Isabella works for the founder of, Whiskey Run. Lottie Blaze is suffering from a heart condition, she is inching close, to her time, to be with her maIsabella works for the founder of, Whiskey Run. Lottie Blaze is suffering from a heart condition, she is inching close, to her time, to be with her maker. However, when she is no longer able, to take care of the business, her son takes it over. Of course, when he retires, his five boys take over the reins. Ford is the oldest, then Hudson, Austin, and Beau with, Lucas Blaze as the baby. There are ten years, between, Ford and, Lucas. Hudson is not active in it yet, he is still putting in his twenty years, in the military. Their mother, left them all on the day, Lucas was born, and his father stepped out, to get a coffee. Playing into Lucas’s insecurities, about being abandoned by the woman, he loves.
Granny Lottie took care of Lucas the others were more self-sufficient so they were mainly around their dad. When stepmom came along Lucas still preferred Granny. Even with granny’s declining health, she had her finger on the pulse of the movers and shakers. Including the antics of her five grandsons. She had gotten it in her head she wants, to see, Lucas settle with a good woman, and she figures out which one will be the best. That woman is, Isabella. She is the granddaughter of, granny’s best friend who passed years ago. Bella is also a nurse, and she takes care of granny during the day.
On the day the two ladies are dancing, to rap music that his granny loves, he notices Bella for the first time. For real, the first time when she is dancing. What happens next comes fast, and not without pushback. The brothers are not happy, especially when it put, Bella’s heart at risk. After all, she has loved, Lucas her whole life. He just never even noticed her, let alone her being gaga over him. Not, to mention he wants, to marry in a week. All because they know granny’s time is near.
Lucas seems, to be one clueless man. Hard, to believe he helps, to run a billion-dollar whiskey company. It is fun seeing him become jealous, and have no clue. He is so disrespectful, to Bella in regard, to Kelly. He is one man that needs, to thank his lucky stars....more
Sydney hears a beeping sound she knows it’s, a text that has come in. It's from, Ryan McCloud asking, Sydney, to bring donuts. What the actual text meSydney hears a beeping sound she knows it’s, a text that has come in. It's from, Ryan McCloud asking, Sydney, to bring donuts. What the actual text means is, Help my one and done won’t leave. Come rescue me! Sydney finds it fun being, Ryan’s stand-in-big sister, to this only child. Almost, too much considering what, she is about, to do. Which is going, to act like a fake girlfriend, letting herself into his apartment, to catch him with another woman. Once she is dressed for, success and gathered her things for work, she heads over with a bagel.
Once the girl is, successfully gone, she gives Ryan his bagel. He starts, to eat and feels some pain. He plays it off, saying he worked out, too much. She heads, to work and her world is turned, upside down. S.E.C. has come in and is swarming her boss's office. She gets, to her office and they are, doing the same. When she hears, Lucy now acting as, her lawyer. Telling her to say nothing. As they are waiting her boss, is being taken away, in handcuffs. This is a man, she had trusted. Well, there went that. Everything in her office is, off-limits until checked.
But, her face is plastered everywhere thanks, to the news when, she did nothing. Now, people are telling her off for being a crook. She feels defeated and lost. When she arrives home, a man stands there saying he’s a trainer for, Ryan’s team. He had told, Andy you would have a key, to let him in, to get things for the hospital. Now, she looks worried asking, what happened. Andy chuckles, to hear, Ryan tell it he says, it was the bagel you brought him, instead of the donuts. Speaking as his trainer, it was a good choice.
She lets him in and even proceeds, to pack his things for him. Knowing where everything is. Throws him off a little thinking she, and Ryan are a thing. He can see the sadness in her eyes and asks if she is okay. She says, yeah. Just a bad day, a really bad day. The reasons for the trainer to come over become easy because the team says, but also, Ryan’s mom said, too. She is playing matchmaker with him, and Sydney.
I enjoyed this story because we were able, to see the case that, Lucy had been working on, from the other side. We got, to see where Ryan gets his, sense of humor, it’s his mom. She radiates her love, for him and his friends. I’m not sure how I feel still, about Andy’s character. He just seemed on the wimpy side, to me. He should have waited until he, was emotionally fit. If he didn't want, to be in a relationship with her, he should have stayed away. He knew she was having a hard time in her business life, and needed, to get through that before adding his BS, to it. He should have been pissed at, Ryan for what he was thinking, not her. Ryan should have run after, him and set him straight right away....more
This is a short, but sweet romance. Dr. Liam had lost his wife, Lucy, in a car accident, three and a half years ago. Leaving behind twins, a girl, LivThis is a short, but sweet romance. Dr. Liam had lost his wife, Lucy, in a car accident, three and a half years ago. Leaving behind twins, a girl, Liv, and a boy, Ollie. The twins are four years old now. Their original nanny has moved and is getting ready, to give birth, to her child. Every nanny after didn't seem, to work out. So, when he finds out about this matchmaker agency, he goes for it.
The woman he picks is a daycare teacher, she can’t bare children of her own. He proposes getting married, being married in every sense of the word without falling in love, being loyal, to each other, and loving his children. Angel agrees, to the terms of his conditions.
The wedding is not just, a quick courthouse event. He gave her the one she and her family always wanted for her. He is attentive, to her, and he enjoys all the antics, of her crazy family. Liam loved how her family welcomed his children, as their own. Liam is floored the first day, he met her. She is the first woman he, is sexually attracted, to since his wife passed. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their wedding night seals it. But, they had rules...
They are both missing out, on so much in their lives. Angel has had more time, to digest the changes. As for, Liam, he logically decides, to not love, or be loved. Not understanding it, never works that way. The characters are strong in the roles they are given, with Angel being more enlightened, about what is happening....more
This morning Michael Horton is a member of, a Columbus team. However, later that day he is flying, now moving to Dallas. He had been traded, to the TeThis morning Michael Horton is a member of, a Columbus team. However, later that day he is flying, now moving to Dallas. He had been traded, to the Texas Oilers Hockey Team. Although, he is happy to be leaving the situation behind it is never easy to leave friends and family behind. Today he will be going in to meet with the coach and Nico the owner. Nico happens to be one of the youngest owners in the NHL.
He is getting ready to land when he gets a call from his dad. He didn't know how much he needed to hear his voice. He wanted to apologize for bringing bad press to the family for everything. However, his dad wouldn’t hear it. He told him he could never be ashamed of him and he did nothing of the sort with his behavior. He and the family knew how miserable he was, playing for that coach. His dad asks if he would like him to fly out, and he says no it's his mess, and he can deal with it. But, thanks for always being there. Uncle Max is there if you need him. They sign off. His dad understands the pressure of the media, and the rags. He is Max Horton a legend in hockey, and his uncle Matt was good, too back in the day.
When he’s getting off the plane, and looking for the black, Lincoln that will be picking him up, there stands his dad leaning against it. With a face of shock, while holding back tears, he hugs his dad tightly. He hears his dad say, “You didn't think we would let you, go through this alone did you?” On the way, there is his agent, Erika who is Uncles Max’s daughter-in-law and married his best friend, and cousin, Cooper. Nico greets them outside of the car. Michael knows, to say nothing, but just smile. The coach was waiting for him, and his dad fell back and said this is all him now. Coach and Nico had the plan, to get the press, and the fans, to give him a chance.
Nico gave him the keys, to his BMW, and the keys, to Cooper and Erika’s old apartment. After he got settled, he gets hungry and decides, to find a place to eat. While eating a natural beauty asks if he is, Zander, and he says, no sorry. Jillian Williams sweetly word-vomits that she’s on a blind date, then says sorry again. Then heads back to the hostess stand. Then she heads to the bar. Then, back to the front. He goes, to leave when he notices her in a corner, texting away on her phone, she waited almost an hour. He asks her to have a drink with him. She does and he realizes he hasn't had, so much fun in his life.
They exchange first names, while she has drinks and fries. They talk a lot with even more laughing. Once it’s over, and before they part ways. He kisses her on the cheek and he walks away. She calls an Uber. Before she knows it a BMW appears, and Michael wants, to drive her home. One night together with a promise, to call. And then five months later...
This was such a funny book. I loved all the characters, they were over-the-top funny. The main characters are natural in their meet-cute, and in the way, they talked so openly that first night. Max, Allison, and Matt make dysfunctional funny. Makes my extended family appear a fourth normal. ...more
I have, to admit at the end of the first series, about the famous Hockey Hutton family. I felt like wow, Maddox’s book is going, to be about a boy whoI have, to admit at the end of the first series, about the famous Hockey Hutton family. I felt like wow, Maddox’s book is going, to be about a boy who has been given too much too soon. Admittedly, I had it wrong.
Nine years ago, at the age of seventeen, Maddox Hutton was grossly taken advantage of by his best friend, Braxton Heights’ father, Roy. You see her dad was a want, to be sports agent, but the NHL did not approve of him. However, he did steer, Maddox wrong making him lose out on any contract, even his original offer. Once he fired, Roy, things were tense because fans thought he was a spoiled former NHL kid.
Laying in wait, there is, Roy. Waiting for the perfect storm, to exact his revenge. He feels the seventeen-year-old, Maddox ruined him by firing him, and not listening, to what he felt, was sound advice. Nonetheless, no one in the hockey world thought it, was or ever would be. When Maddox goes to rescue his brother at a dive bar. He gets caught up in some kind of big deal that goes wrong. Getting him beat up and into a public mess.
Cue Braxton. That's right ‘the Braxton.’ She is now a veterinarian, she owns the business, and the shelter, too. Part of his punishment is community service. He needs, to help at a shelter, not knowing they are sending him, to Braxton’s place. Not only that his agent for the last seven years, has sucker punched him. He has set up, an NDA for Braxton, to sign in the hopes of getting her, to agree, to be his fake girlfriend. To his surprise she signs it, saying it's the least she can, do for listening, to her father and not listening, to her gut.
Maddox has so much anger toward, Braxton. When you peer at their faces and actions, at them real closely you start, to notice he is still madly in love with her. His anger is at himself for letting her go all those years ago and for allowing the hate to overtake him. Yet, he can’t let go of he pettiness right away. Just know we haven’t seen the last of her father either. What we do find, a family friend betrays them, just how mature, Madoxx is and how he chooses, to use it. I love how this author allows these women to be so many things in one. But especially, loyal, and, ferocious when it comes, to those they call family. They can be naive, shy, yet vigorous sexual partners. The men in their lives, love them for their unbendable backbone, when needed, to stand tall for, family and friends. ...more
Some subjects in this book will be triggers, to some. There is the mention of bipolar disorder, a brief mention of past self-harm, and Alzheimer’s disSome subjects in this book will be triggers, to some. There is the mention of bipolar disorder, a brief mention of past self-harm, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In the first book, Adam White is the life of the party in book one. He is also, Ava’s, best friend, although he thought he wanted, to be more with her. So, when he finds out she’s in love with, Oakley he backs far away from her. During that time away he begins what he thought would be a one-and-done with Ava’s arch-enemy, Beth. Although it turns out to be more than once. He had known, Beth since elementary school. In high school she was teased so he protected her then she became obsessed with him and he thought it best to cut ties with her. He didn't see her again, until college.
Now, he’s a guy who thought with his dick, more than his head. He ends up sleeping with her, more than once. Then, she disappears. She drops out of school, and he doesn't hear from her, until three years later. It’s Gracie’s birthday, and they are all out, to celebrate when Beth comes looking for, Adam. After, starting a fistfight with, Grace, and does find, Adam she tells him he has a two-year-old little boy. His life changes in a hot minute. So, he started a business, found out he was a father, took custody of his son, and disowned his blood family, for his hockey family.
His business has gotten so busy, Adam needs to hire another trainer. Out of sheer luck, he meets a woman at the nursery while he and Connor are there. She runs into him, and he knows she needs help carrying a plant, to her car. Where they chit-chat. Adam finds out her daughter is, Scarlett Carter, the Olympic gold medalist of 2018 with, the Canadian women’s hockey team. She let him know, she is back home for good, and that she didn't get, to finish her rehab, but she was saying how nice, WIT, Adam’s business is. He tells her they would love, to have her come in for an interview on, Wednesday. Amelia waits to tell her on, Tuesday. Let's just say, she gets hired. He’s all sunshine, to her thunderclouds, but somehow their chemistry is off the charts. Will the darkness bring them down, or will the sunshine bring her back, from the darkest edge?
This story from all three books is my favorite, by far. This one has laughter, sadness, tears, pain, fear, panic, joy, and so much more. We see the growth, in all of these characters. Although seeing the next generation, is interesting. Connor has a dad who was the least loved, and who had parents. And he has a mom who has mental health issues, and yet he seems, to have so much love, and empathy for others. He doesn't take the love of family, and what you have, for granted. Where, Oakley and, Ava’s son, Maddox seem out of control. :( ...more
First off this book may set off some triggers in some people due, to physical abuse, drug use, and verbal abuse.
When Tyler was twelve his mom, Nora, mFirst off this book may set off some triggers in some people due, to physical abuse, drug use, and verbal abuse.
When Tyler was twelve his mom, Nora, marries the devil himself, Allen. The thing is he is an abuser and an addict. He didn't just abuse his mom, but Blake his brother, who needed a heavy hand but not a beating, and also, Tyler did not. However, it is because of those beatings that he used the local gym and picked up hockey as a way to get his aggression out.
Now, as you remember, the Mexico trip did not go well. At first, Grace tried to contact him to no avail. Then it just became a matter of them avoiding each other. Then, via Ava’s, sexy male elf, Adam, got both of them over, to Oakley (Lee) and Ava’s house for lunch. Where Lee proposed , to Ava. Bringing strong tears, to Gracie and Ty touched her hand, to comfort thinking it was okay. Now, Grace is PISSED!
You see she is upset, with the pure fact that he has a right, to touch her. She tells him, to follow her, and she goes into a room and locks the door. He doesn’t have the right anymore, he gave up any, and all touching. Now, she doesn't need or want, him in her personal life, ever again. It's been weeks and she’s moved on. That's the moment he decides, to grab her and kiss her, in a deep, breath-stealing kiss. But, they are... Sorry, you have, to read it.
This is such a good book, it had me hooked from book one, in the series. Mainly because of bossy pants, Lee is always so, OTT. You will laugh, tear up, and be angry at several characters. Glad we find out about, Morgan and Matt. I don’t like that this leaves you on a cliffhanger. That unfortunately loses you a star....more
I feel Gracie Hutton kept pushing until she got what she was asking for. At least a portion of what she thought she wanted. When she was sixteen and sI feel Gracie Hutton kept pushing until she got what she was asking for. At least a portion of what she thought she wanted. When she was sixteen and saw her brother’s friend and teammate, Tyler Bateman, at one of his games she told her mom, she likes his a$$. Now here she is at eighteen, working, living her life, and still crushing on Tyler.
She is so, excited because she not only is getting time off, away from her boss but, her brother is paying for her trip, with him, Ava Adam, and Tyler. Best of all since Tyler did a walk-on for, the Vancouver Warriors hockey team. He and Gracie are in, the same place so, he drove her, to the airport. That's when Oakley, Gracie’s brother, gets a sense of something happening between his sister and his one of his best friends.
At the resort, Gracie put all her business out there, in the bikinis, she chose, to bring and wear. Grace kept pushing the edge of the line. Until she was well over the line. Then it was on. They are having monkey sex, hard and fast. But, after each experience, her loses his sh!t. The second time it happened, she told him, to get the hell out. But, then the snips and quips, started.
Causing everyone at the table to feel uncomfortable, making, Oakley defend her against Tyler’s quips. Two days go by before Tyler tries to apologize for the argument and at that point, Grace was over it and hm. Saying she didn't want to talk to him or see him. She is over her schoolgirl crush no worries she got the message loud and clear. Which just about scared the Sh!t out of him. Then it was all he could do the get her to let them be together just one last night before they leave the next day.
Very good book. Tense and juice storyline. Oakley is a little over the top (OTT) for sure. Love the characters for sure, too. What the heck happened, to her best friend, Morgan, and his friend, Matt?...more
The book opens, with Oakley Hutton on his final game of the hockey season, with his hometown team, the Penticton Storm. Lee is leaving the season earlThe book opens, with Oakley Hutton on his final game of the hockey season, with his hometown team, the Penticton Storm. Lee is leaving the season early, to play hockey, in the WHL in Vancouver, BC. It's hard, to walk away from his mom, and sis. Playing for, the Saints is the closest team, to them. He owes so much, to his coach for helping, to guide him after his father was killed. Not to mention, the coach and his wife, did provide meals at times, too. Coming in handy, when it was all he could do, to get them through, the normal mundane things. By the time dinner, came along, he was spent.
Like his mother, the coach thinks he should have gone with the Ontario Rebels. For a better standing for his last eligible year for the draft. Yet, he is willing to take his chances. His best friend, Andre is giving him, a going-away party. Even though partying isn’t his thing, he goes for his friend. Before long, he is on the back porch sitting. Drinking and big crowds are not his things. So, relaxing out back suits him, just fine. When a girl comes staggering near the steps, he can tell she’s been crying. She is beautiful, even with smeared makeup lines. He asks, if she wants, to sit on the chair because he can tell, she’s upset. She sits on the grass, pulling her legs, to her chest.
Then, she turns her face, to face him. “You’re on the hockey team.” It’s not a question. “Is that bad?” “My now ex is a hockey player.” Her toxic tone makes me curious. “Is he here tonight?” “Oh, he’s here alright.” She proceeds to tell him she found him in the bathroom with his junk down some random girl's throat. Making Lee wince. She asks if he’s loved someone, and left them in one room at a party, to get his junk off in another. His gut wrenches for her. He wants, to hug her. No girl should be treated this way. When they finally get around, to asking each other's names she gives only, Ava, as her friends call her. But it is short, for Octavia Layton.
Three months later: Ava and her best friend, Morgan, a friend since forever, are getting ready, to head, to the first game of the season. Where Morgan’s boyfriend, Matt is playing hockey along with, Adam, Ava’s male best friend. As they are in the car, Morgan mentions going, to dinner after the game. Ava says no at first especially, after she says, Bradon, Tyler, and, Oakley, the new hockey idol will be there. But, Morgan said he is nice. It's when he is ejected from the game, for going after the player, that did an illegal check on, the Saints player that, Ava and Lee lock eyes, and the night three months ago, flies by.
See how these two, dance around knowing one another. Falling for one another. And, maneuver through the press, and paparazzi that like, to twist the truth. I so enjoyed the story of, this team of non-partiers who are serious, about their careers, and those they love, and respect. Her mother's storyline is so important, to tell disappointment. It happens often, in these reunions. Especially, when they were wards of the state, at one time. We raised three children, from the system. None have had easy, happy, outcomes....more
This book for sure is OTT. The chemistry is instant. I like that she spoke her mind when she had questions. She wasn’t going to be a secret, going to This book for sure is OTT. The chemistry is instant. I like that she spoke her mind when she had questions. She wasn’t going to be a secret, going to cheat or share. I liked that he is the one having the rough go, over a skip in the giddy-up of, a budding relationship.
She is waiting on a hard library chair wasting her time, on an ungrateful hockey student. When she could be relaxing at home doing her work. Maybe sitting here like now, but with a punctual student who is more deserving of, her time and effort. During his tutoring session l last week he ghosted her. Without so much as a text, to let her know he is skipping. He asked her for a make-up session, and now, he is late. With each minute that passes, she is getting more agitated, because her time is very much desired, by others.
She is relieved when, Mateo Rivera walks in the door, with his head down and shoulders slumped. Especially, since this is how she pays for all the extras like food, her pen fetish, and her public transportation. She notices right behind, Mateo, there is an older man, not a boy, but not his father, in relation, to age. They look similar facially, in their build, and accents. Although, she could tell he is not happy with, Mateo’s actions. His hand is on his shoulder, all the way until seated next, too, Shiloh. He introduces himself as, Mateo’s brother, Santiago. She is instantly attracted to him.
Mateo already knows, he is not leaving school, to become a part of the NHL, until he graduates, from Arvon University. So, Shy teaching him Calculus is important. Not only for hockey but for his degree. Tiago and Shy, both have this magnetic pull, that seems to tug them toward one another. Tiago stays for the session, sitting on the other side of her. Where their legs kept bumping together. When the session is over he asks her, to do, a Saturday session, at double the rate, at their home. It's against the tutoring policy but it is for great cash upfront money. When Tiago finds out she took public trans, to their home, he tells her he’s taking her home. Let the courting begin. She makes it known their ten-year age difference doesn't allow him, to boss her around like her big brother.
I kept wondering, what does he do for a living? And, why exactly are his parents not in the picture? How did her brother take them as a couple? Is Mateo a sophomore or junior? Confused....more
Sydney and Ryan are next-door neighbors. Ryan plays professional hockey for the Detroit Pirates. Andy, the team trainer, checks on Ryan’s recovery, afSydney and Ryan are next-door neighbors. Ryan plays professional hockey for the Detroit Pirates. Andy, the team trainer, checks on Ryan’s recovery, after surgery. They didn't expect, Andy, to have an instant crush on, Sydney. Ryan and Andy are good friends. As are he and Sydney. So, when the three would hang out she would ask her new friend, and lawyer, Lucy. Because Sydney’s boss is embezzling, and Sydney being a forensic accountant caught him doing it. She helps take him down. So, she asks her along, to some games and then get-togethers with the guys.
Lucy always saw Ryan as a young, party-boy, and hockey jock. With a different woman, every night. Who needed her best friend, to bail him out of a one-and-done, on occasion. Eye-opening stuff, into the life of a pro athlete. She always thought he was good-looking, and nice and generous, too. He always gave not only, Sydney tickets, to see his games, but one for Lucy, too. And he always made sure, to add food vouchers, also. Almost as if, he knew she loved her nachos, at the games. Sydney’s case is winding down, and, Lucy needed, to get away, get ready for the final push, and concentrate. So, the family lake house, it is.
Little did she know, the person renting next door for a week would be none other than, yup, Ryan. Boy, is she surprised! When she knocks on the neighbor's door, naked from the waist up, Ryan is standing there in only his boxers. She is speechless, utterly speechless. She has seen him dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, jeans and a t-shirt, and a suit, but never without a shirt. She can't even lie, because she might even have, to wipe a little drool, she likes it. Maybe too much, and she doesn't know what, to do with that. She is almost ten years older than him. He is the eternal party boy, and she is the career woman attorney, blazing her, own path.
However, she is feeling drawn, to him. There seems, to be a deep sadness and almost a lost look, in his eyes. She can't quite place. She has never, seen him like this. He’s gloomy, unsettled, and even in need of a long sleep. She had heard, they lost the last game of, the playoffs. It was devastating, to everyone. Somehow, he is taking it personally. After a day or two of sharing coffee, lunches, and dinners it turns, into a touch that turns into, a kiss and... One night that’s it? No, she gets half a morning before he leaves to go back home to Canada, for a fundraiser. Then, he goes radio silent. Find out if they can come together.
The thing I have a problem with is that, Lucy thought because she is older, and therefore she is wiser than, Ryan. Deciding on her work dinner, for him. Instead of being open, and honest with him, about how they go down. Allowing him, to decide for himself if, he would feel slided at her pretentious pissing contest work party. But, instead, she did his bidding for him. Because that night set a hole new course for their relationship. Wasting valuable time together. ...more
Greer was curious, how that could be? Him being the poster boy, for being young, handsome, and eligible. Miller explains he has always, and he means aGreer was curious, how that could be? Him being the poster boy, for being young, handsome, and eligible. Miller explains he has always, and he means always been, too busy, to have time, to date. Since getting, to the NHL, and dating he always finds a way, to mess it up. A lot of first dates but no more. Until now, and he almost ruins that, too. You see, the last time he saw, Scout she showed up at, Harper and, Collin’s, Christmas party. However, in Miller’s defense, she is dressed differently, her hair is down, and she is wearing makeup. Being the flirt he is, at the door, to greet her. He takes the goodies out of her hands, extends his hand, and says, ‘Hi, I’m Grady.’ To which, she looked at his hand and walked off.
He knows he needs, to apologize. After Greer leaves, he does. Grady walks up, to her and hem-haws a bit, and then he tries, to apologize. But, she won't take it. He keeps bugging her, telling her he will keep coming, back until, they are friends. He does just that, he shows up the next day, which turns out, to be a really good thing. She is debuting a new donut called, the Comets Cosmic Brownie donut. It's on this day, once again that, Scout's baker chooses, once again not, to show. Leaving her alone, and running ragged. Miller sees what is going on, and jumps right in, to help. And since, he is a Comet it made the people, in the extremely long line, all the more willing, to wait. Not only, to support, Scout but, to meet, Miller.
From here once he gets her, to agree, to the first date things move fast. I enjoyed, Miller’s character immensely. His naivety is so, pure in his wanting his first time for everything, to be special. When he finds, Scout he knows she’s the one, for all his firsts....more
This book reminds me of, an OTT romance book. Because of there being, a ten-year age difference, Owen Smith feels so much older than, Emilia Anderson.This book reminds me of, an OTT romance book. Because of there being, a ten-year age difference, Owen Smith feels so much older than, Emilia Anderson. The thing they have in common, on this night at the bar filled with people, they are alone, and lonely, and need, to feel connected, but not attached permanently. They truly believe this, one-and-done will do it. However, they are the best, they ever had and turn it, into a weekend. No last names are given, and the number is, only given, to let him know, she got home okay. She was new, to town so the odds of seeing each other, are slim to none.
Imagine the surprise on both their faces, when Emilia is introduced, to the hockey team as one of, the newest social-media managers. She may have gotten, the job because of her uncle, Coach Martin, but it's her hard work, that speaks for itself. For Emilia, the move comes after she finds out, her man hadn’t been helping the neighbor lady, with odds and ends. Oh, no he had been, bedding her and getting her pregnant. Then, coming home, to her. So, when she thinks he’s being thoughtful by helping her, put the crib together. Nope, it’s for his child, he’s doing right by his own damn baby. It's not until, she walks in on them, screwing on the coffee table, that all the dots connect. What a scumbag.
When Smith and, Emilia see each other, they play it, off well. She is surprised at, how void of emotion, eye contact, or warmth from, Smith there is. It's two and, a half years later, and the fire still burns bright, if the look in their eyes is any indicator of, what once burned between them. There is only one problem, with the avoiding game they, have been playing. One it's getting harder, to do on both sides. And two, Emilia’s boss wants them, to do another player profile, and you got it with none other than, Owen Smith. She is more than shocked at, that because she can already hear his answer. But, looking at, Tori’s face that is not, an option.
She is right, his first response is, no. But, then she told him what is, at stake for her. They had just gotten, the memos that said, for both players and office staff, no one within, The Carolina Comets may date, one another. So, they negotiate terms. She does primary interviews, he decides what they may film, and when and where, etc... It's during this time their true feelings start, to surface for one another, and he finds he can't keep his hands off her.
I have to say, I didn't like this book as well as, the others, and I couldn't put my finger on, it while reading it. Until now that is. You see, he’s grumpy like some of the others, angry at times like the others, he bullied his teammates like the others. What pissed me off royally, is that he knew what was at stake, for Emilia. He still puts a strain on her comfort zone, kissing and touching her in public, and at work no less. Getting her, to stay longer when she had work, to do, Not having her mind, fully on work, upfront and first. The grand gesture at the end is, nice but he had thoughts about, it already....more
How off-center did your meet-cute go, with your, forever one? Well for, Hollis it is bad enough that, it will be talked about long after, they’re goneHow off-center did your meet-cute go, with your, forever one? Well for, Hollis it is bad enough that, it will be talked about long after, they’re gone. Especially, since it‘s been told over, and over again by, The Carolina Hockey Team. Why you ask? Well, where to start? It is the day of the rehearsal for, Collin, and, Harper’s wedding. Hollis happens, to be her older sister. She didn't want, to be there not, because she doesn't love, her sister. But, she just got out of a divorce with, Thad who had been having an affair. All through their relationship, from dating to divorce.
Balling her eyes out in the parking lot, she is not happy when she is, startled by a beat-up old truck. Being held together by a wing and a prayer, that flies in and stops right next, to her, blaring Queen. It's at such a high volume, she just knew it had, to be disturbing the rehearsal. Plus, he hadn’t even bothered, to turn off the horrible engine. She decides, to take matters into her own hands, and pounds on the passenger window. After doing it a couple of times, by the third, she ended up socking him, on the jaw when he rolled, the window down.
Hollis proceeds to tell Lowell he's on private property and he doesn't belong there. That he needs, to leave before she calls security. He says, to do it. Now, it's a standoff. Luckily for her, Harper comes out looking for them both and is happy they met because she’s, the maid of honor and he’s, the best man. She’s still giving Lowell, the stink eye. It’s all they can do, to get through the rehearsal together. It's afterward when he taunts her in front of, Miller and Rhodes that causes her, to break and run out crying. Harper ran after her. With Collin, going for him growling at him that he, better fix it.
It's not until, the next day, during the wedding reception that, Lowell corrects, his mistake. One dance changes the course of the evening, their interaction, and their lives. See how much of a roller coaster, these two take in figuring out if, they could ever work as something more. This is an interesting story with the fist-to-cuffs that are taken toward Lowell when he doesn't treat Hollis correctly....more
Ryan has gone, to Vegas, to celebrate with her Hot Hockey Guy and Hot Hitchhiker (don't worry they are the same person), Collin, and his friends, AdriRyan has gone, to Vegas, to celebrate with her Hot Hockey Guy and Hot Hitchhiker (don't worry they are the same person), Collin, and his friends, Adrian Rhodes, Lowell, and, Miller. They are all celebrating, Collin, winning, The Stanley Cup, getting his girl, and signing his contract. They are all having a good time, but, Collin, Harper, and, Rhodes notice, her dancing on, the table. They are feeling, she may be having a little, too much fun partying. They make eye contact with each other, Rhodes then reaches up for Ryan’s hand, to get her, to come down.
Ryan shakes her head as if, she is a little kid saying, nope your not the boss of me. His mouth pulls down even further, in a frown. He grabs her hand again. She bends down, to look him at eye level, and pokes him right on the nose. Harper sees her mouth, “No, thank you!” Collin laughs, pulling my attention, and, says something else, to Harper. The next thing she knows, she can’t read their lips anymore, because she is upside down. I’ve been captured by a beast, that won’t let anyone else have fun.
Hey! You hot grouchy giant! Put me down! Harper! Help! Harper shakes her head, no. No! Go to bed, you’re drunk! She gasps. Am not! Are too! I thought you loved me! Ex-best friend. He’s going to kidnap me and hold me, hostage. (You see most don’t know she is a hopeless romantic however so is Adrian). You wish. She thinks he says. Where he does carry her, to a coffee shop, to have fries and a burger. Their downfall scrolling his ex. That's when she notices Brittany is engaged to his ex-teammate, Colter. That's it he’s free. He asks her to go with him dancing and drinking. She eyes him seeing the hopeless, heartbroken look in his eyes, reminds her of the same hopeless, heartbroken look in her eyes. They’re kindred spirits. They need this. They need, to let loose and forget their troubles.
It sounded good, the night before. In the light of day, looking up, to see a half-naked, Ryan straddling him, is amazing, and alarming, too. They try to remember what happened, but, they got nothing. Oh, except for gold bands on their fourth fingers. So, they said, ‘I Do!’ Here Ryan was trying to outrun her breakup, losing her job, and her grandma’s guest homes payment being raised. Meaning she is a paycheck away from being homeless. They wake up to their phones blowing up because they filmed their nuptials and oh yeah you guessed it they posted it. See what the fun times the fallout brings.
The way these two in the last book tried, to be overt in checking each other out, was laughable. The way they tried, to shake each other up with a little flirting, with others around, was also comical. Yet, in this book, they try to be upset with what happened, but, there are some tender moments as well as, loving ones, too. I did enjoy this a lot. I did enjoy both of their transformations into, a loving couple....more
Collin Wright has had a hard time with it. They lost, the Stanley cup if you hear it, from some of his teammates and fans, it was his sole responsibilCollin Wright has had a hard time with it. They lost, the Stanley cup if you hear it, from some of his teammates and fans, it was his sole responsibility. Not taking into account, that it is a team sport, of course. Then, you add getting into a fight with a man, who is manhandling his wife. And, the press went after their, five minutes of fame, to sell their rags, to tell incomplete stories. Also, bringing up stories, of him as a minor.
Harper is the type of woman that goes, to the beat of her own drum. She is tired of her mom, fawning over her, and her sister after her father’s death. There were too many memories at home. So, she moves, to Carolina for college, and decides to stay. She loves horror movies and everything about them. So much so, she uses her artistic skills to make, paint, and dress dolls, to look like a famous horror classic personality.
