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Rules of the Game #2
Defending Your Heart
He plays defense in the NHL. She’s a pediatrician whose fiancé is cheating on her. When they meet and become friends, will they be able to keep their relationship in the “friend zone?” And can they help heal each other’s past heartache?
Just when everything in Alex’s life seems to be falling into place, she gets bad news that shakes her to her core. Her fiancé, NHL star Marcus Reid, has been cheating on her. With multiple women.
Cole Shaw plays defense for the Wolverines’ NHL team. He keeps his life simple: play hockey, defend the goal, and don’t worry about relationships or love. It’s not what he wants or needs. That is until his teammate’s fiancée, Alex, asks Cole the truth about what Marcus has been up to behind her back.
Alex appreciates Cole’s friendship and begins to feel things for him she knows she shouldn’t. Why would she want to be with another NHL player? They’re only ever looking to score. But Cole proves he’s different.
If Marcus, can’t have her, he doesn’t want anyone to get her. Now Cole is at risk of losing his spot on the team. As much as Cole wants more with Alex, he can’t jeopardize everything he’s worked his whole life for.
Even though Alex and Cole’s chemistry is ice-melting, can they figure out how to play the game together without losing everything?
Just when everything in Alex’s life seems to be falling into place, she gets bad news that shakes her to her core. Her fiancé, NHL star Marcus Reid, has been cheating on her. With multiple women.
Cole Shaw plays defense for the Wolverines’ NHL team. He keeps his life simple: play hockey, defend the goal, and don’t worry about relationships or love. It’s not what he wants or needs. That is until his teammate’s fiancée, Alex, asks Cole the truth about what Marcus has been up to behind her back.
Alex appreciates Cole’s friendship and begins to feel things for him she knows she shouldn’t. Why would she want to be with another NHL player? They’re only ever looking to score. But Cole proves he’s different.
If Marcus, can’t have her, he doesn’t want anyone to get her. Now Cole is at risk of losing his spot on the team. As much as Cole wants more with Alex, he can’t jeopardize everything he’s worked his whole life for.
Even though Alex and Cole’s chemistry is ice-melting, can they figure out how to play the game together without losing everything?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2019
366 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Emma Tharp
38 books222 followersEmma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 27, 2019
A wee book. I read it over breakfast. It's good...wished it could of been longer because the characters (even bad guy) were richly portrayed.
February 28, 2019
Alex finds out her fiancée, Marcus, is a cheater. Heartbroken she leaves him and their future. Cole is the quiet, good guy and Marcus’s teammate. They connect and become friends which quickly escalates. I like the story but felt like it skipped some things. Didn’t see the connection from friends to more. Easy quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2019
I really enjoyed Alex & Coles's story. It was a short, fun book. Loved it & the characters. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
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April 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/20/2020)! 🎁
February 27, 2019
Defending Your Heart: A Friends to Lovers Hockey Romance (Rules of the Game Book 2) By: Emma Tharp"Defending Your Heart" Is NO Easy Task When Faced With A LOVE That Just May Last!
When this Gal is Told about her Her Cheat'n Fiancée,
She Goes about things the Right Way...
She Confronts the Guy, then seeks OUT some Facts!
When She is through with that...
She knows the Real work Must Start, & She'll NEED to begin with what's called "Defending Your Heart[book:Defending Your Heart|43850680]!"
That's Easier Said than Done,
When HIS TeamMate is Sooo Very Much Fun...
NOT to Mention HE's been there,
When She NEEDED SomeOne to Care!
Just a Hug, A Shoulder for a Cry... This is the Sweetest, MOST Caring Guy!
It's HARD to keep "Defending Your Heart" When He's tearing your Walls DOWN Faster than you can build 'Em!
I was granted an ARC of Emma Tharp's "Defending Your Heart: A Friends to Lovers Hockey Romance (Rules of the Game Book 2)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
February 25, 2019
This was an entertaining read where you get to see two characters bond and get to know one another as friends and then of course it begins to move past just friendship. Isn't that the best way for a relationship to begin? Our characters are great in this book. We have Alex who is a pediatrician that is dating a NHL player named Marcus. Alex finds out that he has been cheating on her with multiple women. As you read the story you feel for Alex both as the reader and as a woman. We also get to meet Cole, who is also a player in the NHL and Marcus's teammate. Alex goes to Cole to ask him to confirm the things that she has been told about Marcus. This is an intriguing story that involves Alex trying to get to the truth about Marcus, Marcus not wanting to let her go, Cole wanting more than friendship with Alex and Cole possibly losing his spot on the team if he persists to go after Alex. This is a well written story on how all characters travel down the road that leads them to their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2019
I loved this new story in the "Rules of Game" series. This is a stand alone story with some interconnected characters. This story is a fast and some what short read that is well written. I love the characters; well most of them anyway. In the first book in the story you hear a little bit about Marcus and his character. You also meet Cole. Marcus and Cole are on the same hockey team but complete opposites. This story is more about Alex, Marcus and Cole. It is a friends to lover story of Cole and Alex. Alex learns about Marcus' wonderful character and leans and decides she has had enough. I enjoy Cole and Alex's story. Wonderful characters and story. This story has a cheating fiance, a little drama, friendship, romance and a little steam. I cannot wait to read the next story! I am looking forward to reading Brii and Teddy!!!
February 26, 2019
A great friend to lovers story. Alex thought she had it all, her work was going well, she was engaged to NHL player Marcus. She finds out that he has been cheating on her with multiple women. Cole is one of his team mates and Alex asked Cole about what Marcus has been up to. The develop an friendship but it starts to grow into something more. Can Alex let herself love again and with a NHL player? Once her ex Marcus finds out he makes it his mission to make sure that Cole can't have her either. The story will keep you reading till the very last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2020
it's not a friends to lovers story. They barely knew each other. Because of that they don't have the foundation to fall in love.
I don't think the author has a good grasp on the concept of friendship, the first scene in the book with her so called friends is awful - they set her up publicly to deal with an awful situation. Real friends would never handle something like that so callously.
However the story is really good and it's very easy to read. there is a lot that could be fantastic here. It's the second book of hers that I have read and I feel with a decent editor or alpha readers she could be a real fan favourite in this genre.
I don't think the author has a good grasp on the concept of friendship, the first scene in the book with her so called friends is awful - they set her up publicly to deal with an awful situation. Real friends would never handle something like that so callously.
However the story is really good and it's very easy to read. there is a lot that could be fantastic here. It's the second book of hers that I have read and I feel with a decent editor or alpha readers she could be a real fan favourite in this genre.
February 27, 2019
After reading book 1 I wanted to know Alex's story, I'm pleased she got her real HEA in the end, even though it wasn't plain sailing. The friendship that developed into a romance with Cole was sweet to read, they had such a connection, they complimented and completed each other. Personally I would have liked their story to have been a little bit longer but I did enjoy reading it. I am looking forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2019
Another amazing and exciting book in the ‘Rules of the Game’ series! It is a great read with a perfect storyline that is superbly written. The storyline is consistent, relatable, and well-developed with ups and downs, lots of drama, humour, and witty banter. The story flows smoothly; it will pull you in and hook you until the end. It is quite enjoyable and a must read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2019
Alex has no idea her fiance has been cheating on her until some of Marcus teammates girlfriend's let her know. She knows she has real friends in those girls for stepping up and letting her know.
Will she be able to pick up the pieces? When she discovers her attraction to Cole, another team member will she be able to let him in?
Sad and Exciting to move on after such a bad experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will she be able to pick up the pieces? When she discovers her attraction to Cole, another team member will she be able to let him in?
Sad and Exciting to move on after such a bad experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2019
3.5 stars. Alex has broken off her engagement with her cheating rat fiancé Marcus. He just wanted to have fun. Cole is on the same hockey team and has taken an interest in Alex. Spoiled brat Marcus does his best to disrupt the team causing problems and Cole heartache. He just doesn’t want to ruin his reputation being the dumpee. Nicely written and enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
March 15, 2019
A wonderfully sweet well written friends and confidants romance story. This quick hockey based story included some drama, a cheating fiancee, romance, friendship, love, and some steam. It flowed smoothly with a fast paced storyline that had me addicted page after page. Cole and Alex were intereting and well developed with a nice suppporting cast of characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
Fun sweet read, about a good girl breaking up with a bad boy. Alix a pediatrician breaks it off when she finds out her new fiance is cheating.
