Shot Taker

Las Vegas Vipers #4

by Stacey Lynn

Release Date: June 28

It was just supposed to be a week long vacation for my brother’s wedding.
I wasn’t supposed to find her. A woman I was inexplicably drawn to. A woman I couldn’t keep my hands off of. A woman who didn’t hesitate to ask for what she wanted.

So what happens when the week is over and we return to our homes? Me to Las Vegas to prepare for the next season, and her to California, where she has a career she might just love more than I love playing hockey.

It was supposed to be a fling, but I want more. And I’m not going down without a fight. It’s my shot… and I’m taking it.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports, Romance, Contemporary

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is not your typical hockey Romance. We are taken on an Island vacation with Max for his brother's wedding, but it's more than that as well because Max was hurt shortly before he leaves with an injury that could very well end his career. Which was devastating to him, as I am sure it is with most athletes. Max has a lot on his mind so he's looking forward to unwinding during his week away but when he sets eyes on the petite bridesmaid with the super long curly hair, who is also the brides cousin, he starts thinking maybe loosing himself in her for a night or two wouldn't be so bad.

Kim is overworked and is looking forward to spending the week relaxing at the resort and helping her cousin with anything she needs for the wedding. She is a family lawyer and deals with a lot of wealthy clients, most of whom are athletes so she's always sworn them off but she can't help but notice Max and once they start talking she sees there is something very different about him.

Read my Full Review and find out more about the book here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewST




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a book, with a story developing on a tropical island. This is one of the things that I loved soo much in this book.

Max and Kim were the cutest couple. The minute they set eyes on each other it was attraction galore 😁. Even though the warnings from Kim's cousin and Max's brother for no drama, they were soo much with each other that they couldn't stayed away.

What I liked the most was, that both of them wanted to give it a go - the chance for the lust to grow to something more, the distance, the relationship. In the end everything turned great ♥️.

I had lots of fun reading this book. The insta lust was soo soo good. The sparks were flying all the way through 🔥🔥🔥.

**"ARC was provided by Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.***

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another #win for Stacey Lynn!

An emotional, but not angsty, and super sexy read, this romance journey had me all kinds of happy thru the whole reading experience! I loved Max & Kim so much and their story read easy, even thru the struggles! I was fully captivated by these two from the very beginning and rooting for them until the end! There’s not much else to say except to say that the story is relatable and realistic in a way I wouldn’t have expected. It didn’t feel like just a week and that’s why I loved this journey so much. The choices that Stacey made for the characters and the plot just made their journey not come off as insta but in reality, that’s exactly what happened! GAH, everyone just needs to read this story stat!

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!
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[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving the Las Vegas Vipers Series and I was excited for Max and Kim’s story and all im going to say is, this story was anything I expected and so much more. Shot Taker is the perfect addition to this wonderful series of stand-alone reads.
Max is looking forward to some well deserved relaxation while attending His brothers tropical wedding, what he didn’t expect was to fall for the cousin of the bride….
Kim is an attorney and a week away is just what the doctor ordered to unwind and recharge her batteries and this wedding has come just at the right time. When she meets the brother of the groom sparks fly, the attraction is instant but this could never be more than fling because she deals with high profile athletes all the time while doing her job in family law. A week of fun and games could work really well as long as feelings don’t come into play….
This is a sweet yet steamy, entertaining read, it has wonderful characters and a story that’s believable. I was captivated from the first page and there was putting down until I had read the final line and if like me you love Insta-love romances that hit the floor running this is the book for you. I highly recommend Shot Taker and this series to all romance lovers and I can5 wait for what next from the Las Vegas Vipers hockey team.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Max and Kim's story. It's an instant attraction between them but they know the score. It's only for the week and after that, they're going separate ways, Max back in Vegas and Kim in California. I loved both of their characters. They fit together perfectly and I loved how Max is with Kim and vice versa. Though I do wish the last two/three chapters were longer. I wanted to see more of how their relationship develops now that they're back in real life.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much of this book was relatable for me. As a former athlete I could feel the frustration that Max felt with his injuries. The fear of losing his abilities to play hockey hit home on so many levels. His brother's wedding in paradise was the best thing to keep his brain off worries.

Kim too was feeling pressure from her job. She too was excited to relax for a few days on the beach. When they met it was like everything faded away and all they could do was let the chemistry and connection take over. But the more time they spend together the more they start to feel something more. Since neither wanted to say goodbye after a week in paradise, we're left with a perfect ending to a perfect couple in every sense of the word.

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoony, heartfelt and scorching hot, you won't regret giving Shot Taker a Shot.

With the paradise backdrop of a tropical vacation, sugar, spice and a whole lot of sass, Max and Kim had me hooked from the very first page. I loved Max's sweetness and genuine heart and Kim's strength and confidence. Together, their connection shines through the pages, making sparks fly, and hearts flutter.

Filled with so many swoon worthy little moments alongside absolutely sizzling scenes, while packing a punch to the feels, this book is a wonderful read.

5 stars and an vacation fling

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @valentine_pr_ for the arc of this book to review.
I loved this one!
It was sweet, sexy and a little goofy too. All whilst also covering some pretty important topics.
I liked the idea of going on a destination holiday and falling in love. It’s just like the most classic romance. And this book delivers that story really well.
Kim, the main female character, is a badass lawyer, who’s strong, confident and knows what she wants. The book discusses how unfair it is for Kim being a female in a largely male dominated job and I think it covers the topic really well.
Max is a professional hockey player recovering from a bad injury and again it’s a topic the author covers well - the hardships which come with a job with a relatively short life span compared to classic ones.
The only thing I would have liked is less fade to black smut scenes 😂 There were a couple open door but with how many closed door ones it made the book feel a little rushed.
Super quick read, bingeable in a day, and definitely an author I’m going to read from again!

Tropes:
Instant love
Hockey romance
Benefits to lovers

Steam:
🔥🔥🔥/5

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shot Taker is book four in the Las Vegas Viper series and can be read as a standalone. While the other books had much more hockey action and interaction with the other players, this one takes our hero Max to a destination wedding for his brother in the tropics. It is there he meets our heroine, Kim, who is the cousin of the bride and a bridesmaid. It’s a insta-spark, easy read with low-angst and wonderful characters that you will like instantly.

I really liked the more laid back vibe of this edition as the author describes the location so beautifully. The book starts off as Kim is leaving for a well-deserved vacation from her high-stress job as an attorney back in California. She specializes in family law and has strong opinions about never wanting to date a professional athlete since she’s seen how some of them behaved in court.

We’ve met Max in previous books and feel for him as he's had his heart crushed more than once by vipers trying to take advantage, and he’s immediately smitten when he sees Kim at the hotel pool for the first time. These two have an instant connection and this is no slow burn! It was fun to see how they spent their time frolicking in the sun on dates as well as in the bedroom, and any other place they could find!

It was suppose to be just a week of fun and pleasure, then they’d go back to the real lives, but sometimes a week is all you need to fall in love. I really loved how they were both close to their families and they were part of this story, too. Max did want marriage and children, while she was against marriage due to being jaded from her job, but once she got to know him, she begins to have a change of heart about her opinion about athletes.

Stacey always writes characters that are relatable and you want to route for. I can just imagine Kim and her spitfire personality taking and Max just wanting to feel loved and content. He has a major health crisis going on that will determine the rest of his career, and while trying to be brave on the outside, is really torn up on the inside as hockey has been his life. Our heroine steps up and lets him know she is there for him regardless of the outcome. I really liked how they were both willing to make sacrifices so they can be together, and that their relationship took priority over their careers. Swoon!

Where this book fell a bit short for me was when Max vacillated about buying a farm, wanting to be a math teacher, and also coaching a youth hockey league, then another offer comes up and that is all dropped rather quickly. There was a brief explanation, and I do understand his reasons and fully support him just as our heroine did, I just wished they discussed it a bit more and maybe he consider coaching a college or pro team in CA.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the start! What's better than meeting someone at your brother's wedding on an island resort? Cue in hot hockey player Max, and strong independent woman Kim, and the sparks that seem to follow these two! A perfect island storm is what you get here! 5 hot hockey stars for this one!
Max is on the island to help celebrate his brothers wedding, and also to get some rest and rehab for an injury he suffered while with his friends during the offseason. But nothing can prepare him for the beauty that he see's when he meets Kim, the brides cousin for the first time.
Kim is a divorce lawyer in California, a damn good one at that. One thing she doesn't care for are professional athlete's, but when she meets Max, she can't deny the attraction that they share. She figures what's wrong with a no strings attached island fling while they are there, what could possibly go wrong!
I devoured this book, I love this series, and this is one you don't want to miss out on! Grab it asap!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggling with an injury that he hopes won't mean the end of his playing career, professional hockey player Max Mikolajczyk is happy to escape to the Caribbean for a week to celebrate his older brother's wedding with family and friends. Cousin of the bride Kim is looking forward to the nuptials as well; as a workaholic divorce attorney, she can't remember the last time she took a vacation. Upon arriving at the beautiful, private resort where the wedding is to be held, Max and Kim learn that they are the only single guests, but the bride and groom, concerned about "drama" interfering with the wedding festivities, warn them against getting involved. Despite the warnings, Max and Kim can't ignore their attraction and decide to have a vacation fling. At first, both are convinced they can keep things casual and drama-free, but the more time they spend together, the more they start to wonder what it would be like to explore a relationship outside the confines of the resort. Can they overcome the numerous challenges they face and find a way to be together back in the real world?

Kim and Max had fantastic chemistry from the moment they met and their relationship was quite steamy. The challenges they faced were realistic and relatable, particularly their opposing views on marriage and the fact that they lived in different cities. The unexpected but perfect events of the epilogue proved that they had found a balance that worked well for both of them, and I closed the book with a happy smile on my face, knowing that Max and Kim had a bright future in front of them.

Max's playful, teasing relationship with his brothers was also a highlight of the book for me. I'd love to read future stories about the remaining unmarried Mikolajczyk brothers!

Overall, I enjoyed and would recommend "Shot Taker" for all fans of contemporary/sports romance. It didn't get me in the feels as much as the last two books in the series, but it was still an excellent read, and I can't wait for the next one.

*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Max and “Kimmy” are my favorite couple so far in the series. This is a whirlwind Romance that was smoking hot! And proves when you find your person - everything else falls into place.

[Laiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

#TakeMeToTheBeach
#HolidayRomance
#MaxMiko
#AttyKimmy
#LoveAtTheIsland
#Changes
#Life
#Love
#Viper
#Nevada
#ShotTaker

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Max may not have always made the best choices when it comes to the women in his life hockey was the one constant in his life. Trying to cover from his latest injury is proving to be challenging so he hopes that his brother’s destination wedding might be just what he needs especially once he meets Kim.

Kim has a demanding career as a lawyer so a getaway for her cousin’s wedding couldn’t have come at a better time. From the moment she meets Max the sparks fly, and she is attracted to him despite the fact that he is an author. What was supposed to be some fun in the sun is beginning to feel like so much more but is it enough to overcome their very different lifestyles?

Hot chemistry, humorous interactions and all the feels as Max and Kim are exactly what the other needs in their lives. They are there for each other and have some challenges to overcome both personally and professionally.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Las Vegas Vipers #4

Max Mikolajczyk, 31 is a professional hockey player for the Las Vegas Vipers. While he and a teammate were out rock climbing he got injured with a minor concussion and a rotator cuff injury. This was the 4th concussion he has gotten in the last couple years and he was a little worried. Good thing he has his brother's wedding in 4 weeks and it's a destination one on an island resort.
Kim is 29 and a workaholic lawyer. She has worked the last 6 years trying to make her mark in her law firm doing family law. She is taking a long overdue vacation to be in her cousin's destination wedding. She gets paired up with Max since he is the only other guy that is single but she doesn't care for athletics.
The first thing Max notices about Kim is her waist length hair and he thinks she is beautiful. They start hanging out together and the chemistry and connection between them is undeniable so a vaca fling they decide it will be.
But what happens at the end of the week when neither wants to say goodbye but they live in different states and who knows what will happen with Max's hockey career.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge hockey romance lover, not to mention the sport itself, and the Viper series is one of my favorites. Max and Kim had chemistry to spare as the meet at the very exclusive wedding of his brother and her cousin. Max is recuperating from some serious injuries so he’s just looking to relax and heal. Kim is an unexpected but welcome distraction from his family’s concern and his fears of not playing hockey again. While a lawyer who doesn’t believe in marriage and an athlete who does might seem like an unlikely match, Stacey Lynn shows us just how right they are for each other.
Not wanting to give away plot points, let me just say that she does a very sensitive and accurate portrayal of the effects of concussions in the field of sports. I appreciate that attention to detail and factual information as much as I loved the connection between Kim and Max.
I loved it.

[Lymari Yenderrozos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! The immediate and intense attraction between Kim and Max was amazing, and I loved how passionate and playful they were together. I really admired Kim and how up front she was about what she did and didn’t want in her future. The honesty and acceptance between these two was refreshing and made their chemistry even hotter. Spice was absolutely incredible, as were all the supporting characters. Another amazing book in this series! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

17/6

Review to come - I’m still deliberating 4 or 5 stars but can’t quite get past the insta life feelings…. Let me think on it.

28/6

Max is an ageing hockey player for the Las Vegas Vipers and has been unlucky in love. His last girlfriend wanted him for increasing her follower count. He heads off to his brothers wedding (as one of 8 kids there’s a huge cast of relatives to keep up with). Max is generous to a fault - providing the venue for the wedding,, booking out an island for the wedding guests.

Kim is a lawyer who has worked hard to get where she wants to be. She doesn’t want to get married … ever and doesn’t want to settle. When she is to be the bridesmaid at her cousin’s wedding she is warned off any of the ‘brothers’ as her cousin doesn’t want her hooking up and making things difficult for the seven days of the wedding.

Of course these two set eyes on one another. No strings right? Max doesn’t disclose he’s injured to Kim initially and he’s supposed to be rehabbing. He’s pretty avoidant of it really. As far are hockey books go this one has less of a hockey focus in that it’s in the background with the focus on the wedding, the relationship and the chemistry, with about a quarter of the book being the afterwards.

My struggle can sometimes be the insta love trope and it has to be a good book to see this trope work successfully. This chemistry is intense for these two during the holiday week. The couple are compatible and props for having a strong female character that knows what she wants, communicates it and stands by it. This one really nails it when considering equity in decision making in the relationship.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was on vacation!

Beautiful scenery, sexy people, and love is everywhere. This next installment of the Vipers hockey team brings us Max’s story. We learn about his family, his values and of course his career and what is at stake.

Kim is the cousin and best friend of our bride to be. She is beautiful, independent, and successful. She has her own set of rules when it comes to her career and her relationships. She is ready for a break from her life and wants to enjoy the beach where the wedding will be held.

Max and Kim are fun and flirty. Their chemistry is off the charts. Max is an instant favorite because of how close he is to his family and the struggles he is facing. Kim is perfect for him because they both want the same thing for the week, then they will go their separate ways.

This book is perfect for the beach and to escape life. The timing of it could not be more perfect. I will put this entire series 0n my re-read shelf. Shot Taker is my new favorite.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Las Vegas Vipers series and it’s Max’s story. He is struggling to recover from a potentially career ending injury when he goes to his brother’s wedding. He meets Kim, their attraction is instantaneous, even though his brother and the bride (Kim’s cousin) each warn them to stay away from the other. Apparently, neither is good at following orders!
They quickly fall into an easy rhythm; they are quick to laugh, enjoy each other’s company and have white hot chemistry. He is a dirty talking alpha with a soft side and Kim is a strong, sexy, independent pint-sized firecracker. It was so much fun watching these two fall for each other and push hard to make sure their relationship could continue to grow. This book is a good addition to the series, and I enjoyed seeing the other sides of Max, not just Max the hockey player. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 4.5⭐️s

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended way to fast for me!! I was enjoying this story sooo much I was Surprised that I was Already done reading it! Kim is a attorney living in California exited to be part of her cousins wedding. Max is a professional hockey player and is attending his brothers wedding. These two career driven people have a instant connection and crazy chemistry. A vacation fling was what they thought they were getting into, can this be more? This was a fast paced read with so much passion. I enjoyed how open they were with each other and how supportive they were of each other. I was extremely entertained and loved this book! I swear Each new book in this series gives me my new favorite character! I’m already excited to read the next book and get Kanes story.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series beyond words! Max & Kim’s story is the perfect addition to this world.

Max & Kim were on an island for a wedding. And the last thing they expected was to fall for each other. Max & Kim’s chemistry was off the charts! And I just loved them together. Max & Kim were exactly what the other needed in their lives.

I can’t wait to revisit these characters and this world. I’m beyond excited that Kane’s story is next!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance meeting at an island wedding. Well, not exactly a chance meeting since they were both in the wedding! Kim’s a high powered attorney in LA who handles divorces for lots of celebrities and pro athletes. Max is, you guessed it, a NHL defenseman for the Las Vegas Vipers. She has nothing but disdain for pro athletes. She’s not at all his usual type: tiny, natural, but beautiful and confident! The chemistry is mutual and immediate! What’s just one week of some fun?
A wonderful story of two young people drawn to one another despite their differences.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Stacey Lynn. A MUST READ

[Aysha Sauk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shot Taker
Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
Spice: ♥♥ (2/5)


I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


book information…
Tropes/Themes
Summer Fling, Beach Romance, Secret Romance, Sports Romance, Vacation, Insta-attraction
Series or Standalone?
Standalone in a series of interconnected standalones.
Cliffhanger?
No Cliffhanger
Type of Relationship
M/F
Descriptive Sex Scenes?
Yes
Contains Cheating?
No
Dual POV Chapters?
Yes


Main Character Thoughts

KIMBERLY (KIMMY)
★★★★
The was that Kimmy hated nicknames but allowed Max to call her "Kimmy". The scene when Kimmy surprised Max was so cute, the fact that she was able to put her work behind her and beat the distance of their relationship showed me that this was a realistic couple that we could really see in the non-fictional world. I loved how important Kimmy's work and career was to her, she was not willing to just give up her job and life for a man and I like that. I also loved that Kimmy had such a different view on marriage, because it's so uncommon in romance's that the women is opposed to marriage and has to work through that. I related to Kimmy on that aspect because I have felt similar feelings about marriage.

"I'm falling in love with you, too. Whatever happens today, we'll face together."

MAXIM (MAX)
★★★★
I loved Max all-around, but I especially loved watching him put his health first. It is so rare to see any athlete (especially male) put their own health and needs above their desire to play a sport. It was so important to see a man be vulnerable and show real emotion. I also loved that in the end Max made the sacrifice for Kimmy, so often in sports romances the girl ends of moving/sacrificing for the man to get his dream and success. But Max wanted success for Kimmy and was willing to do anything for her to get it once he understood his sports career was done. It did bother me a little bit how much Max talked about Kimmy's hair... like it just felt so excessive to me. But other than that I loved Max.

"I think every time I'm with you might be perfect because I'm falling in love with you."

Side Characters
Bridget & Marshall Kimmy's cousin who is marrying Marshall, Maxim's brother.
Malcolm & Shelby Max's older brother and wife.
Nathan Bridget and Marshall's son, Max's nephew.



🖤Elements I Enjoyed🖤
* Multi-POV
* Short Chapters
* Kimmy's views on marriage
* Max's sacrifices for Kimmy/retirement
* The vacation/wedding element

❌Elements I Didn't Enjoy❌
this is just my personal preference.
* Obsession of Kimmy's hair
* Insta-love vibes


I really did enjoy Shot Taker, it was super fast paced, and easy to read and enjoy! I loved the element of the big family and seeing little elements of everyone's relationships within the family. I loved Max putting his health first and I really enjoyed the sacrifices Max made for Kimmy. I would 100% read the rest of this series because I really did enjoy the writing style!
♥8/10 recommend for sports romance lovers who enjoy insta-love and secret romance vibes♥

checkout @sockspamslibrary on TikTok and Insta for more reviews and book art!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This would’ve been 3 stars until the last 100ish pages (I may or may not have cried)

Things I Liked:
-vacation fling turns more trope
-the immediate chemistry and comfort between Max and Kim
-how Max went about getting a seat next to Kim on the flight home
-that Max and Kim actually talked about wanting to be together before they went home (I appreciate the lack of angst and that they didn’t both go home and wait for the other one to reach out first)
-the loyalty of Max’s teammates and that they wanted to be there for him when he finds out news that will impact his future
-that Max took control of his own future and decided to retire before finding out if he could ever play again (due to his many concussions and CTE symptoms)
-the epilogue, and that Kim was so willing to move her life and career for Max to pursue coaching

Things I Didn’t Like:
-the amount of sex scenes - there were way too many and not enough bonding without a physical relationship
-the fact that they were both okay with a vacation fling despite both of them being described as wanting long-term relationships (this would’ve made more sense if one of them was afraid of commitment)
-the inconsistency/error of timelines - Max was with his ex 15 years ago at 20 years old yet he is only 30 years old…makes total sense 🤦‍♀️

Things I Would’ve Liked To See:
-more of Max’s family and Kim’s parents
-more CTE symptoms - we saw headaches and one burst of anger. I wish they would’ve shown more throughout the book instead of just mentioning them in the epilogue
-Max and Kim talking about their future (we know Max wants to get married and Kim doesn’t and that Max wants kids, does Kim want kids? This was never mentioned)
-an epilogue further into the future (I think it’d be great to see Kim blurting out an unplanned proposal)
-Kim’s cousin and Max’s brother admitting that she was actually trying to set them up (warning them that they don’t want any drama, basically saying to stay away from each other, only for Kim’s cousin to seem to want them together)

[Brittany LaMoreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fifth installment of the Las Vegas Viper series, we finally delve into Max's story. True to his reputation as the nice guy we've come to know throughout the series, he doesn't disappoint. Aware that his career may come to an end due to multiple concussions, Max finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Kim, who is adamant about not seeking love and has sworn off athletes. Their paths intertwine at his brother's wedding to her cousin, set against the backdrop of a tropical island. As the plot unfolds, filled with unexpected twists and intimately shocking moments, it becomes evident that the author's flawless writing and captivating words have turned me into a devoted fan.

The author masterfully weaves intensity and emotion throughout each page, offering quick-witted storylines that make you feel as if you have a front-row seat. This love story, in particular, does not disappoint. The author skillfully portrays the struggles of two separate individuals attempting to navigate each other's thoughts, needs, and desires, creating a deeply immersive experience.

This book encompasses everything I adore in a story. The beautiful and believable writing easily warrants a five-star rating. Written from a dual point of view, which happens to be my personal favorite, the narrative flows seamlessly, drawing readers to the point where they find themselves 80% of the book, cherishing every moment. The interactions between the characters are realistically portrayed, further enhancing the overall experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this incredible book. It will tug at your heartstrings, ignite frustration within you, and ultimately reveal that love has the power to conquer all. The chemistry between the characters is both steamy and sweet, evoking a truly romantic ambiance.

[Soly's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je vous l'ai dit hier, j'ai lu le tome 4 de la série "Las Vegas Vipers" de Stacey Lynn avant de me plonger dans le dernier "Shot Taker" qui est sorti il y a quelques jours et que j'ai reçu en #servicepresse via Valentine Pr. C'est une série sportive autour du hockey (les héros font partie de l'équipe qui donne son nom à la série) et chaque roman peut se lire seul mais évidemment, il est appréciable de les connaître tous.

Cette fois, nous découvrons l'histoire de Max, l'un des défenseurs de l'équipe, qui a eu un accident d'escalade avec un coéquipier et il s'est non seulement abîmé l'épaule mais s'est fait une contusion cérébrale et malheureusement, ce n'est pas la première : en effet, le hockey est un sport violent et même si les conditions se sont améliorées ces dernières années, force est de constater que malgré le casque, les bagarres sont légion et il y a souvent des chutes violentes. Or, Max est en fin de contrat ou quasi : toute sa vie tourne depuis toujours autour de ce sport et il ne sait pas ce qu'il fera s'il ne se rétablit pas. Il panique donc mais il va essayer d'oublier momentanément ses soucis en se rendant au mariage de son frère, Marshall, avec toute sa famille, sur une île paradisiaque qu'il a louée pour tous. (Il le dit lui-même, il a de l'argent et veut faire plaisir à son frère et sa fiancée) Mais ce qu'il n'attendait pas, c'est de rencontrer une jeune femme qui représente tout ce qu'il aime chez le sexe opposée : il s'agit d'une des demoiselles d'honneur de la fiancée, Kim ou Kimmy (surnom qu'il lui donne) une avocate spécialisée en divorces et qui a l'habitude de se mettre à mal les ex de ses clientes (souvent des athlètes dont elle a évidemment, une piètre opinion) Mais dès le départ, l'attirance et l'alchimie sont là et malgré les demandes des futurs mariés de ne pas avoir de liaison, tous deux cèdent à la tentation et envisagent une histoire d'une semaine (chacun retournant ensuite à sa vie après) mais... plus ils passent du temps ensemble, plus ils réalisent qu'il y a peut-être plus. Mais comment tomber amoureux au bout de quelques jours et surtout comment construire quelque chose alors qu'ils habitent loin l'un de l'autre et ont chacun une vie professionnelle intense? eh bien vous le saurez en lisant cet excellent tome 4 ou 5 selon le classement

chronique complète ici https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2022/...

[Danielle Cordsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shot Taker
By: Stacey Lynn

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Worth taking the shot?

In book 5 in the Las Vegas Viper series we finally Max’s story. He did disappoint he truly is the nice guy we’ve seen in the series. The man know his career could end soon because he’s had to many concussions. Kim isn’t looking for love and athlete’s are definitely not an option. Throw these two together at his brothers wedding to her cousins, add a tropical island and see what happens. The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: A week away for my brother’s wedding was supposed to be a chance to unwind, not get tangled up with a bridesmaid…

I have an injury that could end my career— and unless I’m ready to hang up my skates and become a hockey has been, the only thing I should be focusing on is getting healthy and playing my next season.

Kimmy saunters into my life at the worst possible time, but when she proposes a “what happens in Vegas” type situation, I figured what could it hurt. Especially when we’re both on the same page—one week and then we go our separate ways… three hundred miles apart.

Before I know it, I’m all wrapped up in her—and not just her body. Her smiles. That wild, untamable hair. Her laughter. Confidence. Hell, she’s everything I’ve been looking for and I can’t keep my hands off her.

It was supposed to be a fling, but now I want more. Even if it means I’m in for the fight of my life. This might be my only shot… and I’m taking it.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

[S ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vacation fling possibly turned more?! SIGN ME UP!!

Although this one didn't have the hockey community and environment as much as the previous one did, I still really enjoyed it. Take a hard-headed injured hockey player on vacation for his brother's wedding and pop in a sassy, hard-working never takes vacation cousin of the bride and put them together! What do you get? ALL THE FEELS!!

Our main girl, Kim, is a lawyer who takes lots of pride in herself and her work. She swore off athletes after working with them, but maybe JUST MAYBE, our main man can change her mind.
Our main man, Max, is a professional hockey player who is trying to see where his life is going and how much longer he can stay in the NHL, and if that is really what he wants.

I LOVED this couple! I felt like they bounced off of each other so well. The setting of an island getaway for a wedding was so fun! Not only that, but this island has a designated beach where clothes were PROHIBITED *wink wink*!! The sparks and connection between this couple were EVERYTHING! Also the family dynamics, I loved! Especially Max with all of his brothers.

Overall, another hit from this series and author! Cannot wait for more.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is headed to his brother’s wedding while the fate of his hockey career is up in the air. He lives and breathes hockey but a recent accident climbing has caused injuries that have the potential to force him to stop playing. Escaping to an island for his brother’s wedding is just what he needs as a distraction. Kim has built a successful law career and never takes time away from her client’s but for her cousin, she is headed to the islands for her wedding. What neither Max or Kim expects is to find a romance at this wedding. For Kim, long-term relationships and marriage aren’t something she wants in her life, not after handling so many messy divorces. For Max, he wants that one person to come home to that is a partner in his life. As the sparks fly between these two, they agree to a wedding fling but can they really prevent having feelings for each other? I love how this relationship developed with a bit of fun and lots of passion. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.