Now, the meet-cute, Collin breaks down on his trip back from, Kansas to Carolina. So, he believes he saw an off-ramp five miles back. (Turns out it's fifteen.) Plans on walking it. He’s off the side of the road a good piece. However, after about a mile he notices a car coming up, rather fast. It’s aiming straight for him. He’s trying, to gauge which direction, to jump out of the way, when it screeches, to a stop. Takes him a minute, to gather his composure, and the driver is not moving or getting out, to check on him either.
Truth is she is, having a moment of, oh F--ks! When she does, she feels shaky, and can't talk. After some heated banter, and then the Ghostly Hitchhiker tale (all BS LOL). They decide he’s no threat, and she’s a crap night driver. He’s driving though, and they have a great time together, the four-plus hours together he lies about himself, not sure if she is, telling the truth about being a Comet fan due, to the sticker on her car.
However, it's when he finds her on the dating app and chooses not, to give full disclosure after weeks, of texting. That sends things haywire. This was a fun book, however, I didn't like him lying, to her. He learns a valuable lesson though, it doesn't feel good just being used, for your body even with rules in place, because one may catch feelings. One always comes out, being the big B. I loved, Ryan she was a hoot, and to know she ends up with, Rhodes is great. I thought I could feel, a vibe between them....more
This book may have triggers for some. It deals with physical abuse, mental, and verbal by a parent. And the family that takes him in.
It's her freshmaThis book may have triggers for some. It deals with physical abuse, mental, and verbal by a parent. And the family that takes him in.
It's her freshman year of high school, she is pissed at, well, everything. At her parents, the world, need I say more? Nothing worse than a girl at fourteen with a grudge and an f-you attitude. She feels isolated, alone, and angry at having no friends. New house, new town, and new school all in a nowhere town. It all happens during the summer. The rest of the summer is like a time bomb of resentment building and waiting to go off.
On her first day of school, she felt invisible, it hurts. The school is small and clicky. She is, the outsider. After a few days, she knows they, aren’t interested in her. To be truthful, one is. Waiting for her pickup, she hears someone say, ‘What’s your name?’ The very first words, anyone has spoken, to her. A hot cocky, junior. During lunch, they call him, JT, and I heard someone mention he, is the QB. That should be my first clue. ‘Um, Autumn’ ‘Hi, Um Autumn.’
‘Maybe we could hang out sometime.’ ‘Um, sure.’ She sighs, as he walks away. When she hears someone laugh. A guy on the bench studies her. His hair is as black, is as midnight, and covers one eye. She doesn't know him, but it's only been three days. Do you seriously believe, Jonah Taylor wants, to hang out with you? She’s pissed now, he was listening in.
Turning to face him fully she asks, ‘Who the hell, are you?’ She surprises herself, she is never a surly girl. Since moving, she is angry. ‘Your new best friend who will tell it, to you straight.’ ‘I don't need, a new best friend.’ ‘Then, here is some free advice. He could care less about you.’ ‘Gee, thanks.’ ‘Keeping it real.’ ‘ You his friend?’ ‘Doubtful.’ ‘Then, you shouldn’t be giving any advice about him.’ ‘There’s a bet about you. The whole, varsity football team. Whoever’s the first, to get a poonamy shot, from you on Snap or Insta or whatever wins a hundred bucks. They know, who your dad is.’ Meaning this boy does, too.
She can’t get away from her father’s fame, even as the retired NFL superstar, Drew Callahan. He‘s still bigger than life, but his ex-career muddies everything, concerning prospects for dating. She loves him and is, proud of him, but sometimes she just wants him, to be her daddy. She asks if he is, in on the bet, and he tells her no. Then, she wants, to know how he knows. Locker room talk. She is feeling low. She finds out he’s, a QB on the JV team, and she is pissed. Never knowing, Ash Davis is a guy who saves her, and she him. Until then, they never speak again until, sophomore year.
This is a book of small vignettes, throughout high school, and their love-hate relationship. They are like two magnets, that can’t be pulled apart, for long. She didn't know how on the first day their lives would wind around each other for far longer than in high school....more
This may cause triggers due to verbal abuse and hints of physical.
We all know if you read Sterling’s book, you would know that Maxim Zolotov is his biThis may cause triggers due to verbal abuse and hints of physical.
We all know if you read Sterling’s book, you would know that Maxim Zolotov is his biological brother. Let’s just say two years ago there was no love loss between those two. It was all most could do to get out of the line of fire. Well, what a difference a few years can make. They have focused that negative energy where it belongs on their father, Sergei Zolotov. He is still chastising, Maxim in front of his team, but, more covertly because her brother, Sterling, and his team, now have his back.
He gets this mysterious call from, Mila, Sterling, and his little sister. She wants, to ask him a favor, but he has, to promise, to say yes. He is in the locker room when, he takes the call, and he keeps repeating Mila’s name making, Sterling, start to worry. Then, when he asks her if she’s in trouble, and she says no he shakes off, Sterling. They both head off to a grueling practice. As they’re walking back through the hall, Sterling lets him know their fathers, is there. Sure enough, he pounces on, Maxim the minute he gets near, and most of the team is away.
Sergei goes off, again. Same subject, different day. He came, to tell him, he was going, to be coming, to all the practices, and games. Having Gage, their coach who comes up behind them and played with him, Sergei he knows his temper and angst. So, who knows what he may have done, otherwise? When Gage said, he needed, Maxim in the locker room he knew. That’s why Maxim asked him if, all practices are open, to the public and he said, yes always have been. And Max asks, do you think, Asher would consider closing it to the public, especially since he’s dropped the bomb, that he’s staying around for, the Stanley Cup in June? Coach says, consider it done.
When he gets home he asks, Mila, what exactly is, going on? That’s when he notices, the moving boxes, and, suitcases, and then, Evie bounds down the stairs, holding a box with, food in it. It’s a five-month favor, she needs. One that will surely, kill him. Somehow, it had gone unnoticed by him that, Evie had developed exquisite curves not, to mention she is, beyond gorgeous. However, before, Mila can leave for, Italy for school they wanted, to sublet their apartment, to save and use, that money toward the art gallery they are planning, to open. Just one minor detail went unnoticed or selectively unnoticed by Mila that is. Knowing her brother would never refuse someone in need.
This is a story about a young man, Maxim who has been mistreated by his parents. One for not sticking up for them. The other parent, for using and abusing his sons. He was either beating them or hitting them, making them learn to dodge or to never cower. He would call it making them strong. Nope, still abuse. Doesn’t talk about her family at all. We know she's been in love with him since she was ten-year-old. Evie’s a full-figure girl and never believes, she would ever stand a chance with, Maxim....more
It's been three years since, Sterling, the goalie, left the Carolina Reapers Hockey Team. And boy, has there been a great deal of growth. His mannerisIt's been three years since, Sterling, the goalie, left the Carolina Reapers Hockey Team. And boy, has there been a great deal of growth. His mannerism as he enters the building, this time it is done with more reverence and thankfulness than his last time there. He had found a family but the maturity was needed and now they must feel he has not only that but the true talent they're looking for. The greeting from Cannon alone is enough to know that there has been a change in the Reapers, too. Cannon has never been a touchy-feely kind of guy let alone a greeter who gives hugs. You see since he had married his lovely wife his world opened up to a select few. Sterling is one of them. Standing joke, ‘Bestman’ need I say more?
Once hellos are out of the way, Langley lets him know he needs, to meet with, Silas the owner of the team, to sign the final paperwork. He and a young lady take the executive elevator up, to the fifth floor, only for the power, to go out between floors, four and five. When it goes pitch black, Sterling hears the young lady yelp, or is it a squeak? For sure, the file folders she is holding in a death grip fall. So, Sterling reached out, to make contact, to ebb her fear and give comfort. He could hear her breathing becoming irregular, meaning she could start, to hyperventilate. He calls Langley, to see if she knows, what is happening. She says the building, is out of power, she says it should be on any minute, but it isn’t for the elevator. Silas along with the team’s muscles will get them out. The woman named, London is Claustrophobic.
Being stuck for a bit, makes them introduce themselves. Although London knows him, he's at a big disadvantage. When she rambles off his stats, he thinks he might be in love, because Sterling already knows he’s attracted, to her physically. London’s interning for a job as, the new position as a game day planner, for the team. What he doesn't know, are the connections, to the team and how the impact, will devastate him. He just knows, until rescued he needs, to keep her talking.
Once they are rescued, Sterling sees London collapse against the wall, taking in deep lungfuls of breaths, as if she has been deprived of it. London’s traumatic experiences as a kid, playing hide and seek, turned into a mental death trap, for her. When the second elevator opens, carrying more players, she runs into the arms of...
This is a story that impacts so many families, that no one talks about. Mila is the most mature, of them all. London is naive for most of the book, or so it seems. I loved that despite his pain, Jansen still made time, to help, London with her illness. I didn't like that, Langley didn't find out why, they didn't want, to do the photoshoot together, and basically ordered it done. And that, Silas himself didn't step in knowing the pain, it is causing, Sterling....more
Connell MacDhuibh needs, to go home, to Scotland next week. Charleston and the little town of, Sweet Water where he and the rest of, The Carolina ReapConnell MacDhuibh needs, to go home, to Scotland next week. Charleston and the little town of, Sweet Water where he and the rest of, The Carolina Reapers team make their homes. It is pleasant most of the year, but Connell would rather be in the highlands than, sweat so much during the off-season. Not to mention he misses, seeing his mom. For most of his life, it was just the two of them. However, he has a small legal matter that he will need to take care of. He ran down their most cherished ostrich statue of, Oliver.
Unexpectedly the courtroom doors fly open, and Annabelle Clarke appears in a pissy mood. Unfortunately, the sweetest southern accent belongs, to his biggest nuisance ever. The town attorney is not pleased whatsoever with her outburst. She seems, to forget she is, not an attorney. Annabelle doesn't single-handedly, run the town. Nor does she own, the town. Even with that, because of her input, Connell doesn't get, to go to, Scotland. But, he does, however, get to spend his six-week community service with her, at the town hall.
He does go above and beyond, doing the jobs she asks for. But, he shares a side of himself, no one else gets, to see. He even helps her with a pet project that is, near and dear, to her. Being full-figured her whole life, while her sister is tall, thin, and sexy. It has always made it difficult for, Annabelle. Her sister was the one her mom fawned over. Putting her in pageants and all. Further making her feel she didn't measure up. Connell doesn't see her that way. He sees her, as sexy and worth cuddling with, taking his time with.
She worries he is too much, for her. He is always joking around and pulling franks. She is the serious one. Can they blend their worlds? Will he change his mind on the road, or can she be enough for him? Read and find out....more
It's a book about a couple who both heal the darkest spots inside the heart and soul of their being. You see the angry giant feel love and open up finIt's a book about a couple who both heal the darkest spots inside the heart and soul of their being. You see the angry giant feel love and open up finding love and laughter amongst true friends he takes as family. You see the socialite who was meek and mild learning, to find her inner strength and now fights for what she wants. With the Reapers, she knows what real friends and friendships, are and picks a different choice. Loved this book.
Two years ago, this woman a tiny thing—ridiculously light, falls into the hallway, and into the arms of, Cannon Price. As he sets her on her feet, he notices her shoe has sexy heels with exceedingly tiny feet. She spoke not just about money but class in the way she dressed with everything matching and designer. Like a trust fund baby, basically, everything he despises. Stemming from his childhood.
At that moment they were both not just hyper-aware of one another but they were sexually drawn to one another. Cannon knew in mere seconds that nothing good could come from it. He would only be someone to bring home to piss daddy off. In reality, all she’s thinking is that she’s embarrassed for tripping and falling. Her sweet southern drawl is sweeter than honey. Sliding over him like velvet and stirs his manliness. All without seeing her face since her long hair is all over the place. He can't believe this woman had just turned him on.
Making eye contact makes it worse because, all he can think of is, mine. So, Cannon Price tells, Persephone VanDoren, “Next time, don’t run down the hallway in heels.” She states, “I’ll be more careful in the future.” From that day on they are two great bantering adversaries. But now here they are after winning a date with him at a charity auction they are on their way to Vegas. Sephie and Cannon get a headache on the plane and the attendant gives them pain meds but it ends up being sleeping meds instead. Then you add alcohol to that and you get them waking up in bed together with rings on their fingers and a marriage certificate.
Once her mother calls, she is thinking her mom will be upset and is exactly the opposite. Her mama is ecstatic that she found the man she loves so, much that they couldn’t wait, to marry each other, and did when the impulse hit them. Her mom can’t wait to meet him. There is just one minor problem, he spoke to his lawyer, and they can have it taken care of on, Monday. Once she’s home, telling her she's not going to be married come Monday won’t leave her mouth. Her mother even asks to plan her second wedding for friends and family.
Knowing their plan, to get a divorce, she needs to ask Cannon to stay married in front of friends, and family, to appease her sick mother due, to her mother's illness. But, also allow her to plan their wedding. Cannon is so torn. This story is so much more than I was expecting for sure....more
Sawyer McCoy lives in, Seattle. Doing the right thing, for his mom has always come first. Since the day his dad walked out when he is fifteen. Sawyer’Sawyer McCoy lives in, Seattle. Doing the right thing, for his mom has always come first. Since the day his dad walked out when he is fifteen. Sawyer’s drug-addicted father chose the drugs over, the two of them. Upon finding out, his mom has stage four Parkinson's. He had to put his mom in a care facility to go to college, play hockey, maintain physical training, and a job. To keep the house he got roommates Faith and Harper. Harper is the owner, Asher Silas of the Reapers Hockey Team, Arena & Equipment, she’s his sister. She is now married to a Reaper Nathan Noble. Faith is now married, to a Reaper Lukas Vestergaard.
Because of his fierce loyalty, to his mother, he tried endlessly, to make it onto the Seattle Sharks as a goalie, but they kept passing him up. In the last book, we got, to see the Reapers make a call for him, to be the one-day-only backup goalie for them. However, his friend had them add a clause. If he plays even one second, and they need a goalie he automatically gets, to try out. Since he played for twenty-eight seconds, he gets a call when Fields, their backup goalie, goes down. Leaving the aging, Thurston is slow at his glove and has sluggish skating and mediocre reaction time. A legend for sure, however, even great legends age. He gets the call.
Let's just say, the guys on the team want, Sawyer. Lukas sends his private plane, to bring him, to Carolina. There is a car, to pick him up, and, Langley the team captain's wife, has arranged for him, to stay at her old apartment that is, right across the street from the arena. Axel has kept out of her, and, Faith’s arrangements all due, to fear of nepotism because the tryouts need, to be on the up, and up. There is a three-hour difference, meaning it’s early back home. So, he goes to the bar the team went to after his one day as a Reaper. There he once again finds the firey bartender, Echo Hayes. West Coast and East Coast are back together in the same bar, yet neither feels they are worthy of more.
This is a story of a man at the brink of greatness, in a career he has been working towards, since a tween. But, he has been so, weighted down with adult things, he doesn’t know how to put, himself first. So, his new family does. Then, there is the sassy bartender, who knows nothing, but, heartache and the loneliness of abandonment. All three of her family members have passed, over time leaving her tank empty of, fuel for love and relationships. Since her bar is, the Reapers’ bar of choice, she has become friends with, their ladies. Sheer fate brings them together, but, pure love holds them together....more
Players of, The Carolina Reapers Hockey Team, Logan Ward, and, Cannon Price are on the way, to the library. Mind you it is six in the morning, and thePlayers of, The Carolina Reapers Hockey Team, Logan Ward, and, Cannon Price are on the way, to the library. Mind you it is six in the morning, and they have limited time, to get to the private runway, to meet the team plane. Coach hates for them, to be late. Logan drives an R8, and, Cannon is holding on, for dear life. It's for this, Logan can’t help teasing him, because Cannon is the fastest skater, in the NHL. When they arrive, the place is dark and Cannon says, stay or come in, your choice. He’s going in, the back door. B&E is not, in his future, but there is another car there, so he follows.
Before he can blink, Cannon has disappeared. He starts looking, at featured books on display, they are not, to his liking, he is not a reader. When he hears, a noise and turns, he is glad he has quick, reflexes because the book sails, past his head. The next book that flies, he is able, to catch it. Cannon has found his books and tells, Delaney Collins the librarian. Logan couldn't believe after, how badly he had been, burnt and hurt by, Blair. That he is attracted, to the sweet raspy southern drawl. Of this southern bell. Delaney comments on his fast reaction, to the flying books. He was going, to say thanks, to him playing in, the NHL. But, he is hoping for once he can just be, Logan. Especially, since she doesn't even like sports.
They start talking about books, and, Delaney picks out a book, for him. They have a bet, if he doesn't like it, he gets her number. However, she is great at her job, and he loves the book. Now he is heartbroken, he really wants, her number. Something he can say hasn't happened, in a long time, for him. But, Delaney could see in his eyes, what she sees, in hers daily. It would be loneliness, sadness, fear of trusting again, and disappointment. All this she felt from her last relationship, with an athlete. Now, Delaney puts them all, in the terrible category. So, mum is the word. She takes pity on him and tells him, she will allow him, to take her out, to dinner as, friends and only friends. Color him, happy.
Truth is a vital part of, any relationship. However, when you make their truth impossible for them, to tell you because deep down you know, in your heart you’re not going, to like it. You have, to take some responsibility for the hurt, you are feeling. In this case, even more. Let me tell you why. Because she painted a picture of, all athletes using, a wide brush with broad strokes. Preventing him from the beginning, to even stand a chance on his, own merits. When Logan did try, to tell, Delaney could feel his apprehension and told him, it was ok. Nothing short of murder would count against him. Guess, not. What if he had done something similar, but in reference, to librarians? I hated how she treated Cannon once she knew he was a Reaper.
Cannon cracks me up. The image he shows the world is so different, from who he is. I loved Logan’s heart. For a third of the book I didn't like, Delaney....more
The book opens with, Axel speaking with his younger brother, Tage, on his car phone. Whom he has raised, since Axel was sixteen, and, Tage was five(thThe book opens with, Axel speaking with his younger brother, Tage, on his car phone. Whom he has raised, since Axel was sixteen, and, Tage was five(the timeline is off.) But, now Axel is an empty nester, and Tage is trying to get him, to see his life needs, and to be about himself, for once. Especially now that Tage has made it onto a team as a rookie and college part-time.
He let Tage go as he arrives at the airport to pick up his childhood friend Lukas Vestergaard. He is coming for a visit since he is now living full-time in the states but has kept his home in Sweden. It is the home Axel has been staying in while his floors are being done. But, just as the plane is taxing, Lukas is calling putting a puzzling look on his face. All Lukas says is, ‘Sign it and have fun.’ Meaning a contract with the Carolina Reapers Hockey Team.
The next thing he knows Langley Pierce is stepping off the plane. The woman, last year broke up with her boyfriend, and he took her around Sweden sightseeing. The only thing I don't understand, is how did he even meet her, last year? How does, Lukas become so invested that he sends her, yet, he tricks them both? Axel seems like a very simple man. Money is not important, family however is, and so are friends. Not to mention love, loyalty, and shared commitment.
So, when, Langley explains the contract and what the team wants, he counters. She doesn't truly listen which is always at the heart of negotiation. Because that is exactly what he is telling her, he wants but, to not scare her off he puts it in the contract, for six months. The majority of the book, though is all about her wants, and needs concerning her job.
Small intimate moments bring them together each day. However, when there is a crisis back in Sweden, with Tage. And at the same time, something explosive goes off between an official and a player after the game. She feels she has to stay to clear it up. She tells him as soon as it is she will be there. He says she belongs with the family. She says why there is only a little over three weeks left. He says never mind he gets it he should have figured she wasn’t capable of real emotions and known just how cold and calculated she is. She did get him signed after all.
This book was filled with a lot of angst. High in drama not a lot of calm. So, it did go fast. But I did feel like I was missing a book somewhere. Like there was info about the characters I didn't have all the info to....more
Okay, we are coming off a cliffhanger. Yup, we all need, to find out about, Beau and, Sienna’s love Babies. That’s right, love babies, as in twin boysOkay, we are coming off a cliffhanger. Yup, we all need, to find out about, Beau and, Sienna’s love Babies. That’s right, love babies, as in twin boys. Now, why he felt he had, to wait is beyond anyone, and everyone, who hears his reasoning. Even his mother, questions his logic. Why? You ask. Because the boys, look just like him. Carbon copies of him. So, DNA testing is for legal purposes. Beau is just, a manipulator throughout this whole book. He is a rich spoiled boy, who found a great girl, in Gigi. And he knew he should tell her, but his past actions had already set a pattern. Beau has done some really stupid things, as well as lying, he is on thin ice. Have you noticed he always uses seduction, as a way, to get what he wants?
Now, remember the boy's night out after the game that shattered Gigi’s heart. Trey and her relationship hit the skids because of Beau’s actions. Yet, you don't see Beau trying to fix it until the beginning of this book. She was doing the kill-the-messenger thing. One thing I forgot to mention in the last book is the puppies. Not only does, Gigi loves them, but, Uncle Trey adores them. So the fight hurt him, not to mention that he, and, Gigi are good friends. He has been there when Beau has not. The women’s team is getting ready for an away game, they leave the next day. So, they had, to stay later, Beau goes to pick up the dogs, and, Gigi is catching a ride home with, Jillian her BFF on the team. As they are leaving the building, they are hounded by reporters and paparazzi. Asking her about, Beau’s, and, Sienna's secret four-year-old twin boys.
Let's just say by the time she gets home, she is ready, to have a meltdown, and, Jillian is worried. Jillian says she will sit right outside her door waiting for a text or Beau to leave. First, he wants to be mad at her because he’s been trying to contact her. She volleys back, hard to check my phone when three dozen mics are in my face. Then he gets passive. He’s like so you heard? REALLY! She starts by questioning him. Gigi: When did you find out about them? Beau Says: Started contacting me two weeks ago. Gigi: When did you talk to her? Beau: Last week at the rink. I thought she was just after money then she showed me their picture and insisted they were mine. Gigi: Did you do DNA TESTING? Beau: “That’s what came back today to confirm they’re mine.” Gigi: When did you do It? Beau: Four days ago.
Okay, this is where her calmness starts to slip which is way better than me. Gigi says: Four days ago you didn’t think I was important enough in your life to share that kind of information with? Beau: The tests may have come back negative, then there’d been no reason to upset you.” Gigi: She knew this would hurt her and make the final blow. Let me see their picture. He narrowed his eyes at her as he swallowed audibly. He knew that his lies were coming to a head it was all going to crash down on him now. Gigi: She knew The boys are, Beau’s. They look just like you, any idiot with half a brain could see that.
She informs him she has to pack because they leave early tomorrow. She tells him when she gets back he and all his stuff needs to be gone. Because this is her apartment. He tries to tell her they need to talk about what happened. She says you had four days to talk about it but it wasn't important to them then and now he has children he needs to be attending to. The back and forth goes on for a bit until she walks into the bedroom and packs some of his stuff then chucks it off the balcony, landing with a thump on the cement. Jillian is still on the balcony and she is on her phone the anchor says Beau met his kids today. Further betrayal yet he wants to blame, Gigi for her not allowing him the time to explain everything. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg with these two. Not to mention what drama happens on the ice too. Especially to one of my favorite characters, Trey. Happy this one paid off but still have unanswered questions. Whatever happens to the guy from the parking lot? ...more
I did get this, as an arc. So, it for some reason didn't come with, a synopsis. I have to say, right off the bat, I hate when the couple's love story I did get this, as an arc. So, it for some reason didn't come with, a synopsis. I have to say, right off the bat, I hate when the couple's love story is chopped, in half. I have, to buy the next book to finish. To get to, the completion of their love story. Especially with the way the first one ends, and where the author leaves you the reader hanging.
It is interesting the things you find out about, the world of hockey regarding men's vs the women's league. From the dollars companies put into it, advertising dollars offer, or should I say lack of, and also the lack of salary paid, to the women’s league. Yet, the blatant disregard for respect, protection, and equality is never addressed. No one calls BS! Even the way, Angelique and, Marcel are, Gigi Martin's godparents, they too are, taking advantage of her. Banking on her loyalty, and her love of hockey, as well as, to them. They manipulate her the most, but the manipulation of their godson, Beau Moreau, isn’t any better.
However, Angelique did know about, Gigi’s crush on, Beau since she was a kid. In this case, age did matter. When the case of the heart, and overall inexperience gives you nothing, to go off of. Not to mention, having no experience in shutting down her feelings, and lying. Beau acted more like the twenty-two-year-old, and, Gigi acted more like the thirty-five-year-old. Overall, I did enjoy the story. Loved, Trey and, Gigi as well as the twins....more
Cheap Shot tells Haley’s story of healing and contains mentions of physical and sexual abuse that may be triggering to some.
Okay, now that those much Cheap Shot tells Haley’s story of healing and contains mentions of physical and sexual abuse that may be triggering to some.
Okay, now that those much need words are out of the way. Because the story did make me tense up, during different parts of it. Let me just say, that the fact that no one, in any of the altercations suggests therapy, is disheartening. Haley never truly lays into her brother, Ethan for not being there, and for the multiple phone calls she has made, to him. Not to mention him going MIA from his room, his best friend, and his teammates. So why? Yet, he thinks he has the right to dictate life for her and his best friend, Reid who she has become close because he, is there for her during several dangerous times, and, Ethan wasn’t.
What is astounding is, he dares, to blame the victim, his own sister, in both her horrific situations. Yet, Haley chooses, to fight her way through, to get back, to a semi-normal life. Most would feel happy, that she could find a bit of it, in a good loyal friend, like Reid. Someone who has always had, Ethan’s back and lately Haley’s. No, instead he acts like, a toddler who is losing, his favorite toy. Ethan rallies the other teammates, to back him, using it to where, Reid is the one causing discord amongst the team, by falling for, Haley. Although he is open and honest in telling, Ethan. It is that Ethan didn't like being called out, about his victim-shaming, Haley. Bringing up him not picking up, and returning calls, or texts when she needed him.
During this story, Ethan keeps disappearing, not sleeping in the dorm room, and he is zoning out and acting weird. We never find out why that is. Do any of the guys get drafted? It's just been a month, but you know what I mean. No closure. Is Jay convicted? So many questions....more
Serena and her housemates are having a party. She is worried about things they will need, to clean and disinfect. It feels like the whole, Stonewall cSerena and her housemates are having a party. She is worried about things they will need, to clean and disinfect. It feels like the whole, Stonewall campus is at her house. Her dad bought her the house. Serena and her friends live there, rent-free. Her best friend and housemate, Lily is scolding her about getting upset tonight, about cleaning tomorrow. Lily sees, she needs a drink in her hand. So she can chill, the he//-out.
Serena heads to the kitchen, to get a drink to make, Lily happy. The party is simply because it’s, the last weekend before, the new semester starts. Two of her housemates are seniors, she and, Lily have graduated. Lily wants her drunk, and stupid, as they say. Mainly, it’s the first party, since breaking up with her, ex-Carter two months ago. He was only dating her, to mainline toward her, family's wealth. It wasn't just him being a gold-digger that pisses her, and her friends off, it was the subpar sex, during the entire relationship.
It’s in the kitchen, and she is strumming her nails on the counter, as she looks at the choices of drinks. Serena hears someone say, ‘You look like you are thinking hard.’ A tall guy stands there, looking casual in, his large build. The casual outfit doesn’t take away from, the utter surfer boy vibe he’s got going on. Tousled blonde hair, that has a bit shaggy, and the bluest eyes. He is gorgeous. Her thoughts take her away for a minute, ‘Oh lord, he has dimples, too.’
Isaac leans his elbows on the counter and asks, ‘A penny for your thoughts.’ When she says, ‘Well, how much cleanup I’ll have to do.’ He lets out a strong hardy laugh stating, ‘This is your place. Yeah, you will have a bit of work.’ That’s when introductions are made. That's when she notices she has butterflies around him she’s never had that with any guy. He asks if she is having a good time. She tells him she is now. That's when they get busy in the bedroom. When classes officially start that’s when they find out she is a TA in his class. Then, several weeks more, and then congratulations are in order.
See how these two move, from a one-and-done to a hey guess what? So, we can co-parent, right? To, what are these feelings? I love this couple together. What he experiences with his mom when he tells her, the news was difficult, and I felt for him. To see the turmoil, Serena put herself through, and her parents are, so welcoming knowing the gift of life is, just that a gift....more
We never realize how one simple decision, can change the course of time. With it, alter the path of our lives, how we feel, and how we view things. ItWe never realize how one simple decision, can change the course of time. With it, alter the path of our lives, how we feel, and how we view things. It is, Fiona Gallagher’s wedding day, yet from the moment she wakes up she knows something is not right. Deep in her soul, she knows something is wrong, and that it is not what you want, to feel on your wedding day. Sure enough, her weasel of an ex never shows, yet he dares, to call saying, ‘Can’t we go back, to the way it was before all the wedding stuff? I just can't marry you. Marriage is just not, for me.’
She told him, to F-off and that he need, to be out of the apartment, today. He said, no it’s our apartment she said, no my apartment, it's in my name. That's when, her best friend since birth arrives, Aaron Riley arrives. He is there, to save her day, her knight in shining armor. Although what he is suggesting is, going above and beyond, what any best friend needs, to do. This is another time when a simple decision in their lives, changes the course of their lives.
Riley says, do you still want to get married? To who? She asks. It's Vegas, so let's get married. She yells, Whatt? She then asks, are you serious? You have everything, it is paid for, you are in your dress, and guests are present, why not still get married, but to me? At first, Fi just stares at him. And then, she is thinking how many whiskeys did I indeed down, in my anger? But after going back and forth some more she says, okay.
What Riley didn't say is that he thinks, Fi is the most beautiful woman, in the world. He’s always been in love, with her. She is his dream girl. He had even lost his virginity, to this gorgeous best friend. He wanted no, needed her in his life. The wedding is fast and sweet. The reception is a blast. The first night was hotter than He//. But, the next morning when reality hit Fi asks for a divorce. She loved Riley but wasn't in love with him at least she didn't think so. She was still reeling from the betrayal of her ex. Fi is a planner it is the writer in her, and being off-balanced is throwing her.
Her fear of not being enough for Riley, that he may come to his senses and leave her again. Luckily he was able to talk her out of it asking for a two-month trial to make her happy. You see they were each other's, childhood lovers. But, then a football player asked Fi out. Since she and, Riley had only been sneaking around, he wanted, to keep them a secret. So she had him ask out another girl. They dated all senior year, but she, and the football guy, only lasted two weeks. Then he was off to the NHL leaving her behind. They kept in contact, but it wasn't the same. She felt abandoned even if she was away at college.
This is a book of two hearts that entwined themselves, years ago. Due to their lives taking different paths, as well as, the people in their lives. They were left, to texts, emails, and calls. See how that all changes, by making one impromptu decision. These characters are funny, solid characters. ...more
Dinah Lace at thirty is, already a widow. For the past three years, she’s been dealing with the sudden loss of, her college sweetheart being killed inDinah Lace at thirty is, already a widow. For the past three years, she’s been dealing with the sudden loss of, her college sweetheart being killed in, a car accident. Dinah is found soon after, by her good friend, Noah. He is a pro hockey player, for The Philadelphia Bulldogs Hockey Team. He finds Dinah passed out on the ground, and she is hemorrhaging. Turns out she has a miscarriage, and emergency surgery needs, to be done. Resulting in scar tissue, which only gives her, a one percent chance of ever delivering, a full-term pregnancy.
Noah has become, an even better friend. When Jason was alive he liked all the hockey guys next door including Noah. Noal sent flowers and attended the funeral. He even fielded NFL questions to keep her dad and brothers out of her hair. However, she had a miscarriage right after, Jason died. It was really bad, Dinah almost bled to death, but, Noah found her in the stairwell, and took her, to the hospital. She feels, as if, she owes him her life. He sat with her and held her as she cried her painful tears of both her losses and then the final blow of hearing there is only a one percent chance of ever having a child. He even risked his own career to stay home with her. He may only be twenty-two to her thirty however you would never know it. His level of insight, maturity, and passion is that of someone much older.
They both have this attraction, to one another, and the one person that knows this, for sure, TJ. Another hockey player, teammate, and housemate. You see, in a drunkin’ ramble, Dinah had spilled the beans about her attraction, to Noah. After much egging on by TJ he was finally putting the two together. It’s a slow sexy burn for these two. And, it seems everyone knew about, Noah’s unrequited love for, Dinah, even at the funeral.
This is such a sweet, romantic, feel-good, sexy story. You never really seem, to remember that there is, an age difference until a character brings it up. The traumas she has lived through can be devastating, but the way the author chose, to write it did a good job....more
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