Tag: Sports Romance (Page 3 of 5)

BOOK REVIEW: Halftime (Moo U #6) by Kim Findlay

BOOK REVIEW: Halftime (Moo U #6) by Kim FindlayHalftime (Moo U #6)
by Kim Findlay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

There’s no halftime in hockey, but maybe there’s one in love…

Drunk dialing your girlfriend to tell her that you didn’t really cheat is a bad idea--a lesson Seb Hunter learned the hard way. It was no surprise when she cut him completely out of her life. Now he’s finally moved on, and he’s looking forward to sophomore year at Moo U. Until his ex arrives on campus.

For goalie Faith Devereaux, cheating is a hard pass. She grew up knowing all too well how destructive infidelity can be. She’s gotten over Seb and picked the college of her dreams. The fact that he’s a student there will not be a problem. Hockey is her priority. Not guys, not dating, definitely not exes.

But when an exhibition game forces them into close proximity, it isn’t long before their old attraction flares. Regaining trust is hard, though, when the heart plays a good defensive game.

But when the goal is love, one more shot might be all they need.

Review

I feel like I’ve mentioned this in previous hockey romance reviews but it is freaking hilarious to me that I have become to entangled in these books and I know NOTHING about hockey. Seriously. Like the fact that Faith also played hockey in this one made it 10x better to me for whatever reason and again, it’s not because I am a rea life hockey fan lolol. Really though, this book, along with Sarina Bowen’s, Bombshells has me so excited for future books featuring players from the women’s league. I really love that dynamic and learning more about how much of an unfair advantage those ladies are at compared to their male counterparts.

To get more into this story though, we start out the book about a year before the main events actually happen. Faith (who has grown up with seeing her dad cheat on her mom for YEARS) gets a drunken call from her boyfriend, Seb. He’s so drunk and distraught that he’s not making any kind of sense but from what she can decipher, he’s cheated on her. Not wanting to deal with that shit in her own relationship and life, she completely cuts ties and blocks him on every platform imaginable.

Fast-forward to a year later and the beginning of the semester at Moo U. Seb is at the rink with a few of his teammates when he catches sight of a goalie. A female goalie. One whose very movements on the ice were as familiar to him as his own. He did NOT know she’d be attending and high tails it out of there. The two ~of course~ end up bumping into each other and eventually wind up back in each other’s lives.

Let me first start out by saying, THANK YOU Cooper. He’s Seb’s best friend, teammate, and roommate and helps play matchmaker throughout the entire damn book LOLLL. At one point he says, “The two of you are worse than Romeo and Juliet. If there was any poison around here, you’d both be dead.” Wiser words were never spoken. Even though these two have always had explosive chemistry, obviously the cheating thing is problematic. Just as I had expected/hoped. Seb didn’t cheat on Faith. He was drunk and missing her, a girl crawled into his bed, and when he realized it wasn’t her, he FLIPPED out. Of course, the fact that Faith THOUGHT he had for an entire freaking year isn’t just going to go away.

I am glad that they did talk about that and that she came to terms with how that could affect their relationship down the road. Seb really was an all around great guy, possibly even one of my top favorites of this series so far. He was kind, loving, honest, and I just wanted to wrap him up in a tight squeeze considering how he felt forgotten within his own family. I really thought these two were great together and the quote that I added below that is from the epilogue 10000% solidified how much I loved this book. It seriously gives me goosebumps every time I read it.

The puck dropped. My wife deflected the first shot on goal. My daughter and I cheered.
It was perfect.


Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

BOOK REVIEW: Overtime (Moo U #5) by Kat Mizera

BOOK REVIEW: Overtime (Moo U #5) by Kat MizeraOvertime (Moo U #5)
by Kat Mizera
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hotshot hockey star Patrick Graham has been groomed for the pros since before he could walk. Fast forward to his junior year of college, and he’s having the time of his life. What could be better than pucks, partying, and having his pick of campus women? But if Patrick doesn’t buckle down and get his grades up, he could find himself benched for the championships. Could a beautiful brainiac be the solution to his problems?

