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Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2
Home Game
**LIMITED EDITION PAPERBACK COVER**
“Amazing hockey love story. I am addicted to this series.” – 5 star amazon review
~
He’s a professional hockey player trying to survive on his new team. I’m just trying to survive.
I’m down to my last dollar.
I live day-to-day in a world that doesn’t care.
Despite my bad luck, I’m a fighter.
I never give up. I never stop trying.
Ryan Parker's wealth and generosity, sets him apart from anyone I know.
Yet, I don’t trust him.
It’s nothing personal. I trust no one.
But when my bad luck takes a turn for the worse, one person shows up.
Ryan Parker.
I do not understand why he bothered because the guy has enough of his own issues to deal with.
But I don’t have a choice.
I need him. It’s a matter of survival.
His friendship changed everything.
It changed me.
I started to believe in myself.
I allowed myself to trust.
And for the first time, in a long time, I felt my heart beat again.
In the game of love, winning is harder than it looks.
I don’t know the rules.
I don’t know how to win.
But I’ll play my heart out until the whistle blows.
Home Who's got your back when the puck drops?
~
“Odette has a wonderful style that captures your interest from the first page to the last. Her characters are gripping and she weaves their tale in such a way that I did NOT put this book down!!” – Amazon review
~
This is a standalone book, and this series can be read in any order.
“Amazing hockey love story. I am addicted to this series.” – 5 star amazon review
~
He’s a professional hockey player trying to survive on his new team. I’m just trying to survive.
I’m down to my last dollar.
I live day-to-day in a world that doesn’t care.
Despite my bad luck, I’m a fighter.
I never give up. I never stop trying.
Ryan Parker's wealth and generosity, sets him apart from anyone I know.
Yet, I don’t trust him.
It’s nothing personal. I trust no one.
But when my bad luck takes a turn for the worse, one person shows up.
Ryan Parker.
I do not understand why he bothered because the guy has enough of his own issues to deal with.
But I don’t have a choice.
I need him. It’s a matter of survival.
His friendship changed everything.
It changed me.
I started to believe in myself.
I allowed myself to trust.
And for the first time, in a long time, I felt my heart beat again.
In the game of love, winning is harder than it looks.
I don’t know the rules.
I don’t know how to win.
But I’ll play my heart out until the whistle blows.
Home Who's got your back when the puck drops?
~
“Odette has a wonderful style that captures your interest from the first page to the last. Her characters are gripping and she weaves their tale in such a way that I did NOT put this book down!!” – Amazon review
~
This is a standalone book, and this series can be read in any order.
362 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2019
7422 people are currently reading
23730 people want to read
About the author
Odette Stone
16 books3,613 followersJoin Odette's VIP mailing list for exclusive material ➜ https://geni.us/OdettesVIP
Join Odette’s FB group to connect➜https://geni.us/HotAlphas
Website ➜ https://www.odettestone.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/odette.stone/
Odette has ranked in the top #50 of all Amazon Authors, with a Top #20 bestseller. This KDP All-star author loves to write contemporary, new adult and sports romance books.
She resides in beautiful Vancouver, Canada and she lives for coffee, walks on the beach (no, really), a good book and TV dramas. She is a proud dog mom to a beautiful fur baby puppy named, Mica. She has been described as introverted, funny, and an excellent listener. She's so good at keeping secrets, her friends call her "the vault." She hates being the centre of attention but she'll push you to take the stage.
Odette writes real, honest and intense romance novels. If you like hot, intelligent Alpha males, you've come to the right place! Her writing goal is to keep her readers up late at night, because they keep saying, "Just one more chapter, I'm just going to read one more chapter."
Join Odette’s FB group to connect➜https://geni.us/HotAlphas
Website ➜ https://www.odettestone.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/odette.stone/
Odette has ranked in the top #50 of all Amazon Authors, with a Top #20 bestseller. This KDP All-star author loves to write contemporary, new adult and sports romance books.
She resides in beautiful Vancouver, Canada and she lives for coffee, walks on the beach (no, really), a good book and TV dramas. She is a proud dog mom to a beautiful fur baby puppy named, Mica. She has been described as introverted, funny, and an excellent listener. She's so good at keeping secrets, her friends call her "the vault." She hates being the centre of attention but she'll push you to take the stage.
Odette writes real, honest and intense romance novels. If you like hot, intelligent Alpha males, you've come to the right place! Her writing goal is to keep her readers up late at night, because they keep saying, "Just one more chapter, I'm just going to read one more chapter."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,777 reviews
October 29, 2021
She was my best friend, my lover, my everything. I wanted to marry her, give her babies and show her the world.
Our main characters, Ryan Parker (26) is a hockey player who has been traded to the Vancouver Wolves and Zobenia “Zoey” Petrik (20) is a homeless girl, struggling to even make the barest minimum. Under some dire circumstances, Ryan decides to help out Zoey and suggests she move in with him. While Ryan struggles with bonding with his teammates and Zoey is given the opportunity to get back on her feet, a very sweet slow-burn romance blossoms between the two.
Initially, I had thought that Max (the hero from the first book) was THE PUREST cinnamon roll ever, but I’m officially passing that title onto Ryan now. Ryan was boyfriend material through and through – a hero in every sense of the word. He’s so kind, sweet and selfless. He was such a real guy as well; I loved his struggle with loneliness and his attempts in trying to bond with his team even though they were hellbent on ostracizing him. It’s nice to see heroes go through real struggles, ya know?
AND I LOVED Zoey so much! Her development as a character was truly the highlight for me. She starts off very prickly and difficult to get along with but when she finds solace in Ryan, we get to see her vulnerability and how much she actually needed constant reassurance. Seeing her transform from being a timid girl to a much more confident young woman made my heart burst with joy. I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she slowly discovered more about herself – her love for IKEA and decorating was too cute!
Ryan and Zoey were two halves of a whole, so damn perfect for each other. Their IKEA dates and movie nights GAVE ME DIABETES. SO SO CUTE. Their slow-burn romance and them constantly denying their attraction to each other gave me life. They’re definitely a couple you know will be happy long after their book has been written! I rarely ever cry happy tears, but this book managed to make me BAWL for these two cuties.
I could handle abuse. Ignorance. Pain. But someone coming to my defense was my kryptonite. It brought me to my knees and made me weak. Tears mingled with my wet face while I worked to pull back all that emotion that was coming out of me.
I really loved how this story touched on the power dynamics between a very wealthy hero and a dirt-poor heroine. The constant struggle between Ryan wanting to purchase things for Zoey and Zoey feeling like she owed him, coupled with the humiliation of being homeless, was so realistic. Money can be a touchy subject, so I commend the author for doing such a brilliant job at adding complexity and depth to their romance. Even though it ultimately became a misunderstanding between the two, I love that Zoey was given the space to be independent and empowered.
Honestly, it was a pleasant surprise to find that nearly all my problems in the first book were IMMENSELY IMPROVED in this installment. (Hooray for the dual POV and less melodrama!) Odette Stone is clearly an author that knows how to improve her work and I can say with confidence that she’s slowly becoming one of my favorite authors! I love her writing style; it’s so captivating and it just flows so well! While the story has many serious themes in it, there were many well placed injections of humor too.
