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Redtails Hockey #1
The Brick Wall
He needs to get his head in the game...
Goaltender Shane Conrad's game is in a slump but when he meets a redhead who raises more than his blood pressure, it's game on. One steamy night with Bliss Vescovi and Shane’s winning games again. Their action in the bedroom rivals his play on the ice but both agree their affair isn't meant for the long term.
Not let his heart call the shots...
Bliss isn't looking for a relationship, especially not with an intense, driven athlete who's chasing his dreams. Her ex's need for control nearly made her his emotional slave. She's sworn to never give another man that kind of hold over her again. But a one-night stand with a hot hockey player who won't be around forever? Totally doable.
But Shane's off-beat humor and killer smile get around the guard on her heart and Bliss's warmth opens up a life beyond the ice for Shane. Until Shane gets the call he’s been waiting for his whole life…from the NHL. Bliss knows their affair is over, but Shane isn’t giving up without a fight. His nickname is Brick Wall for a good reason...
Goaltender Shane Conrad's game is in a slump but when he meets a redhead who raises more than his blood pressure, it's game on. One steamy night with Bliss Vescovi and Shane’s winning games again. Their action in the bedroom rivals his play on the ice but both agree their affair isn't meant for the long term.
Not let his heart call the shots...
Bliss isn't looking for a relationship, especially not with an intense, driven athlete who's chasing his dreams. Her ex's need for control nearly made her his emotional slave. She's sworn to never give another man that kind of hold over her again. But a one-night stand with a hot hockey player who won't be around forever? Totally doable.
But Shane's off-beat humor and killer smile get around the guard on her heart and Bliss's warmth opens up a life beyond the ice for Shane. Until Shane gets the call he’s been waiting for his whole life…from the NHL. Bliss knows their affair is over, but Shane isn’t giving up without a fight. His nickname is Brick Wall for a good reason...
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2016
726 people are currently reading
1285 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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March 1, 2017
3.5 stars!
November 29, 2016
Enjoyed this story of love & determination. Both lead characters of this book were strong willed & determined to win. Shane & Bliss are set up by friends & find out they really enjoy each other's company until Shane gets his big break so to speak. Bliss makes a decision to end things before he can to save her heart but what she didn't know was it was already taken. I enjoyed the secondary characters of Faith, CJ, Jake & Lad & Mike. Looking forward to the next book of this series.
May 16, 2016
Shane “The Brick Wall” Conrad plays goalie for the Reading Redtails hockey club. He’s going though a rough spot and decides to stay in Reading for the Christmas holiday rather than head home to Minnesota to see his family. Even though he didn’t want to go out, he decides to take up assistant captain Cary Lenville’s offer to join his family and friends for dinner. Although once he arrives, he realizes he can’t leave soon enough, as long as Bliss is at his side.
Bliss Vescovi loves her life in Reading, close to her job and family. She watches over her special needs adult brother and helps her aunt run a popular bridal boutique. Even though her own wedding fell apart two years ago, she still loves helping brides-to-be find the perfect dress. Bored and restless at friend Lori Lenville’s party, she’s ready to go until the gorgeous Shane Conrad enters the room. Bliss wants some one-night action, and when she sees Shane enter the party, she decides he’s the one for the job.
The Brick Wall is the first book in Ms. Julian’s new Redtails Hockey contemporary romance series. The book does a great job creating the setting and filling in the world with likable, interesting characters.
Individually, and as a couple, I liked Shane and Bliss. They are both strong people who aren’t afraid to go after what they want. Yet both are slightly vulnerable and worried about getting hurt. Each is very kind and sweet, with just enough naughty, providing for some extremely steamy scenes. I did feel that their initial encounter was a bit over the top with respect to Shane’s insta-lust reaction to Bliss and her voice, but once that first night was over, I found the reactions more even-keeled and less hokey.
