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Cedar Rapids Raccoons #5
Dropping the Mitts
Love can blur even the fiercest of rivalries.
Penelope
When I kiss a guy dressed as Pac-Man at a party, it feels like fate. But fate must have a twisted sense of humor—because falling for the son of the man who ruined my family was never part of the plan.
Tate Myers, star hockey player and my sworn enemy, ignites a hate in me that’s hotter than any slapshot. Yet the heart wants what it wants—even if it means crossing every line I’ve drawn.
Tate
Getting snubbed by a chick dressed as Taco Belle at a party sucked almost as much as taking a slapshot to the face. My jaw and my world shatter, but the tall, curvy goddess next door keeps me afloat with her pranks.
I have no idea why she hates me, but right now, I hate myself, too. This is my second chance at making her fall for me, and I’m determined to win her over.
Can love conquer a bitter rivalry born on frozen ground, or will family feuds tear them apart?
Lace up for a scorching clash of romance and redemption in the rink of second chances.
Penelope
When I kiss a guy dressed as Pac-Man at a party, it feels like fate. But fate must have a twisted sense of humor—because falling for the son of the man who ruined my family was never part of the plan.
Tate Myers, star hockey player and my sworn enemy, ignites a hate in me that’s hotter than any slapshot. Yet the heart wants what it wants—even if it means crossing every line I’ve drawn.
Tate
Getting snubbed by a chick dressed as Taco Belle at a party sucked almost as much as taking a slapshot to the face. My jaw and my world shatter, but the tall, curvy goddess next door keeps me afloat with her pranks.
I have no idea why she hates me, but right now, I hate myself, too. This is my second chance at making her fall for me, and I’m determined to win her over.
Can love conquer a bitter rivalry born on frozen ground, or will family feuds tear them apart?
Lace up for a scorching clash of romance and redemption in the rink of second chances.
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Lasairiona E. McMaster
54 books853 followersLasairiona McMaster writes sassy, classy and badassy women and strong, yet vulnerable men.
She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.
She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs.
When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl.
She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.
She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs.
When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 15, 2024
Taco Belle meet Pac Man Ghost at a college Halloween party, they chat easily and the night looks promising until our Belle finds out that he is the son of the man who destroyed her family, and she runs away. Months later they become neighbours, while Tate still thinks nicely to that night, Penelope tries to forget it and her feelings for him starting a tricks war.
I loved the energy between Penelope and Tate, they are so in tune and they have a great chemistry, that's why I was a Iittle frustrated waiting for Penelope go over her hate for Tate's father and to see Tate for the very kind man he really is.
Tate is perfect, he has a heart of gold and he never judged Penelope for her body, he liked her personality, soul and body since the first encounter. He is so lost in lust and love he doesn't even get mad after some serious pranks she plays on him.
Dropping The Mitts was a very good and thought provoking read. It was engaging and well written, maybe a little too much drama but I was glad to see the charaters getting help and support by family and friends.
I liked how the author wrote about some difficult and important themes without being redundant.
I highly recommend to read it.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 16, 2024
Pen and Tate's story was a delight. Lasairiona always manages to make her characters so relatable and heartfelt and I loved both of them so much. The prank war and enemies-to-lovers kind of vibe was top tier and I was living for the nicknames and the tension between them. I also thought the fat representation was done so well and it's so important to see that in books. I loved the cameos of all the other hockey couples and it was sweet to see them all supporting each other. I do think some of this story, specifically, felt rushed and out of the blue. I'm excited to see more of their story continue though! Thank you to Lasairiona for providing me with an e-arc to read and review!
June 6, 2024
What a rollercoaster! I'm gonna need to read it again. It's taken me a day to recover.
Penelope, super sassy queen who knows her worth and Tate, cocky, confident hockey player. As is usual for Lasairiona's books, it covers diverse and real subjects in a very empathetic way. But read the warnings. This book made me cry. Hard. Sob...
It made me laugh a lot too. The banter between them and the pranks, just epic. Love the hockey fam too. I want found family like the de la Penas. (no spoilers but the bit at the rink with the girls and Penelopes dad, Omg, made me cry with laughter). I really liked how although Penelope was fat, it wasn't the story, nor did she lose some weight and suddenly become attractive, nor fetishise her size. She just is. Insert heart here.
Not as much spice as others but that's cos there was so much story. And when there was spice, oh my, was it hot.
All in all, it's not a light read. But it's totally worth it. If you like hockey, plus size women being unapologetic queens and feeling all the feels, this is definitely for you.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Penelope, super sassy queen who knows her worth and Tate, cocky, confident hockey player. As is usual for Lasairiona's books, it covers diverse and real subjects in a very empathetic way. But read the warnings. This book made me cry. Hard. Sob...
It made me laugh a lot too. The banter between them and the pranks, just epic. Love the hockey fam too. I want found family like the de la Penas. (no spoilers but the bit at the rink with the girls and Penelopes dad, Omg, made me cry with laughter). I really liked how although Penelope was fat, it wasn't the story, nor did she lose some weight and suddenly become attractive, nor fetishise her size. She just is. Insert heart here.
Not as much spice as others but that's cos there was so much story. And when there was spice, oh my, was it hot.
All in all, it's not a light read. But it's totally worth it. If you like hockey, plus size women being unapologetic queens and feeling all the feels, this is definitely for you.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 3, 2024
Dropping the Mitts by Lasairiona McMaster
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥
Genres/Tropes
• Hockey Romance
• Plus Size MFC
• Enemies to Lovers
The sexual tension in this one is just *chef's kiss*. Tate has golden retriever energy except with Penelope who brings the feral out of him. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and Dropping the Mitts does not disappoint. Lasairiona isn't scared of confronting difficult topics in her books and this one is no exception. She takes on obesity (fat shaming), injury, death, depression, anxiety, among others. I found myself connecting with Tate during his recovery. I'm sure everyone who reads this story will be able to relate to these characters at some point.
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥
Genres/Tropes
• Hockey Romance
• Plus Size MFC
• Enemies to Lovers
The sexual tension in this one is just *chef's kiss*. Tate has golden retriever energy except with Penelope who brings the feral out of him. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and Dropping the Mitts does not disappoint. Lasairiona isn't scared of confronting difficult topics in her books and this one is no exception. She takes on obesity (fat shaming), injury, death, depression, anxiety, among others. I found myself connecting with Tate during his recovery. I'm sure everyone who reads this story will be able to relate to these characters at some point.
June 9, 2024
Dropping the mitts brought all the tears, laughs, love, friendship and of course hockey. Get ready to fall in love with Tate and Penelope. Get ready for all the pranks between these two crazy kids. Penelope and Tate story is absolutely hilarious and has so much love and passion. This story is everything you look for enemies to lovers romance. Penelope is such a spit fire and she has met her match. Tate life is hockey and when tragedy strikes not once but twice Penelope is there the whole way for him. As well as his teammates/brothers. I just enjoyed this story so much. Lasairiona has a created a world I can’t get enough of.
Arc provided for honest review.
Arc provided for honest review.
June 14, 2024
Oh my gosh Penelope and Tate's story was so emotional. I wasn't prepared for the emotions of this book and all it was going to put the reader through, but oh my gosh was it worth it. Satan and She Devil made me laugh and cry, yell at them and then laugh some more. The internal monologues that go on through this story are incredible and just flow like the rest of the story. I absolutely adore the supporting cast of characters in this series and love the family that they have chosen. Can't wait for the next books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
June 12, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
Wow.... I absolutely loved Tate and Penelope's story.... the pranks they played were hilarious, had me laughing on my sunbed!!
Brilliant storyline with wonderful characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
Wow.... I absolutely loved Tate and Penelope's story.... the pranks they played were hilarious, had me laughing on my sunbed!!
Brilliant storyline with wonderful characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
June 11, 2024
Mother fucking chapter 35!
Why Lasairiona why?!
5 ⭐️
Slow 🔥
3 🌶️
Why Lasairiona why?!
5 ⭐️
Slow 🔥
3 🌶️
June 15, 2024
Okayyyyy this is gonna be like a giant fucking word vomit of feelings, I apologize in advance! It’s probably gonna be lengthy too…. 😬 😅
Where do I even start?! This book made me cackle, ugly cry, angry, and my panties wet.
I’m a small woman, I’ve always been small. By small I mean in stature. I have been “too skinny” and told I need to “put some meat on my bones” and I’ve been fat and told, “we’re worried about your health. Your BMI says you’re obese.” Yeah well the obese they were talking about was 146 pounds. You read that right, not even 150 pounds. I’m 4’10” with no torso so if I weigh over 80 pounds I have rolls. I’ve had rolls since I was 18. I had rolls AND a 6 pack and I weigh 95 pounds. Rolls, lumps, stretch marks, etc. are not indicative of weight. I had all of those things at 95 pounds and at 39 weeks pregnant weighing 156 pounds. I felt MORE confident when I started gaining weight because FINALLY I’ll be seen as a real woman! I’ll have curves and thighs and maybe a booty.
It’s weird how people/society loooove curves but they don’t actually love curves. They love ass and titties but not the things that come with them. I’m back up to 130.8 and I love it! I feel confident because my curves look fucking phenomenal and my husband loves them! My only area of insecurity is my belly and that’s mostly due to me still adjusting to my postpartum body and how my GERD makes me look pregnant from the bloating. As a woman who is 4’10” the BMI is FUCKING STUPID!!! If I weigh over 120 pounds I’m overweight. Over 140 and I’m obese according to BMI. In WHAT WORLD IS THAT EVEN REAL? Should be none. So even though I’m small, I still resonated with Penelope. All of the things she had said to her or about her, I’ve experienced. Rando dude on the internet who didn’t “win” a debate with me always resorts to “you’re a fat bitch.” If I AM being called that and experiencing those things at my weight, I KNOW it’s much worse for those who weigh more than me. This book made me realize I need to do more and call out the injustices more. Being fat isn’t a bad thing and it’s time the world gets the message.
Whew, okay now on to Penelope and Tate. Those two are FUCKING EVERYTHING!!! I love them! I want to be their friend. I had visceral feelings and reactions so many times during this book, it’s unreal.
Lasairiona has a way of making me FEEL the feels so strongly that I forget I’m reading a book.
Where do I even start?! This book made me cackle, ugly cry, angry, and my panties wet.
I’m a small woman, I’ve always been small. By small I mean in stature. I have been “too skinny” and told I need to “put some meat on my bones” and I’ve been fat and told, “we’re worried about your health. Your BMI says you’re obese.” Yeah well the obese they were talking about was 146 pounds. You read that right, not even 150 pounds. I’m 4’10” with no torso so if I weigh over 80 pounds I have rolls. I’ve had rolls since I was 18. I had rolls AND a 6 pack and I weigh 95 pounds. Rolls, lumps, stretch marks, etc. are not indicative of weight. I had all of those things at 95 pounds and at 39 weeks pregnant weighing 156 pounds. I felt MORE confident when I started gaining weight because FINALLY I’ll be seen as a real woman! I’ll have curves and thighs and maybe a booty.
It’s weird how people/society loooove curves but they don’t actually love curves. They love ass and titties but not the things that come with them. I’m back up to 130.8 and I love it! I feel confident because my curves look fucking phenomenal and my husband loves them! My only area of insecurity is my belly and that’s mostly due to me still adjusting to my postpartum body and how my GERD makes me look pregnant from the bloating. As a woman who is 4’10” the BMI is FUCKING STUPID!!! If I weigh over 120 pounds I’m overweight. Over 140 and I’m obese according to BMI. In WHAT WORLD IS THAT EVEN REAL? Should be none. So even though I’m small, I still resonated with Penelope. All of the things she had said to her or about her, I’ve experienced. Rando dude on the internet who didn’t “win” a debate with me always resorts to “you’re a fat bitch.” If I AM being called that and experiencing those things at my weight, I KNOW it’s much worse for those who weigh more than me. This book made me realize I need to do more and call out the injustices more. Being fat isn’t a bad thing and it’s time the world gets the message.
Whew, okay now on to Penelope and Tate. Those two are FUCKING EVERYTHING!!! I love them! I want to be their friend. I had visceral feelings and reactions so many times during this book, it’s unreal.
Lasairiona has a way of making me FEEL the feels so strongly that I forget I’m reading a book.
June 16, 2024
It’s a Sunday morning and I’m happily reading this book, loving all the snark, Penelope is literally the Queen of snark and I would kneel at her feet, BUT THEN I got punched in the heart and had to explain why I’m suddenly crying to my teenager who called me a baby. How very dare he!!
A hockey romance, with a he falls hard and fast H and a if he died tomorrow I’d dance on his grave h. Aw Tate, poor Tate, all this man wants to do is spend time with the lady he’s been pining for since meeting her at a Halloween party. Penelope would be happy if she never had to see him again. Blaming Tate for actions his father had taken against her father seem a little far-fetched BUT this is addressed in the book and pointed out to her. I’m kinda obsessed with the Tate-Penelope pairing. Their prank war was next level, and I’m picking Penelope as the winner. 🏆 🏆🏆
I could gush about these two all day. Their interactions were so adorable, albeit with a side of murderous intent. The persistence from Tate, he never gave up on Penny. The nicknames, OMG the nicknames y’all. I’m not a fan of them usually but Satan and She devil had me cackling to myself. Most of all though, I loved the way they showed up for the other. The support and empathy shown had me feeling all the things.
Lastly I want to thank Las for her realistic portrayal of two things that are popular in books but tend to be over exaggerated. Firstly, her plus size h. I actually got the impression that Penelope was plus sized. She mentions ex’s with a fat fetish. This paragraph had me nodding my head, because yes, she gets it.
“I hate making anything about my weight. I hate it. Sure, it impacts things I can do, even simple things like tying my shoes, or wiping my ass.”
Rarely in books do they mention the everyday difficulties faced by plus sized people, so thank you, I feel seen.
Second, the majority of H’s in books have massive🍆It’s the nature of the beast. But here’s a description of Tate from Penelope’s pov.
“This one’s a nice, normal sized 🍆. It’s chunky, but not too chunky, long but not too long. If I was Goldilocks, this 🍆would be ‘my just’ right 🍆
Right, super long review over.
A hockey romance, with a he falls hard and fast H and a if he died tomorrow I’d dance on his grave h. Aw Tate, poor Tate, all this man wants to do is spend time with the lady he’s been pining for since meeting her at a Halloween party. Penelope would be happy if she never had to see him again. Blaming Tate for actions his father had taken against her father seem a little far-fetched BUT this is addressed in the book and pointed out to her. I’m kinda obsessed with the Tate-Penelope pairing. Their prank war was next level, and I’m picking Penelope as the winner. 🏆 🏆🏆
I could gush about these two all day. Their interactions were so adorable, albeit with a side of murderous intent. The persistence from Tate, he never gave up on Penny. The nicknames, OMG the nicknames y’all. I’m not a fan of them usually but Satan and She devil had me cackling to myself. Most of all though, I loved the way they showed up for the other. The support and empathy shown had me feeling all the things.
Lastly I want to thank Las for her realistic portrayal of two things that are popular in books but tend to be over exaggerated. Firstly, her plus size h. I actually got the impression that Penelope was plus sized. She mentions ex’s with a fat fetish. This paragraph had me nodding my head, because yes, she gets it.
“I hate making anything about my weight. I hate it. Sure, it impacts things I can do, even simple things like tying my shoes, or wiping my ass.”
Rarely in books do they mention the everyday difficulties faced by plus sized people, so thank you, I feel seen.
Second, the majority of H’s in books have massive🍆It’s the nature of the beast. But here’s a description of Tate from Penelope’s pov.
“This one’s a nice, normal sized 🍆. It’s chunky, but not too chunky, long but not too long. If I was Goldilocks, this 🍆would be ‘my just’ right 🍆
Right, super long review over.
June 6, 2024
Penelope, the female lead, was attracted to Tate, the male lead, the moment she met him at a costume party. Then she discovered that he was the ice-hockey-playing son of the ice hockey player who ruined her dad’s life when he damaged him in a game. Determined that she needs to hate him to show support for her dad, she ghosts Tate.
When they next meet because Tate’s friend is attempting to woo her friend, Penelope continues her campaign of hatred, with them playing ever-escalating pranks on each other. Then Tate is injured in an ice hockey game and Penelope is forced to face the fact that she may not actually hate Tate, and may feel significantly more than hate…
But the hits keep coming. Will Tate and Penelope be able to navigate the difficulties in front of them?
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a long complex, emotional, contemporary sports romance, with characters that have real depth and need to seriously grow to make any sort of relationship work. I enjoyed Tate’s perseverance in the face of Penelope’s initially unexplained antipathy. I empathised with Penelope’s confused loyalty to her father and her expectation that she shouldn’t care for Tate. I enjoyed the prank war they engaged in, and the way Tate was willing to engage where she was at. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. I adored the engagement of secondary characters, and the importance of the support from them for the lead characters. I adore a found family and this series has it as a key central tenet. I enjoyed the intimacy, when the characters got there, and the fun the characters continued to have. I also enjoyed the way characters rallied when support was required, and that there was no limitation on the support. I enjoyed that, whilst the romance was resolved by the end of the story, the difficulties the characters faced were acknowledged to be ongoing and that there was no simple resolution.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
When they next meet because Tate’s friend is attempting to woo her friend, Penelope continues her campaign of hatred, with them playing ever-escalating pranks on each other. Then Tate is injured in an ice hockey game and Penelope is forced to face the fact that she may not actually hate Tate, and may feel significantly more than hate…
But the hits keep coming. Will Tate and Penelope be able to navigate the difficulties in front of them?
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a long complex, emotional, contemporary sports romance, with characters that have real depth and need to seriously grow to make any sort of relationship work. I enjoyed Tate’s perseverance in the face of Penelope’s initially unexplained antipathy. I empathised with Penelope’s confused loyalty to her father and her expectation that she shouldn’t care for Tate. I enjoyed the prank war they engaged in, and the way Tate was willing to engage where she was at. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. I adored the engagement of secondary characters, and the importance of the support from them for the lead characters. I adore a found family and this series has it as a key central tenet. I enjoyed the intimacy, when the characters got there, and the fun the characters continued to have. I also enjoyed the way characters rallied when support was required, and that there was no limitation on the support. I enjoyed that, whilst the romance was resolved by the end of the story, the difficulties the characters faced were acknowledged to be ongoing and that there was no simple resolution.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
June 8, 2024
I have been a fan of Lasairiona's work for a while now, and I have personally connected with her characters a lot. Well, this one hit a LOT closer to home than I thought it would, and I absolutely devoured it. I cried through most of the book. I mean, by 49% into it, I was a damn mess, and I hadn't even hit the hardest parts yet. Thanks for that, Lasairiona 🤨. You sure know how to tear someone's heart out of their chest and give it a few extra stomps for good measure 🤣. I'm just glad you are the master you are at putting us back together.
As a fat girl myself, I saw a lot of myself in Penelope. I just wish I had had a stronger self-worth when I was younger because that would have made a world of difference. But hey, I may not have ended up where I am today, happily married to a man almost half my size who loves me for ME, and a mother of 3 amazing boys who will know how to treat people with respect and kindness.
Tate is so much like my husband, you know, besides the whole hockey player thing. Tate is kind, funny, and a hard worker, and he knows what he wants and goes for it. His storyline hit a little too close to home. It crushed me into a million little pieces, bringing me back to those times. Times you never forget and never get over. You just take it day by day.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two characters. The hilarious banter, the prank wars, the undeniable smexy chemistry, the unwavering love and support, and most of all, their joy they find in one another. This story was amazing.
I really hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did. I made sure to take my time reading it so that I could really soak in and digest everything that was happening.
Lasairiona, you have done it yet again. You made me fall in love with these fictional characters. You made me feel everything they were feeling. You made me sob uncontrollably and made me an even bigger fan of your work. Thank you for writing such real characters that most of us can relate to. You are a voice we need to keep hearing.
As a fat girl myself, I saw a lot of myself in Penelope. I just wish I had had a stronger self-worth when I was younger because that would have made a world of difference. But hey, I may not have ended up where I am today, happily married to a man almost half my size who loves me for ME, and a mother of 3 amazing boys who will know how to treat people with respect and kindness.
Tate is so much like my husband, you know, besides the whole hockey player thing. Tate is kind, funny, and a hard worker, and he knows what he wants and goes for it. His storyline hit a little too close to home. It crushed me into a million little pieces, bringing me back to those times. Times you never forget and never get over. You just take it day by day.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two characters. The hilarious banter, the prank wars, the undeniable smexy chemistry, the unwavering love and support, and most of all, their joy they find in one another. This story was amazing.
I really hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did. I made sure to take my time reading it so that I could really soak in and digest everything that was happening.
Lasairiona, you have done it yet again. You made me fall in love with these fictional characters. You made me feel everything they were feeling. You made me sob uncontrollably and made me an even bigger fan of your work. Thank you for writing such real characters that most of us can relate to. You are a voice we need to keep hearing.
June 17, 2024
I honestly loved and hated this book. It was a great read especially if you like a young adult sports romance but also really got all feels going. I was not prepared to cry in this book. There is a lot going on in this book and definitely may be some triggers for some people. There is depression, loss of loved ones, guilt, body image issues/shaming and probably some I am even forgetting. I wanted to put this at the beginning of the review so that people are aware before they purchase the book.
That being said it was a great book! This book followed Tate and Penelope's love story. They met at a Halloween party and had an instant connection however when Penelope found out who Tate's dad was she had immediate guilt. His dad caused the end of her father's career which eventually led him into a spiral of addiction and depression and broke up their family. So Penelope ghosts him...until fate brings them back together. Tate keeps trying to win her over but Penelope will have none of it...so they start an epic prank war with each other. When Tate gets hurt playing hockey however, Penelope sees her father all over again in Tate. She refuses to let him spiral so a cease fire is called and the two grow close. And then further tragedy strikes.
Now I will say a lot more happens in the book but I don't want to give anything further away. Just know there is a lot more struggle that occurs for both of the main characters. I struggled with the tragedy that one of the characters had to deal with as I didn't understand the purpose of it to make the book better but also just because it made me so sad. And it really hit home what Penelope deals with as a bigger girl and the fat shaming she deals with. I grew up in a time where if you weren't stick thin you were fat so while I'm not a big girl it still is hard to hear the main character deal with it.
Just be prepared when you pick up this book! Great addition to the series but a hard read on the emotions.
That being said it was a great book! This book followed Tate and Penelope's love story. They met at a Halloween party and had an instant connection however when Penelope found out who Tate's dad was she had immediate guilt. His dad caused the end of her father's career which eventually led him into a spiral of addiction and depression and broke up their family. So Penelope ghosts him...until fate brings them back together. Tate keeps trying to win her over but Penelope will have none of it...so they start an epic prank war with each other. When Tate gets hurt playing hockey however, Penelope sees her father all over again in Tate. She refuses to let him spiral so a cease fire is called and the two grow close. And then further tragedy strikes.
Now I will say a lot more happens in the book but I don't want to give anything further away. Just know there is a lot more struggle that occurs for both of the main characters. I struggled with the tragedy that one of the characters had to deal with as I didn't understand the purpose of it to make the book better but also just because it made me so sad. And it really hit home what Penelope deals with as a bigger girl and the fat shaming she deals with. I grew up in a time where if you weren't stick thin you were fat so while I'm not a big girl it still is hard to hear the main character deal with it.
Just be prepared when you pick up this book! Great addition to the series but a hard read on the emotions.
June 6, 2024
I cried! I LOVE when an author gets emotions from me, no matter what they are. Maybe I was hormonal, but darn it, she made me cry. I loved every minute of it. Lasairiona smashes the imaginable glass ceilings in romance books to invite readers into a world that is raw, honest, real, and life-changing. I seriously come out after reading each one of her books with moving things that stay with me.
Dropping the Mitts is funny, witty, gut-wrenching, tear-soaking, and loving happily ever after. I devoured this book, staying up till 1am reading. I have zero regrets about that decision, too.
Penelope is a queen, goddess, and all-around amazing female. I loved how Lasairiona covers hard topics in elegant ways. Penelope has been heavier, and the raw realness she is written with is poignant. Hearing her internal thoughts as well as those voiced out loud made me love her and made me feel like I was in Penelope's head.
Tate, oh man, Tate. He has so much depth, growth, and humbling, and I can't even with it all. He is strong and, at the same time, so vulnerable with Pen. She's the only one who saw it all and loved him fiercely for it. He protected her, but she protected him just as much. Their relationship wasn't sunshine and daisies; it was raw and real. It made the ending that much sweeter. I think I cried in the last quarter of the book.
The laughter and pranks! Those were EPIC. The juxtaposition between humor and deep feelings was perfect. Chef's kiss perfection.
Lasairiona is a writer like no other, and if you are new to her, pick up any of her books (even her alter-ego ones) and you won't be disappointed. I hope she never stops writing, because I don't ever want to stop reading.
Dropping the Mitts is funny, witty, gut-wrenching, tear-soaking, and loving happily ever after. I devoured this book, staying up till 1am reading. I have zero regrets about that decision, too.
Penelope is a queen, goddess, and all-around amazing female. I loved how Lasairiona covers hard topics in elegant ways. Penelope has been heavier, and the raw realness she is written with is poignant. Hearing her internal thoughts as well as those voiced out loud made me love her and made me feel like I was in Penelope's head.
Tate, oh man, Tate. He has so much depth, growth, and humbling, and I can't even with it all. He is strong and, at the same time, so vulnerable with Pen. She's the only one who saw it all and loved him fiercely for it. He protected her, but she protected him just as much. Their relationship wasn't sunshine and daisies; it was raw and real. It made the ending that much sweeter. I think I cried in the last quarter of the book.
The laughter and pranks! Those were EPIC. The juxtaposition between humor and deep feelings was perfect. Chef's kiss perfection.
Lasairiona is a writer like no other, and if you are new to her, pick up any of her books (even her alter-ego ones) and you won't be disappointed. I hope she never stops writing, because I don't ever want to stop reading.
June 10, 2024
I loved this one! Not only was it great to see a curvy badass heroine but Tate’s story just broke my heart. From meeting on Halloween with the Taco Belle (hilarious costume) to being enemies to lovers to the prank war (omg the mustard filling 🤣) to Tate being her fake boyfriend to the real thing, this book was great.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Penelope’s sass and determination to hate Tate is hilarious from the wrong team jersey to making him the Milkshake Man
2) When Tate’s injured, it’s heartbreaking and seeing how it not only brings Penelope and Tate closer, but bridges a divide is amazing and
3) As if they didn’t suffer enough you had to break my heart with that hospital scene. When Apollo showed up 😭 ugh I’m not crying 😭
Love that Tate is nicknamed Satan btw 🤣🤣 he’s so not which makes it better!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: She stares at the outstretched hand like it might have the Ebola virus smeared on my palm. “Really?”
I nod, hope tickling my stomach.
She sighs, slipping her hand into mine, and I’m pretty sure that if you searched the whole face of the planet earth right now, you couldn’t find a happier man.
The She Devil is holding my hand. Like... holding it. Not even trying to break it.
I’m so happy I could spit, but I won’t. I’ll play it cool.
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #hockeyromance #fiction #cedarrapidsraccoonsseries #lasairionamcmaster #droppingthemitts #advancedreadercopy @queenoffirelas
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Penelope’s sass and determination to hate Tate is hilarious from the wrong team jersey to making him the Milkshake Man
2) When Tate’s injured, it’s heartbreaking and seeing how it not only brings Penelope and Tate closer, but bridges a divide is amazing and
3) As if they didn’t suffer enough you had to break my heart with that hospital scene. When Apollo showed up 😭 ugh I’m not crying 😭
Love that Tate is nicknamed Satan btw 🤣🤣 he’s so not which makes it better!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: She stares at the outstretched hand like it might have the Ebola virus smeared on my palm. “Really?”
I nod, hope tickling my stomach.
She sighs, slipping her hand into mine, and I’m pretty sure that if you searched the whole face of the planet earth right now, you couldn’t find a happier man.
The She Devil is holding my hand. Like... holding it. Not even trying to break it.
I’m so happy I could spit, but I won’t. I’ll play it cool.
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #hockeyromance #fiction #cedarrapidsraccoonsseries #lasairionamcmaster #droppingthemitts #advancedreadercopy @queenoffirelas
June 10, 2024
“The She Devil is holding my hand. Like... holding it. Not even trying to break it. I’m so happy I could spit, but I won’t. I’ll play it cool.”
The Cedar Rapids Raccoons hockey team has been through it! They have had to overcome so much as individuals. However, the team is constantly there for each other and Tate Meyers’ situation was no different.
Tate dressed as a Pac-Man ghost for Halloween is immediately drawn to the girl dressed as Taco Belle. It takes a bit of sweet talking but he finally gets Taco Belle, Penelope, to give him the time of day. But when she discovers who Tate really is Penelope bolts. Now he is determined to make her fall for him since he fell so quickly.
“And now she lives next door. Well, mark my fvcking words, it’s her who’s going to fall in love with me this time.”
I loved Tate and Penelope’s relationship. They constantly bickered and played pranks on each other trying to one up the other. But when it comes down to it, Tate is so into her he constantly comes to her rescue. And as much as Penelope’s claims to hate Tate, she can’t stay away either.
“It’s okay to not hate me all the time you know. I promise I’ll remind you if you forget.”
Tate gets dealt a tough hand with a personal injury and then personal loss but all throughout he had Penelope to keep him present and stop him from slipping into too much depression. I loved them and as always loved how the Raccoons constantly rally around each other.
Thank you @queenoffirelas for the ARC! Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “He won’t simmer down and rest until you come for me, Pitstop.”
The Cedar Rapids Raccoons hockey team has been through it! They have had to overcome so much as individuals. However, the team is constantly there for each other and Tate Meyers’ situation was no different.
Tate dressed as a Pac-Man ghost for Halloween is immediately drawn to the girl dressed as Taco Belle. It takes a bit of sweet talking but he finally gets Taco Belle, Penelope, to give him the time of day. But when she discovers who Tate really is Penelope bolts. Now he is determined to make her fall for him since he fell so quickly.
“And now she lives next door. Well, mark my fvcking words, it’s her who’s going to fall in love with me this time.”
I loved Tate and Penelope’s relationship. They constantly bickered and played pranks on each other trying to one up the other. But when it comes down to it, Tate is so into her he constantly comes to her rescue. And as much as Penelope’s claims to hate Tate, she can’t stay away either.
“It’s okay to not hate me all the time you know. I promise I’ll remind you if you forget.”
Tate gets dealt a tough hand with a personal injury and then personal loss but all throughout he had Penelope to keep him present and stop him from slipping into too much depression. I loved them and as always loved how the Raccoons constantly rally around each other.
Thank you @queenoffirelas for the ARC! Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “He won’t simmer down and rest until you come for me, Pitstop.”
June 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ Swoon: ♾️🫠
“I feel like a well of deep rage since my accident, Pitstop. And the only thing that quells the inferno is you.”
Dropping the Mitts is book five in the Cedar Rapids Raccoons series and my new favorite. Another top-shelf college hockey romance from Lasairiona McMaster! From the hilarious mashup Halloween costumes to the soul-crushing twist, I loved every minute of this rivals-to-lovers hockey romance. It’s a tale as old as time…Taco Belle meets Pac-Man Ghost at a party, they share an earth-scorching kiss, she finds out who he is and ghosts him. Lasairiona delivers a little bit of everything in Dropping the Mitts; Penelope Lindstrom is a strong, whip-smart, fiery, curvy FMC. Tate Myers is a jovial, brilliant, hardworking hockey legacy who sets his heart on Penelope and doesn’t let go. The chemistry between these two is pure fire, even when they’re fighting. The prank wars are epic and the character cameos made my heart melt. The way the Raccoons rally for each other is everything you could want from a chosen family. The spice hits the mark. I love a couple that can go from swoony spice to heartwarming laughter in the bedroom. Lasairiona sheds light on issues from life after loss to body image, and smashing fat shaming. I love the way she writes real-bodied, relatable, swoony, and cheeky MCs. I’ve loved each book in this series, but Dropping the Mitts is tattooed on my heart. Grab some tissues, an emotional support beverage and settle in for a rollercoaster read!
“I feel like a well of deep rage since my accident, Pitstop. And the only thing that quells the inferno is you.”
Dropping the Mitts is book five in the Cedar Rapids Raccoons series and my new favorite. Another top-shelf college hockey romance from Lasairiona McMaster! From the hilarious mashup Halloween costumes to the soul-crushing twist, I loved every minute of this rivals-to-lovers hockey romance. It’s a tale as old as time…Taco Belle meets Pac-Man Ghost at a party, they share an earth-scorching kiss, she finds out who he is and ghosts him. Lasairiona delivers a little bit of everything in Dropping the Mitts; Penelope Lindstrom is a strong, whip-smart, fiery, curvy FMC. Tate Myers is a jovial, brilliant, hardworking hockey legacy who sets his heart on Penelope and doesn’t let go. The chemistry between these two is pure fire, even when they’re fighting. The prank wars are epic and the character cameos made my heart melt. The way the Raccoons rally for each other is everything you could want from a chosen family. The spice hits the mark. I love a couple that can go from swoony spice to heartwarming laughter in the bedroom. Lasairiona sheds light on issues from life after loss to body image, and smashing fat shaming. I love the way she writes real-bodied, relatable, swoony, and cheeky MCs. I’ve loved each book in this series, but Dropping the Mitts is tattooed on my heart. Grab some tissues, an emotional support beverage and settle in for a rollercoaster read!
June 14, 2024
What a book!! The characters felt like my closest friends and the realness in this book really touched me! The writing and the storyline were incredible! I can’t name another hockey romance that touched me as this one did!
Penelope what a fantastic women a role model! And to be even half the women she was is what I achieve forward💕 Penelope gets fat shamed over and over again and tells her story how is it is to be a fat women! And even if I can’t relate that much to her I look up to her and I think it’s such a important thing to take up and to talk about and to NEVER shame people for how their bodies look EVER!!! And Penelope just tells that story so well and Lasairiona really does a fantastic work in writing Penelopes character💕
Tate a hockey playing man😂 But also so much more! The things he goes through in this book absolutely tore my heart in two and how he got out on the other side with the help of his chosen family healed me a bit, but also made me cry a bit more🥹 Loved P&T together they made a perfect and healthy couple that sometimes had to fight for their love but also had this unbelievable connection that you could just feel through the pages and I absolutely adore them and I want someone to worship me the way Tate worships Penelope!!
The Raccon family and this series is the best and I can’t put in to words how much I love this series and the characters!! Not a single book has disappointed me and I hope we get more books in this series🩷
Really recommend YOU to read this book!! It will not disappoint you I promise!!💕
*Arc review*
Penelope what a fantastic women a role model! And to be even half the women she was is what I achieve forward💕 Penelope gets fat shamed over and over again and tells her story how is it is to be a fat women! And even if I can’t relate that much to her I look up to her and I think it’s such a important thing to take up and to talk about and to NEVER shame people for how their bodies look EVER!!! And Penelope just tells that story so well and Lasairiona really does a fantastic work in writing Penelopes character💕
Tate a hockey playing man😂 But also so much more! The things he goes through in this book absolutely tore my heart in two and how he got out on the other side with the help of his chosen family healed me a bit, but also made me cry a bit more🥹 Loved P&T together they made a perfect and healthy couple that sometimes had to fight for their love but also had this unbelievable connection that you could just feel through the pages and I absolutely adore them and I want someone to worship me the way Tate worships Penelope!!
The Raccon family and this series is the best and I can’t put in to words how much I love this series and the characters!! Not a single book has disappointed me and I hope we get more books in this series🩷
Really recommend YOU to read this book!! It will not disappoint you I promise!!💕
*Arc review*
June 11, 2024
Lasairiona does it again! Every story that she writes draws me in and keeps me hooked so I can’t put them down. Penelope and Tate are no different. I appreciated the raw emotion that came from this book. It touches a bunch of sensitive topics in such a way that you really empathize with the characters and root for them. Penelope dealing with fat shaming, being cheated on and betrayed by her ex and formed bff, and family struggles including divorce, substance abuse and depression. Then Tate dealing with internal struggles and self defining moments, injury, recovery, depression, loss and then the comeback. It’s beautiful to see these two come together and support each other in the end. I also loved Penelope’s dad and Tate’s dad getting an opportunity to clear the air between them and both being able to move forward. The spice is good, the story is good, and the brotherhood is key.
I big love the de la Peña family and how well they just accept everyone and how big they love. That family is always there and willing to step in and step up however they can for their family (born or chosen). They use their means to help others when they can and are just so humble and sweet. I love that all of these stories show the many faucets that make up a person. Everyone deals with adversity and has to struggle to make it to the other side.
This story makes you laugh, it will make you frustrated, it will make you cry. It is an emotional roller coaster, but worth every second.
I big love the de la Peña family and how well they just accept everyone and how big they love. That family is always there and willing to step in and step up however they can for their family (born or chosen). They use their means to help others when they can and are just so humble and sweet. I love that all of these stories show the many faucets that make up a person. Everyone deals with adversity and has to struggle to make it to the other side.
This story makes you laugh, it will make you frustrated, it will make you cry. It is an emotional roller coaster, but worth every second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
Cedar Rapids Raccoons #5
When Penelope meets Tate at the freshman Halloween party they really hit it off, little did she know who his father was and when she did she ghosted him.
Tate Myers plays hockey for the University and is slated to go pro when he graduates.
Penelope is studying speech pathology wanting to be able to help people like she was helped as a child.
A year has passed and she finds her new dorm neighbor is the guy she kissed a year ago and then ghosted. Let the pranks begin.
She hates him or rather what happened between their families.
"It's a shame we're at war for some unknown reason"
This is just the beginning of all the pranks they play against each other which is bringing them closer together. The attraction is instant and mutual but she overthinks the fact she is a plus size woman and he couldn't care less.
The more time they are together the closer they become. It doesn't stop the pranks or the bantering, they just fall more for each other. "It's okay to not hate me all the time you know. I promise I'll remind you if you forget."
When Tate suffers several tragedies, questions arise. Can he come through it all?
4.25 stars
This was an emotional story that just grips you and pulls at all your feelings. You cry for Tate and feel for Penelope when comments are made about her. The story was well written.
When Penelope meets Tate at the freshman Halloween party they really hit it off, little did she know who his father was and when she did she ghosted him.
Tate Myers plays hockey for the University and is slated to go pro when he graduates.
Penelope is studying speech pathology wanting to be able to help people like she was helped as a child.
A year has passed and she finds her new dorm neighbor is the guy she kissed a year ago and then ghosted. Let the pranks begin.
She hates him or rather what happened between their families.
"It's a shame we're at war for some unknown reason"
This is just the beginning of all the pranks they play against each other which is bringing them closer together. The attraction is instant and mutual but she overthinks the fact she is a plus size woman and he couldn't care less.
The more time they are together the closer they become. It doesn't stop the pranks or the bantering, they just fall more for each other. "It's okay to not hate me all the time you know. I promise I'll remind you if you forget."
When Tate suffers several tragedies, questions arise. Can he come through it all?
4.25 stars
This was an emotional story that just grips you and pulls at all your feelings. You cry for Tate and feel for Penelope when comments are made about her. The story was well written.
June 12, 2024
ARC Review
Dropping the Mitts is fifth book in the Cedar Rapids Raccoons series and features Tate Myers and Penelope Lindstrom.
Tate and Penelope meet at a Halloween party and share a passionate kiss. While Tate leaves to find them some drinks, and Penelope discovers that Tate is the son of the man who ended her father’s NHl career so she fleas before he returns.
Flash forward to the following year, the two run into each other again and Penelope wants absolutely nothing to do with Tate, while he wants to continue where they left off while not knowing why she ran.
The two enemies end up living next to one another in the dorms and a series of pranks between them begins. The attraction they both share for one another continues to burn but will they be willing to put aside their differences and give things a real go or will these enemies continue on their path of destruction.
This book was fantastic! It had me laughing and kicking my feet one minute and ugly crying the next! Tate goes through so much heartbreak and depression but Lasairiona handled it perfectly!
I loved that Penelope was a curvy FMC and I love how she handled the haters and how much she appreciated herself despite her size. As a curvy girl myself I felt I really wanted to be her best friend !
Thank you Lasairiona for the ARC!
Dropping the Mitts is fifth book in the Cedar Rapids Raccoons series and features Tate Myers and Penelope Lindstrom.
Tate and Penelope meet at a Halloween party and share a passionate kiss. While Tate leaves to find them some drinks, and Penelope discovers that Tate is the son of the man who ended her father’s NHl career so she fleas before he returns.
Flash forward to the following year, the two run into each other again and Penelope wants absolutely nothing to do with Tate, while he wants to continue where they left off while not knowing why she ran.
The two enemies end up living next to one another in the dorms and a series of pranks between them begins. The attraction they both share for one another continues to burn but will they be willing to put aside their differences and give things a real go or will these enemies continue on their path of destruction.
This book was fantastic! It had me laughing and kicking my feet one minute and ugly crying the next! Tate goes through so much heartbreak and depression but Lasairiona handled it perfectly!
I loved that Penelope was a curvy FMC and I love how she handled the haters and how much she appreciated herself despite her size. As a curvy girl myself I felt I really wanted to be her best friend !
Thank you Lasairiona for the ARC!
June 18, 2024
This book hit all the marks - pranks, banter, humor, frenemies, hockey action on the ice, a true plus-size heroine, caveman tendencies, angst, and EMOTION. Yes, I cried.
Penelope and Tate meet and have an instant connection, until she realizes who he is and ghosts him. When he sees her again a year later, he's determined to keep her, her hate for him only makes him like her more. These two frenemies and their pranks couldn't have been written better. I was thoroughly entertained, their pranks were nothing but fun…never malicious.
The chemistry between the two and the way they fought for each other was remarkable. I can't say too much without giving too much away. The weaving of emotion and banter was so well-done I don't have the words to explain how much I loved Penelope and Tate's story.
Everything is done so well. Tate is the perfect mixture of sensitive and alpha. Penelope was feisty, confident, and true to herself. If you're looking for a realistic plus size heroine, where her size isn't her entire personality this book is for you. This hockey romance has a well-rounded storyline with humor and emotion that will hit hard.
Penelope and Tate meet and have an instant connection, until she realizes who he is and ghosts him. When he sees her again a year later, he's determined to keep her, her hate for him only makes him like her more. These two frenemies and their pranks couldn't have been written better. I was thoroughly entertained, their pranks were nothing but fun…never malicious.
The chemistry between the two and the way they fought for each other was remarkable. I can't say too much without giving too much away. The weaving of emotion and banter was so well-done I don't have the words to explain how much I loved Penelope and Tate's story.
Everything is done so well. Tate is the perfect mixture of sensitive and alpha. Penelope was feisty, confident, and true to herself. If you're looking for a realistic plus size heroine, where her size isn't her entire personality this book is for you. This hockey romance has a well-rounded storyline with humor and emotion that will hit hard.
June 14, 2024
Back in the world of the Cedar Rapids Raccoons. And who doesn’t love a like to hate to love relationship?
Penelope and Tate meet at a Halloween party and sparks fly!! But once Penelope realizes he’s the son of the man who ruined her life she flees without a word.
A year later they reconnect and he’s smitten. But she’s adamant to keep her hate for him alive and he remains clueless. Their prank war and banter is top tier between them. And really helps carry the storyline.
Rate works so hard to be the man for her and figure out where it went wrong. And he has to also learn to lean on his teammates. There are sports injuries, loss, and depression featured heavily in this book. And I’m not gonna lie, I sobbed through about 15-20% of this book.
It hits hard! But it strengthens the found family and relationships in the story. There is no third act breakup up. And overall the story really makes you feel all your feelings.
I loved it. And can’t wait for others to enjoy it as well. I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Penelope and Tate meet at a Halloween party and sparks fly!! But once Penelope realizes he’s the son of the man who ruined her life she flees without a word.
A year later they reconnect and he’s smitten. But she’s adamant to keep her hate for him alive and he remains clueless. Their prank war and banter is top tier between them. And really helps carry the storyline.
Rate works so hard to be the man for her and figure out where it went wrong. And he has to also learn to lean on his teammates. There are sports injuries, loss, and depression featured heavily in this book. And I’m not gonna lie, I sobbed through about 15-20% of this book.
It hits hard! But it strengthens the found family and relationships in the story. There is no third act breakup up. And overall the story really makes you feel all your feelings.
I loved it. And can’t wait for others to enjoy it as well. I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 18, 2024
When meeting at a Halloween party Tate and Penelope have great banter that leads to a steamy kiss. When she finds out who he really is, she ghosts him.
Tate doesn’t know what happened but he can’t forget the woman from the party. So when he runs into her again it’s as the new neighbor. He doesn’t understand why she seems to hate him, but their pranks fired him up.
Penelope can’t fall for the hot hockey neighbor, he’s the son of the man who ruined her family. When an injury leaves Tate needing help Penelope feels guilty and helps him recover.
Tate was such a sweetheart and he slowly proved to Penelope that he liked her for her and not just her body.
I loved seeing the found family in the hockey crew especially when tragedy strikes and Tate needs all the help he can get. This one will pull your heartstrings but also leave you laughing at times.
I received an arc for review all opinions are my own and given freely.
Tate doesn’t know what happened but he can’t forget the woman from the party. So when he runs into her again it’s as the new neighbor. He doesn’t understand why she seems to hate him, but their pranks fired him up.
Penelope can’t fall for the hot hockey neighbor, he’s the son of the man who ruined her family. When an injury leaves Tate needing help Penelope feels guilty and helps him recover.
Tate was such a sweetheart and he slowly proved to Penelope that he liked her for her and not just her body.
I loved seeing the found family in the hockey crew especially when tragedy strikes and Tate needs all the help he can get. This one will pull your heartstrings but also leave you laughing at times.
I received an arc for review all opinions are my own and given freely.
June 4, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3½ 🌶🌶🌶
Dropping The Mitts
#5 Cedar Rapid Racoons college hockey series
MMC Tate
FMC Penelope (Pitstop)
Lasairiona handles sensitive, somewhat traumatic topics in such an empathetic way throughout this story.
Tate is the golden guy on the team who has cinnamon roll energy. He meets his match when he encounters the feisty, sparky, plus-size Pitstop one Halloween.
Although the attraction is instant,
unknown to him, there is dark past between their families.
Fast forward a year and when Penelope becomes his dorm neighbour, the sparks fly and the sexual tension ratches up. I loved the enemy to lovers build up, the friction and the humorous pranks.
She was the rock that Tate needed when his world imploded. Her strength and love helped centre him through his depression and grief.
Penelope and Tate's story gripped me from the beginning to the end.
3½ 🌶🌶🌶
Dropping The Mitts
#5 Cedar Rapid Racoons college hockey series
MMC Tate
FMC Penelope (Pitstop)
Lasairiona handles sensitive, somewhat traumatic topics in such an empathetic way throughout this story.
Tate is the golden guy on the team who has cinnamon roll energy. He meets his match when he encounters the feisty, sparky, plus-size Pitstop one Halloween.
Although the attraction is instant,
unknown to him, there is dark past between their families.
Fast forward a year and when Penelope becomes his dorm neighbour, the sparks fly and the sexual tension ratches up. I loved the enemy to lovers build up, the friction and the humorous pranks.
She was the rock that Tate needed when his world imploded. Her strength and love helped centre him through his depression and grief.
Penelope and Tate's story gripped me from the beginning to the end.
June 12, 2024
I loved these two together, it has everything that you could want in a hockey romance. It's an enemies to lovers romance with Tate as the MMC and Penelope as the FMC. In true Lasairiona style we had the banter, the spice and some sensitive subjects that were written beautifully . I love this hockey family 💕 and how they helped Penelope with Tate when he needed it and was at his lowest.
These two definitely bring out your emotions on this roller coaster. YOU WILL NEED TISSUES!! Another thing I loved about these characters is that they communicated throughout the book about what they wanted/needed. Penelope knew her worth and didn't take anything less and Tate knew what he wanted and went for it. The pranks were hilarious and I felt Tate's pain with the glitter 😂 This is another amazing addition to the series, I felt like I was revisiting old friends! 💕
These two definitely bring out your emotions on this roller coaster. YOU WILL NEED TISSUES!! Another thing I loved about these characters is that they communicated throughout the book about what they wanted/needed. Penelope knew her worth and didn't take anything less and Tate knew what he wanted and went for it. The pranks were hilarious and I felt Tate's pain with the glitter 😂 This is another amazing addition to the series, I felt like I was revisiting old friends! 💕
June 14, 2024
Dropping the Mitts - Lasiriona McMaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
Penelope Meets Tate at a Halloween Party. She's dressed as Belle from Beauty & The Beast with a Taco on her head. (Taco Belle). She tells Tate he's gonna fall in love with her the first night, but then she ghosts him after finding out her family has a history with his family. Tate just can't forget her. Later only to run into her again in the Dorms months later. The prank war begins and I definitely laughed.
Lasiriona then breaks me down later on when a situation becomes emotional and Tate was coming off an injury. Penelope and Tate do have their Happily Ever After only after my gut healed.
Spice Level: 🌶🌶
I can't wait for the next book in this series! If you enjoy a few tears, laughter, and an all around HEA with no 3rd breakup act, this one's for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
Penelope Meets Tate at a Halloween Party. She's dressed as Belle from Beauty & The Beast with a Taco on her head. (Taco Belle). She tells Tate he's gonna fall in love with her the first night, but then she ghosts him after finding out her family has a history with his family. Tate just can't forget her. Later only to run into her again in the Dorms months later. The prank war begins and I definitely laughed.
Lasiriona then breaks me down later on when a situation becomes emotional and Tate was coming off an injury. Penelope and Tate do have their Happily Ever After only after my gut healed.
Spice Level: 🌶🌶
I can't wait for the next book in this series! If you enjoy a few tears, laughter, and an all around HEA with no 3rd breakup act, this one's for you.
June 13, 2024
This was a pretty emotional read and so not where I was expecting Penelope and Tate's story to go... I shed a few tears over this and so much happened to this poor couple. What the heck did Tate do to deserve all that!?! There were also a lot of hilarious moments too though so it was quite the rollercoaster.
I'm torn on whether this is a 4 or 5 star read so I think it's a 4.5 star for me. Mostly because starting the whole prank war, while really funny, didn't quite seem to fit the vibe of Penelope 'hating' him even though she was fighting her obvious attraction to him. Once they really connected though their chemistry was great and I loved the back and forth they had.
Definitely hoping for more from this series. I am invested and keen to read Artemis and Athena's stories.
I'm torn on whether this is a 4 or 5 star read so I think it's a 4.5 star for me. Mostly because starting the whole prank war, while really funny, didn't quite seem to fit the vibe of Penelope 'hating' him even though she was fighting her obvious attraction to him. Once they really connected though their chemistry was great and I loved the back and forth they had.
Definitely hoping for more from this series. I am invested and keen to read Artemis and Athena's stories.
June 15, 2024
Wow....this book right here was it! Penelope and Tate, for me, were an absolute power couple. The banter, the heat, the tricks...OMG, I ate it all up like a five-course meal. I couldn't get enough of Tate; he was hands-down an all-star to put up with everything and keep such a great spirit about it. Trust me about this, when you know you'll know. And, Penelope, I admire her strong desire of family connection, but there were times I was like Agghhhh....lol...again, just trust me. Now, while Penelope and Tate seem to be on opposite ends, their journey was full of laughs, romance, and spice. It was a hoot to read and entirely entertaining. I enjoyed every minute of it. Do I recommend it? Absolutely!! So go now! Like right now!!
June 10, 2024
Tate and Penelope’s story was absolutely amazing! As with the whole series! Yes you may read as a stand alone but I strongly recommend reading the whole series! I absolutely love this author as she writes very relatable characters. From their flaws and faults they are relatable to so many people! The topics discussed are even more relatable! My favorite things about this book are that the FMC is plus size! The MMC has an average peen! The reality of the sport hockey is portrayed beautifully! But I must say even though I was feeling all the emotions in this book I loved every single word of it! I would highly recommend reading this (along with the rest of the series lol)!
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