Chicago Thunder Book 5: Rebound Control by Jodi Oliver

 

Chicago Thunder Book 5

Elliot

How is it possible to be surrounded by people who love me, yet I still feel alone?

Everyone is falling in love, and it’s like I’ve been left on the outside.

I want that for myself, but the thought of putting myself out there is terrifying.

Growing up being told you’re ‘too much’ puts a dent in your confidence, no matter how hard you try to hide it.

Until one day, Lieutenant Hunter Bowen finds me trapped in an elevator.

His kind words and gentle smile only heightens the crush I have on him, and when he asks me to join him one night, I push my fears aside and say yes.

I’m great at controlling the rebound on the ice, but when it comes to bruised hearts?

I guess we’ll find out.

Hunter

When I became a widower seven years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down.

I needed a fresh start, so I left the military and moved across the country, and vowed never to fall in love again.

That was until I met Elliot Olsen.

The guy who has the brightest smile, the biggest heart, and a whole heap of unspoken emotions.

I try to keep my heart at a distance, but the fire burns too bright between us to ignore.

The only problem is I’ve been here before, and I don’t know if I can risk having my heart torn apart again.

Rebound Control is a sports romance featuring a hockey goaltender and a firefighter. It includes ADHD rep, a protective mc, late night ice cream drives and all the Thunder found family vibes.

It is book five in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229289458-rebound-control

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We finally get Elliot’s story! And it’s with the mysterious firefighter we’ve seen a bit in previous books. I’ve been so excited to read Elliot’s story and this story was probably my favorite of the series. Elliot has watched not only his close friends, but his twin brother fall in love and has yet to come close to finding someone from himself. Elliot knows he is different and has been told so many times in his life that he is “too much”. His brother and his close hockey friends are the few that tell him he is fine just the way he is. And when he meets his person, that person will love him just as he is too. The moment Elliot meets Hunter he knows he is in trouble. Hunter is patient and kind and just feels safe to Elliot. And he wishes more than anything he would have the courage to ask Hunter out. But never that he imagines getting stuck in an elevator, his absolute nightmare for someone who is claustrophobic, would be the start of something between them. Hunter didn’t think love was on the table for him. Not after losing his husband years ago. Losing another person he loved would break him completely. He just never saw Elliot coming. The moment they meet, he can’t stop thinking about him. And when Elliot gets stuck in that elevator, all Hunter’s protective instincts kick in. And when they keep running into one another and spend time together, Hunter knows he is danger of falling hard. And maybe that is okay. Because he cares about Elliot and the way he feels around him? It’s worth fighting the fear of losing him. I absolutely adored these two. Hunter was exactly what Elliot needed. Someone who was patient and kind and loved him exactly the way he was. Never looking to change him or tell Elliot he was too much. And Elliot was the sunshine that Hunter needed after being so alone after withdrawing from everyone. I loved their story and couldn’t put it down! You definitely don’t want to miss this one. It’s just so sweet!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Toronto Thunder Book 2: Stealing His Thunder by Beth Bolden

 

Toronto Thunder Book 2

Can rookie Cam’s sunshine steal veteran Dawson’s thunder?

Kicker Dawson Hall is ready to leave his past in the dust. His last season was catastrophically bad, with the distraction of his divorce and discovering that his father-in-law wasn’t managing his money—he was stealing it, instead.

He signs with the Toronto Thunder, poised for his redemption arc, but he’s grumpy and frustrated he has to undertake one at all. He should be better than this. He is better than this.

The new rookie punter’s hero worship might be just another annoyance, but Cameron Green is sweet and kind and more than a little naïve. He’s a country boy suddenly dumped amongst all the skyscrapers, with no idea of how the real world can chew him up and spit him out. It’s practically Dawson’s duty to mentor him and if Dawson soaks up a little of his sunshine, too?

Well, nobody could blame him for that. Not after the year’s he’s just had.

But when Dawson starts craving more and more of Cam, his crush dangerously teetering into passion kind of territory, he’s forced to not just confront his own past, full of disappointment and distrust, but his future, too.

He wants his redemption, and that perfect vision of a season feels just within reach. But it turns out he doesn’t just want Cam for single season—even if it’s everything he believed he wanted—he wants Cam for every season.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239183783-stealing-his-thunder

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dawson has had a tough few years. Last year in particular was the worst because he learned that his ex-father-in-law was stealing a lot of money from him (and others) while Dawson was distracted with his divorce. Add in the fact that he had a bad year of playing football meant that his team was quick to kick him out. Lucky for him though, Toronto wanted him. So here he is, starting fresh but still having a bit of trouble getting out of his own head and letting others in. Good thing he has some good people around him to knock some sense into him. Specifically when it comes to the rookie, Cam. Someone he should have been looking out for but has yet to do so. But another bit of luck for him that Cam is probably the sweetest and most understanding guy. Who also happens to have a bit of a crush on Dawson with a side of some hero worship. And turns out, spending time with Cam is something Dawson didn’t realize he needed. Cam opens his eyes to what could be the best thing that ever happened to him if he lets himself have it. Cam’s adjustment to Toronto hasn’t been easy. He is struggling with a new place more than he wants to admit. But when Dawson finally takes notice of him, he never imagined that Dawson would be looking back at him with more than just friends in mind. Their relationship may simply be called two friends with benefits, but Cam knows deep down it is more. And if he is patient enough, Dawson will see that too. Well these two were very cute. I loved how sweet and patient Cam was. He was perfect for Dawson in so many ways and knew that if he waited and just continued to be there for Dawson, that this thing between them could be so much more. It was also fun to watch how oblivious Dawson was. Everyone around him calling him out, but he refused to really open his eyes. Truthfully, he needed to come to it on his own. ButI really loved their story. I also loved our peek at what is definitely going to be the next book! I’m very much looking forward to see how Ramsey and Nate get together. Those two have enemies to lovers written all over them and I can’t wait to see how it comes together. Loving this series so far! Can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Van Doren Book 6: Voss by Crea Reitan

Van Doren Book 6

I’ll stop at nothing to get him back.

Sometimes what you’re waiting for has a funny way of being right in front of you for a long time. Albrecht Holleran is one of those instances. I know that his broody, moody, assholery is the mask of a man struggling. Over two years, I’ve pried that mask off and we became friends.

Nearly coinciding with the birth of my son, Brek and I began to explore something growing between us. Then he vanishes and it’s a race against time to find him before his expiration date. Everyone knows that the longer someone is missing, the chances of finding them alive lessen.

Doing what I do best, I track Brek’s movements and find that I couldn’t possibly expect a worst case scenario. I’m better behind a desk; my weapon of choice is my computer. But nothing will stop me from getting Brek back. Even if we all die in the process.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243656419-voss

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been looking forward to Voss and Brek’s story! Brek has definitely not been a favorite of mine from his past actions, however, I wanted his book to finally see what is going on in his head and what led him to decisions in the past. Turns out, there is a lot of Brek we didn’t know and I’m glad we finally got to see it. It made me like him a lot more! And turns out, him and Voss are a pretty great pair. Voss is another character I couldn’t wait to see more of. I had lots of questions about him as well! At this point in this series, Voss is about to become a dad. And in the recent months has realized that he is pretty attracted to Brek. And it’s time to do something about it. Then there is Brek. Brek has always struggled when it comes to figuring out who he is exactly. And just when he thinks he has figured it out and has come to peace with it, everything changes. Voss changes so much for him. And though he may need time to figure out a few more things, he can also know that being with Voss is a good thing. He has also grown a lot in the last few years. I really loved getting to know these two and watch them figure out what they are to one another and figure themselves out a bit. But like any Van Doren book, danger lurks. And it’s time to bring out the darker side of the Van Doren family. This time when Brek is abducted by pure dumb luck, Voss won’t rest until he finds him. It’s a race against the clock! A great story all around. I absolutely adore this series. We have such a great cast of characters and I’m always excited to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isle of Kala Book 1.5: Picture Perfect by Crea Reitan

 

Isle of Kala Book 1.5

One look and I know - he’s going to be mine!

He walks into my boudoir studio and everything else fades away. For a long moment, it’s just the two of us frozen in time. But when I come back to the present, I realize he’s not alone. He’s here for a couple’s session.

After he returns solo and asks for a bondage shoot, I make one very important realization - that man is mine. I’ll stop at nothing to have him.

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This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243585666-picture-perfect

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Dylan loves his job as a photographer. He has his own business on the Isle of Kala and runs it exactly how he wants and in a place where he can be himself without fear. What he never expects is for one of his clients to walk in the door and be his soulmate. Dylan knows deep down that Larson is the man for him. But he came here with someone else. So how can they truly be anything if he is in a relationship? Larson came to Kala with a longtime friend to discover if there is something more between them. But the moment they hook up, Larson realizes that maybe their chemistry as friends doesn’t translate to more. That only becomes more obvious when he meets Dylan. Larson is immediately drawn in and now he just wants a chance to get to know Dylan and figure out if he feels it too. This was a sweet short story of some characters we have definitely seen around Kala before. It was nice to see how their story started. It’s always fun to have a story set in Kala. It’s just a magical place and really great when it comes to characters finding who they are meant to be with! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 9: Between the Pipes by Kate Bauer

 

Games We Play Season 2 Book 9

Isaiah Charming was the hottest goalie in his college division last year. He hoped to make it all the way to the big leagues. Unfortunately, he got drafted to the worst franchise in the league and stuck on the lowest tier of the minors to start the season.

