freebie for me through the generous authors sharing their works for readers stuck at home during the COVID crisis.
I am glad that I read it. The characters are strong, the feelings are real, the heat is top notch and though the story is a condensed version, I felt the facts of the sport and player turmoil were realistic, from my limited knowledge.
I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything by starting on book #2 in the series and I really like that aspect. Stand alone, HEA, the good stuff!
April 1, 2018
The Grinder
I am really enjoying the Redtails Hockey series. What a good book this was. Riley was a trash talker and player on and off the ice and then he met Aly. The relationship was fresh and interesting as they brought out another side in each other. Hot sex, beautiful romance and I can’t wait to read more. I was happy to see Bliss and Shane make an appearance in this book and I am hoping to see more if Riley and Aly. Great series, a must read!
I am really enjoying the Redtails Hockey series. What a good book this was. Riley was a trash talker and player on and off the ice and then he met Aly. The relationship was fresh and interesting as they brought out another side in each other. Hot sex, beautiful romance and I can’t wait to read more. I was happy to see Bliss and Shane make an appearance in this book and I am hoping to see more if Riley and Aly. Great series, a must read!
February 1, 2018
The 2nd book of the series is just as good as the 1st. I enjoyed Riley & Aly, they had a special kind of heat & connection. Their insecurities in the fledgling relationship were sweet & the idea that Riley fell hard 1st was a great idea. I enjoyed the dynamics of the relationship between Riley’s teammates as well & also Stephanie Julian’s knowledge of hockey. Definitely recommend.
April 23, 2020
Love this second book in the series but first book is still my favourite so far. The sories are fun and easy to read but I have to say that even though they have HEA they both ended too abruptly. Maybe there could be an epilogue. I hope the others are not the same. Overall, the story is interesting, romantic and fun to read. I enjoyed it and will definitely read more.
April 21, 2019
Series for hockey and romance lovers
This story of lust and connections is cute and well-done. There are a number of continuing characters from a previous book. The author does sex scenes very competently. The characters are likeable. Enjoy.
This story of lust and connections is cute and well-done. There are a number of continuing characters from a previous book. The author does sex scenes very competently. The characters are likeable. Enjoy.
March 4, 2020
3 1/2 Stars!
Book two in the Redtails Hockey series. Novella length told in dual POV with HEA. Each book about a different hockey player and can be read as stand-alone. I liked Riley & Aly! I was glad they were both committed to making their relationship work. Sweet & spicy insta-love!
Book two in the Redtails Hockey series. Novella length told in dual POV with HEA. Each book about a different hockey player and can be read as stand-alone. I liked Riley & Aly! I was glad they were both committed to making their relationship work. Sweet & spicy insta-love!
June 20, 2017
This is an entertaining hockey story. I enjoyed the story and the characters and can't wait to read more books in this series.
January 26, 2018
These are easy reading books, but very short for the price. More like novellas vs novels.
April 24, 2020
This was a great book! I loved the characters, story-line and the hot sexy scenes!
July 23, 2020
HOT!!! Had to buy the series!
September 16, 2020
Another good hockey romance. Riley and Aly quickly became hot and heavy. When Riley gets called up Aly has to either let go or find a way to make it work.
February 14, 2022
Aww sweet!
This was a enchanting love story with great characters and storyline. I loved everything about it. I can't wait to start the next book in this series.
This was a enchanting love story with great characters and storyline. I loved everything about it. I can't wait to start the next book in this series.
February 20, 2023
Cute sexy hockey romance. low drama
October 1, 2020
Riley and Aly made a great romantic read.
August 17, 2020
This was actually a pretty good read for such a short book. It is instalove but I enjoyed the difference in characters between Riley and Aly. It did finish quite quickly and abruptly and because of that I would have loved an epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews