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Nickel City Bandits #1
Off Side
Sam Maxwell was supposed to be an accomplished referee. Instead she finds herself permanently in the penalty box.
When Sam’s grandfather passes away, she is forced to return home. Sam has no idea how much her life is about to get turned upside down.
When she meets Drew Morgan, the large attractive Zamboni driver at the rink, snark flies.
Neither of them knows they share a past, a past that is about to show up and confront them both.
This close proximity, high heat and humor story, contains a bunny slipper wearing heroine, a meddling pet donkey and an accidental dose of marijuana leading to laughs.
When Sam’s grandfather passes away, she is forced to return home. Sam has no idea how much her life is about to get turned upside down.
When she meets Drew Morgan, the large attractive Zamboni driver at the rink, snark flies.
Neither of them knows they share a past, a past that is about to show up and confront them both.
This close proximity, high heat and humor story, contains a bunny slipper wearing heroine, a meddling pet donkey and an accidental dose of marijuana leading to laughs.
228 pages, ebook
Published April 26, 2021
18 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Neill
26 books213 followersRM is an introverted Canadian author who likes to write about love while freezing in the winter.
Her mission is to always make you swoon and snort laugh, sometimes even in public.
She talks to her cat, Moon, and sometimes people. She married her prince charming, who often inspires her characters, but still can't place dirty clothes in the hamper.
When she's not writing swoony men to fall in love with, she's in her garden providing mosquitoes with an alternative food source. She can also be found inventing new swear words on the golf course.
You can find her on facebook or visit her website rmneillauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this hockey romance. The characters were relatable and had depth. The story had all the feels and had unexpected twists.
Sam Maxwell grew up playing hockey, officiated at the NCAA level and is the new owner of her hometown hockey team the Bandits after her grandfather's passing.
Drew Morgan's dream of playing in the NHL was crushed at 17 when he had a bad injury. Now he drives the Zamboni at the rink and cares for the horses and donkeys on the farm Sam's grandfather owned. He has a job as a therapist and hopes to open his own equine therapy program.
Sam's grandfather left conditions in his will for Sam and Drew to get their inheritances. Drew needs to help Sam on the farm and help her from running away from her problems. Sam has to get Drew back involved with hockey and has to take charge of the hockey team for one season. While they are trying to meet the terms of the will they fall in love and eventually get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sam Maxwell grew up playing hockey, officiated at the NCAA level and is the new owner of her hometown hockey team the Bandits after her grandfather's passing.
Drew Morgan's dream of playing in the NHL was crushed at 17 when he had a bad injury. Now he drives the Zamboni at the rink and cares for the horses and donkeys on the farm Sam's grandfather owned. He has a job as a therapist and hopes to open his own equine therapy program.
Sam's grandfather left conditions in his will for Sam and Drew to get their inheritances. Drew needs to help Sam on the farm and help her from running away from her problems. Sam has to get Drew back involved with hockey and has to take charge of the hockey team for one season. While they are trying to meet the terms of the will they fall in love and eventually get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2022
new love for hockey
I loved it!! This story was super sweet. I want more of this series. It was cool to see Sam stick up for herself even if got hurt. I loved that Drew even found his heart for hockey again. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I loved it!! This story was super sweet. I want more of this series. It was cool to see Sam stick up for herself even if got hurt. I loved that Drew even found his heart for hockey again. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
April 26, 2021
This was an enjoyable and intricate hockey-focused romance with delightful characters. Sam Maxwell grew up immersed in hockey, and after her grandfather died, he passed the ownership of the team to Sam. Drew Morgan had a serious injury in his teen years that kept him from his NHL aspirations. Instead, he drives the Zamboni at the rink.
Sam and Drew were called to Mr. Burns’ office. Sam's grandfather left stipulations in his Will in order for Sam and Drew to get their inheritances. Sam must take over the head coach position with the Bandits for the entire season. Once the season is over, she can decide to continue or not, but she must do it this initial year. She must treat it as a real job and not try to get out of it, as her grandfather warned that she runs away when things get difficult. If she does quit before the season is up, she will lose her entire inheritance, and the farm and all associated property will be sold.
For Drew, Sam’s grandfather Tom had discussed the horses and barn he wants Drew to have and regardless of what Sam does, the horses will belong to Drew which may help him start his equine therapy program. If the farm gets sold, there is a sum set aside to help Drew set up somewhere else.