Chase Kinsey had two things he loved - hockey and Tim. Only Tim has moved on to a younger man, taking control of the season tickets Chase paid for. After moving to a completely different state, Chase is looking for a fresh start to forget.

Samwise Talbot loves his job despite working for a losing franchise. It allows him to be a part of the game he loves while having zero skill on the ice.

When the hot new goalie is called up, Sam and Chase find that what they're looking for might just be between the pipes.

The Games We Play - Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239421227-between-the-pipes

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

This was a short MMM story that I wished was a bit longer! It felt like the beginning of something but just when things were about to happen, it ends. I was a bit disappointed with that because I was enjoying getting to know these characters. Isaiah is a hockey goalie and has just gotten a chance to move up and play in the next league up. In doing so, he meets his long time older crush, Chase, who is now single and Sam, a guy employed by the hockey team Isaiah is now on and who is letting Isaiah stay in his home. Two crushes at once? Isaiah doesn’t know how to handle that especially when they both show interest in him. It’s been a long time since Sam has met anyone he would pursue a relationship with. And for two men who draw him in? Well, things just got interesting. And for Chase, his ex really did a number on him. Cheating and taking things that Chase loved away, but meeting Sam, something changes in him. And when an older Isaiah walks back in his life, Chase knows he is in trouble. Like I said, this story felt like the start of something but we didn’t get to explore much more of it. I would have loved a longer book to see how their relationship progressed once they decided to start something between them. 

Hockey Rules Book 5: Never Coparent with Your Rival by Portia Blake

 

Hockey Rules Book 5

In my defense, I didn't know about the toddler.

When I learn Enzo Bellanti has joined my hockey team, I’m furious.

Sure, Enzo and I were once best friends. But that was before he ghosted me and started throwing me into the boards every time we’re on the ice.

I definitely don’t expect him to show up at my door. And I really don’t expect him to show up with a toddler.

Three years ago, his sister asked me for a favor—the kind that involved a cup, a closed door, and a mission I didn’t know was successful. Enzo thought I’d slept with her and abandoned her.

In hindsight, that explains the death glares and on-ice aggression.

Now that he’s lost his sister, we’re suddenly coparenting a child while juggling hockey, sleep deprivation, and tension.

Yes, that kind.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235998306-rule-5

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Enzo and Axel were best friends the moment they met in college. But a lot has changed in three years. Like the fact that Enzo suddenly stopped speaking to Axel three years ago and never told Axel why. Now, Enzo has come to Axel’s hockey team in Boston and Axel is anything about happy about it. He can’t trust Enzo. Not after he left and hasn’t explained why. So how in the world is he supposed to get along with him now? Enzo just lost his sister and is now raising his two year old nephew. He comes to Boston when he learns the team has an opening and because it’s time to tell Axel he has a son. He’s hurt that Axel slept with his sister and then left her to raise his son. So why is Axel so surprised to hear that not only is Enzo’s sister gone but that he has a son too? Could he really not have known? Turns out, yeah he didn’t. Especially when Axel was simply a sperm donor doing a favor for a friend. These two have a lot to talk about. I really loved Enzo and Axel’s story. It was clear that these two had feelings for one another and for Axel he just didn’t realize exactly what those feelings were, while Enzo kept his locked tight. The moment Axel learns he is a dad, he steps up and is thrilled to have Luca in his life and also Enzo. They get a second chance at their friendship and something even more. It was really sweet to watch these two reunite and end up the way they were always meant to. A fun story to start the new year!

The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid

 

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance, from the USA TODAY bestselling author of Heated Rivalry and The Long Game.

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.

Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now.

As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210202493-the-shots-you-take

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Adam never regretted anything more in his life than hurting his best friend, Riley. And in doing so, losing him over it. But it’s been many years since then. And when Adam hears that Riley’s father has passed, he knows he needs to be by Riley’s side. Even if he isn’t wanted. But he has a lot to make up for. He needs to apologize at the very least. Win back his trust and maybe, just maybe if he is lucky enough, win Riley’s heart. But doing that is easier said than done. Especially with the anger that Riley holds on to when it comes tot Adam. Adam is having the worst week of his life and it doesn’t help that the man he once loved, Adam, has walked through the door. When they were young and in the prime of their hockey careers, they were way more than friends but Adam’s fears pushed Riley away to the point where Riley had no choice but to cut him out. And so many years have passed since they last saw one another. Riley is determined to hold on to his hurt and anger, but Adam makes it very hard. He’s changed and his apologies sincere. Riley knows just how easy it would be to fall for Adam all over again but is it worth another heartbreak when he eventually leaves? This was a great second chance romance. Lots of hurt and comfort but really beautiful as these two find their way back to one another after everything they both have been through. I loved watching them reconnect and be what they were always meant to be together. Great story overall!