Nineteen-year-old Master’s student Ellie McGinn could do so many things with her biology degree, but her mother is pushing her toward a future she doesn't want. Tutoring a hockey hottie seems like the perfect opportunity to start making her own choices and living life on her own terms.

When learning turns to yearning, will they be ready to face the heat and heartache that love can bring?

Review

She reminded me of old-fashioned ice cream sundaes and drive-in movies, which made no fucking sense, but that’s what came to mind when I looked at her.

This specific trope is one that, if done poorly, I find so incredibly unrealistic. Kat Mizera though–she hit it out of the park. Sometimes authors just capture that one specific moment where the two main love interests have a single interaction and you can FEEL their spark. The energy. The connection. That’s how I felt with Patrick and Ellie. I honestly don’t even know how to explain it other than I knew it was going to be a good book even just based on this one interaction.

I was especially nervous because Paxton’s book wasn’t my favorite and Patrick was kind of a dick in that one and that one just wasn’t my favorite in general. Unsurprisingly we saw a totally different Patrick in this story. I loved how straight up smitten he was with Ellie–so cute. I also loved watching her being able to experience life. I can’t even image what it would have been like to go to college at that young of an age all the while have that much of an overbearing mother. It was clear that she loved Ellie and wanted the best for her but…sometimes parents want very different things for their children than what they actually need. The fact that Ellie eventually just took charge and made some big decisions for herself was great. (Also loved the support she got from the WAGs from the Vegas team).

I was also so relieved that the twins finally cut their asshole dad off at the end. My heart hurt for them SO BADLY. Good riddance.

Overall, great addition to the Moo U series!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion! ♥

BOOK REVIEW: Gametime (Moo U #4) by Jami Davenport

BOOK REVIEW: Gametime (Moo U #4) by Jami DavenportGametime (Moo U #4)
by Jami Davenport
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

One drunken night and one case of mistaken identity turns a friendship inside out...

You’ve seen the hockey twins around campus--they look identical, but you can tell them apart by their actions. Patrick is the one who’s busy charming women. Paxton is the one in the library.

Until one night when Paxton parties a little harder than usual. Next thing he knows, he’s waking up naked next to Naomi, the girl of his dreams. He bares his heart before an awful realization sets in. He’s not the twin she thought he was...

Naomi is the only child of a hockey legend. Partying hard is the best way she knows how to rebel against her controlling father. After a particularly crazy night, she realizes her big mistake. Her hookup isn’t the guy she’s been crushing on. It’s Paxton, her friend, the guy who gets her, who she can always count on. The guy she’d never want to hurt. And yet, the sex was good. Better than good.

Now she’s wondering if the wrong twin might be the right one after all . . .

Review

Ugh it really pains me to rate this a three but I couldn’t in good conscience give it anything higher. I honestly think it was a case of the “It’s not you, it’s me” for the trope. That or I’m just getting older and now that I’m not actually in college and haven’t been in some time I can’t handle as much of the hot shot sports swagger/ college party and hookup scenes like I used to. Mainly though, I couldn’t get over the fact that Naomi slept with the wrong twin (WHO WAS ONE OF HER BEST FRIENDS) and didn’t know it until she woke up and licked her way down to his tattoo that was obviously Paxton’s hockey number and not Patrick’s and the two got to live in that awkward moment together. From then on I was like nope–no thanks, lol. I really think most people will like this one. I still obviously loved seeing Paxton’s journey coming out of Patrick’s shadow and his work with Garf (lol love that guy) to become the best player he can be and prepare for the pros. I loved seeing grumpy ass Kaitlyn, sweet, loyal Lex, and the rest of the team, too. I just really couldn’t be convinced by Paxton x Naomi.

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

BOOK REVIEW: Slapshot (Moo U #2) by Rebecca Jenshak

BOOK REVIEW: Slapshot (Moo U #2) by Rebecca JenshakSlapshot (Moo U #2)
by Rebecca Jenshak
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’m banished to Vermont for a scandal that wasn’t my fault, and broke because my famous father cut me off. And did I mention my roommate stole my boyfriend? Yeah, I’m loving my Moo U experience.

Now I need a job, because this gel manicure won’t upkeep itself. The only available option is the last one I’d ever want--a job as the hockey team’s equipment manager. My plan is to do the bare minimum, get paid, and find my way back into my father’s good graces.

I will not get involved with a hockey player, no matter how hot. They’re cocky. And obnoxious. I know their type, and I’m not willing to risk getting hurt again. Until Lex Vonne glides into my life looking like sin on a stick.

He thinks I’m a spoiled brat.
I think he’s using me to get ahead.
But the fire I feel when we’re together is like a slapshot to my heart…

Review

I knew it from the first few times that he was mentioned in Blindsided and it was so good to have it confirmed: Lex Vonne is one of my all-time favorite male leads in a romance. First of all he’s the perfect opposite to Kaitlyn. He’s calm, he’s steady, he’s focused on hockey. For someone like Kaitlyn who has had trust issues her ENTIRE life, he is everything she needs (even if she thinks he’s got to be playing some kind of game).

Kaitlyn. Man…it has been a while now since I had read Heartland but initially after I realized who she was I thought “oh right, Kaitlyn, mean-ish roommate who had been dating Dylan that I didn’t like” but…man I’m annoyed at myself for thinking that. That’s the problem with the first person narrative though. We see what one character sees and what they feel, and their story and their truths aren’t always the full picture. I got a big reminder of that in this book.

While I couldn’t personally put myself in Kaitlyn’s shoes, I understood. I got why she had done what she did with Dylan and her mindset made sense. My heart still hurt for her, but it made sense. The fact then, that she had those complex feelings about hockey and ended up having to work as the team’s equipment manager was *chef kiss*. The perfect kind of plot device to help move her story forward. Especially with Lex (:. Ahh, to be a young, cocky hockey player used to being hot shit and getting his way. I love when those types of men are put in their place by women, lol. Don’t get me wrong, Lex isn’t your typical alpha jock that you only enjoy reading about in books, but he still has that natural confidence.

I loved their dynamic together from start to finish. Love that she helped him on the ice and that he broke down her walls so that she began to trust in him. Of course there was a little bit of tension to stir things up towards the end but you know, sometimes you just need that little bit of angst to really drive things home at the end.

Huge thanks to HeartEyes Press and Sarina Bowen for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!♥

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Best Mistake (Southern U O’Brien Brothers #1) by Cookie O’Gorman

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Best Mistake (Southern U O'Brien Brothers #1) by Cookie O'Gorman

I absolutely loved this book! So check out my 5 Star Review below, read when Honor and Archer first met and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy ♥

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Best Mistake (Southern U O’Brien Brothers #1) by Cookie O’GormanThe Best Mistake (Southern U OBrien Brothers #1)
by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Honor Tierney just wants one night with the playboy.

One hot, steamy, meaningless hookup, and then she'll happily go back to reading her favorite books, studying to be an accountant and writing for the campus-paper-nobody-reads. Too bad she ends up in the wrong bed, with the wrong brother...who gives her the hottest night of her life.

Archer O'Brien just wants to play ball.

Well that, and for his brothers to stop acting out, so he won't have to worry 24/7. As the oldest O'Brien and team captain, it's his duty to make sure they don't drink too much, party too much, or get in too much trouble. But when she walks into his bedroom--mistaking him for his brother--life throws him a curveball.

She's determined to guard her heart. He's not giving up.

And when Honor gets assigned to cover the Wolves baseball team, it's game on.

This new adult sports romance features one hot (and hilarious) case of mistaken identity and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Sometimes, the best mistakes are worth making.

Review:

The Best Mistake was sexy, hilarious and so much fun.  When I finished that last page, I still had happy tears falling down my face.  This book was exactly what I needed.  It had friendship, family, love and made me laugh so much.  So if you’re a fan of romance set in college or sports romance, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

Only I, Honor Tierney, bookworm extraordinaire, writing recluse, and apparent virgin-for-life, could’ve confused one O’Brien brother for another.

Honor was looking for a one night stand and who better to have one with then Baylor O’Brien. He was absolutely gorgeous, athletic and known for his player ways. Except Honor hooked up with Baylor’s brother, Archer, and she was none the wiser.  But it set Honor and Archer on a path that had me smiling and laughing from that first chapter to the last.

The only thing I knew for certain: Guys like him and girls like me didn’t mix.
This couldn’t end well.

I loved how easy it was to connect with Honor Tierney.  She was a down to Earth girl who didn’t want to emotionally get hurt from a relationship.  Her past had jaded her and I understood why she doubted others interest in her.  But she was a wonderful friend and had such a good heart.  I absolutely loved Honor, especially when she spoke her mind.  Her happiness, embarrassment, nervousness all felt like mine.  And a lot of those emotions were tied into her moments with Archer.

“Did you really think I’d give up that easily?”
“Most guys would,” she said with a shrug.
Yeah well, I wasn’t most guys.

Archer O’Brien was the oldest of six siblings.  And he played on a college baseball team with three other of his brothers.  They were amazing and some of them were destined to go pro.  But it felt like Archer had the weight of the world on his shoulders.  So when Honor stumbled into his life, I loved how his worries disappeared when she was around. And even though Honor had her walls up, Archer was patient with her.  Just like he was in baseball.  I loved watching him try and knock down her walls.  Especially since he was kind, determined, smart, humble and oh so sexy.  He even had a sense of humor and made me laugh.  I fell so hard for Archer!

“I went along with the friends thing because that’s what you wanted. I’m absolutely willing to try no strings attached, if that’s what will make you happy.”
He paused, shook his head.
“But I want so much more from you than sex.”
I forgot how to breathe.

This book was a ton of fun and I was rooting for Honor and Archer every step of the way.  From awkward to embarrassment to heartfelt to steamy, they had all the moments.  So when Honor got tasked with covering the baseball team Archer was on, for the school paper, I couldn’t contain my excitement.  I loved how their time together could turn from being so simple into something with so much heat.  But family and friendship also played such a huge roll in this story.  I loved Archer’s siblings and Honor’s close friends.  They rounded out the story perfectly and I’m so excited for future books about the siblings.

“Can I—”
“Yes.” My answer was immediate.
Honor gave me a look. “But you didn’t even let me finish. I could’ve asked for anything.”
“Exactly. And I would give it to you.”

So yes, I definitely recommend this book!  The Best Mistake was mesmerizing, addictive and sexy!  This book is for everyone out there who loves romance that melts your heart.  The chemistry between Honor and Archer was addictive and the family and friendships added so much depth to this story.  It all felt so real and it was so easy to devour.  The Best Mistake is another huge hit by Cookie O’Gorman and I can’t wait to see whose story she writes next in this world!

His frown softened to something that looked like awe as I shivered.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, meeting my eyes again. “So damn beautiful.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

Excerpt:

A sudden feeling drew my attention to the other side of the room. I couldn’t really explain it. It was hot like electricity, something magnetic. My eyes searched for the source of that strange pull—and clashed with gray.

My breath caught.

It was like looking into the heart of a storm, intense, powerful. I hadn’t gone up in flames for any of the others, but this guy… Well, this O’Brien who was staring at me—devouring me—with those unusual gray eyes, wearing a frown like he never smiled, a stare so focused I thought he might be memorizing every move I made? Or reading my mind?

“Wow,” I said, voice nothing but a shaky exhale.

This guy caused a slow burn inside me. I wanted to run. Either to him or away, I wasn’t sure. But as his eyes traveled the length of my body, all the way down to my shoes, and back up again to meet my gaze, everything inside me turned to wildfire. I licked my lips, thighs clenching together instinctively.

His frown deepened, jaw tight.

And that made him seem even sexier.

 

About Cookie O’Gorman:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake.

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