“You know that horror movie, where the scary dead chick crawls out of the TV and kills people?”
I looked up at her. “Yeah.”
“She’s in your bedroom.”
I also love that we got to see a bit more of the other members of the Vancouver Wolves. Mica was the bomb! (I’m technically cheating as I’ve already read his book, which is the next installment, and I can firmly attest to his awesomeness…) I love his bromance with Ryan and how he became a reliable friend for Zoey. Also, I know there are readers that aren’t a fan of OM/OW drama, but I personally enjoy it, so just a word of warning… I hope Jensen (the OM) gets his own book!
My main criticism is that the ending felt too obvious that it was setting itself up for the next book. I would’ve liked a heartier epilogue instead. There were other minor things that could’ve been better, but I don’t want to nit-pick, I’m already looking forward to rereading this book.
If you’re looking for a snuggable sports romance with ALL THE FEELS, I highly recommend this one! The books in this series can also be read as standalones!
Rating: 4.75/5
August 9, 2022
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!!!!! I'm honestly obsessed with this entire series and I think I gave every one five stars. This one has the sweetest hero ever and I just was obsessed. Ryan is a professional hockey player and all around good guy. He meets Zoey in a cafe and she helps him out with her taxes. Zoey freaks out that she's late, so he gives her a ride to a church she needs to go to. He quickly realizes that Zoey is homeless and missed the cutoff to stay at a shelter for the night. Ryan offers for Zoey to stay with him and the two strike up a friendship, even though Zoey finds it hard to accept help from anyone. The relationship between Zoey and Ryan was so sweet and I just loved how close they grew to one another. Ryan never saw Zoey as a burden and he just wanted the best for her. Zoey was such a strong heroine and I loved her journey of getting on her feet while trying to ignore her feelings for Ryan. Her story was so heartbreaking and I just wanted her to be happy and find her HEA with Ryan. Every book in this series does have a suspense aspect where there's a villain, which I actually like! The plot gets a little intense and I'm kept on my toes. I absolutely adored this book and couldn't recommend this series enough!!
February 7, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️ Friends to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes and this one was just so adorable and beautiful. I loved every minute of it.
The hero, Ryan Parker was such a sweetheart! I fell for him instantly! And the heroine, Zoey?? I fell for her just as fast. They both have my whole heart.
I loved how Ryan was adamant on helping Zoey get back on her feet. She was homeless and I just wanted her to succeed 😭. Her situation really broke my heart.
There was also a scene in this book that just made me smile so much. They were at a charity event for Ryan’s hockey team and he picked Zoey up in his arms and skated around with her. It was just such a beautiful scene 🥹.
The writing wasn’t the best and some things weren’t very realistic, especially towards the end, but idc I loved the romance and the characters too much to care 🥹❤️.
“She was my best friend, my lover, my everything. I wanted to marry her, give her babies and show her the world.”
Original rating⬇️ (2/06/2022)
4/5 ⭐️
The hero, Ryan Parker was such a sweetheart! I fell for him instantly! And the heroine, Zoey?? I fell for her just as fast. They both have my whole heart.
I loved how Ryan was adamant on helping Zoey get back on her feet. She was homeless and I just wanted her to succeed 😭. Her situation really broke my heart.
There was also a scene in this book that just made me smile so much. They were at a charity event for Ryan’s hockey team and he picked Zoey up in his arms and skated around with her. It was just such a beautiful scene 🥹.
The writing wasn’t the best and some things weren’t very realistic, especially towards the end, but idc I loved the romance and the characters too much to care 🥹❤️.
“She was my best friend, my lover, my everything. I wanted to marry her, give her babies and show her the world.”
Original rating⬇️ (2/06/2022)
4/5 ⭐️
November 6, 2022
Okay so at first I was super into this. The concept was interesting, with our punk female lead being homeless and needing help. Enter the rich professional athlete with a heart of gold. It started off cute, but it just started to feel… young. I don’t know why zoey had to be an uneducated, petite virgin. It felt like I was reading about a 16 year old, not a 21 year old, so when the sex scene happened at the 90% mark I was actually a little uncomfortable. The questions she was asking mid sex (What do we do now? Where does this go?) along with some clunky, juvenile dialogue made me start to think of these two twenty somethings as that obnoxious middle school couple who always has their hands in each other’s sleeves.
Also, I never want to hear about IKEA again. The second IKEA is mentioned, it doesn’t stop being mentioned. I about lost my mind when they named the cat IKEA.
Also, I never want to hear about IKEA again. The second IKEA is mentioned, it doesn’t stop being mentioned. I about lost my mind when they named the cat IKEA.
August 8, 2022
4 stars
I'm such a sucker for sports romances, hockey specifically, and when I saw someone mention this book on a booktube video I knew I had to check it out. I've never read anything by this author and this is book 2 of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I adored Ryan and Zoey's story. Ryan is such a sweetheart and Zoey has such a tough shell, but inside she's soft as well. This had a unique premise which I loved, and I'm intrigued by some of the other players. I see that the next in the series is Mica's book and I'll be getting to it soon! This one was worth the read and I'm so glad I picked it up.
I'm such a sucker for sports romances, hockey specifically, and when I saw someone mention this book on a booktube video I knew I had to check it out. I've never read anything by this author and this is book 2 of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I adored Ryan and Zoey's story. Ryan is such a sweetheart and Zoey has such a tough shell, but inside she's soft as well. This had a unique premise which I loved, and I'm intrigued by some of the other players. I see that the next in the series is Mica's book and I'll be getting to it soon! This one was worth the read and I'm so glad I picked it up.
July 24, 2025
4.25 ✰
He smiled, holding my gaze.
“What?”
“Just you.”
May this kind of love finds me, Ameen.
Tropes :
⤿Billionaire ice hockey player mmc
⤿Punk rocker homeless fmc
⤿Roommates
⤿Acts of services
⤿Opposite attracts
⤿Slowburn
⤿Sweet and low angst
⤿Lots of jealousy scenes
⤿Strangers⤳ Friends⤳ Lovers
⤿Virgin fmc
Okay so i literally inhaled this book, and i was so so so sure this was gonna be a five star read. It started off so strong, i cried a lot during the first half.
I loved ;
⤿how Ryan (mmc) helped her selflessly and there was no insta lust.
⤿how their attraction built up.
⤿how after finding out he's attracted to her, he waited so he doesn't break her trust.
⤿how he helped Zoey heal both physically and emotionally, and also become independently strong.
“You have all the power.”
⤿their ikea dates, movie nights at home and the spice too heheh
And Zoey (fmc)- I loved everything abt her!!! She stood for herself whenever she needed to.
I really liked Mica and Krista too (might read their books eventually)
Now my only the problem is that in the second half, things got a little repetitive?! I had no problem with the third act breakup tho cuz it was necessary and misunderstanding too so that there'd be angst. But why'd u kiss another girl goodbye during that (reminded me of an anime)
The girl he likes: why'd u kiss another girl
Him: so that she leaves me alone after that
Um- No. U slap her so she leaves u alone!!
