SCU Hockey Book 5: The Last Buzzer by JJ Mulder

SCU Hockey Book 5

In the time it takes to answer a phone call, Desmond’s life changes. Suddenly, he’s a single parent to his nephew, living in South Carolina, and the assistant coach for the university hockey team. Life might not be great right now, but he’s handling it. And things can’t possibly get worse, right?

Jack— the survivor of a horrific childhood— knows that things can always get worse. And right now, for him, worse is hockey. He loves the game, and loves the friendships he’s cultivated with his teammates, but that’s where the good ends and the bad begins. Every time his skates touch the ice, he feels worse and worse, eaten alive by anxiety and stress.

Desmond’s arrival becomes a bright spot for Jack, in the otherwise bleak nightmare hockey has become for him. There is more than the surface-level attraction, though. Soon, their friendship begins to move beyond the sport that brought them together. Before they know it, Desmond and Jack’s lives become intertwined in a way that neither could have expected.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228566380-the-last-buzzer

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

One phone call changes everything for Desmond. Not only does he learn that his sister and her husband have died in a car accident, but he is now the guardian of their nine-year-old son, Parker. In a blink of an eye he moves from Australia to the US, finds an apartment for the two of them, and gets a job as an assistant coach at SCU’s hockey team. It’s a lot. But he is learning that he has some pretty great new people in his corner. Including Jack. Jack is one of the goalie’s for SCU. He doesn’t have the best childhood and his anxiety has left him in pretty rough shape. But his best friend, Nate, never lets him down. He may turn as red as his hair every time someone speaks to him and might be a little afraid of his stern looking coach, but he tries harder than anyone. And Jack knows he is in some trouble when he meets their new coach. Instant crush that only gets worse the more time he spends with Desmond and Desmond’s nephew. But being around them? He actually feels safe. He likes them and wants to be in their company. It’s a feeling that doesn’t happen often. The romance between these two is slow and building with some obstacles in their way. I absolutely adored these two. They find such sweet comfort with one another and respecting one another’s boundaries. Desmond is gay and asexual and many partners in the past never seem to fully understand that. And Nate is gay but has really no experience dating and his anxiety makes it hard for him to get out of his own head and be comfortable around people. They find what works for them and never rush one another. I loved watching these two fall for one another bit by bit as they found happiness together. They totally deserve it! This seems to be our last book of the series which makes me so sad! But this was definitely a favorite series of man filled with characters I simply adore! You don’t want to miss any of it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Far From Series Book 2: Far From Camelot by River Hale

 

Far From Book 2

Merlin

The Kingdom of Camelot did not fall with the death of King Arthur. But I did. I fled to another world because I couldn’t face the shame of my failure, of letting Mordred le Fay kill his own father. Even now, after a thousand years, I hate him.

When he shows back up in my life after all this time, that hatred is rekindled. He thinks my hatred equals obsession, but he’s wrong.

Then one premonition brings me to my knees, and I think he might’ve been right all along.

Mordred

I murdered my own father, but I have no regrets. If I regret anything, it’s letting my witch of a mother steal the throne of Camelot when it was meant to be mine. But can I even regret that when it’s what brought me to Merlin?

He may have misplaced his magic, but I’ll help him find it again. His passionate hatred is what I thrive on. His rough touch, his eager submission.

I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. It’s Merlin’s destiny to return to Camelot.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216980701-far-from-camelot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The day Merlin failed to save his king and watch as his son, Mordred, be the one to aim the killing blow, was the day Merlin fled from Camelot to a different realm. A thousand years have passed and Merlin still feels the guilt and sadness. But then his anger and hatred is reignited when Mordred enters the bar he is at very much alive. Their connection to one another is obsession, possession, and hatred and yet they can’t keep their hands off one another. Merlin says he can’t forget the past, Mordred says he doesn’t regret what he did, but there is still more underneath all of that. As they figure out what they mean to one another, Mordred tells Merlin he is meant to return to Camelot. A great enemies to lovers with these two! While they think they know one another, there is a lot they don’t. I loved how these two slowly turned their hate into love. It’s a long process, but with everything these two have been through, they deserve their happy ending together. Another great story in this series. I’m officially caught up and I can’t wait to see what other stories we will get!

Available Now

HIDDEN PLAYS

Desert Football #1

by Christie Gordon

Release Blitz

Release Date: September 16, 2025

Genre: M/M Sports Romance Standalone
Tropes: Rivals to lovers, bi-awakening, first time with a man, driven athlete, fallen golden boy, secret relationship, fake dating, hurt/comfort, bedroom toys, some angst

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Synopsis

Sharing a locker room with my high school rival is bad enough. Pretending to date him? A terrible idea. Trying not to fall for him? Hopeless.

JJ

Football is everything—my escape, my future, my one shot to prove I’m not my father’s disappointment.

Then Holden Cox appears. The golden boy who stole my MVP and made me doubt myself.

Now he’s my student trainer, living under my skin, touching me like he owns me.

And to prove a point, I challenge him to fake-date me.

It’s the only way my friends will shut up about my last boyfriend.

One lie. One kiss. One mistake waiting to happen.

Holden

I’m in college to rebuild my future in football, not to be tangled with JJ Matthews.

I told myself I’d never fall for him. I’m not even sure I like guys.

But JJ is different. Always has been.

Now I’m faking kisses that feel too real and wanting things I don’t know how to name.

Keeping this secret could save us both or break me in ways my busted knee never did.

Hidden Plays is a college football romance featuring rivals who can’t keep their hands off each other, a fake boyfriend scheme that feels all too real, a bisexual awakening that changes everything, and found-family teammates cheering for their happily ever after.

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Add to your TBR List!

GOODREADS LINK

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Purchase Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/HiddenPlaysPL

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Giveaway

$15 Amazon Gift Card

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About the Author

Christie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.

When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).

She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.

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Connect with Christie

Website: https://www.christiegordon.com

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Far From Series Book 1: Far From Neverland by River Hale

Far From Book 1

Peter Pan left Neverland and grew up. Now I want him back.

It’s been fourteen years since he left, since Neverland’s star died out, since a blanket of frost fell over the island. Despite the Jolly Roger being anchored in a layer of ice, I’m not yet willing to give up this perfect, Peter Panless Neverland.

Well, it’s not completely perfect. A threat looms here, a shadow devouring the island. I don’t wantPan back, but he’s the only one who can stop it. However, when I find him, there are two problems.

One, Peter Pan has no memory of who he really is.

Two, I can’t seem to resist him.

Making him remember isn’t going to be easy, and not just because I hate him like sin, just like all the sinful thoughts he inspires. I can’t allow him to distract me. The fate of Neverland hangs in the balance.

The old Peter Pan has died, and a new one’s risen from his ashes. He’s a star—Neverland’s sun—and I don’t care if I get burned.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217194468-far-from-neverland

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Peter Pan left Neverland, Hook couldn’t have been happier. But over the years Neverland has fallen into an icy wasteland with a shadow covering more of it as the days go by. Neverland is dying and it’s time Hook admits he can’t save it. But Peter Pan can. Which means finding him. It’s been a long time since he has entered this other world and a lot has changed. But what he doesn’t expect is for how Peter Pan has truly grown up. No longer a child but a man. A man that Hook can’t resist. But the other problem? Pan has no memories of Neverland. And if Hook plans to save his home, he’ll have to make Pan remember. Peter has always felt like something has been missing since he moved in with the Darlings 14 years ago. But he’s made a life for himself despite it. Then Hook comes crashing into his life and saying all these things about where he is from and even though Peter should be afraid, he is also attracted to Hook in a way he has never been before. And it’s only a matter of time until they give into this connection, until Peter’s memories come back, and until they must leave for Neverland. But who would have thought their hearts would be on the line too? I really enjoyed this dark romance fairy tale retelling! It’s such an interesting concept of throwing these characters into the modern world while they remember where they come from but also throw in the dark romance twist. Naturally, I devoured this story as I watched these two connect and fall for one another. Really enjoying this series and I’m on to the next one!

Far From Series Book 3: Far From Sherwood Forest by River Hale

Far From Book 3

Robin

My time as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest was meant to end the day I chose to lay down the hood. Instead, it was ripped away from me as Little John and I were hurled into an unfamiliar world. Together, we adapted and built new lives.

Five years later, the past finds me again. Henry, the Sheriff I once fought and then abandoned, is back, and his hatred burns even hotter than before.

Beneath it, I feel the spark of something more dangerous. The fire between us was once rivalry. Now, it’s desire. I can’t fight it, so I guess I’ll let it burn me alive.

Henry

For years, I hunted Robin Hood. He was a thief and my obsession, the thorn in my side. Then the world shifted beneath us, and I was alone. No crown to serve. No purpose. That loneliness hollowed me out until nothing remained, not even the Sheriff.

After five years, hatred should have been enough. Revenge should have been sweet. But with every taste of his defiance, his smile, the way he dares me without fear, it all starts to feel like a lie.

Hatred drove me to find him. Desire lured me deeper. I don’t know which one will destroy me first.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232551945-far-from-sherwood-forest

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Chasing Robin Hood and his Merry Men through Sherwood Forest isn’t anything new for the Sheriff. But when Henry, Robin, and Little John find themselves literally thrown in a new world, none are prepared for it. And neither is Henry when he wakes finding Robin and John left him behind. Now years later, Henry has finally tracked down Robin for revenge. Revenge of their past and revenge for leaving him completely alone. But destroying Robin begins to slowly shift when this connection between them shifts to something unexpected. Now Henry can’t decide if he wants to kill him or make Robin his. Robin doesn’t understand what happened to them exactly and why they are in this new world, but him and John have done their best to adapt. And then Henry comes back into their lives and Robin learns just how badly he messed up by leaving Henry alone. It doesn’t take him long to realize he wants Henry to be his. But with so much push and pull, there is only so much hope Robin can hold on to. I really loved this story! It was so different than what I was expecting. These fairy tales characters are literally thrown out of their own world into just modern day. They have learned to adapt but they haven’t forgotten where they came from. I also loved Henry and Robin’s relationship as it developed throughout the story. There was always something there but now they have a chance to explore it. Their pasts are painful and you can’t help but hurt for them and want them to be happy. Especially Henry! Overall, great story and now I’m definitely going to check out the other books in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Scoring Chances Book 3: Slew Foot by Brigham Vaughn

Scoring Chances Book 3

The last thing Rafael Moon needs is to fall in love with another teammate ...

Following a painful breakup, Rafe is looking forward to a fresh start in Boston, and he’s thrilled when he immediately clicks with his new D-partner, Mickey Krause.

Mickey’s smart, talented, and loves telling Rafe what to do. It feels good to have some structure and, finally, Rafe’s life is coming together on and off the ice.

As their friendship deepens, Rafe slowly realizes he’s falling for Mickey. Too bad he’s been down this road before. He knows exactly how badly it could end.

Roles are defined and tension smolders, but neither of them can stop their out-of-control feelings.

An independent perfectionist, Mickey’s had a rough season so far and he’s immediately smitten with Rafe’s sweet, earnest vibes.

Finally having someone who works well with him in the bedroom and beside him in a game has him hitting all his goals.

But when Mickey’s world is turned upside down following an altercation with Rafe’s ex, he’ll have to learn to let go and let someone else lead for once.

Their relationship and the team depend on it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234933024-slew-foot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After a bad break up with his teammate, Rafe does the only thing he can. He gets himself traded to a new team. New team, new start. And he is determined to not to make the same mistakes he made. So no dating teammates. Mickey knows he is in trouble the moment Rafe steps into the room. His attraction to Rafe is instant and with them being D partners, it means they’ll be spending a lot of time together. And the more time they spend together on and off the ice, the more trouble Mickey seems to find himself. Because he is falling for sweet Rafe more and more every day. And when Rafe ends up being another roommate of him?Poor Mickey just can’t find a way to stop this crush. Especially when he knows Rafe doesn’t want to date a teammate again. But things start to change bit by bit as time goes on. And when Rafe finally acknowledges he has his own feelings for Mickey? Well, it’s only a matter of time before they finally do something about it. I adored this story! It was so fun and sweet. Mickey and Rafe were just so cute together. I loved their dynamic on and off the ice. And even when Mickey ends up going through something later on in the story, Rafe doesn’t leave his side. They were just so great together and I loved watching them fall harder for one another. Definitely another great story to this series! And it looks like we have some potential other couples on the horizon! I can’t wait to see who’s story we get next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shadowhunters Chronicles: Better in Black by Cassandra Clare

 Ten original love stories by the reigning queen of romantasy, featuring fan-favorite couples from her #1 New York Times bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles—one of the most popular series of all time, with more than 50 million copies in print worldwide!