As much as I enjoyed the characters and their romance, I wanted more. I don’t know if this book is indicative of the series to come, but it was short. Too short. The author uses elapsed-time sections, with several weeks passing by with just the proverbial turn-of-the-page. I wanted more time getting to know Shane and Bliss and seeing them together outside the bedroom. Additionally, I was frustrated with the jump in time towards the end of the book, when I think there was no communication between Shane and Bliss (I was a little confused at this part).
The Brick Wall is a sensual, quick, entertaining read, with a solid romance developing after an initial first lust. I liked Shane and Bliss, and the romance felt real and believable. However, I felt that the story was too short, and I didn't like the lapse in time. Overall, I like the premise and look forward to more stories in the series.
My Rating: B/B-
Bliss Vescovi loves her life in Reading, close to her job and family. She watches over her special needs adult brother and helps her aunt run a popular bridal boutique. Even though her own wedding fell apart two years ago, she still loves helping brides-to-be find the perfect dress. Bored and restless at friend Lori Lenville’s party, she’s ready to go until the gorgeous Shane Conrad enters the room. Bliss wants some one-night action, and when she sees Shane enter the party, she decides he’s the one for the job.
The Brick Wall is the first book in Ms. Julian’s new Redtails Hockey contemporary romance series. The book does a great job creating the setting and filling in the world with likable, interesting characters.
Individually, and as a couple, I liked Shane and Bliss. They are both strong people who aren’t afraid to go after what they want. Yet both are slightly vulnerable and worried about getting hurt. Each is very kind and sweet, with just enough naughty, providing for some extremely steamy scenes. I did feel that their initial encounter was a bit over the top with respect to Shane’s insta-lust reaction to Bliss and her voice, but once that first night was over, I found the reactions more even-keeled and less hokey.
As much as I enjoyed the characters and their romance, I wanted more. I don’t know if this book is indicative of the series to come, but it was short. Too short. The author uses elapsed-time sections, with several weeks passing by with just the proverbial turn-of-the-page. I wanted more time getting to know Shane and Bliss and seeing them together outside the bedroom. Additionally, I was frustrated with the jump in time towards the end of the book, when I think there was no communication between Shane and Bliss (I was a little confused at this part).
The Brick Wall is a sensual, quick, entertaining read, with a solid romance developing after an initial first lust. I liked Shane and Bliss, and the romance felt real and believable. However, I felt that the story was too short, and I didn't like the lapse in time. Overall, I like the premise and look forward to more stories in the series.
My Rating: B/B-
January 18, 2021
A 3 star CR. Had potential.
Shane was a minor league hockey goalie in Reading PA.
who'd never been in love. If he proved himself he might
qualify for a promotion via his sister team, in the NHL,
in Philly.
Bliss worked at her aunt's bridal shop, but seemed aimless
and her developmentally disabled brother lived next door
to her. She wanted a casual fling with Shane, then got
nervous when her feelings began to build. So she ended it.
(She envisioned resisting moving city to city & team to team
with the H when he never asked this of her.) She made too
many assumptions. She had a hot bod and tight clothes, but
what made her interesting?
The ending could've been smoother. I still had unanswered
questions. Each of the 7 bks in the series featured a new MC.
I liked Faith the friend (the heroine in #7) but was there a
sameness to the past heartache of the heroines?
Shane was a minor league hockey goalie in Reading PA.
who'd never been in love. If he proved himself he might
qualify for a promotion via his sister team, in the NHL,
in Philly.
Bliss worked at her aunt's bridal shop, but seemed aimless
and her developmentally disabled brother lived next door
to her. She wanted a casual fling with Shane, then got
nervous when her feelings began to build. So she ended it.
(She envisioned resisting moving city to city & team to team
with the H when he never asked this of her.) She made too
many assumptions. She had a hot bod and tight clothes, but
what made her interesting?
The ending could've been smoother. I still had unanswered
questions. Each of the 7 bks in the series featured a new MC.
I liked Faith the friend (the heroine in #7) but was there a
sameness to the past heartache of the heroines?
June 29, 2016
Distraction, is it worth it! Yes It Is.
Good book. Hope their is a second one to continue with the rest of the teams story. Jake would be my first choice for a second book. Definitely gonna look for more sports romance by this author.
Shane Conrad seems like the typical all American guy trying to succeed at his one true passion while not letting others down. Bliss, bless her heart, is a small town girl who is ruled by her relationship pasts. Can she get over her insecurities and find true love and can Shane let her be a distraction on his way to success.
Good book. Hope their is a second one to continue with the rest of the teams story. Jake would be my first choice for a second book. Definitely gonna look for more sports romance by this author.
Shane Conrad seems like the typical all American guy trying to succeed at his one true passion while not letting others down. Bliss, bless her heart, is a small town girl who is ruled by her relationship pasts. Can she get over her insecurities and find true love and can Shane let her be a distraction on his way to success.
August 8, 2019
Cute, Quick Read
This was a cute, quick hockey love story. All of this author’s novels are compelling and if they were all put together as one large novel, I think it would flow a bit better as they seem to be somewhat short and lack some details. There are large time lapses in between to push the story along when there could be so much more.
This was a cute, quick hockey love story. All of this author’s novels are compelling and if they were all put together as one large novel, I think it would flow a bit better as they seem to be somewhat short and lack some details. There are large time lapses in between to push the story along when there could be so much more.
May 13, 2016
Loved it
Didn't expect anything less from Ms.Julian. Love all her books. Highly recommend this one.....Looking forward to reading the next one.
Didn't expect anything less from Ms.Julian. Love all her books. Highly recommend this one.....Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 7, 2018
I enjoyed this entertaining sports romance about a big, tough and sweet hockey player. I liked the connection between the characters and thought they had a lot of chemistry.
February 22, 2017
Review originally posted on http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
December 25, 2016
Really enjoyed reading this book.
May 21, 2020
Hockey!
Usually a book with hockey pulls me in from the beginning. This one took some time but all I can say is hockey.
Usually a book with hockey pulls me in from the beginning. This one took some time but all I can say is hockey.
November 11, 2021
Bliss and Shane story was absolutely incredible. ❤️
February 4, 2018
Shane Conrad & Bliss
Lust at first sight for these two. What started out as just sex turned into a whole lot more. First story by this author for me and I liked the very much. Sex scenes were very hit and spicy. Had a good knowledge of the game and gave us just enough of hockey to keep it about the relationship. Smooth writing and a good story.
Lust at first sight for these two. What started out as just sex turned into a whole lot more. First story by this author for me and I liked the very much. Sex scenes were very hit and spicy. Had a good knowledge of the game and gave us just enough of hockey to keep it about the relationship. Smooth writing and a good story.
May 30, 2017
If I knew this was such a short book before I read it I wouldn't have bothered. It's practically a novella. I don't see the point in these short books. Even with the limited page number the author seemed to put more time into setting up other character's books than this one, which surprised and annoyed me. The main couple in this book were really nice and I did feel their instant attraction. But they stayed nice the whole way. It wasn't until about 65% into the book when we learn their relationship was supposed to be no-strings-attached. That was a surprise to me because they never said anything about that up until that point and they were crazy about each other from the beginning. So that underwhelming "conflict" just felt thrown in towards the rushed ending. Their flirty banter was just too much for me. It was constant (it could go on for pages) and a bit cheesy. Despite these issues I didn't hate the book. It was a nice and easy read, and could have been great if it was longer and the author imagined it as a standalone rather than the beginning of a series.
May 27, 2016
OMG!!!! Just loved it....
July 4, 2016
Clean, smooth, attractive characters.
December 20, 2024
Practice just finished at Reading Civic Arena for Shane Conrad. He has been having a tough time the last week or so. The goalie can’t afford to have bad days for very long, and he knows it. His teammates depended on him to aid them in getting to the Calder Cup championships this year. He was thought to be the team’s number-one goalie. They’d nicknamed him the Brick Wall, for goodness sake. The thing is, if he gets too far up his rear, then he won't be any good to anyone. Everyone is going home for Christmas; however, Shane is not.
His dad used to be his coach, and his mom makes everything a Hallmark moment. And since he’s not playing well, they would want to baby him. Hallmark just doesn't work for him with the headspace he has left. So when the captain of the team offers to work with him over the days off, he doesn't want to burden him but finally takes him up on his offer. With that offer also comes a Christmas get-together dinner. He tries hard to get out of it but finds he can’t say no to that too. He knows he’s going to feel awkward because he will only know the people hosting but figures he will just eat and run.
Rude, he knows, but hey, what do they expect from a hockey player, right? Bliss Vescovi sat in a love seat at Lori’s pre-holiday party, taking everything and everyone in. Working for her aunt, she was used to dealing with all types of women, and the two women were upset because the one fiancée wouldn’t pick a china pattern. When she realized she had circled the conversations, none interested her, and all from the confines of the loveseat. What the hell are you doing here? She should be mingling, flirting, and having a good time.
It wasn’t like there weren’t any good-looking guys here. Until five minutes later, she realized they only wanted to talk all about themselves. How they did in life and how much that should impress her. Bliss was no great beauty but no ogre either. Sure, her nose was a little too big and her body a little too curvy. Some guys liked big tits and a decent ass. She knew that because some guys she talked to couldn’t stop checking out either one long enough to hold a rational conversation. She thought it had been a mistake going.
Then, he walked in. Bliss felt her mouth drop open. Like, her jaw dropped. The really big newcomer. Big. Broad. Wide. He looked like a hockey player. Cary led the new guy right into the great room and walked him straight to the bar.
Bliss didn’t care. For the first time in months, she wanted to jump a guy’s bones. She’d be damned if she didn’t follow up on it. Bliss smiled and held out her hand. “Hi. Nice to meet you.” Her voice made the hair on Shane’s arms stand straight up. Sent a shock straight to his D. Holy crap. Pure f-ing s-x. If Shane believed in heaven, he figured he’d just died and gone there because, Jesus Christ, this woman was a f-ing angel.”
That voice. It made him want to beg her to take pity on him and allow him to strip her naked so he could get a look at her beautiful body. To let him put his mouth all over her until she melted into a puddle of lust on the ground. This is such a good book; after this stumbling, bumbling meet-cute, you can’t help but love them as a couple. Shane is such a good boyfriend for not ever being one, but the key phrase that said it all. When he helped Bliss into the car, she looked surprised, and to him, he had seen his dad do it a million times. His mom is only 5’3” and always wears heels. So good.
His dad used to be his coach, and his mom makes everything a Hallmark moment. And since he’s not playing well, they would want to baby him. Hallmark just doesn't work for him with the headspace he has left. So when the captain of the team offers to work with him over the days off, he doesn't want to burden him but finally takes him up on his offer. With that offer also comes a Christmas get-together dinner. He tries hard to get out of it but finds he can’t say no to that too. He knows he’s going to feel awkward because he will only know the people hosting but figures he will just eat and run.
Rude, he knows, but hey, what do they expect from a hockey player, right? Bliss Vescovi sat in a love seat at Lori’s pre-holiday party, taking everything and everyone in. Working for her aunt, she was used to dealing with all types of women, and the two women were upset because the one fiancée wouldn’t pick a china pattern. When she realized she had circled the conversations, none interested her, and all from the confines of the loveseat. What the hell are you doing here? She should be mingling, flirting, and having a good time.
It wasn’t like there weren’t any good-looking guys here. Until five minutes later, she realized they only wanted to talk all about themselves. How they did in life and how much that should impress her. Bliss was no great beauty but no ogre either. Sure, her nose was a little too big and her body a little too curvy. Some guys liked big tits and a decent ass. She knew that because some guys she talked to couldn’t stop checking out either one long enough to hold a rational conversation. She thought it had been a mistake going.
Then, he walked in. Bliss felt her mouth drop open. Like, her jaw dropped. The really big newcomer. Big. Broad. Wide. He looked like a hockey player. Cary led the new guy right into the great room and walked him straight to the bar.
Bliss didn’t care. For the first time in months, she wanted to jump a guy’s bones. She’d be damned if she didn’t follow up on it. Bliss smiled and held out her hand. “Hi. Nice to meet you.” Her voice made the hair on Shane’s arms stand straight up. Sent a shock straight to his D. Holy crap. Pure f-ing s-x. If Shane believed in heaven, he figured he’d just died and gone there because, Jesus Christ, this woman was a f-ing angel.”
That voice. It made him want to beg her to take pity on him and allow him to strip her naked so he could get a look at her beautiful body. To let him put his mouth all over her until she melted into a puddle of lust on the ground. This is such a good book; after this stumbling, bumbling meet-cute, you can’t help but love them as a couple. Shane is such a good boyfriend for not ever being one, but the key phrase that said it all. When he helped Bliss into the car, she looked surprised, and to him, he had seen his dad do it a million times. His mom is only 5’3” and always wears heels. So good.
November 13, 2020
Shane (H) is a goalie in a minor league hockey team. He's almost reached his goal of playing in the NHL, but is stuck in a slump. He's invited by his team captain to a Christmas party, a chance to distract him from his worries. There he meets Bliss (h), who works in her aunt's bridal shop. Lots of sparks fly, and what begins as a distracting, fun-only relationship grows into something more. But can a man who could get sent anywhere for his career really build a future with a woman with such deep local roots?
Definitely a steamy one. Lots of bedroom (and kitchen and hallway...) scenes. Could get a bit repetitive at times, especially when I wanted more of the banter with different friend groups. But still, I liked it. I liked the leads (hence wanting more of the outside-the-bedroom scenes), so I actually cared that they hooked up and had their HEA. Bliss is confident in some ways, but is very cautious in others, and so her actions make sense. Even if you do want to shake your head and yell at her at times. I'm never a fan of the self-martyring "it's for his own good" or "it's not going anywhere anyways, no matter what we feel" sorts of arguments, especially when she hasn't talked to him about any of it! Still, they each realize where their priorities are and get things sorted out. Shane, meanwhile, had brief glimpses of a lovely adorkable, shy personality. Would have loved more of it (Adorkable H is always my favorite - and romance H hot is always a plus!).
I really liked seeing some of the diversity in the cast, especially for a novella. Yes, all still pretty much white/Caucasian (common problem in Romancelandia), but we had a character in a wheelchair and one with mental disabilities, both playing major roles. And not in the "super sympathetic token characters" way either. I'm definitely looking forward to Faith's story!
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OW/OM drama. Just two people with potentially disparate life and career goals figuring out how to fit into each others' lives. Lots of steam, but actually nice characters too. HEA with no cliffhangers. Not much of an epilogue either, though this type of series tends to interweave the players' stories, so I'm sure we'll get a little glimpses more of the leads here in future books.
Would I read more in the series? Yes, definitely. Enjoyable characters, good team and friend dynamics, a bit of sports action, all wrapped up in quick read. Plus some diversity in the characters too. Yeah, I'm definitely interested in the rest of the series.
Definitely a steamy one. Lots of bedroom (and kitchen and hallway...) scenes. Could get a bit repetitive at times, especially when I wanted more of the banter with different friend groups. But still, I liked it. I liked the leads (hence wanting more of the outside-the-bedroom scenes), so I actually cared that they hooked up and had their HEA. Bliss is confident in some ways, but is very cautious in others, and so her actions make sense. Even if you do want to shake your head and yell at her at times. I'm never a fan of the self-martyring "it's for his own good" or "it's not going anywhere anyways, no matter what we feel" sorts of arguments, especially when she hasn't talked to him about any of it! Still, they each realize where their priorities are and get things sorted out. Shane, meanwhile, had brief glimpses of a lovely adorkable, shy personality. Would have loved more of it (Adorkable H is always my favorite - and romance H hot is always a plus!).
I really liked seeing some of the diversity in the cast, especially for a novella. Yes, all still pretty much white/Caucasian (common problem in Romancelandia), but we had a character in a wheelchair and one with mental disabilities, both playing major roles. And not in the "super sympathetic token characters" way either. I'm definitely looking forward to Faith's story!
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OW/OM drama. Just two people with potentially disparate life and career goals figuring out how to fit into each others' lives. Lots of steam, but actually nice characters too. HEA with no cliffhangers. Not much of an epilogue either, though this type of series tends to interweave the players' stories, so I'm sure we'll get a little glimpses more of the leads here in future books.
Would I read more in the series? Yes, definitely. Enjoyable characters, good team and friend dynamics, a bit of sports action, all wrapped up in quick read. Plus some diversity in the characters too. Yeah, I'm definitely interested in the rest of the series.
April 5, 2018
3.5 stars
Shane “The Brick Wall” Conrad plays goalie for the Redtails hockey club. He has been in a funk and because he has not been doing well and is worried he wont be starting goalie, he decides not to return home for his Christmas break. He is a self proclaimed awkward person and doesn't like to go to parties. His captain invites him over for dinner where he meets Bliss. Bliss Vescovi works at a bridal boutique and is super close to her family. Like she lives next door to her Autistic brother and keeps an eye on him. Its insta love and they go home together from the part.
I love hockey, I love series, and he's from MN!
I would've liked to see a better epilogue. They both claim their gigantic families are super important but they only met Bliss' brother, no one else. I also didn't like how huge chunks of time were skipped over.
Shane “The Brick Wall” Conrad plays goalie for the Redtails hockey club. He has been in a funk and because he has not been doing well and is worried he wont be starting goalie, he decides not to return home for his Christmas break. He is a self proclaimed awkward person and doesn't like to go to parties. His captain invites him over for dinner where he meets Bliss. Bliss Vescovi works at a bridal boutique and is super close to her family. Like she lives next door to her Autistic brother and keeps an eye on him. Its insta love and they go home together from the part.
I love hockey, I love series, and he's from MN!
I would've liked to see a better epilogue. They both claim their gigantic families are super important but they only met Bliss' brother, no one else. I also didn't like how huge chunks of time were skipped over.
June 27, 2020
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
The Brick Wall was my first book by Stephanie Julian but I don't think it will be my last. I love finding new hockey romance authors! I also think this book was set in my state, which I love.
I really loved the chemistry between the two characters, but I also wanted to shake them at times for them insisting on it just being something casual. Like yeah, okay...They so weren't going to stay casual but they fought it so much!
I think this was a great introduction into a series, and this one has an HEA so don't you worry. I haven't rad anymore in this series yet, but I am excited to read more about the Reading Redtails hockey team!
The Brick Wall was my first book by Stephanie Julian but I don't think it will be my last. I love finding new hockey romance authors! I also think this book was set in my state, which I love.
I really loved the chemistry between the two characters, but I also wanted to shake them at times for them insisting on it just being something casual. Like yeah, okay...They so weren't going to stay casual but they fought it so much!
I think this was a great introduction into a series, and this one has an HEA so don't you worry. I haven't rad anymore in this series yet, but I am excited to read more about the Reading Redtails hockey team!
January 2, 2021
Statistically more than 15% of my freebie reads get DNF'd. Mission aborted. Deleted. Done.
Another 18% hover around a two-star rating.
So that's like a third of all freebies that don't really do it for me. And by freebie, I mean Amazon Kindle free reads, from email links, book bub, etc. A third. So why would I start a brand new year - especially after the shit show the last year proved to be - why would I start with a book that has less than a 70% chance of wowing me?
Because I can't resist a bargain that's why. Even if the odds are against me. But I can be optimistic as well as realistic. That almost 70% gives me some awesome reads every so often.
And this... this was one of them!
My first Stephanie Julian read. A hockey player, who's not a icky man-whore player. A sweet, normal chick who's not a virgin.
I freaking loved it and now I want to read them all!
Another 18% hover around a two-star rating.
So that's like a third of all freebies that don't really do it for me. And by freebie, I mean Amazon Kindle free reads, from email links, book bub, etc. A third. So why would I start a brand new year - especially after the shit show the last year proved to be - why would I start with a book that has less than a 70% chance of wowing me?
Because I can't resist a bargain that's why. Even if the odds are against me. But I can be optimistic as well as realistic. That almost 70% gives me some awesome reads every so often.
And this... this was one of them!
My first Stephanie Julian read. A hockey player, who's not a icky man-whore player. A sweet, normal chick who's not a virgin.
I freaking loved it and now I want to read them all!
February 26, 2024
Shane has been off his game for a while. He's forced to stay home for the holidays and run drills. Hoping that would help get him out of his slump. But his captain had other plans. Plans that included a holiday party at his house and Shane couldn't say no.
Bliss was invited to a Holiday party by a friend and client. She wanted to be anywhere else until she laid eyes on Shane.
I did like both characters. Shane is a giant cinnamon roll, who wants to put hockey first. Bliss, wants to stay away from relationships because of an ex.
The book developed nicely and was easy to read. I enjoy the flow of the story. Could have used a bit more dialogue in some places as the characters were in their heads a lot. I did end up skimming some parts as they were just repeating thoughts of what the characters wanted or feelings about things, just written in a different manner.
Bliss was invited to a Holiday party by a friend and client. She wanted to be anywhere else until she laid eyes on Shane.
I did like both characters. Shane is a giant cinnamon roll, who wants to put hockey first. Bliss, wants to stay away from relationships because of an ex.
The book developed nicely and was easy to read. I enjoy the flow of the story. Could have used a bit more dialogue in some places as the characters were in their heads a lot. I did end up skimming some parts as they were just repeating thoughts of what the characters wanted or feelings about things, just written in a different manner.
April 21, 2020
Short and spicy
Nice, short interesting story with likable characters. These sports stories kind of give you an in sight into some of the struggles some of these sport stars may be going through in their life while everyone in expecting them to keep winning to entertain us. Shane knew something was missing from his life but he didn't know what it was until he met Bliss. Bliss was was emotionally manipulated and she lost trust in all men but all she needed was the right man to restore her faith. No matter how hurt you are, until you are willing to open yourself to hurt again you will miss the opportunity to heal and find true happiness. Shane and Bliss learnt that lesson.
Nice, short interesting story with likable characters. These sports stories kind of give you an in sight into some of the struggles some of these sport stars may be going through in their life while everyone in expecting them to keep winning to entertain us. Shane knew something was missing from his life but he didn't know what it was until he met Bliss. Bliss was was emotionally manipulated and she lost trust in all men but all she needed was the right man to restore her faith. No matter how hurt you are, until you are willing to open yourself to hurt again you will miss the opportunity to heal and find true happiness. Shane and Bliss learnt that lesson.
June 18, 2025
Dual POV, Hockey Romance, Third Act Breakup
This wasn't a bad book, just nothing special. I kinda don't love reading hockey romances when they are in the AHL because some of the appeal is less - they don't have the fame, or the money and sometimes, not even the youth - but this wasn't bad. I like how they called up the ML to the NHL and that kinda led to the drama, tho I always think that third act breakups are kinda forced and dumb.
The leads hook up early and have good chemistry. I kinda hate the miscommunication over what they are because people are too insecure to have those convos, but I get that this is fiction.
Quick read and hits the spot if you are just looking for hockey smut with some plot.
This wasn't a bad book, just nothing special. I kinda don't love reading hockey romances when they are in the AHL because some of the appeal is less - they don't have the fame, or the money and sometimes, not even the youth - but this wasn't bad. I like how they called up the ML to the NHL and that kinda led to the drama, tho I always think that third act breakups are kinda forced and dumb.
The leads hook up early and have good chemistry. I kinda hate the miscommunication over what they are because people are too insecure to have those convos, but I get that this is fiction.
Quick read and hits the spot if you are just looking for hockey smut with some plot.
June 28, 2019
I loved it
I loved it, Shane is the starting goalie for the Reading Redtails Hockey team also known as the Brick Wall, he is invited to a Christmas party at one of his teammate's houses where he meets Bliss, a friend of his teammate's wife and they are instantly attracted and become very close very quickly. But then when the reality of how quickly he could be traded or called up to the NHL team and he would have to leave occurs to Bliss she decides she has to break it off before they get too much closers because she could never leave Reading because of her job and her family.
They will just have to figure it out.
I cant wait for the next book
I loved it, Shane is the starting goalie for the Reading Redtails Hockey team also known as the Brick Wall, he is invited to a Christmas party at one of his teammate's houses where he meets Bliss, a friend of his teammate's wife and they are instantly attracted and become very close very quickly. But then when the reality of how quickly he could be traded or called up to the NHL team and he would have to leave occurs to Bliss she decides she has to break it off before they get too much closers because she could never leave Reading because of her job and her family.
They will just have to figure it out.
I cant wait for the next book
October 20, 2018
Well-written sports romance with a hero who's not a jerk
I don't particularly like the one night stand intentions that bring hero and heroine together or the heroine's enduring assumption that the hero will treat her poorly, because an ex-boyfriend did. I do understand the uncertainty and angst regarding the potential decision to pull up stakes and follow an unpredictable career. Kudos to the author for making the hero a decent guy instead of the usual arrogant, womanizing jerk.
I don't particularly like the one night stand intentions that bring hero and heroine together or the heroine's enduring assumption that the hero will treat her poorly, because an ex-boyfriend did. I do understand the uncertainty and angst regarding the potential decision to pull up stakes and follow an unpredictable career. Kudos to the author for making the hero a decent guy instead of the usual arrogant, womanizing jerk.
May 2, 2023
This book combines two of my favorite things. Hockey and steamy romances that go from a simple one night stand to something more unintentionally. In a way the main male character reminds me of my own guy in the fact that he is a video game loving goof ball that has an all business side.
However, it crushed me when fear took over and basically it turned into a denial of what was actually there. I was gritting my teeth and asking "why oh God why?" As I flew through the last 20 pages or so of the book. Glad Shane won the cup, got the girl, and found his grove between the pipes again.
However, it crushed me when fear took over and basically it turned into a denial of what was actually there. I was gritting my teeth and asking "why oh God why?" As I flew through the last 20 pages or so of the book. Glad Shane won the cup, got the girl, and found his grove between the pipes again.
December 31, 2018
A hockey player romance that
Actually contains hockey. I really enjoyed this book for two reasons. First and foremost the author developed her characters using the people around them. We get to know Shane and Bliss through their own actions and the way they interact with others. Second, the author talks hockey. A sneak peek into Shane’s world and the job of playing hockey. HEA included.
Actually contains hockey. I really enjoyed this book for two reasons. First and foremost the author developed her characters using the people around them. We get to know Shane and Bliss through their own actions and the way they interact with others. Second, the author talks hockey. A sneak peek into Shane’s world and the job of playing hockey. HEA included.
February 10, 2021
AHL goalie Shane is in a bit of a slump when he reluctantly goes to a friend’s party and meets Bliss. it’s intensely hot the minute he lays eyes on her but she sees him first. Wow, my heart was beating ferociously while they met and chatted. There was some major attraction going on. Shane was a great guy — very chivalrous, considerate and not arrogant. Bliss was very confident and knew what she wanted. Loved the story!
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