Also that bianca betch (his PR) i wanted Ryan to open her skull using his hockey stick, which he didn't ofc 😔 and the author didn't need to make Jensen that sweet 😭
But overall, i enjoyed the book and loved the characters <3
“It already feels like home.”
“You’re my home.”
He smiled, holding my gaze.
“What?”
“Just you.”
May this kind of love finds me, Ameen.
Tropes :
⤿Billionaire ice hockey player mmc
⤿Punk rocker homeless fmc
⤿Roommates
⤿Acts of services
⤿Opposite attracts
⤿Slowburn
⤿Sweet and low angst
⤿Lots of jealousy scenes
⤿Strangers⤳ Friends⤳ Lovers
⤿Virgin fmc
Okay so i literally inhaled this book, and i was so so so sure this was gonna be a five star read. It started off so strong, i cried a lot during the first half.
I loved ;
⤿how Ryan (mmc) helped her selflessly and there was no insta lust.
⤿how their attraction built up.
⤿how after finding out he's attracted to her, he waited so he doesn't break her trust.
⤿how he helped Zoey heal both physically and emotionally, and also become independently strong.
“You have all the power.”
⤿their ikea dates, movie nights at home and the spice too heheh
And Zoey (fmc)- I loved everything abt her!!! She stood for herself whenever she needed to.
I really liked Mica and Krista too (might read their books eventually)
Now my only the problem is that in the second half, things got a little repetitive?! I had no problem with the third act breakup tho cuz it was necessary and misunderstanding too so that there'd be angst. But why'd u kiss another girl goodbye during that (reminded me of an anime)
The girl he likes: why'd u kiss another girl
Him: so that she leaves me alone after that
Um- No. U slap her so she leaves u alone!!
Also that bianca betch (his PR) i wanted Ryan to open her skull using his hockey stick, which he didn't ofc 😔 and the author didn't need to make Jensen that sweet 😭
But overall, i enjoyed the book and loved the characters <3
“It already feels like home.”
“You’re my home.”
July 6, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2 ~ fine as a standalone
Others in the series ~ Puck Me Secretly
Publication date ~ January 29, 2019
Page Count ~ 364
Audio length ~ 11 hours 0 minutes
Narratora ~ Madeleine Dauer & Alex Kydd
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ hockey/NHL, close proximity, roommates, rich man/poor woman, virgin, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage
Ryan & Zoey
Zoey is a woman who doesn't trust easily and always thinks a man has an ulterior motive, which makes trusting Ryan very difficult for her. Sometimes she acted tough, but other times she had trouble standing up for herself especially with . I did like her growth that slowly took place.
Ryan was such a giving, lonely and gentle man. He was very patient and never pushed her into anything. He trusted Zoey's judgement on things and he barely knew her, which I am not sure many people would do.
Overall, I am super duper happy we got dual pov in this one. A fine installment to the series. Towards the end we have a set up for book 3 The Penalty Box, which will follow Mica.
Narration notes ~ hallelujah for 2.
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2 ~ fine as a standalone
Others in the series ~ Puck Me Secretly
Publication date ~ January 29, 2019
Page Count ~ 364
Audio length ~ 11 hours 0 minutes
Narratora ~ Madeleine Dauer & Alex Kydd
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ hockey/NHL, close proximity, roommates, rich man/poor woman, virgin, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage
Ryan & Zoey
Zoey is a woman who doesn't trust easily and always thinks a man has an ulterior motive, which makes trusting Ryan very difficult for her. Sometimes she acted tough, but other times she had trouble standing up for herself especially with . I did like her growth that slowly took place.
Ryan was such a giving, lonely and gentle man. He was very patient and never pushed her into anything. He trusted Zoey's judgement on things and he barely knew her, which I am not sure many people would do.
Overall, I am super duper happy we got dual pov in this one. A fine installment to the series. Towards the end we have a set up for book 3 The Penalty Box, which will follow Mica.
Narration notes ~ hallelujah for 2.
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
June 13, 2020
I am between 2 and 3 stars for this book. I round it up to 3 stars. In my opinion, Puck Me Secretly is still my favorite. Home Game is confusing.
I do not like the flow of the story. It seems between 1 scenes/ plot to another, there are things missing in the middle. So I have to guess or to glue it together myself. The bonus epilogue is.... not great. I want sweet epilogue but what I get is soft porn bonus epilogue.
I like Ryan. He is, despite the confusing story, he is kind of sweet. I do not like the push and pull between Ryan and Zoey. Its too much and most of the push and pull does not contribute to the story. It is sometimes frustrating.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK mostly due to Ryan. He is such a sweet big bear.
3 stars
I do not like the flow of the story. It seems between 1 scenes/ plot to another, there are things missing in the middle. So I have to guess or to glue it together myself. The bonus epilogue is.... not great. I want sweet epilogue but what I get is soft porn bonus epilogue.
I like Ryan. He is, despite the confusing story, he is kind of sweet. I do not like the push and pull between Ryan and Zoey. Its too much and most of the push and pull does not contribute to the story. It is sometimes frustrating.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK mostly due to Ryan. He is such a sweet big bear.
3 stars
January 29, 2019
Ryan and Zoey gave me all the feels. Home Game is honestly just a sweet hockey hero romance with a smidge of angst. Zoey is homeless and struggling. Ryan is a huge hockey start that’s new in town, and is also struggling.. in his own way. They need each other but don’t know it yet.
So essentially this story is girl helps boy. Boy saves girl. They unexpectedly click and fit. Banter, banter, banter. Swoon, swoon, swoon. Roommates. “Just friends.” Slow burn romance ensues. Sigh. I can’t with these two. Such a great read, with such a great cast of characters!
Honestly if you enjoy sports hero romance, then you will love this read. It fits into the classic mold, but also has the unique voice of Odette Stone, which takes Home Game to the next level. Loving this authors work so far and can’t wait to see what she gives us next!
https://instagram.com/p/BtJ1dcllz-b/
^fan edit on IG!
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON & KINDLE UNLIMITED!
*ARC
So essentially this story is girl helps boy. Boy saves girl. They unexpectedly click and fit. Banter, banter, banter. Swoon, swoon, swoon. Roommates. “Just friends.” Slow burn romance ensues. Sigh. I can’t with these two. Such a great read, with such a great cast of characters!
Honestly if you enjoy sports hero romance, then you will love this read. It fits into the classic mold, but also has the unique voice of Odette Stone, which takes Home Game to the next level. Loving this authors work so far and can’t wait to see what she gives us next!
https://instagram.com/p/BtJ1dcllz-b/
^fan edit on IG!
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON & KINDLE UNLIMITED!
*ARC
May 1, 2021
Vancouver Wolves Hockey Series
Puck Me Secretly ➟ 3 stars
Home Game ➟ 1.5 stars
The Penalty Box ➟ not going to read
High Risk Rookie ➟ not going to read
Book: The Home Game
Rating: 1.5 stars
Summary
A chance encounter at a random café causes Vancouver hockey player, Ryan Parker, and current homeless twenty-year old, Zoey to meet. After Zoey ends up helping Ryan with his computer trouble, he offers her his card in case she ever needs anything. Zoey was never planning on using it however after an attack that lands her in the hospital all she has is Ryan. Soon enough, Ryan offers to let Zoey stay with him until she is back on her feet. But that’s it. They are just friends. But would that really stop them from secretly falling for each other anyways?
Review
Well, this was disappointing. I didn’t love the first book in the series, but I had hopes this would be better, it wasn’t. Not even close. The only reason I didn’t DNF was because of how quick I was flying through the book.
↳Plot. I have no idea what I just read. I wish I was joking when I say that but so much happened in this book I am not even sure what the plot is. Even though I have only read two Odette books, I feel like this might be the way she likes to write her books; she likes to have so much going on at once to keep it action packed and interesting, but it really backfires. Mostly all the complaints I had in the first book of this series, can be implied to this one. To be honest, it would have been one thing if she wanted to add a lot of plot points but to add so many and then resolve them so poorly is the real crime. I just could not take this book seriously, adding (more like trying) thriller aspects towards the end of the book was also just unnecessary. So, in all the plot was a hot mess!
↳Characters. I did not like any of the characters. There is not even a single time in this book were I thought the characters were interesting. Ryan was dull and Zoey was dull. It’s also the fact both of them were grown adults but were acting like children around each other; some of their actions in this book were so ridiculous that I can’t even describe. In all they were just boring and unmoving. I also feel like I don’t know their personalities that well. Maybe, it was just because I did not care but the only personality traits, I felt like they had was Ryan being a hockey player while Zoey was homeless.
↳Romance. The romance in this book felt so dumb to a point it felt comedic. I just could not believe what I was reading. This was just a whole miscommunication fest; I never realized how much that bothered me until reading this book. One of the weirdest slow burn romances I have ever read. Also, this reminded me way too much of Fever, another book I did not like which have the same story – rich boy saves poor girl. I am guessing I don’t really like that trope. But anyways, I just never felt Ryan and Zoey’s chemistry. They were like friends who could not tell each other they liked each other; like 90 percent of this book is both of them falling for each other but instead of telling each other, they just act foolish. Also, the OW and OM drama was so unnecessary I can’t even.
↳Ending Thoughts. In conclusion, I did not like this book at all. I don’t think I will continue on with this series. I just don’t think Odette is a writer for me.
Puck Me Secretly ➟ 3 stars
Home Game ➟ 1.5 stars
The Penalty Box ➟ not going to read
High Risk Rookie ➟ not going to read
Book: The Home Game
Rating: 1.5 stars
Summary
A chance encounter at a random café causes Vancouver hockey player, Ryan Parker, and current homeless twenty-year old, Zoey to meet. After Zoey ends up helping Ryan with his computer trouble, he offers her his card in case she ever needs anything. Zoey was never planning on using it however after an attack that lands her in the hospital all she has is Ryan. Soon enough, Ryan offers to let Zoey stay with him until she is back on her feet. But that’s it. They are just friends. But would that really stop them from secretly falling for each other anyways?
Review
Well, this was disappointing. I didn’t love the first book in the series, but I had hopes this would be better, it wasn’t. Not even close. The only reason I didn’t DNF was because of how quick I was flying through the book.
↳Plot. I have no idea what I just read. I wish I was joking when I say that but so much happened in this book I am not even sure what the plot is. Even though I have only read two Odette books, I feel like this might be the way she likes to write her books; she likes to have so much going on at once to keep it action packed and interesting, but it really backfires. Mostly all the complaints I had in the first book of this series, can be implied to this one. To be honest, it would have been one thing if she wanted to add a lot of plot points but to add so many and then resolve them so poorly is the real crime. I just could not take this book seriously, adding (more like trying) thriller aspects towards the end of the book was also just unnecessary. So, in all the plot was a hot mess!
↳Characters. I did not like any of the characters. There is not even a single time in this book were I thought the characters were interesting. Ryan was dull and Zoey was dull. It’s also the fact both of them were grown adults but were acting like children around each other; some of their actions in this book were so ridiculous that I can’t even describe. In all they were just boring and unmoving. I also feel like I don’t know their personalities that well. Maybe, it was just because I did not care but the only personality traits, I felt like they had was Ryan being a hockey player while Zoey was homeless.
↳Romance. The romance in this book felt so dumb to a point it felt comedic. I just could not believe what I was reading. This was just a whole miscommunication fest; I never realized how much that bothered me until reading this book. One of the weirdest slow burn romances I have ever read. Also, this reminded me way too much of Fever, another book I did not like which have the same story – rich boy saves poor girl. I am guessing I don’t really like that trope. But anyways, I just never felt Ryan and Zoey’s chemistry. They were like friends who could not tell each other they liked each other; like 90 percent of this book is both of them falling for each other but instead of telling each other, they just act foolish. Also, the OW and OM drama was so unnecessary I can’t even.
↳Ending Thoughts. In conclusion, I did not like this book at all. I don’t think I will continue on with this series. I just don’t think Odette is a writer for me.
May 14, 2023
I LOVED IT!!!! 😍❤️😍💕
Este libro puso muy soft mi corazón.🫰🥰
Es de las historias y parejas más cute y dulces que he leído en sport romance.
Él es el nuevo jugador transferido de los Wolves de Vancouver y ella es una homeless que vive al día y lucha por cada dólar ganado.
Ellos se encuentran en una cafetería y él le pide ayuda con para registrar en la app sus egresos e ingresos para dárselos a su contador, pero a ella se le hace tarde para llegar al refugio, él la lleva, pero no es admitida porque se le pasó la hora, él se apiada de ella y la lleva a su casa, tiempo después ella es atacada y golpeada y lo único que llevaba con ella es la tarjeta que le dio Ryan por lo que a él le hablan y decide tenerla en su casa hasta que se recupere.
Zoey me llenó de ternura, nunca ha tenido nada, un hogar, una familia, a alguien en quien apoyarse hasta que llega Ryan a su vida, ella no sabe que pensar de él, pero se da cuenta que es tan desinteresado que su gratitud se convierte en amor.
Ryan por otra parte es un protector y desde que conoció a Zoey no quiere otra cosa más que éste a salvo y bien.
Está convivencia de roomies de pie a una amistad, pero también al enamoramiento y el desarrollo de esa relación es lo que más se disfruta en ésta historia, porque sí es un slow burn.
En cuanto a las escenas spicy tenemos unas cuantas, si son hot pero el libro no es tan steamy como el anterior
Este libro puso muy soft mi corazón.🫰🥰
Es de las historias y parejas más cute y dulces que he leído en sport romance.
Él es el nuevo jugador transferido de los Wolves de Vancouver y ella es una homeless que vive al día y lucha por cada dólar ganado.
Ellos se encuentran en una cafetería y él le pide ayuda con para registrar en la app sus egresos e ingresos para dárselos a su contador, pero a ella se le hace tarde para llegar al refugio, él la lleva, pero no es admitida porque se le pasó la hora, él se apiada de ella y la lleva a su casa, tiempo después ella es atacada y golpeada y lo único que llevaba con ella es la tarjeta que le dio Ryan por lo que a él le hablan y decide tenerla en su casa hasta que se recupere.
Zoey me llenó de ternura, nunca ha tenido nada, un hogar, una familia, a alguien en quien apoyarse hasta que llega Ryan a su vida, ella no sabe que pensar de él, pero se da cuenta que es tan desinteresado que su gratitud se convierte en amor.
Ryan por otra parte es un protector y desde que conoció a Zoey no quiere otra cosa más que éste a salvo y bien.
Está convivencia de roomies de pie a una amistad, pero también al enamoramiento y el desarrollo de esa relación es lo que más se disfruta en ésta historia, porque sí es un slow burn.
En cuanto a las escenas spicy tenemos unas cuantas, si son hot pero el libro no es tan steamy como el anterior
April 15, 2025
Okay, Home Game? Yeah… it broke me and rebuilt me. I laughed, I cried (ugly cried, to be honest), and when I finished, I just sat there thinking, “Odette Stone, how are you this good??” At this point, she’s not just an author I read—she’s basically my emotional support writer. Me and Odette? We’re tight now.
This book has everything I love: a hero with a heart of absolute gold, emotional depth that punches you in the chest, and a slow-burn connection that feels earned. Ryan Parker is just… chef’s kiss. He's wealthy, famous, and could easily be one of those typical cocky athletes, but nope—he’s gentle, patient, and so deeply kind. The way he shows up for the heroine, again and again, without pushing or expecting anything in return? I ADORE him.
The heroine’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. She’s a survivor in every sense of the word, and her strength blew me away. The way Zoey and Ryan slowly build trust, friendship, and something so much deeper—it had me clinging to every word. Some scenes were hard to read, but they were real and necessary and so incredibly moving.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s about healing, second chances, and finding the light in someone when the world’s gone dark. And Odette? She writes heroes like no one else. Seriously. Her men feel—they’re loyal, soft in the right ways, and strong when it counts. I could write love letters to every single one.
If you haven’t read Odette Stone yet, what are you even doing with your life?
🎶“Rescue” – Lauren Daigle
🎶"You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott
🎶“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
🎶“You Found Me” – The Fray
🎶“Coming Home” – Leon Bridges
🎶“Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” – Cigarettes After Sex
This book has everything I love: a hero with a heart of absolute gold, emotional depth that punches you in the chest, and a slow-burn connection that feels earned. Ryan Parker is just… chef’s kiss. He's wealthy, famous, and could easily be one of those typical cocky athletes, but nope—he’s gentle, patient, and so deeply kind. The way he shows up for the heroine, again and again, without pushing or expecting anything in return? I ADORE him.
The heroine’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. She’s a survivor in every sense of the word, and her strength blew me away. The way Zoey and Ryan slowly build trust, friendship, and something so much deeper—it had me clinging to every word. Some scenes were hard to read, but they were real and necessary and so incredibly moving.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s about healing, second chances, and finding the light in someone when the world’s gone dark. And Odette? She writes heroes like no one else. Seriously. Her men feel—they’re loyal, soft in the right ways, and strong when it counts. I could write love letters to every single one.
If you haven’t read Odette Stone yet, what are you even doing with your life?
🎶“Rescue” – Lauren Daigle
🎶"You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott
🎶“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
🎶“You Found Me” – The Fray
🎶“Coming Home” – Leon Bridges
🎶“Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” – Cigarettes After Sex
October 5, 2022
DNFing at 44%
Considering I’m not even half way through and I’m already bored and heavily skimming… I don’t see a point in continuing.
I liked the couples first encounter and thought the setup of a professional hockey player helping out a homeless girl sounded super unique and interesting… but not much else was working for me after that.
I wasn’t really vibing with Zoey and I found her to be super childish. She was supposed to be 20 and it felt like I was reading about a skiddish 15 year old. And even though I kind of liked Ryan, he wasn’t enough to keep me invested.
There was a lot of petty drama being added in and I honestly didn’t care for anything that was going on. Felt like a very basic high school feeling sort of sports romance and I don’t care to put myself though 200 more pages of it.
Considering I’m not even half way through and I’m already bored and heavily skimming… I don’t see a point in continuing.
I liked the couples first encounter and thought the setup of a professional hockey player helping out a homeless girl sounded super unique and interesting… but not much else was working for me after that.
I wasn’t really vibing with Zoey and I found her to be super childish. She was supposed to be 20 and it felt like I was reading about a skiddish 15 year old. And even though I kind of liked Ryan, he wasn’t enough to keep me invested.
There was a lot of petty drama being added in and I honestly didn’t care for anything that was going on. Felt like a very basic high school feeling sort of sports romance and I don’t care to put myself though 200 more pages of it.
December 12, 2022
I don't usually go for sports romance but my dear friend Sanzida recommended this book to me and said I would like it, so I tried it.
Surprisingly, it was so much better than I expected and I am glad I read it. Thank you, sweetheart for the recommendation. 🥰🥰🥰
*********************************************
The heroine in this book is so sweet and so lovable that I wanted to find her in real life and give her many many hugs and kisses. Her painful life, her innocence and her vulnerability mixed with her strong character, her smartness and her good heart make Zoey a very likable character.
Zoey lost her father and mother in a tragic accident when she was 6 and then went to foster care, which wasn't a good experience for her. Finally, when her foster dad assaulted her, she ran away, stabbing him with a knife. He wasn't dead.
*********************************************
When Zoey met our hero, Ryan, she was homeless and living in the shelters and if there was no place in them, she was sleeping in 7/24 open diners.
Ryan is a hockey player and he has just been transferred to a new team. He needs to work a lot to be accepted by his new team mates. He hasn't been in a serious relationship for 3 years because he was busy and he never felt about a woman that she was the one.
*********************************************
The story of Ryan and Zoey first begins with Ryan helping her and she slowly learns to trust him and accept his help. After a while, both of them start to have feelings for each other but Ryan tries to do his best not to break her trust. (She is a virgin, by the way).
*********************************************
There is a long separation (8 months) and during that time, Zoey learns to stand on her own feet and Ryan gives her that time to be sure that she really wants him because she loves him, not because she needs him. Still, he suffers a lot.
Zoey, on the other hand, doesn't understand why Ryan sent her away and she is too upset. I think Ryan could have handled that transition process in a better way but he couldn't.
During that time when they were apart, Ryan's friend arranges a blind date for him once, seeing he is a mess but even though he agrees to meet her, he doesn't feel anything about that woman. Still he kisses her before he sends her home and I didn't like it.
*********************************************
All in all, it is a very emotional and sweet book with some hot scenes. However, I will never understand how a virgin has a magical first time... is it really possible?
*********************************************
The writing of the book is really good. It makes you feel. That's why, I am planning to read the other books in the series.
Ryan motioned for me to get back on the elevator. I stood behind him and stared at his huge back while emotions flooded my entire body. I could handle abuse. Ignorance. Pain. But someone coming to my defense was my kryptonite. It brought me to my knees and made me weak. Tears mingled with my wet face while I worked to pull back all that emotion that was coming out of me.
***
“Be patient with him.”
“I’m not impatient. I don’t know what I am, but it’s not that.”
“The guy is like a flag twisting on a pole. He just needs to sort himself out.”
I had no idea what he was talking about. “What pole is that?”
“You’re the pole.”
***
There’s a warning on the Viagra commercials about calling your doctor if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours. I had a constant hard-on in Zoey’s presence to the point that I was in pain. I wondered, on more than one occasion, if I should consider this a medical emergency.
***
I wanted Zoey to trust me and come forward and share what was bothering her. We’d come a long way since our first days, but there was still a part of her she shielded and held back from me. And I wanted to know her, all of her. Which made little sense because typically, the inner workings of the female mind had never been my concern.
***
“Whatcha reading?”
“A book called Capitalism and Freedom.”
“Is that for class?”
Her smiled widened. “For fun.”
“Economics isn’t fun.”
“Says you.”
Surprisingly, it was so much better than I expected and I am glad I read it. Thank you, sweetheart for the recommendation. 🥰🥰🥰
*********************************************
The heroine in this book is so sweet and so lovable that I wanted to find her in real life and give her many many hugs and kisses. Her painful life, her innocence and her vulnerability mixed with her strong character, her smartness and her good heart make Zoey a very likable character.
Zoey lost her father and mother in a tragic accident when she was 6 and then went to foster care, which wasn't a good experience for her. Finally, when her foster dad assaulted her, she ran away, stabbing him with a knife. He wasn't dead.
*********************************************
When Zoey met our hero, Ryan, she was homeless and living in the shelters and if there was no place in them, she was sleeping in 7/24 open diners.
Ryan is a hockey player and he has just been transferred to a new team. He needs to work a lot to be accepted by his new team mates. He hasn't been in a serious relationship for 3 years because he was busy and he never felt about a woman that she was the one.
*********************************************
The story of Ryan and Zoey first begins with Ryan helping her and she slowly learns to trust him and accept his help. After a while, both of them start to have feelings for each other but Ryan tries to do his best not to break her trust. (She is a virgin, by the way).
*********************************************
There is a long separation (8 months) and during that time, Zoey learns to stand on her own feet and Ryan gives her that time to be sure that she really wants him because she loves him, not because she needs him. Still, he suffers a lot.
Zoey, on the other hand, doesn't understand why Ryan sent her away and she is too upset. I think Ryan could have handled that transition process in a better way but he couldn't.
During that time when they were apart, Ryan's friend arranges a blind date for him once, seeing he is a mess but even though he agrees to meet her, he doesn't feel anything about that woman. Still he kisses her before he sends her home and I didn't like it.
*********************************************
All in all, it is a very emotional and sweet book with some hot scenes. However, I will never understand how a virgin has a magical first time... is it really possible?
*********************************************
The writing of the book is really good. It makes you feel. That's why, I am planning to read the other books in the series.
Ryan motioned for me to get back on the elevator. I stood behind him and stared at his huge back while emotions flooded my entire body. I could handle abuse. Ignorance. Pain. But someone coming to my defense was my kryptonite. It brought me to my knees and made me weak. Tears mingled with my wet face while I worked to pull back all that emotion that was coming out of me.
***
“Be patient with him.”
“I’m not impatient. I don’t know what I am, but it’s not that.”
“The guy is like a flag twisting on a pole. He just needs to sort himself out.”
I had no idea what he was talking about. “What pole is that?”
“You’re the pole.”
***
There’s a warning on the Viagra commercials about calling your doctor if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours. I had a constant hard-on in Zoey’s presence to the point that I was in pain. I wondered, on more than one occasion, if I should consider this a medical emergency.
***
I wanted Zoey to trust me and come forward and share what was bothering her. We’d come a long way since our first days, but there was still a part of her she shielded and held back from me. And I wanted to know her, all of her. Which made little sense because typically, the inner workings of the female mind had never been my concern.
***
“Whatcha reading?”
“A book called Capitalism and Freedom.”
“Is that for class?”
Her smiled widened. “For fun.”
“Economics isn’t fun.”
“Says you.”
May 17, 2023
3.5 stars.
This was amazing for the first half and then the author started throwing in all sorts of convolutions that brought this down.
I loved how they became friends and he created a safe place for her before they started seeing each other as more. This was slow burn. Both of them needed to grow.
However, here are the various elements that made no sense.
1. Once they realize they're sexually attracted to each other, they rediscover their attraction multiple times. It's like the author forgot that we already heard them say "oh wow, I see this person is attractive". Seriously, everytime they kiss or make out it's as If it's never happened before.
2. Him hiring a personal assistant who acts super evil towards Zoey. The PA threatens Zoey and even has information about Zoey's past. This makes absolutely no sense. The PA was hired after being in an interview where Zoey was there. If someone is in your interview, they're pretty fucking important. But she acts like she knows all about Zoey, threatens her, puts her in danger, and even gets physical with her. It's tension for tension's sake and doesn't make sense to the plot.
3. The reveal of Zoey's "stalker". It comes out of left field. There's an attempt on the stalkers part to blackmail Zoey and I was afraid this would overwhelm the plot. While the stalker does threaten her, it never gets completely out of hand. I had to stop reading for a bit when he first tries to blackmail because I was afraid Zoey would cave and this blackmail stuff would last a while.
4. The random visit from Ryan's mom and Ryan's immediately telling Zoey she needs to move out. It's a third act breakup that makes no sense for how it goes. Tho Ryan ends up being more emotionally stunted than I had hoped. He does start stepping up and being better during their breakup. But it wasn't completely satisfying.
5. Ryan going out on a date with someone else during their break. Supposedly, he knows he wants to end up with Zoey but he allows Mica to set him up, and even kisses the date goodbye. It's gross and unnecessary and I know lots of people would be super upset to read this. I didn't like it but it shows Ryan to be emotionally immature.
----
I really liked that Zoey made friends apart from Ryan and that she learned to defend herself. She's a little too naive and their marriage is going to be a bit rough while they both grow up more.
Please note there is a LOT of IKEA in this book. As other reviewers have noted, it's almost like this author got paid to advertise. I also like IKEA... but not as much as Zoey.
This was amazing for the first half and then the author started throwing in all sorts of convolutions that brought this down.
I loved how they became friends and he created a safe place for her before they started seeing each other as more. This was slow burn. Both of them needed to grow.
However, here are the various elements that made no sense.
1. Once they realize they're sexually attracted to each other, they rediscover their attraction multiple times. It's like the author forgot that we already heard them say "oh wow, I see this person is attractive". Seriously, everytime they kiss or make out it's as If it's never happened before.
2. Him hiring a personal assistant who acts super evil towards Zoey. The PA threatens Zoey and even has information about Zoey's past. This makes absolutely no sense. The PA was hired after being in an interview where Zoey was there. If someone is in your interview, they're pretty fucking important. But she acts like she knows all about Zoey, threatens her, puts her in danger, and even gets physical with her. It's tension for tension's sake and doesn't make sense to the plot.
3. The reveal of Zoey's "stalker". It comes out of left field. There's an attempt on the stalkers part to blackmail Zoey and I was afraid this would overwhelm the plot. While the stalker does threaten her, it never gets completely out of hand. I had to stop reading for a bit when he first tries to blackmail because I was afraid Zoey would cave and this blackmail stuff would last a while.
4. The random visit from Ryan's mom and Ryan's immediately telling Zoey she needs to move out. It's a third act breakup that makes no sense for how it goes. Tho Ryan ends up being more emotionally stunted than I had hoped. He does start stepping up and being better during their breakup. But it wasn't completely satisfying.
5. Ryan going out on a date with someone else during their break. Supposedly, he knows he wants to end up with Zoey but he allows Mica to set him up, and even kisses the date goodbye. It's gross and unnecessary and I know lots of people would be super upset to read this. I didn't like it but it shows Ryan to be emotionally immature.
----
I really liked that Zoey made friends apart from Ryan and that she learned to defend herself. She's a little too naive and their marriage is going to be a bit rough while they both grow up more.
Please note there is a LOT of IKEA in this book. As other reviewers have noted, it's almost like this author got paid to advertise. I also like IKEA... but not as much as Zoey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
I had so much hope for this and the first half of this was great, but that third act breakup... 🤮 get that shit out of my face.
🏒 professional ice hockey athlete hero
🏒 heroine who's homeless
🏒 forced proximity
The premise sounded so interesting: She helps him with his taxes in a cafe because she's good at accounting, she misses her deadline to enter a shelter, he feels bad (rightly so) and offers her his place to crash. He gives her his card before she leaves but she doesn't want any handouts from him. Days go by. She gets attacked one day (Trigger warnings for assault & stalking) and he gets called to the hospital because she had his card on her. She temporarily moves in with him and things start from there.
But they're both pretty immature and don't communicate well, and the second half sucked ass. Wished this was better because the potential was there.
🏒 professional ice hockey athlete hero
🏒 heroine who's homeless
🏒 forced proximity
The premise sounded so interesting: She helps him with his taxes in a cafe because she's good at accounting, she misses her deadline to enter a shelter, he feels bad (rightly so) and offers her his place to crash. He gives her his card before she leaves but she doesn't want any handouts from him. Days go by. She gets attacked one day (Trigger warnings for assault & stalking) and he gets called to the hospital because she had his card on her. She temporarily moves in with him and things start from there.
But they're both pretty immature and don't communicate well, and the second half sucked ass. Wished this was better because the potential was there.
February 5, 2024
Puck Me Secretly - 3.75 stars
Hook My Heart novella - 2.75 stars
Home Game - 3.75 stars
Well, I'm gonna be completely on the level here, I was left less than impressed by the novella that proceeds HG. It was a pleasant surprise how much improvement there was in the storytelling for this 3rd installment of the Vancouver Wolves series(technically book 2, as HMH, is a novella). Home Game turned out to be such a sweet & tender unexpected budding friendship that gradually evolves into a slowburn.
It may not be every romance reader's cuppa, but considering the situation of what was going on with Zoey when they met & were getting to know each other, I liked for a while the feelings that were developing between them were purely friendship. No rushed inner monologues 'waxing poetic' of insta-love or lusty fantasies. Then when feelings & attraction start coming into play, a solid amount of it stems from emotional affection & respect.
Fair to say, you're probably wondering now why not 4 stars or better? After a few occasions when Zoey & Ryan do begin testing the waters, Ryan has a heart to heart with his mother(his mother gave him clarity by putting into words exactly why he was struggling with his conscience when it came to Zoey.) & albeit good intentioned, he accidentally puts his foot in his mouth So while the majority of HG I was thoroughly invested & enjoy it, this portion on the flip side for me was one big eye roll.
Hook My Heart novella - 2.75 stars
Home Game - 3.75 stars
Well, I'm gonna be completely on the level here, I was left less than impressed by the novella that proceeds HG. It was a pleasant surprise how much improvement there was in the storytelling for this 3rd installment of the Vancouver Wolves series(technically book 2, as HMH, is a novella). Home Game turned out to be such a sweet & tender unexpected budding friendship that gradually evolves into a slowburn.
It may not be every romance reader's cuppa, but considering the situation of what was going on with Zoey when they met & were getting to know each other, I liked for a while the feelings that were developing between them were purely friendship. No rushed inner monologues 'waxing poetic' of insta-love or lusty fantasies. Then when feelings & attraction start coming into play, a solid amount of it stems from emotional affection & respect.
Fair to say, you're probably wondering now why not 4 stars or better? After a few occasions when Zoey & Ryan do begin testing the waters, Ryan has a heart to heart with his mother(his mother gave him clarity by putting into words exactly why he was struggling with his conscience when it came to Zoey.) & albeit good intentioned, he accidentally puts his foot in his mouth So while the majority of HG I was thoroughly invested & enjoy it, this portion on the flip side for me was one big eye roll.
May 18, 2024
4.75✨
This book would've been perfect! If not for Bianca the bitch, and the poorly handled third-act-break-up/separation. But I still ate this book up, and I adore Ryan and Zoey so much!!!♥︎
This book would've been perfect! If not for Bianca the bitch, and the poorly handled third-act-break-up/separation. But I still ate this book up, and I adore Ryan and Zoey so much!!!♥︎
July 11, 2025
3.75 stars.
I need to reread this book. I remember once gushing about it but right now I can not remember a reason why I loved this so much.
I need to reread this book. I remember once gushing about it but right now I can not remember a reason why I loved this so much.
November 29, 2023
This was a very lovely story. Honestly, I was surprised how sweet and engaging it was.
It was not all about lust or one night stands and I can't wait to read more.
I did think the danger aspect was random. We didn't need it.
4.5 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
It was not all about lust or one night stands and I can't wait to read more.
I did think the danger aspect was random. We didn't need it.
4.5 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
August 5, 2023
Fabulous!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: homeless heroine, heroine in peril
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥1\2
Just completely blown away again! Totally made poor life choices to finish this book because I could 👋🏻 not 👋🏻 put👋🏻 it 👋🏻 done! Fabulous writing with a riveting storyline that grabs you in all the feels. Its the ultimate in slow burns, but necessary because of the plot because to do otherwise would have been cringey. I literally can't stop reading these books, lol. Super excited for Mica's next!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: homeless heroine, heroine in peril
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥1\2
Just completely blown away again! Totally made poor life choices to finish this book because I could 👋🏻 not 👋🏻 put👋🏻 it 👋🏻 done! Fabulous writing with a riveting storyline that grabs you in all the feels. Its the ultimate in slow burns, but necessary because of the plot because to do otherwise would have been cringey. I literally can't stop reading these books, lol. Super excited for Mica's next!
March 9, 2020
The tone of this didn’t work for me, it felt incredibly awkward, vague and stiff with no real personality to draw you in. There was no depth or expansion to the plots or characters backgrounds etc. which left the story with plenty of missed opportunities.
And, Ryan having treated Zoey as more of a little sister at the beginning of the book, threw me off for the rest
And, Ryan having treated Zoey as more of a little sister at the beginning of the book, threw me off for the rest
May 7, 2023
he literally touched her inappropriately, and the excuse was “he was asleep” and “it’s been awhile for him”. n the way she reacted like nothing happened, even tho she have “trust issues” bc she’s homeless n have been assaulted before. they’ve known each other for 2days, barely even friends. it was very weird - the scene came out of nowhere, i thought she was dreaming 😭
March 31, 2019
"Home Game" was a very fun-to-read sports-related (hockey) book. I loved both Ryan and Zoey. Their chemistry was push and pull in a slow burn to sizzling hot. Zoey has had her share of hard times and down on her luck. Their meet-greet was so cute and I enjoyed every minute of their interaction. And just when things are looking pretty dark for Zoey, Ryan takes over as her Knight in Shining Skates and saves the day. There are some really funny lines of dialogue, shopping sprees to IKEA that are such fun to read. And everything would have been just perfect if that ending would have been just a chapter longer. Needed a little more of the happy-ever-after good stuff!
April 20, 2021
I know that normally, just because it is a hockey romance, I’m going to enjoy it but this series is REALLY good. I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that the storylines are so different.
Zoey was such a badass character. I really was digging how she came off one way but was really so complex and had so much more to her then what she projected. And Ryan…..YES PLEASE!!! Perfection!
These books have the hockey romance I am looking for but also so much more with the action/suspense.
Zoey was such a badass character. I really was digging how she came off one way but was really so complex and had so much more to her then what she projected. And Ryan…..YES PLEASE!!! Perfection!
These books have the hockey romance I am looking for but also so much more with the action/suspense.
November 23, 2022
4.5!!
this was SO fun but the third act breakup was ,,, tedious
this was SO fun but the third act breakup was ,,, tedious
June 4, 2019
The story of homeless zoey and hockey player Ryan. Ryan meets Zoe in a coffee shop when he is failing to do his accounts. She helps him and he ends up hiring her to do his book keeping.
I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put it down. I loved that Zoey was a survivor and that Ryan was so kind-hearted. The two both seemed lonely and lost until they found each other. It was a sweet story.
Why only three stars?
Well, there were a few things that weren’t for me.
Initially Zoe is so vulnerable and innocent. She felt more like a 14 year old than here 21 years. It just felt a bit wrong. Zoey is almost too vulnerable. In the beginning she hero worships Ryan and would do anything to make him happy. This didn’t sit well with me. Luckily the author acknowledges this and we get a really nice character development with Zoey as she becomes stronger. In general though I felt she was a wounded bird. I prefer a stronger heroine with more banter.
There was a big gap in their relationship. 8 months! That felt too long to me personally. It just made me sad. Especially when it was all based on a lack of communication.
Bianca the PA was too evil. She just wasn’t believable and I felt that Ryan should have worked out her game earlier on. I feel the author could have been far more subtle with her character.
The proper hot bits don’t really get going until 90%. I didn’t quite get the feels with this. I always felt Zoey was too vulnerable and it was all sweet, virginal innocence until the last chapters where it ramps up into mild erotica. Just a bit jarring.
But I did enjoy it. I loved the IKEA references. I will read the others.
I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put it down. I loved that Zoey was a survivor and that Ryan was so kind-hearted. The two both seemed lonely and lost until they found each other. It was a sweet story.
Why only three stars?
Well, there were a few things that weren’t for me.
Initially Zoe is so vulnerable and innocent. She felt more like a 14 year old than here 21 years. It just felt a bit wrong. Zoey is almost too vulnerable. In the beginning she hero worships Ryan and would do anything to make him happy. This didn’t sit well with me. Luckily the author acknowledges this and we get a really nice character development with Zoey as she becomes stronger. In general though I felt she was a wounded bird. I prefer a stronger heroine with more banter.
There was a big gap in their relationship. 8 months! That felt too long to me personally. It just made me sad. Especially when it was all based on a lack of communication.
Bianca the PA was too evil. She just wasn’t believable and I felt that Ryan should have worked out her game earlier on. I feel the author could have been far more subtle with her character.
The proper hot bits don’t really get going until 90%. I didn’t quite get the feels with this. I always felt Zoey was too vulnerable and it was all sweet, virginal innocence until the last chapters where it ramps up into mild erotica. Just a bit jarring.
But I did enjoy it. I loved the IKEA references. I will read the others.
February 14, 2019
This was quite a nice hockey romance. Hot hockey player befriends young homeless woman. They formed a genuine friendship, although there was attraction always underlying the friendship, on both sides.
I did like the respect that Ryan showed to Zoey. He genuinely cared about her, as well as wanting to *ahem* get into her pants. But I got a little tired of all the roadblocks and delays to the relationship. It felt a little forced at times.
I liked that there was some actual hockey in the book, too, and some real interactions between players etc. It's annoying when you read a sports romance and there's no actual sport. But that wasn't the case here.
This was a 3.5 star read for me till I got to the epilogue, which was a disappointment, as it seemed to be just a setup for the next book, about Mica. Oddly, it was followed by a 'bonus' chapter or second epilogue, which I just plain disliked, because it was almost like reading porn. Just, no. Turned me off and I wished I hadn't read it. Not necessary, and it didn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. It made me take off the half-star, actually. Oh well. I guess I'll read Mica's book when it's out, anyway.
I did like the respect that Ryan showed to Zoey. He genuinely cared about her, as well as wanting to *ahem* get into her pants. But I got a little tired of all the roadblocks and delays to the relationship. It felt a little forced at times.
I liked that there was some actual hockey in the book, too, and some real interactions between players etc. It's annoying when you read a sports romance and there's no actual sport. But that wasn't the case here.
This was a 3.5 star read for me till I got to the epilogue, which was a disappointment, as it seemed to be just a setup for the next book, about Mica. Oddly, it was followed by a 'bonus' chapter or second epilogue, which I just plain disliked, because it was almost like reading porn. Just, no. Turned me off and I wished I hadn't read it. Not necessary, and it didn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. It made me take off the half-star, actually. Oh well. I guess I'll read Mica's book when it's out, anyway.
March 14, 2021
Erm...
Same old same old, hockey star, romance, bad people who are trying to do bad things, etc.
But hey! I still liked it a lot, both main characters were lovable to a fault. Such cuties, insecure and good people, and the friends were so good as well. This one didn't have all the action the previous book had, but instead it has all the feelings, it was so good to read!! And one thing I want to remark is how well the time is used in this books, the writer doesn't rush things, she gives the story and the characters time, unlike some others that happen in a two weeks period of time.
But can we talk about how much I hated Bianca, please??? OMG, she made my blood boil. And why oh why we don't get steamy scenes until towards the end and then the writer wants to make up for lost time but it's all a bit too much? (Yep, I'm talking about that no-needed last scene, thank you!)
There was no SWAT in this one, only normal police. I kinda missed them.
Same old same old, hockey star, romance, bad people who are trying to do bad things, etc.
But hey! I still liked it a lot, both main characters were lovable to a fault. Such cuties, insecure and good people, and the friends were so good as well. This one didn't have all the action the previous book had, but instead it has all the feelings, it was so good to read!! And one thing I want to remark is how well the time is used in this books, the writer doesn't rush things, she gives the story and the characters time, unlike some others that happen in a two weeks period of time.
But can we talk about how much I hated Bianca, please??? OMG, she made my blood boil. And why oh why we don't get steamy scenes until towards the end and then the writer wants to make up for lost time but it's all a bit too much? (Yep, I'm talking about that no-needed last scene, thank you!)
There was no SWAT in this one, only normal police. I kinda missed them.
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