There is also a special instruction for each of them. Drew needs to help Sam on the farm and help her from running away from problems, which is what she usually does. Sam must get Drew directly involved with the team. He was giving them personal and professional goals and the responsibility for pushing each other to comply. Sam’s grandfather had a purpose here. Was he hoping the two people he loved most would learn to love and care for each other? Would his plan work?
Sam and Drew were called to Mr. Burns’ office. Sam's grandfather left stipulations in his Will in order for Sam and Drew to get their inheritances. Sam must take over the head coach position with the Bandits for the entire season. Once the season is over, she can decide to continue or not, but she must do it this initial year. She must treat it as a real job and not try to get out of it, as her grandfather warned that she runs away when things get difficult. If she does quit before the season is up, she will lose her entire inheritance, and the farm and all associated property will be sold.
For Drew, Sam’s grandfather Tom had discussed the horses and barn he wants Drew to have and regardless of what Sam does, the horses will belong to Drew which may help him start his equine therapy program. If the farm gets sold, there is a sum set aside to help Drew set up somewhere else.
There is also a special instruction for each of them. Drew needs to help Sam on the farm and help her from running away from problems, which is what she usually does. Sam must get Drew directly involved with the team. He was giving them personal and professional goals and the responsibility for pushing each other to comply. Sam’s grandfather had a purpose here. Was he hoping the two people he loved most would learn to love and care for each other? Would his plan work?
May 9, 2021
She's a hockey ref with a lot to prove as a female in the business. He saw his pro dream smash to pieces after an injury. They butt heads immediately upon meeting, but once Sam and Drew realize that they need to work together in order to receive the inheritance her grandfather left each of them, they need to find a way to move past their first impressions. First impressions that weren't so great.
This book had a lot to offer, and it's a nice slow burn as these characters realize just how wrong they were about the other and eventually fall in love. The characters are relatable, and I love Sam as a strong heroine, fiercely independent. And Drew has a chip on his shoulder when they first meet, but calms her down and centers her. Off Side is the first book I've read by this author, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't connect with Sam and Drew the way I hoped I would, and for that reason, this book lacked oomph for me.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This book had a lot to offer, and it's a nice slow burn as these characters realize just how wrong they were about the other and eventually fall in love. The characters are relatable, and I love Sam as a strong heroine, fiercely independent. And Drew has a chip on his shoulder when they first meet, but calms her down and centers her. Off Side is the first book I've read by this author, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't connect with Sam and Drew the way I hoped I would, and for that reason, this book lacked oomph for me.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
April 22, 2021
RM Neill has written one of the funniest books I have ever read. The characters pull you in from the beginning and you can’t help but want to know what happens next. Very well written. Prepare yourself for some major laughs especially since there is a donkey and some herbal tea involved at one point. Without giving anything away it’s a must read. Don’t forget about the bonus scene you can get after you finish the book. I most definitely cant wait to read more from this author.
Sam is a strong, feisty woman who has grown up in a man’s world. She has no problem standing up for herself and giving you a piece of her mind. She also has a softer side though. She has a past though that could catch up to her at any moment.
Drew is lovable and it is so nice to see a man in a book that has a softer side to him. He is also very protective when he needs to be. He’s been through some rough times.
Sam is a strong, feisty woman who has grown up in a man’s world. She has no problem standing up for herself and giving you a piece of her mind. She also has a softer side though. She has a past though that could catch up to her at any moment.
Drew is lovable and it is so nice to see a man in a book that has a softer side to him. He is also very protective when he needs to be. He’s been through some rough times.
April 26, 2021
Off Side is a fun sports romance following Sam Maxwell and Drew Morgan. Sam has returns to her hometown after inheriting a junior hockey team and farm from her late grandfather. Drew is a therapist and part time zamboni driver who is requested to help out Sam during this transition.
After a rocky introduction, they learn that they have to work together in order to receive their inheritance, or get nothing. As they get closer, someone from their past shows up that could spoil everything they've built.
I love Sam's independence and drive. She doesn't back down to anyone despite her size. Drew is the calm to her storm. There's also cute scenes involving horses and donkeys.
I liked reading the different POVs, especially their introduction. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
After a rocky introduction, they learn that they have to work together in order to receive their inheritance, or get nothing. As they get closer, someone from their past shows up that could spoil everything they've built.
I love Sam's independence and drive. She doesn't back down to anyone despite her size. Drew is the calm to her storm. There's also cute scenes involving horses and donkeys.
I liked reading the different POVs, especially their introduction. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 12, 2022
Funny, Romantic, and Heart Felt
R.M. Neill starts her Nickel City Bandits series with a beautiful story of two souls who have suffered through some awful experiences, but with the help of a caring grandpa and friend, find the love they each need to become whole again.
Off Side is hockey based, yet it is actually heart based. There are some fabulous characters, with a sassy female lead in Sam, and a kind and considerate male lead in Drew. Neill finds a way to make you laugh out loud, while your heart gets squeezed with sadness shortly after.
This is a well-rounded romance for an author’s debut. I have read some of her current books and decided that I needed to read everything Neill has published. I am so glad I did!
R.M. Neill starts her Nickel City Bandits series with a beautiful story of two souls who have suffered through some awful experiences, but with the help of a caring grandpa and friend, find the love they each need to become whole again.
Off Side is hockey based, yet it is actually heart based. There are some fabulous characters, with a sassy female lead in Sam, and a kind and considerate male lead in Drew. Neill finds a way to make you laugh out loud, while your heart gets squeezed with sadness shortly after.
This is a well-rounded romance for an author’s debut. I have read some of her current books and decided that I needed to read everything Neill has published. I am so glad I did!
April 26, 2021
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Sam and Drew. Sam's grandfather just passed away and she's headed home to heal her wounds, her ex really made a mess of her life. Drew works on the farm with the horses and runs the Zamboni at the rink. They meet on a bad note, he's a jerk and she's cranky. But they are forced to work together for the greater good. All the while a true connection is forming. When danger comes her way Drew will protect her always. Great HEA in the end.
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.
April 26, 2021
I loved this book! The chemistry between Sam and Drew was palpable from the very get go! This story was a very easy read. I needed to find out what was going to happen between the two of them and couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, which made me want more of the secondary characters as well. I loved the humor in the book and was laughing out loud. I had all the feels with this one. The story has good flow and I was rooting for Drew the whole way through! Can't wait to read more from this author.
April 30, 2021
After leaving her career officiating NCAA hockey under suspicious circumstances Sam now owns her late Grandfather's junior hockey team. Drew is a therapist who once loved hockey until a seemingly unfortunate injury brought his career to a halt. Now they have to face their demons or forfeit an inheritance.
The book was good. The characters and story were great but I did not like the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was good. The characters and story were great but I did not like the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2021
I received this as an arc for my honest review
This book was probably better than my rating indicates but I simply could not get into a real flow reading it because of the way it was written. I really enjoy dual point of view books but it just needs to be crystal clear which point of view each section is because otherwise I just find it distracting.
This book was probably better than my rating indicates but I simply could not get into a real flow reading it because of the way it was written. I really enjoy dual point of view books but it just needs to be crystal clear which point of view each section is because otherwise I just find it distracting.
April 26, 2021
Excellent book. Well developed characters. Fabulous story line, and well executed plot. It's flows smoothly between characters. Some funny moments, some serious moments. A very well-rounded book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 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.
May 1, 2021
New author and this story didn't disappoint. Sam and Drew are thrown together when Sam's granddad dies. He leaves her his team and his home with some stipulations that Drew has to help with. These two fall hard and fast and even with some crappy stuff in there past they move quickly. These two work so well together and this was a sweet story.
October 10, 2022
Off Side
This was a great romance with hockey as the background for the story. Sam and Drew were made for each other, and although fast, their love was real and strong, and the HEA sweet. I’ve already read book two and three is coming up soon! The editing was a bit iffy, but it wasn’t so bad that I had to stop reading, and book two wasn’t as bad.
This was a great romance with hockey as the background for the story. Sam and Drew were made for each other, and although fast, their love was real and strong, and the HEA sweet. I’ve already read book two and three is coming up soon! The editing was a bit iffy, but it wasn’t so bad that I had to stop reading, and book two wasn’t as bad.
July 7, 2021
Ugh yes that's all I've got
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews