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The Salinger Brothers #3
Strictly for Now
She hates hockey. He hates everything else. And now they have to work together…
Falling flat on my back in a sweaty locker room isn’t how I planned to introduce myself to my grandpa’s hockey team. Especially when I’m there to turn the business around financially; something nobody else in the stadium seems to want.
But that’s how I first meet Eli Salinger, the team’s aggravatingly smooth player-turned coach.
And from the moment I introduce myself to him, he makes it clear he doesn’t want me there.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why. Eli’s only interested in one thing – turning the team into a winning side, no matter what it takes.
And he’s determined to fight every change I try to make.
What he doesn’t know is that I’ve never taken on a project that hasn’t succeeded. And I’m not about to let this be the first.
I don’t care if he’s grumpy and adorable in equal measure. Or that every time he looks at me it sends me all a flutter.
This is a game of wits. And there can be only one winner.
I’m determined it will be me.
Falling flat on my back in a sweaty locker room isn’t how I planned to introduce myself to my grandpa’s hockey team. Especially when I’m there to turn the business around financially; something nobody else in the stadium seems to want.
But that’s how I first meet Eli Salinger, the team’s aggravatingly smooth player-turned coach.
And from the moment I introduce myself to him, he makes it clear he doesn’t want me there.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why. Eli’s only interested in one thing – turning the team into a winning side, no matter what it takes.
And he’s determined to fight every change I try to make.
What he doesn’t know is that I’ve never taken on a project that hasn’t succeeded. And I’m not about to let this be the first.
I don’t care if he’s grumpy and adorable in equal measure. Or that every time he looks at me it sends me all a flutter.
This is a game of wits. And there can be only one winner.
I’m determined it will be me.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
1628 people are currently reading
9073 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Elks
72 books2,244 followersCarrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
June 21, 2023
Sigh
This was bad and that's not even on the couple. Mackenzie and Eli were kinda cute. But I'm definitely losing steam with this series. I'm just not sure whether it's a me problem or the series is getting indeed worse.
By 5% I'd already seen that the lack of boundaries from Mackenzie's family would annoy the living shit out of me. It irks me when they sell those behaviors from relatives under the guise of a loving, united family when they're being plain toxic. Like, you're 36 and you can't stand up for yourself, bitch? On that note, why the hell everyone under 30 is calling her old? People can't be that obtuse, right?yes, they can
But seeing her still trying to please them by the end of the book was just cringe. For fuck's sake, woman, you don't need them. For most of Mackenzie's life, they made her feel like an outsider in her own family and yet there she was begging for their affection, smh. And they were just getting worse and worse. Like, why wouldn't her father call the guy who broke both of his daughters' hearts and has caused a rift between them to play in the game, right? Father of the Year! And after all that, the author even tried to clean their slate and make them look good 😃 but I wasn't buying it.
As for the couple, it was also advertised as opposites attract but I didn't see that at all. Workplace romance, even forbidden romance (which got lost along the way), yes.
Errr, they barely interacted with each other, with no build-up tension whatsoever, and then they were kissing. Did I miss something? Because it feels like I did. Anyway, I wasn't convinced at first, I don't think they had enough interactions for the level of attraction they were supposedly feeling. But they've grown in me, eventually.
As the third-act conflict was brewing, I was already pissed. I expect that kind of decision from a younger character, but from a 40-year-old is unacceptable. Like, your girlfriend's sister is openly hitting on you, you know they have problems, your girlfriend even says she's jealous of her sister because of said problems, but, no, let's keep that a secret because she really needs her toxic family in her life. And what happened next was so predictable and underwhelming.
The worst thing about all that is that I was really enjoying their story. But those things have put me off and outweighed any enjoyment I was having. And in case you were wondering, she kept in touch with her family instead of cutting them out of her life for good 🙃
This was bad and that's not even on the couple. Mackenzie and Eli were kinda cute. But I'm definitely losing steam with this series. I'm just not sure whether it's a me problem or the series is getting indeed worse.
By 5% I'd already seen that the lack of boundaries from Mackenzie's family would annoy the living shit out of me. It irks me when they sell those behaviors from relatives under the guise of a loving, united family when they're being plain toxic. Like, you're 36 and you can't stand up for yourself, bitch? On that note, why the hell everyone under 30 is calling her old? People can't be that obtuse, right?
But seeing her still trying to please them by the end of the book was just cringe. For fuck's sake, woman, you don't need them. For most of Mackenzie's life, they made her feel like an outsider in her own family and yet there she was begging for their affection, smh. And they were just getting worse and worse. Like, why wouldn't her father call the guy who broke both of his daughters' hearts and has caused a rift between them to play in the game, right? Father of the Year! And after all that, the author even tried to clean their slate and make them look good 😃 but I wasn't buying it.
As for the couple, it was also advertised as opposites attract but I didn't see that at all. Workplace romance, even forbidden romance (which got lost along the way), yes.
Errr, they barely interacted with each other, with no build-up tension whatsoever, and then they were kissing. Did I miss something? Because it feels like I did. Anyway, I wasn't convinced at first, I don't think they had enough interactions for the level of attraction they were supposedly feeling. But they've grown in me, eventually.
As the third-act conflict was brewing, I was already pissed. I expect that kind of decision from a younger character, but from a 40-year-old is unacceptable. Like, your girlfriend's sister is openly hitting on you, you know they have problems, your girlfriend even says she's jealous of her sister because of said problems, but, no, let's keep that a secret because she really needs her toxic family in her life. And what happened next was so predictable and underwhelming.
The worst thing about all that is that I was really enjoying their story. But those things have put me off and outweighed any enjoyment I was having. And in case you were wondering, she kept in touch with her family instead of cutting them out of her life for good 🙃
September 16, 2023
oh god, the scene after the first game>>>>😩😩😩
July 7, 2023
What the actual hell is happening with these romance books? They don't reach their potential at all.
I feel like I've missed 10 chapters with this one, because first chapter they meet as casual co-workers, second chapter they're kissing, and he's down on his knees smelling her and they are "liking each other a lot". Where's the angst, the build-up, the CHEMISTRY?
They're full-grown adults reaching 40 and they act like children, they don't talk, only fuck and they fell in love with only knowing each other's names. A romance book has to have romance at least! It's the bare minimum, people!
This felt like a lifetime movie, everything happened so quickly (despite having a lot of chapters) it was impossible to feel something or enjoy it even.
I am feeling critical towards every damn book I've read in the past weeks but JESUS CHRIST I feel justified on this.
I feel like I've missed 10 chapters with this one, because first chapter they meet as casual co-workers, second chapter they're kissing, and he's down on his knees smelling her and they are "liking each other a lot". Where's the angst, the build-up, the CHEMISTRY?
They're full-grown adults reaching 40 and they act like children, they don't talk, only fuck and they fell in love with only knowing each other's names. A romance book has to have romance at least! It's the bare minimum, people!
This felt like a lifetime movie, everything happened so quickly (despite having a lot of chapters) it was impossible to feel something or enjoy it even.
I am feeling critical towards every damn book I've read in the past weeks but JESUS CHRIST I feel justified on this.
June 19, 2023
Light and sexy
Definitely a popcorn read, because I didn't write my review right away and I would've forgotten the plot completely if not for my notes, lol! But it was light and sexy, and I enjoyed it as I was reading. I've been reading this series since the start, and each installment is reliably lighthearted and easy to binge. I read this in one sitting, which tells you that it was a quick, satisfying read. The instant tension and lovable hero had me hooked from the start, and I liked that it went in a direction that I didn't expect. I do think the blurb was a little misleading; the hero IS 40 (heroine is 36), so it's not really an "over 40s" hero, and it's only enemies to lovers for about a minute. These two had a great connection, and their lust-focused relationship meant there was plenty of spice. It's definitely not my favorite in the series, but there were no major roadblocks to my enjoyment either.
The story follows Eli, a retired hockey player turned coach. He's just getting his bearings with the new team when a business consultant unexpectedly shows up and insists it's her job to turn things around. The two butt heads over their roles before realizing that many of the sparks flying between them are of the sexual variety. Unfortunately, not only is Mackenzie keeping a secret, but she's also leaving town as soon as things are wrapped up. So starting up something between the two of them is not just a bad idea career-wise, it's also sure to cause some heartache.
I guess this sits between three and four stars for me, mostly because it wasn't all that memorable. Light and sexy sports romances are everywhere, and this followed the predictable path in a lot of ways. I really liked that Eli is a relationship guy, however, and he was open about the fact that he was interested in more. He's also older and wiser than a lot of romance heroes; his playing days are over, and he's serious about his job. Paired with a smart, career-focused heroine, it was a great match. I think I would've connected to them more had there been less heat and more conversation, but I could see why things played out the way they did. All in all, certainly not a bad way to spend my day, but also not the best from the series either.
Definitely a popcorn read, because I didn't write my review right away and I would've forgotten the plot completely if not for my notes, lol! But it was light and sexy, and I enjoyed it as I was reading. I've been reading this series since the start, and each installment is reliably lighthearted and easy to binge. I read this in one sitting, which tells you that it was a quick, satisfying read. The instant tension and lovable hero had me hooked from the start, and I liked that it went in a direction that I didn't expect. I do think the blurb was a little misleading; the hero IS 40 (heroine is 36), so it's not really an "over 40s" hero, and it's only enemies to lovers for about a minute. These two had a great connection, and their lust-focused relationship meant there was plenty of spice. It's definitely not my favorite in the series, but there were no major roadblocks to my enjoyment either.
The story follows Eli, a retired hockey player turned coach. He's just getting his bearings with the new team when a business consultant unexpectedly shows up and insists it's her job to turn things around. The two butt heads over their roles before realizing that many of the sparks flying between them are of the sexual variety. Unfortunately, not only is Mackenzie keeping a secret, but she's also leaving town as soon as things are wrapped up. So starting up something between the two of them is not just a bad idea career-wise, it's also sure to cause some heartache.
I guess this sits between three and four stars for me, mostly because it wasn't all that memorable. Light and sexy sports romances are everywhere, and this followed the predictable path in a lot of ways. I really liked that Eli is a relationship guy, however, and he was open about the fact that he was interested in more. He's also older and wiser than a lot of romance heroes; his playing days are over, and he's serious about his job. Paired with a smart, career-focused heroine, it was a great match. I think I would've connected to them more had there been less heat and more conversation, but I could see why things played out the way they did. All in all, certainly not a bad way to spend my day, but also not the best from the series either.
September 9, 2023
Love love love this book. He fell first and harder omg the way Eli is obsessed with her is adorable. Literally the perfect man. Definitely my second favorite book, everything about it is perfect 🥰
July 11, 2023
2.5 ⭐
this is light and sweet, with little conflict at the end.
eli (40) is a hockey coach and ex-hockey player and mac (36) is assigned to handle the financial stuff of the hockey team. they weren't cool at first with the idea of working together but they weren't nasty with one another also. they were pissed at the situation but still acts professional and respectful towards each other. then with the close proximity and attraction they slowly developed a connection that turned into a relationship.
this is safe in general. eli is closed to his family but mac decided to stay away from her family due to valid reasons and some wrong assumptions. she's a 36 year old woman but she can't still say no to them. at the beginning, her parents didn't respect her boundaries and what she wanted. when she refused to help her grandpa's hockey team, they didn't listen to her and she ended up doing the task anyway. she had so much issues from her younger years that she still harbors up to this day.
there's no major plot twist in this book, i kind of see it coming that there's a connection between the guy eli hated and mac's ex. but i do like the fact the both of the mcs here are mature and they talk things through instead of ignoring their issues. i mean tbf, they are 36 and 40 and i think it wouldn't be cute if they don't act like their age. i like that at the end mac's family started to patch their relationship and how eli's family was so acceptable of mac.
overall, this is an okay read. not good not bad just somewhere in between.
this is light and sweet, with little conflict at the end.
eli (40) is a hockey coach and ex-hockey player and mac (36) is assigned to handle the financial stuff of the hockey team. they weren't cool at first with the idea of working together but they weren't nasty with one another also. they were pissed at the situation but still acts professional and respectful towards each other. then with the close proximity and attraction they slowly developed a connection that turned into a relationship.
this is safe in general. eli is closed to his family but mac decided to stay away from her family due to valid reasons and some wrong assumptions. she's a 36 year old woman but she can't still say no to them. at the beginning, her parents didn't respect her boundaries and what she wanted. when she refused to help her grandpa's hockey team, they didn't listen to her and she ended up doing the task anyway. she had so much issues from her younger years that she still harbors up to this day.
there's no major plot twist in this book, i kind of see it coming that there's a connection between the guy eli hated and mac's ex. but i do like the fact the both of the mcs here are mature and they talk things through instead of ignoring their issues. i mean tbf, they are 36 and 40 and i think it wouldn't be cute if they don't act like their age. i like that at the end mac's family started to patch their relationship and how eli's family was so acceptable of mac.
overall, this is an okay read. not good not bad just somewhere in between.
Read
June 30, 2023DNF 23%
July 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Лека, сладка, неангажираща история. Авторката малко заблуждава с претенциите за enemies to lovers роман, това си е по-скоро work romance. Ако изобщо някога можем да кажем, че главните герои бяха "врагове", то беше за 2 секунди и половина. 🤷🏻♀️
На частта с "Какво пак не ти хареса, бе? Пу!". Главните герои са зрели хора (Макензи на 36 години, Илай на 40 години) и ми беше изключително нерелевантна динамиката между тях и семействата им.
Илай и неговите братя (главно бяха замесени по-ГОЛЕМИТЕ му такива) помежду си се държаха като мъже в средата на 20те си години. Boys being boys ще кажете. Да приемем, че съм съгласна с този сексистки коментар.
Какво остава тогава за Макензи, която на 36 години още се опитва да се бори за любовта на родителите си и борбата е между нея и отново по-ГОЛЯМАТА ѝ сестра. Отношенията между двете сестри ми напомняха моите отношения със сестра ми...
Когато сме били аз на 12, тя на 7.
Продължаваме с "не е хейт" пасажа. Човек ще помисли, че до 36 годишна възраст все трябва да си изградил малко себеуважение и увереност в себе си като жена работеща в корпоративния свят и Бла Бла. Ама явно не.
Макензи прекара 40-50% от книгата в неуверени ходове спрямо Илай. А our guy Илайчо беше вече затънал до ушите от любов, ама тя как да знае? Положението беше: той ми предлага брак, аз го питам дали още ме харесва.
"Strictly for now" става да си я моткаш пред погледа на плажа по време на печенето на белите кълки ама дотам.
Може би ще прочета книгата за един от братята на Илай - Лиъм, която е по-високо оценена, но не възлагам големи надежди определено.
Лека, сладка, неангажираща история. Авторката малко заблуждава с претенциите за enemies to lovers роман, това си е по-скоро work romance. Ако изобщо някога можем да кажем, че главните герои бяха "врагове", то беше за 2 секунди и половина. 🤷🏻♀️
На частта с "Какво пак не ти хареса, бе? Пу!". Главните герои са зрели хора (Макензи на 36 години, Илай на 40 години) и ми беше изключително нерелевантна динамиката между тях и семействата им.
Илай и неговите братя (главно бяха замесени по-ГОЛЕМИТЕ му такива) помежду си се държаха като мъже в средата на 20те си години. Boys being boys ще кажете. Да приемем, че съм съгласна с този сексистки коментар.
Какво остава тогава за Макензи, която на 36 години още се опитва да се бори за любовта на родителите си и борбата е между нея и отново по-ГОЛЯМАТА ѝ сестра. Отношенията между двете сестри ми напомняха моите отношения със сестра ми...
Когато сме били аз на 12, тя на 7.
Продължаваме с "не е хейт" пасажа. Човек ще помисли, че до 36 годишна възраст все трябва да си изградил малко себеуважение и увереност в себе си като жена работеща в корпоративния свят и Бла Бла. Ама явно не.
Макензи прекара 40-50% от книгата в неуверени ходове спрямо Илай. А our guy Илайчо беше вече затънал до ушите от любов, ама тя как да знае? Положението беше: той ми предлага брак, аз го питам дали още ме харесва.
"Strictly for now" става да си я моткаш пред погледа на плажа по време на печенето на белите кълки ама дотам.
Може би ще прочета книгата за един от братята на Илай - Лиъм, която е по-високо оценена, но не възлагам големи надежди определено.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
me encanta esta trilogía y espero que la autora siga sacando libros de los demás hermanos
September 6, 2023
Finishing off summer with a few more silly books before I get slapped by academic readings!
June 23, 2023
so sry but this one was boring. almost dnf…
June 27, 2023
Kindle book.
Quick read - not as much storyline as previous two books but enjoyed all the same.
Quick read - not as much storyline as previous two books but enjoyed all the same.
September 17, 2023
4.5⭐️
A hockey coach and a management consultant who is secretly part of a hockey royalty family.
Not part of a hockey series but I felt the back story and set up of the team, and how hockey was involved in the book was really well done.
I read this as a complete stand alone and I didn’t feel I was missing anything having not read the previous books.
Eli and Mackenzie were great characters and I really enjoyed the bonus epilogue too.
A hockey coach and a management consultant who is secretly part of a hockey royalty family.
Not part of a hockey series but I felt the back story and set up of the team, and how hockey was involved in the book was really well done.
I read this as a complete stand alone and I didn’t feel I was missing anything having not read the previous books.
Eli and Mackenzie were great characters and I really enjoyed the bonus epilogue too.
July 18, 2023
4.5 stars
This was so cute and funny and I absolutely adored both main characters! There is no awkward third act breakup which I appreciate. The ending felt a little rushed and awkward, like I wish we focused on other stuff but I really enjoyed this.
This was so cute and funny and I absolutely adored both main characters! There is no awkward third act breakup which I appreciate. The ending felt a little rushed and awkward, like I wish we focused on other stuff but I really enjoyed this.
July 10, 2023
They are strangers that share strong attraction at first sight and have been given the task to save a minor league hockey team.
Eli Salinger is approaching forty and is forced to retire from the NHL after an injury. He takes a new job near his brothers working to save a minor league hockey team. He is determined to get these guys promoted to the NHL. When his boss hired a business manager to work a miracle in the finances he didn't expect it was going to be a beautiful woman with secrets.
Mackenzie Hunter is in her mid thirties and has worked long and hard for her intense job at a management consultancy firm in New York. Which is why she is hesitant to leave at the request of her family to help her Grandfather's hockey team. Once Mackenzie's boss gets a phone call from Mackenzie's dad, a hockey legend, her boss is happy to help by granting the new task.
The moment Mackenzie meets Eli for the first time is not what anyone would consider a meet cute but more like an embarrassing nightmare. After their initial mortification passes, both are drawn to each other. Even without knowing each other very long they both acknowledge there is something special between them. Mackenzie has spent most of her adult life trying to separate herself from her famous family. She shares her secrets with Eli and he agrees to keep their relationship a secret. Eli is all-in for Mackenzie and understands wanting a little bit of space from a loud, messy family. But when her family decides to swoop in and save his hockey team, chaos ensues threatening Mackenzie's peace and her heart.
Dual POV, workplace romance, spicy.
A cute hockey romance with main characters in their late thirties. I like reading this age group because the MCs are usually secure in themselves and make wise choices when it comes to romantic relationships. Mackenzie is intelligent and knows what she isn't willing to settle for. Eli handles his forced retirement maturely and recognizes when an amazing woman comes into his life. They fall in love quickly but that's easy to do when they are making wise choices. I love a MC who knows what he wants in a woman and isn't afraid to go after her. I found myself spacing out a little during the story but it was an enjoyable story. Nice HEA and Epilogues.
Eli Salinger is approaching forty and is forced to retire from the NHL after an injury. He takes a new job near his brothers working to save a minor league hockey team. He is determined to get these guys promoted to the NHL. When his boss hired a business manager to work a miracle in the finances he didn't expect it was going to be a beautiful woman with secrets.
Mackenzie Hunter is in her mid thirties and has worked long and hard for her intense job at a management consultancy firm in New York. Which is why she is hesitant to leave at the request of her family to help her Grandfather's hockey team. Once Mackenzie's boss gets a phone call from Mackenzie's dad, a hockey legend, her boss is happy to help by granting the new task.
The moment Mackenzie meets Eli for the first time is not what anyone would consider a meet cute but more like an embarrassing nightmare. After their initial mortification passes, both are drawn to each other. Even without knowing each other very long they both acknowledge there is something special between them. Mackenzie has spent most of her adult life trying to separate herself from her famous family. She shares her secrets with Eli and he agrees to keep their relationship a secret. Eli is all-in for Mackenzie and understands wanting a little bit of space from a loud, messy family. But when her family decides to swoop in and save his hockey team, chaos ensues threatening Mackenzie's peace and her heart.
Dual POV, workplace romance, spicy.
A cute hockey romance with main characters in their late thirties. I like reading this age group because the MCs are usually secure in themselves and make wise choices when it comes to romantic relationships. Mackenzie is intelligent and knows what she isn't willing to settle for. Eli handles his forced retirement maturely and recognizes when an amazing woman comes into his life. They fall in love quickly but that's easy to do when they are making wise choices. I love a MC who knows what he wants in a woman and isn't afraid to go after her. I found myself spacing out a little during the story but it was an enjoyable story. Nice HEA and Epilogues.
June 12, 2023
From the moment I started reading Mackenzie and Eli’s story, I was hooked. I loved these two characters right from the start. Mackenzie is hardworking, and determined to make a name for herself. Her family has hurt her a lot of the years, and although it isn’t all their fault.. She has been disappointed a lot. I loved her determination. Sure, she could be a little bit too good for her family, but I understood her. And the chemistry between her and Eli was just amazing. And it made this an addicting and wonderful read.
Although I’m not necessarily a fan of sports romances, in this book the whole hockey part fitted perfectly. Add in Eli’s character and I was hooked. Eli has been a hockey star for years, and now he started coaching and he is very passionate about it. I loved how intense he got when he was working. But above all I loved how Eli fell hard for Mackenzie. He was a tough character, and he made me swoon throughout the whole book.
‘Strictly For Now’ is a great read I definitely recommend. And what I also really love about this book and the whole series, is the fact that these characters are all in their thirties. It’s so nice to read a book with a fabulous character, who is close to my own age instead of this young twenty something year old. I love both, don’t get me wrong. But this age thing makes this series even better for me.
Although I’m not necessarily a fan of sports romances, in this book the whole hockey part fitted perfectly. Add in Eli’s character and I was hooked. Eli has been a hockey star for years, and now he started coaching and he is very passionate about it. I loved how intense he got when he was working. But above all I loved how Eli fell hard for Mackenzie. He was a tough character, and he made me swoon throughout the whole book.
‘Strictly For Now’ is a great read I definitely recommend. And what I also really love about this book and the whole series, is the fact that these characters are all in their thirties. It’s so nice to read a book with a fabulous character, who is close to my own age instead of this young twenty something year old. I love both, don’t get me wrong. But this age thing makes this series even better for me.
June 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was light hearted romp I needed. Mackenzie and Eli, both in their late thirties, I love that the author is giving voice to love in your 30’s.
Eli and Mackenzie are great characters with sizzling chemistry. The author does add a lot of supporting characters in this book. I do think given all the side characters and everything happening on page that this book would do better to have read at least one of the previous books in the series.
Overall, I really liked this story and the well-developed characters.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
Eli and Mackenzie are great characters with sizzling chemistry. The author does add a lot of supporting characters in this book. I do think given all the side characters and everything happening on page that this book would do better to have read at least one of the previous books in the series.
Overall, I really liked this story and the well-developed characters.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
July 17, 2023
Not sure why every single girl has to meet the entire Salinger family and go to Misty Lakes for some weird family event but i'd like that to be missed out one of the remaining books in the series.
Loved this book but in terms of plot they're all getting very repetitive. Different contents & circumstances but would've enjoyed a lot more if it was switched up ever so slightly.
Loved this book but in terms of plot they're all getting very repetitive. Different contents & circumstances but would've enjoyed a lot more if it was switched up ever so slightly.
June 7, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
‘Strictly for now’ is the third book in ‘The Salinger brothers’ series. If you really want you can read this book as a standalone story but I also think it’s more fun and interesting if you start reading from the first book. That will give you more insight into the relationship between the Salinger’s brothers.
The main characters are Mackenzie Hunter who’s 36 years old and Eli Salinger, who’s 40 years old. Mackenzie is an accountant (management consultant) for a big company in New York. She comes from a ‘famous’ family. Her grandfather and father were very talented hockey players when they were young (a talent that her younger twin brothers Brad and Johnny also possess). And Mackenzie’s mother and older sister Isabella are talented ice skaters. Unlike her family, Mackenzie is no fan of the ice and an incident when she was young even caused a fear for the ice. The incident had a huge impact on Mackenzie’s life, even now. She’s perfectly happy to stay out of the spotlight, unlike the rest of her family. She’s very happy with her life and the last thing that she wants to do is go to West Virginia to help her grandfather’s hockey team while he needs an operation. But her family doesn’t give her any other choice. Mackenzie never thought she would find love there but she does.
A tragic hockey incident made that Eli had to quit playing professional hockey before he was ready. Now he’s the head coach of the Mavericks team, a West Virginia hockey team. The players are young and sometimes a bit wild but they are good boys. Eli’s new dream and ambition is to make his team the best there is. The last thing he needs while trying to do this is fight with a beautiful woman about towels and other little things. But Mackenzie is special and soon he’s falling for her but she’s keeping secrets from him. Can he forgive her if he finds out and what happens if she has to go back to New York?
I liked both main characters in this story, like the couples in the previous books Mackenzie and Eli were in their late thirties, another thing I liked. Mackenzie was down to earth, intelligent, ambitious, caring, friendly and although she performed her job confidently, in her private life she was very insecure. I can totally understand that the ‘incident’ had a huge impact on her self-confidence. I really felt sorry for her. I loved how patient Eli was with her. He let her set the pace of their relationship, never pressured her. But he made sure she knew how he felt about her by doing little things for her, like helping her overcome her fear for the ice.
Eli was confident, ambitious, patient, intelligent and mature. In the beginning there was what tension between them but I wouldn’t really call them enemies. From the beginning there’s an attraction between them and the chemistry between them was hot! The sex scenes were steamy. You got both POV’s in the story.
There were a lot of new secondary characters in this story. You had Mackenzie’s family. Her grandfather, parents and siblings. They each had their own personality and the relationship between them and Mackenzie was strained for several reasons. I was happy to see that they did their best to make it better. There was also the staff that worked for The Mavericks team and the players. Especially the hockey players Goran, Carter and Max were great characters, they were young, enthusiastic, a little bit wild but had a good heart. There were a few scenes with the Salinger family but those were little scenes. The focus in this story was more on the relationship between Mackenzie and her family and the romance between Mackenzie and Eli.
I personally found the ending a bit rushed and Mackenzie’s father a bit thoughtless. But I liked the whole story and the characters, I’m looking forward to reading more stories about the Salinger brothers.
‘Strictly for now’ is the third book in ‘The Salinger brothers’ series. If you really want you can read this book as a standalone story but I also think it’s more fun and interesting if you start reading from the first book. That will give you more insight into the relationship between the Salinger’s brothers.
The main characters are Mackenzie Hunter who’s 36 years old and Eli Salinger, who’s 40 years old. Mackenzie is an accountant (management consultant) for a big company in New York. She comes from a ‘famous’ family. Her grandfather and father were very talented hockey players when they were young (a talent that her younger twin brothers Brad and Johnny also possess). And Mackenzie’s mother and older sister Isabella are talented ice skaters. Unlike her family, Mackenzie is no fan of the ice and an incident when she was young even caused a fear for the ice. The incident had a huge impact on Mackenzie’s life, even now. She’s perfectly happy to stay out of the spotlight, unlike the rest of her family. She’s very happy with her life and the last thing that she wants to do is go to West Virginia to help her grandfather’s hockey team while he needs an operation. But her family doesn’t give her any other choice. Mackenzie never thought she would find love there but she does.
A tragic hockey incident made that Eli had to quit playing professional hockey before he was ready. Now he’s the head coach of the Mavericks team, a West Virginia hockey team. The players are young and sometimes a bit wild but they are good boys. Eli’s new dream and ambition is to make his team the best there is. The last thing he needs while trying to do this is fight with a beautiful woman about towels and other little things. But Mackenzie is special and soon he’s falling for her but she’s keeping secrets from him. Can he forgive her if he finds out and what happens if she has to go back to New York?
I liked both main characters in this story, like the couples in the previous books Mackenzie and Eli were in their late thirties, another thing I liked. Mackenzie was down to earth, intelligent, ambitious, caring, friendly and although she performed her job confidently, in her private life she was very insecure. I can totally understand that the ‘incident’ had a huge impact on her self-confidence. I really felt sorry for her. I loved how patient Eli was with her. He let her set the pace of their relationship, never pressured her. But he made sure she knew how he felt about her by doing little things for her, like helping her overcome her fear for the ice.
Eli was confident, ambitious, patient, intelligent and mature. In the beginning there was what tension between them but I wouldn’t really call them enemies. From the beginning there’s an attraction between them and the chemistry between them was hot! The sex scenes were steamy. You got both POV’s in the story.
There were a lot of new secondary characters in this story. You had Mackenzie’s family. Her grandfather, parents and siblings. They each had their own personality and the relationship between them and Mackenzie was strained for several reasons. I was happy to see that they did their best to make it better. There was also the staff that worked for The Mavericks team and the players. Especially the hockey players Goran, Carter and Max were great characters, they were young, enthusiastic, a little bit wild but had a good heart. There were a few scenes with the Salinger family but those were little scenes. The focus in this story was more on the relationship between Mackenzie and her family and the romance between Mackenzie and Eli.
I personally found the ending a bit rushed and Mackenzie’s father a bit thoughtless. But I liked the whole story and the characters, I’m looking forward to reading more stories about the Salinger brothers.
May 3, 2025
This was definitely the sweetest Salinger book so far. Those Good Boy genes run strong. Eli is an actual doll.
I think my main hesitation with this one was how fast everything seemed to progress. I’m sure they’d only met days ago before he was dropping to his knees and doing the dirty in a public hallway and they were inner monologuing about how much they liked each other. I guess, in hindsight, this would be a Love At First Sight trope but it just didn’t feel like there was *enough* context and situational build around for me to get on board.
I think the issue might have been that I found myself comparing to Myles’ and Liam’s stories where there was a solid, lengthy back-story and a history between the MCs. As well as a bit of initial dislike for each other. Actually, maybe that’s it; I’m just too indoctrinated by those moody MMCs.
Anyway, it was very cute and based on the last page, it was appear I’m looking forward to Holden’s book….
I think my main hesitation with this one was how fast everything seemed to progress. I’m sure they’d only met days ago before he was dropping to his knees and doing the dirty in a public hallway and they were inner monologuing about how much they liked each other. I guess, in hindsight, this would be a Love At First Sight trope but it just didn’t feel like there was *enough* context and situational build around for me to get on board.
I think the issue might have been that I found myself comparing to Myles’ and Liam’s stories where there was a solid, lengthy back-story and a history between the MCs. As well as a bit of initial dislike for each other. Actually, maybe that’s it; I’m just too indoctrinated by those moody MMCs.
Anyway, it was very cute and based on the last page, it was appear I’m looking forward to Holden’s book….
June 4, 2023
I say this each time Carrie writes a book that this one is my favourite, this one however I think is my favourite Salinger Brother. Mackenzie is hiding who she is in New York until her family get involved and get her doing a job to save her grandpa's beloved hockey team. There she meets Eli Salinger and boy do the sparks fly! All I am saying is I want an Eli in my life!
This is completely different from the other stories in the series which makes it more special. Add the ice hockey element and the fact that Eli is not an alpha hole but he still has his own way of showing MacKenzie how he feels about her whilst respecting her and this book was one that I could not put down.
I truly loved this one and Can't wait for the next one!
This is completely different from the other stories in the series which makes it more special. Add the ice hockey element and the fact that Eli is not an alpha hole but he still has his own way of showing MacKenzie how he feels about her whilst respecting her and this book was one that I could not put down.
I truly loved this one and Can't wait for the next one!
July 24, 2024
I took a brief pause in this series but came back to The Salinger Brothers and Book 3, and I'm glad I did. This book was enjoyable, and I was sort of worried about parts of it and how it was going to play out, but Elks handled some delicate topics decently well. Definitely some swoon-worthy spice, and I love how the books reconnect with all the others in the family, too. I went right into Book 4 in the series, so expect an update on that soon!
3.5 stars!
3.5 stars!
December 25, 2024
i think i’ve landed on my issue with elks’s writing — i just never see the chemistry between the leads. it always feels like i’m just supposed to buy into their attraction and connection because they’re the lead characters and it feels kinda cheap and lazy. this one really felt very instalove-y, so that really didn’t help things.
probably won’t be continuing with the series but my best to everyone who does lol
probably won’t be continuing with the series but my best to everyone who does lol
June 17, 2023
I’m finally giving sports romances a chance and I’m so glad because I loved this! I’m a sucker for hockey players so of course I loved Eli, his and Mac’s chemistry was so good. I finished this is one sitting!
May 30, 2025
So I’m back to back reading this series because I need some easy, flirty romance and they are not disappointing! They are all a bit samey but they r just what I need in my life right now.
So far the 3 Salinger brothers I have read about can absolutely live in my brain rent free!!
So far the 3 Salinger brothers I have read about can absolutely live in my brain rent free!!
May 30, 2023
Love this series
Love this family
Eli and MacKenzie intense emotional heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
Gripping
Need more
Need Goren
Love this family
Eli and MacKenzie intense emotional heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
Gripping
Need more
Need Goren
July 2, 2023
3.5 ⭐ I thought this one was going to be my favorite since it's a hockey romance, but I think I liked the first two better. This was still a cute read with a decent storyline!
August 7, 2023
It was good but not as good as the 2 first ones
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