Cole a shy hockey player who she becomes friends with, he is easy to be around and they have lors in common
Join them as they get to know each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cole a shy hockey player who she becomes friends with, he is easy to be around and they have lors in common
Join them as they get to know each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
Very sweet story, you really felt for Alex in the first book being with someone like Marcus and Cole is such a genuine nice guy, their story was lovely but it ended way too soon, needed another chapter or epilogue
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2019
The best relationships start as friends
OMG I absolutely loved Cole and Alex’s story. Alex endures so much throughout this book yet she gets stronger, and Cole’s transformation throughout the book is breathtaking. These two may have started as friends but it’s that friendship that gave a solid foundation to their love. Read through Kindle Unlimited
OMG I absolutely loved Cole and Alex’s story. Alex endures so much throughout this book yet she gets stronger, and Cole’s transformation throughout the book is breathtaking. These two may have started as friends but it’s that friendship that gave a solid foundation to their love. Read through Kindle Unlimited
March 3, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2019
Her fiance is cheating on her with many different women. She finds out by asking one of his teammates. They start a friendship but her ex is not happy and now his place in the team is being threatened. So although he wants more with her, he cannot risk his place on the team.See if he can have both
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
Rebound?
Okay, I guess I’m old fashioned, or just old.
I enjoyed this quick story and the characters.
Didn’t like that all of a sudden she finds out about cheating fiancé that she says she loves and cry’s over and she then has “feelings” for another man.
Could maybe understand if they had interacted more prior to her break up and had conversations of there common likes, etc.
Okay, I guess I’m old fashioned, or just old.
I enjoyed this quick story and the characters.
Didn’t like that all of a sudden she finds out about cheating fiancé that she says she loves and cry’s over and she then has “feelings” for another man.
Could maybe understand if they had interacted more prior to her break up and had conversations of there common likes, etc.
November 26, 2020
Trust and Patience is all it takes
Another wonderful story to a series that is becoming a favorite. Alex and Cole have similar traits but still quite the opposite of each other, they truly are meant to be together. A short, sweet story of not only love but trust, honesty, patience and of friendships that will be there for you no matter what.
Another wonderful story to a series that is becoming a favorite. Alex and Cole have similar traits but still quite the opposite of each other, they truly are meant to be together. A short, sweet story of not only love but trust, honesty, patience and of friendships that will be there for you no matter what.
February 24, 2019
This is a fast-paced and wellwritten book that held me captive from the start. The storyline is intriguing and the characters great. Loved the chemistry between Alex and Cole.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2019
First, they got to know each other and become friends. Now the stakes are high and feelings are involved.
Can they figure out how to play the game together without losing everything?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can they figure out how to play the game together without losing everything?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2019
Lovers of hockey romance will love this one! A quick, entertaining read with lots of chemistry! Cannot wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2019
Too short
Really enjoyable read but it felt like there was at least 5 or more chapters to these two characters. Loved them both but wish the author gave us more background and that Coles Mom actually came to visit. Hope we get more about these two in the future.
Really enjoyable read but it felt like there was at least 5 or more chapters to these two characters. Loved them both but wish the author gave us more background and that Coles Mom actually came to visit. Hope we get more about these two in the future.
October 23, 2020
Marcus is a douche!!
I'm so happy Cole found his girl. Good for Alex. She got a good one. This book made me happy. The douche got kicked to the curb. His temper tantrums were to funny!!
The good guy didn't finish last this time.
I'm so happy Cole found his girl. Good for Alex. She got a good one. This book made me happy. The douche got kicked to the curb. His temper tantrums were to funny!!
The good guy didn't finish last this time.
May 15, 2022
Good read
Liked the book. Could have been written in a way to make it appear that Cole was wooing Alex for longer. She just looks like she goes from one guy to the next. Not a fan of this one too much.
Liked the book. Could have been written in a way to make it appear that Cole was wooing Alex for longer. She just looks like she goes from one guy to the next. Not a fan of this one too much.
February 10, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed it. This story is part of a series but I had no problem reading it as a stand alone.
April 6, 2019
This is a wonderful heartwarming story about a hockey player and a pediatrician. I liked the engaging characters and the this heartfelt story.
June 25, 2019
I could have read more about awful Marcus.
The book was great. I wish it had been longer so that you could develop the characters of Cole and Alex more.
Love the series.
The book was great. I wish it had been longer so that you could develop the characters of Cole and Alex more.
Love the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews