Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor #5)by Melanie Harlow
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Synopsis:
In my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash.
Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.
Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?
But wait, there’s more.
When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.
We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.
Neither are those two little pink lines.
Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.
After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.
Love? It’s out of the question.
Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.
Review:
Slap Shot Surprise was an opposites attract, hockey romance that was heartwarming and swept me away. With an accidental pregnancy, this steamy adult romance kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. I absolutely loved how this series wrapped up and that Mabel got a beautiful ending! This is a must read if you love sports romance, spicy books, and happily ever afters.
I’d never imagined it was possible to feel so close to another human being, let alone a stranger.
If the stars behind my eyes had been real, I might have made a wish.
I had already fallen for Mabel in the previous books about her brothers. She was kindhearted, thoughtful, logical, and so easy to click with. Her meet cute with hockey player Joe Lupo was memorable and hilarious! After confessing her deepest, darkest secrets…. since she thought the plane was going to crash, she hoped to never see him again. But a chance run in at a wedding led to the steamiest one-night stand. And Mabel became pregnant with his baby.
He kissed each inner thigh. “From the moment I saw you by the window, all I could think about was getting your legs over my shoulders and fucking you with my tongue.”
Joe was charming and sensual without even trying. Even though this wasn’t the future he planned, I loved that he was kind, caring, and oh so thoughtful to Mabel. While it took him a while to work through his thoughts and life, I was cheering him on every step of the way. So, when he would show up or do considerate things for Mabel, I was swooning!
He dropped his chin to his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. “Mabel, I know we didn’t ask for this. But I just want to say that if I have to go through this with someone, I’m glad it’s with you—if that makes sense.”
As Joe and Mabel took the adult approach of being friends, so they would have a healthy relationship raising their child, it felt so real and natural. They were both trying so hard to be respectful of each other’s dreams. And as someone who is not a fan of the pregnancy trope, this book completely made me change my tune! I loved how it added an additional layer of emotions. I found myself with tears in my eyes multiple times!
She smiled, and I had that urge again to pull her close. Bury my face in her hair and breathe her in. Lay my cheek on her stomach and listen. Put my lips on her skin.
Reimagine my future.
But as time proceeded, it was hard to not cross lines. And not become deeper emotionally attached to each other. From text conversations to other events that I’m keeping my lips zipped about, I loved every moment they were together. The chemistry between them was intense. And the steam in his book was done beautifully! It was scorching hot!
“What?” I asked, as if she’d accused me of something.
Meow.
“I’m just emotional.”
Meow.
“I don’t really love him. Not like that.”
Meow.
“I’m not allowed to love him like that, Cleo.” I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. “Don’t let me.”
Slap Shot Surprise was an adult romance that was fun, steamy and ended with the most fabulous happily ever after! I loved, loved, loved that we got to catch up with the other siblings and their spouses from the previous books! And that Mabel had her bestie Ari by her side every step of the way. To see little surprises, like who was pregnant eeps. It made me so happy! So, I can’t recommend this series enough. I have loved each book and can’t recommend starting back with Runaway Love enough!
It was time to take the shot.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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