Ten couples. United by love. Divided by danger.

Jace and Clary, seeking out an exiled Shadowhunter and learning that love can save the world—or destroy it. Will and Tessa, honeymooning in Paris when a séance sends them down an unexpected path. Simon and Izzy, observing increased demonic activity around New York, on a hilarious urban romp.

These are just a few of the beloved couples whose romantic escapades will have you on the edge of your seat across time and storylines from Cassandra Clare’s expansive Shadowhunters series. Don’t miss a chance to reunite with:

Anna and Ari

Emma and Julian

Kieran, Mark, and Cristina

James and Cordelia

Thomas and Alastair

Sebastian and the Seelie Queen

Jocelyn and Luke

A love letter to every fan of The Shadowhunter Chronicles, this riveting story collection also includes a sneak peek at The Wicked Powers, the majestic trilogy that will be the grand finale of the entire series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231677821-better-in-black

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love diving back into the Shadowhunters world. The moment I do, I am reminded of how much I love that world and all the characters. This book was especially fun! Ten short stories filled with our favorite couples. We get a story we didn’t know about them and some even hinting at what is to come in the future with the final series. I really adored all of these stories. Each had me hooked in a different way and I am just that more excited when the newest book finally comes out! You definitely don’t want to miss this collection if you too love this world.

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace

 

Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. 

All Clara Davenport has ever wanted to do is climb the ladder at Davenport Innovation Creative, her family’s toy business. Everything was going according to plan, until the company was accused of stealing a doll design from an independent toy maker, creating a flurry of bad publicity. With a promotion dangled in front of her like a carrot to a reindeer, Clara is tasked with charming the locals of the small town to solve the PR nightmare, by any means necessary.

Jack Kelly would be happy to never hear the name Davenport ever again. Less than a year after a guy in a fancy suit appeared on his doorstep with a sleigh-full of promises, the company that once falsely claimed they wanted to sign him to their small business program has copied his design. So when Clara prances into town hoping to convince Fraser Falls that her company is not the enemy, Jack is determined not to be fooled by Davenport twice.

But Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231657155-holiday-ever-after

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Clara has always dreamed of working for her family’s toy company since she was a kid. She has spent the last fifteen years working her butt off to prove to her dad that she has the skills and intelligence to move higher and higher up in the company. Except, no matter how hard she works, she can never reach that goal. But when a PR nightmare begins, Clara is forced to fix it. A small town is angry that a doll they designed was stolen by Davenport and aren’t afraid to spread that news around. With the promotion she wants dangling in front of her, she knows she has to do what it takes to fix it. But when she learns exactly what happened, she is horrified. It only adds to her need to make things right. But what she doesn’t expect is that first night she is in town is to meet Jack. They hit it off instantly and the night is one she wishes wouldn’t end. But the next morning, she learns that Jack is the designer of the doll that her company stole. And let’s just say anything between them, gets closed off fast with his sense of betrayal. But she won’t give up because the more time she spends in this town, the more she falls in love with it. Meanwhile, Jack wants to hold on to his anger against the company that ended up hurting his town, but how can he when it’s Clara? Clara who shows him how kind and smart and beautiful she is with every little thing she does. How can he stay mad at her when she is truly helping the town? And when things heat up between them, he knows he is in trouble. But with the Davenport company still between them, can they move forward? This was definitely a fun holiday romance! Fraser Falls is everything you want in a small town during the holidays. Filled with hilarious traditions and even more comical neighbors. And the banter and chemistry between Clara and Jack was great! You definitely don’t want to miss this fun story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Exiled Omegas Book 3: Feral Wolf by Tessa Kane

Exiled Omegas Book 3

Experience is a brutal teacher.

At fifteen, I was tossed into the human foster care system. Packless and alone, I survived by learning how to blend in, how to go unnoticed…and how to steal money from those who won’t miss it.

A shifter-owned casino, however, is not the best place to employ that last lesson.

Caught cheating and tossed into an illegal underground fight, my human best friend and I are forced face off with the Vegas Alpha’s champion, a hulking alpha wolf who’s ripped apart countless other shifters. But instead of a killer’s bloodlust, all I see lurking in the wolf’s eyes is misery.

And my fated mate.

After managing to fight our way out, we make our way halfway across the country to my new mate’s former pack. Unfortunately, the situation there isn’t anything like Blake remembers and the people in charge don’t look kindly on his bloody history—or my own.

To prevent the mistakes of our past from destroying our future, we need to prove my mate can control his wolf well enough to lead his pack and bring down the Vegas Alpha once and for all.

Feral Wolf is an MM fated mates romance set in world where mpreg is possible. It features a wary omega who doesn't trust fate and the half-feral alpha who becomes his destiny. This book can be read as a standalone, but it’s best enjoyed as part of the Exiled Omegas series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234050840-feral-wolf

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Neil knows the moment he enters the casino with his best friend, they are in trouble. A shifter casino means putting himself on their radar when he is trying to hide with his human best friend. But desperate times call for desperate measures, so they take a risk…just to be caught. Now he needs to survive an underground illegal fight with other shifters, but in this mess there is one surprise. There is an Alpha in the fight who turns out to be his fated mate. Blake is tired. He has been at the mercy of the Vegas Alpha for years. He was captured, sold, and forced to fight. A collar keeps him in line and he hasn’t shifted to his human side in a long time. His dream of finding his brother again is just about dead. He is ready to finally stop fighting…until he sees his mate in the arena. He might be near feral but he recognizes his mate and he’ll fight for him. Luckily, Blake and Neil, and Neil’s best friend, Raquel, escape. On the run, they have to figure out how to stay out of the Vegas Alpha’s reach and find a safe place to go. And Neil and Blake must navigate this new bond between them. Another good story in this series! I’m glad we got Blake’s story after learning about his brother, Ollie, in the previous book. And I really loved Neil and Blake. They are exactly what one another needed. Especially when they were hitting their lowest. They definitely deserved some happiness after all they’ve been through! It’s an interesting world to read about and I’m looking forward to hopefully reading more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Oak Tree Volume 2 by Suji Kim

Under the Oak Tree Volume 2

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this second volume.

The gorgeous first edition hardcover of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 (The Novel) will feature designed sprayed page edges, full-color patterned endpapers, foil stamping on the cover, and a ribbon bookmark!

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar feeling: hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection. 

However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship. 

This volume collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218154698-under-the-oak-tree

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Under the Oak Tree continues! Picking up from where the last book left off, Maxi has made it through her first winter in Anatol and is preparing for spring. Her magic is getting stronger day by day and she is continuing to make Calypse Castle more of a home for her and Riftan and their many knights and people. But things take an interesting turn when Princess Agnes arrives in Anatol. It was rumored that many wanted the sorceress to be Riftan’s wife so Maxi can’t help but felt a bit insecure. But the fact that she has arrived could mean trouble is brewing once more. And there is a chance Riftan may be called away for another war. I’m really enjoying the novel version of this story. As a big fan of the comic, it’s interesting to see the story play out as a novel. It’s a hope we get more details than what a comic panel can reveal. While I do think that is a bit true here, I also love that it follows the graphic novel just as closely. From where the comic is currently at, this novel isn’t too far behind! I’m excited to see the story continue in both medias. Either way, I’m still enjoying Maxi and Riftan’s story and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 2: Two Guys One Puck by JR Gray

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 2

A fist fight shouldn’t be flirting.

I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.

He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept

What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.

I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.

We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228416985-two-guys-one-puck

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s no secret that when Seaborn and Ktytor are on the ice, fists will be flying soon after. They know how to rile one another up and playing against one another only makes them play harder. But when they take their fight off the ice neither expected that after exchange a few punches, they would end up making out instead. Attraction was the last thing either thought they felt for one another. But one kiss wasn’t enough. So when they end up at the same development camp, it doesn’t take them long to decide to explore this attraction a bit more and then continue it. Seeing one another may not happen often thanks to distance and schedules, and they may be on rival teams, but the feelings that are happening between one another is impossible to stop. Seaborn and Ktytor both have reasons for wanting to play in the NHL aside from loving the game. Seaborn has a family at home he needs to help support and Ktytor is the same, except his family is in the Ukraine where war is. Neither have it easy, yet having this in common, only makes them closer. This was definitely a fun enemies to lover story with a side of some great hockey! I enjoyed getting to know these two characters and see them stubbornly stumble their way into falling in love. Their banter was hilarious and their competitive spirit only made everything between them that much better. Really loving this series so far and can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love the Game Book 3: Barn Burner by Jodi Oliver

 

Love the Game Book 3

I’ve ridden a Zamboni, but never a cowboy…

Missing out on my first Stanley Cup has left me more torn up than I expected. It was in my sights. So close, I could almost touch it.

With my brother back in England, I’m facing nothing but an empty house and my thoughts, and there’s only two ways to soothe my mind:

The ice and nature.

But when I pack up my car and head out into the Alberta wilderness, my bad luck lands me in the reluctant hands of a grumpy cowboy with a perpetual scowl.

I shouldn’t get involved with Jesse.

His life is the ranch, whereas my life is hockey.

So why do I allow myself to fall for him so hard?

And why do I keep my real identity a secret?

I live for barn burners, but this is one I might not survive.

Barn Burner is book three in the Love the Game sports shared world, featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236605130-barn-burner

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After losing the Stanley Cup, Brayden is desperate to escape the harsh media spotlight and get some much needed space. So he packs his car and heads into nature. But his bad luck takes a turn when his car breaks down in the middle of the wilderness. Though maybe it’s good luck when a very handsome cowboy comes to his rescue. Brayden is not at all upset when Jesse rescues him and his family opens up their hone and ranch for him while they wait for his car to be fixed. Because not only is Jesse’s ranch exactly what Brayden needed, turns out he needed Jesse too. At first Jesse is wary of the fact that Brayden is there. A really attractive tourist is bound to leave as soon as he can and not look back. So opening his heart to Brayden can’t happen. Yet the more they get to know one another and spend time together, well they can’t help but hope for a future. But with them both having demanding jobs, is it even possible? Loved Brayden and Jesse! Their chemistry was so great and they were just so utterly adorable. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall in love. They are exactly what the other needed and have been waiting for.  A fun story all around and a great addition to this series!  

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217171544-shield-of-sparrows

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book was so good! The amount of times it was recommended to me, I finally picked it up. And it was such a great story! And I can’t wait for book two. The story follows Odessa. A princess who is used to feeling invisible to her family. Even though she is the oldest, she is cast aside for her half sister at every turn. Odessa has basically accepted the fact that there is nothing special about her and no matter how hard she tries, nothing is good enough. So she’ll stay in the background. Quiet and surviving. But everything changes the day a prince and his monster hunter arrive at their castle. It is time to move forward with the magical treaty that basically renews the union and protects the kingdoms from fighting one another. But instead of Odessa’s sister being the princess to marry the prince, it is demanded that Odessa fill the role. A role she was never prepared to fill. Everything changes for Odessa as she travels to this kingdom with an impossible task from her father and no one to truly lean on. And don’t get her started on her feelings toward the Guardian. He drives her insane yet at the same time, she finds herself being drawn to him way more than the prince. With a world filled of monsters and secrets, Odessa will have to adapt to survive. I really loved this story! A sweet slow burn between her and the Guardian. With so many twists and turns. While I called a few things, there were definitely some surprises I didn’t see coming. This world is so interesting and we have such a great cast of characters. And that ending! Well, I definitely will be needing book two asap! For all the romantasy fans, you don’t want to pass on this one!