Royal Elite Book 0: Cruel King by Rina Kent

 

Royal Elite Book 0

He's no fairy tale king.

Levi

Here, little princess. I'm your king.

You have three rules.

Bow. Break. Bend the knee.

Fight me all you want, but soon enough, you'll be chanting long live the king.

Astrid

One day I'm Royal Elite School's small fly, the next I'm hunted and left to die.

He doesn't only shred my life to parts, but he's also coming after my heart.

He thinks he broke me, but the new princess will bring the king to his knees.

Cruel King is a complete standalone in Royal Elite world. No book should be read prior to this

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/225085537-cruel-king

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

So I started with the kids’ books, opps! But now I’m finally circling back to the beginning of this universe and in doing so, it’s time to see what the parents were like as kids. And it will surprise no one when I say their kids are exactly like them LOL. And it starts with Levi and Astrid. Astrid has done her best to stay invisible at Royal Elite School. She has one year to go and then she’s free. But when she goes to a party before school starts, nothing goes to plan. And she ends up being the victim of a hit-and-run. And on top of that? She let’s the literal King of the school notice her. Big mistake. Because once Levi has his eyes on you, he won’t let go. Especially when it comes Astrid. Astrid is determined to figure out what happened that night and bring them to justice. Levi wants her to forget that night, especially because accident wasn’t the only thing that happened. She stands up to him and fights him every step of the way. Whatever move he makes, she counters it. And no one does that. It only intrigues Levi. And turns out, there is more to these two than anyone knows and they have more in common than they think. But this is a dangerous world they live in and they have to play smart if they want to come out of it alive. I was definitely looking forward to reading this story after reading about their kids and seeing them adults. It was fun to see what they were like before that and it didn’t disappoint. Their love story is exactly what you would expect and I can’t wait to see everyone else’s stories!

Leighton U Book 5: Fake Shot by CE Ricci

 

Leighton U Book 5

We fake it, but it’s me who breaks it.

The past year living with Camden Steele has been hell on Earth.

He’s more court jester than NHL-bound goalie,

only making time for hockey and hook-ups.

Too bad his blasé, playboy lifestyle has caught up with him.

Now, he needs a tutor—not to mention a major reputation boost.

And as it turns out, I could use a fake boyfriend.

So, we strike a deal.

Having loathed hockey my entire life makes it a tough sell at first,

but the real undertaking is accepting the truth:

Though we’re opposites in many ways, he and I are not all that different.

And somewhere between the study sessions and shared secrets,

what started as make believe becomes the realest thing I’ve ever known.

That is, unless my lies end it all before it can truly begin.

*Fake Shot is the fifth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two of the most opposites to ever attract, countless pages of soft boy moments, and a fake dating scheme filled with rules just waiting to be broken. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231343598-fake-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Camden and Logan’s book has finally arrived. And oh man, you guys aren’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster this one puts you through. Because not only is it the last book in this series, but the last like quarter of the book? Ugh. Hits you hard on that feelings rollercoaster. But never fear! A happy ending is guaranteed. And these guys deserve it after everything. But back to the beginning. Cam is in bit of a rough spot. His reputation and image isn’t the best right now for someone who is NHL bound and when he begins to fail a class, he has to find a way to pass or else risk hockey all together. So he needs a tutor. He just never imagined that his roommate, Logan, would not only change his mind about helping but also ask Cam to be his fake boyfriend for a while. Logan finds himself in an awkward position and it’s why he tells Cam he’ll help. Though he keeps a big part of the truth out of it. These two are opposites in a lot of ways. And yet, the more these two spend time together and fake a relationship, the more real it starts becoming. They share truths and secrets and fears and it becomes harder and harder to remember why anything was fake in the first place. But eventually truths may come out and it’s up to them to figure out if a future together is even a real possibility. I really loved these two. They take you by surprise from the beginning. Especially when you try to figure out how the two of them could work together, but they were actually perfect for one another. They give one another a chance to truly be themselves without hiding who they are like they tend to do in front of others. I loved that for them. And I loved that even though they had to go through some tough things, they still loved one another. And timing and fighting for who you love is everything. A beautiful story to end the series on! I’m so sad it’s over. But couldn’t ask for a better end for this group of friends!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Thin Ice Book 1: The Kennedy Rule by KC Carmichael

 

On Thin Ice Book 1

Twenty more minutes. That’s all I have left to prove that Connor Kennedy is no better than me. Again.

Captain of his team, the privileged son of a hockey legend, Connor Kennedy is the league’s golden boy. And the one player who can always get under my skin. Our rivalry has been building for years, and when we’re forced to room together as Olympic teammates, I can feel the tension between us reach boiling point.

The world might see me as hockey’s most feared enforcer, Alaska’s angriest export, but in our room each night after practice, I can’t maintain my facade.

Now, I can’t get Connor out of my mind for another reason, and this obsession could ruin us both.

But one thing I know for some rules are made to be broken.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241685713-the-kennedy-rule

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Connor Kennedy is known as the league’s golden boy. One would think the son of a hockey legend would be a great thing. But not for Connor. His father is controlling in every aspect of Connor’s life especially in Connor’s hockey career considering how tightly he is involved with Connor’s team. And in controlling Connor’s career and image, Connor tends to have some enemies. Little do they know that Connor is nothing like his father. One in particular is Gavin, a brutal enforcer in the league. And someone Connor could have been friends with back when they were teens and first met, but Connor’s made sure that wasn’t possible. Now, the two of them find themselves playing together for Team USA in this year’s Olympics. And in doing so, it may just open their eyes to the truth about one another. Especially when their chemistry not only comes to light on the ice but off it as well. Gavin’s protective instincts kick in about Connor in a way he never expected. He knows he is in trouble. But Connor may just be worth it. Loved these two! I love how hard these two fell for one another and in doing so really gave them the courage to be who they were and fight for who they love. Connor’s dad is the absolute worst and I loved that Connor was able to find a way to stand up to him and that everyone gathered around to bring him down. I really liked the group of characters we got and I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Vermont Trailblazers Book 2: Around and Around We Go by Amy Aislin

 

Vermont Trailblazers Book 2

When you’re facing The End, it’s time to rewind to the beginning.

At thirty-eight years old, Sandro Zanetti is quickly aging out of hockey. But the Trailblazers are chasing a history-making third consecutive championship this season, so until his knees fail him, he plans on giving his all to the sport.

What he doesn’t need is the documentary film crew following the team’s every move. Because the director? Is Bennett Jackson.

Former college sweetheart.

Breaker of hearts.

Still unbearably handsome.

But their relationship is also history and has been for fifteen years.

Bennett Jackson is one project away from the credits rolling on his career after his last film flopped. This behind-the-scenes look at the hottest team in the league is his last chance at redemption…and possibly his last chance at redeeming himself with the one man who’s always held his heart.

Neither of them planned for old jokes to resurface or on the inconvenient fact that their chemistry is very much alive.

But as the action heats up on and off the ice—and on and off camera—their reunion looks less like a rerun of heartbreak and more like a revival of that first chemistry.

And Sandro and Bennett may discover that some stories deserve a sequel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241945648-around-and-around-we-go

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sandro knows deep down his hockey career is coming to an end but he isn’t ready just yet to call it quits. Especially when he doesn’t know what he wants to do after he retires. And the last thing he needs is for a camera crew to come invade his team’s space while they make a documentary about them. Because while he keeps things close to the chest, part of that reason is because of the guy in charge of the documentary. Bennett. The man he loved when they were in college and had been together for four years before he suddenly ended it. Leaving Sandro heartbroken and confused and wondering what went wrong. Especially when Bennett became impossible to reach. But seeing Bennett again after fifteen years? His heart underneath the pain still tells him his feelings aren’t completely gone. Not yet. And the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist reigniting their connection. Bennett has never regretted letting Sandro get away. He knows he made a mistake back then. And he knows that he should have talked to Sandro about what he was dealing with rather than try and protect Sandro from Bennett’s own stress. Seeing Sandro again though? All Bennett wants is a chance to explain and maybe a second chance if Sandro will give him one. Adored these two! Your heart hurts for them knowing they were so young and had so much pressure on them and sadly their hearts were sacrificed for a bit. I loved that they had a second chance because it was clear how much they still loved one another and how perfect they were for one another. Loved jumping back into this series and getting to know more of the Trailblazers. Get ready for sweet romance and plenty of team shenanigans. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Puckboys Book 10: Charming Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James

 

Puckboys Book 10

LACHIE

It doesn’t matter that I was the number one draft pick in the NHL or that I’m projected to be the next great generational player, because none of it is enough to impress my childhood crush back in my hometown.

Sam used to mock me for being like a Disney Princess with my uncanny knack for finding animals in need. And being home in Colorado for the summer, I’m bound to run into him now that he runs the animal shelter where I used to volunteer. Where I used to try to get his attention every chance I had.

He never noticed me then, at least not in the way I wanted.

But if there’s one thing my time in the NHL has taught me, it’s how to fight for what I want.

SAM

It’s been a few years since I saw the Disney Princess volunteer, but when he brings in a stray cat, I almost can’t believe it’s the same guy.

Damn, has he changed.

Gone is the gangly, pimple-faced teen, and in his place is a man who’s grown up and bulked out. He used to follow me around, asking endless questions about animal care.

Now he’s back, but instead of asking about animals, he’s asking about me. About my life.

Flirting with me. And he’s good at it, too.

There’s something about Lachie that’s undeniably irresistible. I’m willing to give in to his charms, even knowing all he can offer is a summer fling.

Turns out, my Disney Princess grew up to be a real Prince Charming.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243390481-charming-puckboy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s an end of an era! And what better way to end this series than with the final Kiki brother? Lachie might be the youngest of the Collective but it’s his time to fall in love. Lachie returns home for the summer and finds himself back at one of his favorite places: an animal shelter. There is a reason he’s been called a Disney Princess and that’s because every animal seems to find him and like him. There is no escaping. It’s how he found himself at the shelter when he was young and how earned the nickname by the guy he was crushing on who worked at the shelter…and still does. And this time, Lachie can act on his crush. Show Sam that he has grown up. Sam can’t believe that the teenager he remembers has grown up. And that there is now a spark between them. Sam is honestly clueless when it comes to exactly who Lachie is. So finding out that Lachie is a very successful NHL player was quite the surprise. But what was more of the surprise? That this thing between them where they agreed would only be for the summer feels like so much more. Sam has never felt this way before and the more time he spends with Lachie, the more he hates being apart from him. These two fell hard and fast. But as much as Lachie wishes he could be playing in Colorado, his team is in St. Louis and they aren’t letting him go anytime soon, not with how contracts work. I adored these two and felt so bad for them trying to figure out how a relationship could work between them when they are just getting started and how they can stand the distance and time apart. But I loved how in the end they figured out a plan and let their hearts guide them. They were a great couple to end the series on. Plus, it meant a good amount of cameos from others in the series! And a great finale of how the Collective will embrace its future. Great, great series! Absolutely adored it and I’m so sad to see it end. But it was just amazing all around! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Villain Book 2: Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent

 

Villain Book 2

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a standalone dark MM mafia rivals romance set in the world of Legacy of Gods.

I’m hunting a monster

The first time I met Yulian Dimitriev, it was hate at first sight.

He’s brash, chaotic, and a violence-junkie.

In short, everything I disregard.

As heirs to two notorious mafia organizations, we were shoved together in an unorthodox setting.

The more I learn about Yulian, the deeper my loathing seeps.

Until I truly see the person within, and something forbidden sparks between us.

But our coexistence is cut short when tragedy strikes.

Yulian and I go back to our respective, parallel worlds that shouldn’t cross.

But they do.

And once again, I’m dragged into the orbit of a man I shouldn’t want.

Two men can’t be together in our world.

But Yulian blurs every limit I thought existed until everything is in jeopardy.

Our hearts included.

Hunt the Villain is a male x male dark college romance. This book can be read as a standalone, but for a better understanding of the world, it's recommended to read Kiss the Villain first.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229204567-hunt-the-villain#SocialReviews

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I was so excited to read Vaughn and Yulian’s story, and I’m so happy it was just as good as I hoped it would be! Absolutely loved their story and loved these two. We’ve seen these two teased for a while and knew something was going on and now we finally get some answers. These two met when they were both thrown into a summer camp when they were around fifteen. Vaughn’s dad is a leader for the New York Bratva and Yulian’s is for Chicago. This so called camp was a way to forge an alliance. Vaughn and Yulian couldn’t be more opposite. Vaughn is the serious, smart kid who likes to follow the rules. Yulian is chaotic and all about breaking them. But when the two of them are attacked and on their own trying to survive it will forged a deeper connection than the one that had started to brew between them. But it will also leave them with some unanswered questions. We then jump to the present where Yulian is ready to be in Vaughn’s orbit again and doing whatever it takes to reel him in. And oh man, he definitely does. And even when these two give in to the connection between them, their future is uncertain. Especially when it comes to Yulian’s abusive father. Can they figure out to get the future they both more than deserve and want? I adored these two. They might be my favorite couple along with Niko and Bran. I just can’t decide between them LOL. I loved finally getting a chance to know them both and see how they finally get to be together after everything they’ve been through. I really devoured this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. And now I can’t wait for book three!

CEOs of Kink Book 1: Mister Van Doren by Crea Reitan

 

CEOs of Kink Book 1

Every secret has a dangerous consequence.

My son loses his damn mind when Bennett is injured in a hunting accident. This brings Doc Mark to my doorstep. It doesn’t take long to realize that Mark and I share something in common - kinks people only whisper about. 

We negotiate an arrangement to live out our secret fantasies while Mark nurses Bennett back to health. Those fantasies leave Mark with his defenses lowered, and when Mark is attacked, I learn that my son takes after his father far more than I would have thought.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246717664-mister-van-doren

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

For those who are familiar with the Van Doren family, you’ll know Auden. Father of Rhodes and the one everyone teases about having a revolving door of lovers. Though lately, that hasn’t been the case. So he is taken by surprise when Doc Mark arrives on his doorstep after Rhodes’s boyfriend has a bit of an accident and needs medical care. It’s like Auden is seeing Mark for the first time and suddenly they find themselves exploring their secret fantasies together. And Auden is…happy. Mark has always thought Auden was hot and exactly how he pictured his type of man. Mark doesn’t have time for actual relationships though. Being the doctor for the Van Doren family keeps him very busy. But when Rhodes’s becomes a little too paranoid about Bennett’s health, he finds himself sticking around longer. And in doing so he finds himself sharing a lot with Auden. Their relationship may start off one way, but I loved by the end that these two realize just how much more they mean to one another. Great story all around! Loving getting to know more about the Van Dorens and even Mark since he has appeared quite a lot. This was just a fun story all around with the little bit of danger you can always expect from a Van Doren featured book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Lords of London Book 4: Vampires’ Shared Bride by Jessie Donovan

 

Dark Lords of London Book 4

A fae witch afraid of her magic is pulled from the present to the past and instantly bloods two vampires at once. Will they be able to help her embrace her powers while also winning her heart?

This will be Laurence "Laurie" Yates, Joseph Hope, and Meadow Vale's story and will be a full-length book. More detailed synopsis to come.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159553397-vampires-shared-bride

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been a hot minute since I read the previous books in this series, but I am happy to say that once I started reading, it was so easy to fall back into this world and remember all the characters. This story follows Laurie, Joseph, and Meadow! Meadow is the sister of Yesenia and River who had previous books and were pulled back into the past. They are finally reunited with their younger sister, Meadow, who has been hiding from their father and his enemies. She never thought she would see her siblings again or when she did that she would end up blooded to not one but two vampires. Joseph and Laurie have always loved once another, but between their hearts stopping and feeling like they were incomplete, their relationship has halted over the years. But when Meadow arrives, they have hope again. Hope to love one another fully  and hope that Meadow is indeed the missing piece they have been waiting for all along. But as they get to know one another, danger lurks in the shadows. Can they claim the happy ending they all have been waiting for? Absolutely loved this story! I loved the relationship the three of them had and were building. I loved that Meadow slowly gained confidence in herself and in her magic that has never felt in her control. The three of them bring out the best in one another. And it was sweet to see them finally find the happiness they all deserved. Great story! You don’t want to miss it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hart’s Landing by Melanie Harlow

 

Four friends made a promise to live one night like it was their last.

That night changed everything.

Ten years ago, Mila Ferguson fled Hart’s Landing with a devastating fire, a stolen kiss, and a shattered circle of friends in her wake. But when a crisis brings her home, Mila just wants to get in and get out, unscathed by her mother’s constant criticism and unseen by her former crush, Everett McKean.

Only...Everett is everywhere. The boy Mila once loved is now the town’s scorching hot, beloved mayor. And when he’s not serving his constituents or running the family farm, Everett is taking advantage of his second chance with Mila―the one who got away.

As Mila reconnects to her roots and opens her heart, she discovers that coming home again isn’t about where you’ve been―it’s about who you’re brave enough to become. But when old wounds threaten to open after questions emerge about what really happened the night Mila left, it’s that bravery that will finally set her free.

Sexy, heartfelt, and steeped in small-town charm, Hart’s Landing is a story of forgiveness, friendship, and finding the family who loves you no matter how far you wander.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241652009-hart-s-landing

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great start to what I think will be a great series! Well, at least it better be a series because I see a lot of unfinished business and characters to explore. Mila and her closest friends meet together one night their senior year of high school to remember their best friend who died that year from cancer. Their meeting was about each of them fulfilling an important task set to them by their dear friend. For Mila, it meant telling the boy she liked how she feels. But the night instead ends with a fire that has her fleeing from Hart’s Landing for ten years. Now, she must return home to take care of her mother, a woman who has made it her job to critique Mila in every way possible. It will be a long six weeks. But coming also means facing the past, reconnecting with the friends she drifted from, and seeing the boy she liked. Everett is now the mayor of the town and when he sees Mila again, all the questions of what if come to surface. He has a second chance with Mila and he won’t screw it up. He’ll prove to Mila that he is nothing like her exes and that he will always been in her corner. But will she let him? Absolutely loved this story. It was so much fun getting to know a new town and cast of characters. I definitely spotted some potential couples and I loved getting to know Mila and Everett. I also loved Mila’s journey with herself. We see her find the strength and confidence to be herself and stand up for herself in a way she never believed she could. We get to see Everett find a love he never imagined he would want or have. And adored how these two fought for one another. Great, great story and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hockey Rules Book 6: Never Announce You’re Dating The Massage Therapist by Portia Blake

 

Hockey Rules Book 6

I blame the heart monitor. 

When I find myself at Florian Richter’s hospital bedside, I’m only there because Coach asked. The icy German defenseman has avoided me since the day he bolted from my massage table.

So when he wakes up with amnesia and assumes I’m his boyfriend? I attempt to correct him. Obviously. After all, he’s straight. Not that he’s ever been linked with anyone.

But then his heart monitor starts racing, nurses come running, and suddenly I’m telling everyone that yes, we’re absolutely together, and yes, I’ll take him home.

Now I’m fake-dating a man who used to scurry away when he saw me. This Florian looks at me with adoration. This Florian announces to a crowd of paparazzi outside the hospital that I’m his boyfriend.

This Florian will get his memory back at any moment.

And when he does, he’ll remember he can’t stand me.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247962452-rule-6

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Florian is knocked out during his hockey game, Mateo finds himself at this bedside. Florian hasn’t woken up and with family traveling to meet him and the team going on the road, Coach as Mateo to be there. Little does he know that Florian has been avoiding Mateo. Mateo is a massage therapist for the team and for some reason, he can’t figure out what he did to Florian that makes him avoid Mateo. So is he the best to be at his bedside? He doesn’t think so. But he won’t leave him either. But things turn complicated when Florian wakes up with no memory of the last several weeks and assumes that Mateo is his boyfriend. Mateo tries to correct him but between the doctors coming in and out and then the heart monitor going off, Mateo realizes he may do more harm than good. It’s fine though, he can take Florian for a bit and then he’ll tell him. But then Florian just keeps telling everyone they are together, and then his family arrives, and reporters are there. And Mateo realizes he is in deep trouble. Then when Florian remembers? Well, doesn’t look like either are off the hook. Oh man, poor Mateo in this book LOL. He tries so hard to tell Florian but Florian is just so happy to realize that he must have come out and stopped hiding and he is happy. This hockey team has the most adventurous and humorous ways to fall in love! You will be entertained for sure!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dirty Little Secret by Riley Hart

James

I’m forty years old, a tenured professor with investments, property, and a 401k.

But what I crave is to submit. To hand over control to Colton. We met on an app. His needs matched mine. It was only supposed to be once, then twice. No commitment, so I don’t feel bad cutting contact.

Then my world implodes when I get custody of siblings I didn’t know I have.

Everything would have been fine, I would have survived on my own, if not for Sir, my hookup, walking through the doors of my classroom.

He’s over a decade younger than me, and now I’m his professor, yet Sir is giving me schedules I need and caretaking from a distance. I know I should stay away, but I can’t. No matter what he gives me, I want more.

Colton

I’m twenty-eight years old, starting my first semester as a transfer student at a local university, finally following my dreams.

And then I see him, the sub I haven’t stopped thinking about, the one who comes undone for me in ways I’ve never experienced before. He makes all my Dominant instincts flare to life. I’ve always loved caretaking, but James makes me need it on a bone-deep level.

It’s not long before he’s on his knees for me again, surrendering in ways we both crave. He’s forbidden, my professor, my good boy, and I’m his Sir…his dirty little secret. But it’s not enough. I want it all from him, if only he’ll let me have it.

Dirty Little Secret is a student/professor romance, with an older sub and a younger Dom. Please use the look inside feature for a more in-depth content description and warning.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244999895-dirty-little-secret

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The second time James meets Colton for a hook up, he tells himself it’s the last time. They might fit together very well for the needs they both need, but James can’t let himself go deeper than that. And turns out stopping their relationship from becoming more may have been a good call when he gets a phone alerting him that he has two young siblings he had no idea about and need him to take custody. To say his life turned upside is putting it light. He has an angry brother who doesn’t trust to do right by him or their sister and James is trying to figure out how to be a parent. And then when fall semester starts at the college he teaches at, he is shocked to find Colton as his student. Could things be more complicated? Colton can’t help but admit that he misses James and wishes they could keep seeing one another. But he knows that wasn’t the deal. Neither wanted a relationship. And when Colton is finally able to get his chance to go back to school at 28, he jumps on it. But shocked to discover that James is his professor. They do their best to keep their distance, but Colton finds he can’t. Not when James needs someone in his corner. He can do that at least. It doesn’t have to be more…until they can’t. Not with the connection between them and the friendship that is so much more. James has a lot at stake, but Colton isn’t ready to let him go. Not when he has never felt this way before. Great story with these two! James has really never had someone who wanted to stick around and it takes him a while to accept that Colton wants to be that person for him. With so much at stake, he is scared to risk it but with Colton he feels safe for the first time.  I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story. It became so much more meaningful the more they got to know another. And it so wonderful to watch these two get the happy endings they both more than deserve!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 

The Playmakers Book 1: Mr. Trick Play by Becca Jackson

 

The Playmakers Book 1

Luka

I've dreamed of being in the NHL since I was a kid, and even though I wasn't drafted to the same team as my best friend, Cosmo, I'm determined to prove I belong here.

But when I meet my new no-nonsense captain, veteran defenseman Reid Raines, there is just one problem. Reid isn't impressed by my flashy moves. In fact, he's determined to rein in risk-takers like me and teach me to play it safe.

What he doesn't know is that I have a plan of my own, one that has less to do with holding back my killer instincts and more to do with knocking him off balance with my wit and charm.

Basically, it's time to Luka-love-bomb the captain.

But the more time we spend together, on and off the ice, the harder it is to ignore a shift between us.

My infectious energy has chipped away at Reid's cool exterior, and every heated exchange feels charged with something new. Now I'm even more excited to see what will happen when the captain finally lets himself lose control.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243052542-mr-trick-play

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Luka has finally made his NHL dreams come true and he can’t wait to get started. And while he has always found a way to get along with everyone he meets, he can’t say the same for his new no-nonsense captain, Reid. Reid likes to play by the book and while Luka loves to try trick plays, Reid isn’t exactly having it. So Luka plans to do whatever he can to make Reid like him. But things take a surprising turn the more they spend time together, turns out there may be some feelings brewing between them and it is only a matter of time before their relationship shifts into something a lot better than just captain and rookie. A really fun story! These two are the opposite in a lot of ways but it’s a good thing for them because it draws out something the other really needs. For Luka, it’s being a bit more responsible on the ice rather than just strictly looking to go for flashy plays. And for Reid, it’s learning to let go a bit and having a life outside of the rink and raising his brothers. They both deserve someone to be there for them always and I really loved watching their relationship grow! This looks to be the start of a great series and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 3: A Puck Between Friends by JR Gray

 

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 3

When my best friend offers to come as my date to my sister’s wedding to get back at my sister for breaking his heart, I agree thinking it will be hilarious. What I didn’t consider was that I’ve been in love with him half my life, and all the consequences of us fake dating.

My family demands I bring my new boyfriend to her shower first, and things only go downhill from there. My sister is marrying the goalie from our rival team who immediately is up in arms about us dating.

Fair, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as things quickly get weird with my best friend. Wolfe is straight, it shouldn’t be weird right? It’s fake after all. But I’m so wrong. He kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before, and then we both realize we have to keep this up for months until the wedding.

Between the unexpected sexual tension, hockey, and the secrets we are keeping. I don’t know how we’re going to get through the season.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230878838-a-puck-between-friends

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Archangel has been in love with his best friend, Wolfe, for a long time. But he has watched him date his sister (who he really doesn’t like), get cheated on by said sister, and enter a phase of no relationships, just hook ups. Oh, and Wolfe is straight. Now, a few years later, Archangel gets a call from his family that his sister is getting married and next thing he knows, Wolfe is volunteering to be his plus one. And more than that, they have to act like a couple. Archangel can see Wolfe wanting to get back at his sister a bit, but acting like a couple and Wolfe being unfazed with it all? He can’t truly let himself believe it. Especially when it comes to his heart. Wolfe loves his best friend and as they enter their fake dating phase, it feels less and less fake the longer it goes on. He is starting to realize a lot about himself, including what his actual feelings for his best friend is. These two are a wild rollercoaster of emotions! It is so clear that these two have feelings way beyond friendship and both are so worried about ruining the friendship, it leads to a lot of push and pull. But it’s a best friends to lovers story that leads exactly where they two were always meant to be with one another. This has been a fun series so far, with a lot of great characters! Hilarious banter and antics between our main couple and of course any of their hockey player teammates, you definitely don’t want to miss this latest addition to the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

 

New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.

After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.

With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.

They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.

But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231474494-love-song

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Continuing in the next generation of the Off Campus/Briar U Universe, we finally hit a couple that features the kids of two favorites from the series. That’s right, It’s Garrett’s son and Logan’s daughter. Wyatt and Blake. And you can expect exactly what I’m sure you are imagining when it comes to the parents and their antics. Not gonna lie, probably my favorite part of the book. So, if you are keeping up with the world, you know we got a bit of a start of Blake and the guy she finally gives in to date. Now, we jump ahead in time and those two have just broken off after he cheats. And Blake is just done. She needs a summer to herself to regroup and figure out what she wants her future to look like and just to straight up figure out who she is as a person. So off to Lake Tahoe she goes. Where it will be a little while until all the families gather for their annual family trip. Just one problem. Wyatt is there. The boy she had a massive crush on and told him when she was sixteen, then there was an incident between them a few years earlier, and well, how can she expect to shut out the world if he is there? Turns out, Wyatt is there for his own regrouping. His music career is stalled and he needs to find inspiration again. He just never expected it to come in the form of Blake. The girl he has worked very hard to stay away from. He knows he isn’t good for her and he refuses to hurt her even by accident. But the two of them alone for the summer? Well, things are going to be felt and it is only a matter of time before the chemistry between them is too much to resist. Oof, the angst in this one! There is a lot going on between these two. And it hits you right in the feels every step of the way. So be prepared for some emotional rollercoasters. But on a lighter side, the book is just as funny as you would expect from this author. Like I said above, the parents are the best part with their banters and group chats. Blake and Wyatt have their own banter that is hilarious. And some side characters as well. A lot more family dynamics in this one and a whole lot of drama. Very curious to see who’s story is next!