Tag Archives: hockey

Mac Meyers Needs Me (Tilton University 2)by Helena Hunting-review

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Mac Meyers Needs Me (Tilton University 2) by Helena Hunting-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2026

Mac Meyers.
My secret crush.
Most unattainable guy on campus.
Relentless flirt (except with me).

Being friends with the guy on campus that everyone wants comes with its own set of problems.

None of us can eat in the cafeteria without being interrupted ten times.
Well, I’ve had enough.

So the most unhinged thing comes out of my mouth: I tell them to leave my boyfriend alone.
Except Mac is not my boyfriend.
Not even close.

Until he looks at me like I have the most inspired idea.

My name is Ophelia Forrest-Hammer, and Mac Meyers wants to be my fake boyfriend.
But I wish he was my real one.

•••••

REVIEW:MAC MEYERS NEEDS ME is the second instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, new adult TILTON UNIVERSITY erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s TORONTO TERROR world. This is university senior and hockey defenseman Mac Meyers, and artist Ophelia ‘Fee’ Forrest-Hammer’s story line. MAC MEYERS NEEDS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Fee is the sister of Toronto Terror assistant coach Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Forrest (IF YOU LOVE ME Toronto Terror 4).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fee and Mac) MAC MEYERS NEEDS ME focuses on the fake relationship between our story line couple. Mac Meyers struggles to fend off the female population. His popularity has become a nuisance for everyone including himself and the woman that calls to his heart. In an effort to dissuade the numerous admirers, Mac suggests to Fee, a fake relationship that will soon turn into something more. Neither one is aware of the other’s attraction and need for one another, and in this, their proclamation of love is only a matter of time

The world building follows Mac’s burgeoning hockey career and his struggles to keep his head in the game. Fee is keeping her own aspirations a secret but with the approach of summer, our couple may be forced to spend their time apart.

The relationship between Fee and Mac is a friends to lovers that is predicated upon their mutual dance of attraction, and a need for Mac to keep everyone else at a distance. As the days turn into weeks, Mac is hoping for something more, something everyone else sees except our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including many from the author’s Toronto Terror series. WE are reintroduced to Chase and Cammie, Tristan and Trix, Lexi and Roman, Lexi and Fee’s sister Callie, Gage Steele, Brody and Enid, and newcomer Andie.

MAC MEYERS NEED ME is a story of family and friendships, secrets and lies, relationships and love. The character driven premise is familiar, entertaining, engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.
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Julian (New York Vipers 2) by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan-review

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💚Julian (New York Vipers 2) by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan-review💚

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2026

Julian Langley has everything a man could ever want—a sprawling Manhattan townhouse, a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, and ownership of the New York Vipers, one of the most coveted franchises in professional hockey. What he doesn’t have, and will never allow himself, is anyone who matters too much. Carrying a devastating loss that completely reshaped him, Julian has since built his life around the certainty that nothing will ever cost him that dearly again.

Harper Hawthorne isn’t looking for a billionaire. She’s looking for a way to keep the lights on. Single-handedly holding her world together since she was a teenager, Harper works two jobs, lives in a rent-controlled apartment on the Lower East Side, and sacrifices everything for her younger brother. When an unexpected phone call lands her a chauffeur job behind the wheel of Julian’s car, she takes it for exactly what it is: a paycheck.

Julian notices everything about her. Harper tries not to notice anything about him. What begins as a professional arrangement starts to crack at the edges when Harper proves, repeatedly and effortlessly, that she’s unlike anyone Julian has ever encountered before. She’s too sharp to ignore, too genuine to keep at arm’s length, and entirely unimpressed by his world in a way that makes it impossible for him to stop thinking about her.

Julian doesn’t do commitment. Harper doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But some collisions are inevitable and some people are worth every risk you swore you’d never take again.

•••••

REVIEW: JULIAN is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult NEW YORK VIPERS hockey romance series, co-authored by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan, This is forty-four year old, New York Vipers owner Julian Langley, and thirty-two year old Harper Hawthorne’s story line. JULIAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Julian and Harper) JULIAN follows Harper Hawthorne’s foray into the world of wealthy businessman and professional hockey. Working several jobs to keep a roof over their heads, Harper Hawthorne finds herself down a job, now chauffeuring New York Vipers’ owner Julian Langley but from the outset Harper becomes more than a driver but a confidant and friend as well. Working for Julian merits Harper a few perks including game night tickets but it is Harper’s ability as a former customer service agent that will garner surprising results for both team owner Julian and the New York Vipers PR machine. As Julian and Harper’s relationship turns into something more, Harper finds herself on the outside looking in as Julian struggles to let go of the past.

The world building focuses on the discrepancy between the have and the have nots. Julian is a billionaire businessman who wants for nothing but love, and Harper is struggling to ensure she and her brother have food for their next mean.From the hockey arena to private jets, late night dinners and island getaways, our couple begin to explore the possibilities of their own happily ever after but Harper will be cast aside as the ghost engulf our story line hero.

The relationship between Harper and Julian begins as a business arrangement when Harper is hired as Julian’s driver. Harper is well versed in customer service, and will come to the proverbial rescue as Julian’s PR team struggles to keep ahead of a potential scandal. Julian begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine but his heart refuses to move forward, essentially destroying any chance for happiness with our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited but engaging. We are introduced to Harper’s seventeen year old brother Dylan, and Julian’s butler aka housekeeper Percy, as well as the return of professional hockey player James ‘Grizz’ McAvoy.

JULIAN is a story of loss and grief, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and emotional; the romance is seductive and edgy; the characters are determined, sassy and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Meet Sawyer Bennett:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Meet Bill Keenan:

Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from 2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in Deutsche Bank’s investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter’s Air Mail.

Connect with Bill Keenan:

https://www.instagram.com/billkeenanwrites/

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Small Town, Big Storm by Elise Faber-review tour

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Small Town, Big Storm (Cedar Hollow: Home Ice Heroes 1) by Elise Faber-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 10, 2026

I’ve taken pucks to the face…

But nothing hits harder than hearing her call me Dad.

I return to Cedar Hollow for my father’s funeral. Not for forgiveness. Not for Poppy. And definitely not for the daughter I never knew was mine.

Poppy rebuilt her life without me—and she has every reason not to trust the man who left her behind.

But the moment I meet my little girl, everything changes. Walking away isn’t an option anymore.

They can warn her about me all they want. This time, I’m not leaving.

I’ll burn this town to the ground before I lose them again.

•••••

REVIEW:SMALL TOWN, BIG STORM is the first instalment in Elise Faber’s contemporary, adult CEDAR HOLLOW: HOME ICE HEROES erotic, romance series, a part of the author’s numerous interconnected hockey series. This is single mother and bar owner Poppy Baker and professional hockey player Storm Harrison’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there maybe triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Storm and Poppy) SMALL TOWN, BIG STORM follows in the wake of the return of Storm Harrison to his hometown of Cedar Hollow. Severn years earlier, Storm Harrison left Cedar Hollow behind, and the memories that have haunted him all of his life but with the passing of his father, Storm’s return comes with revelations and heart break, and a second chance at his own happily ever after. Poppy Baker lost her heart and her trust the day Storm left without saying goodbye but Storm left a piece of himself behind a piece that is the personification of purity and perfection.

The world building follows several pathways including Cedar Hollow’s gossip mill, mean girl, friendships and family. With the help of his teammates, Storm is hoping to raise funds for the local arena, teammates that may find their own happily ever after in Cedar Hollo but before Storm and his brother Rain can move forward, they must come to terms with the past, a past that continues to control their present.

The relationship between Storm and Poppy is one of second chances. Storm ghosted Poppy without telling her why but the reveal proves to be heart breaking and sad. Storm had no choice but to leave, and in doing so, left behind the only woman he would ever love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The numerous secondary and supporting characters including the Cedar Hollow locals who are protective of the people they call their own. We are introduced to several members of Storm’s hockey team, as well as Storm’s brother Rain, and Poppy’s daughter Holly.

SMALL TOWN, BIG STORM is a story of secrets and lies, dysfunctional family and injustice, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking, emotional and dramatic; the rekindling romance is fated and seductive; the characters are broken, desperate and determined to heal.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys.

She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elisefaberauthor@gmail.com

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook/ Instagram/ Goodreads/ Pinterest

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Locke (Portland Wildfire Hockey 2) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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Locke (Portland Wildfire Hockey 2) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11,2026

He’s the league’s most dangerous defenseman. She’s the specialist sent to determine whether he’s too broken to save. Neither of them is prepared for what happens when the truth hits back.

Locke Donovan has a reputation carved in blood and penalty minutes. The league’s most dangerous defenseman, he’s an angry, unapproachable loner who fights harder and refuses to let anyone in. The Portland Wildfire only took him because no one else would, and Locke seems determined to prove every rumor true. He doesn’t do teammates. He doesn’t do relationships. He barely does conversation.

Dr. Livia Cross is quiet, brilliant and controlled. Officially, she’s the Wildfire’s new high-performance consultant. Unofficially, she’s been embedded by the league to evaluate one player.

One risk.
Locke.

Her job is simple: observe him, test him, and determine whether he’s safe to stay on the ice, or too volatile to keep playing. But the man she finds beneath the scowl and silence isn’t what she expected. He’s sharp. Watching. Walled off for a reason. And when sparks ignite where there should only be professionalism, Livia’s carefully built boundaries start to crack.

Locke doesn’t trust easily yet he lets Livia closer than he ever intended, long before he learns she isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the truth comes out, it won’t just shatter their fragile connection… it might end his career.

••••••

REVIEW:. LOCKE is the second instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PORTLAND WILDFIRE erotic, hockey romance series, set in the author’s numerous interconnected hockey series. This is defenseman Locke Donovan, and performance consultant Dr. Livia Cross’ story line. LOCKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers (off page) for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Locke and Livia) LOCKE follows in the wake of the arrival of performance consultant Dr. Livia Cross. Locke Donovan has burned all of his proverbial bridges. His reputation as an angry player, and a loner has earned Locke a reputation throughout the league, a the Portland Wildfire organization is his last chance to remain in the professional leagues. Forced to work with Dr. Livia Cross finds Donovan struggling with the ghosts from his past, a ghost he meets on ice several times per year but it is Livia’s past that is about to reap havoc for our story line heroine, havoc that pulls Donovan and his teammates into the cause.

The world building follows Livia as she battles between head and heart, hoping to get Donovan to let go of the past. Having crossed a professional line, Livia struggles with what she knows, and how it will affect both the player, the team and their relationship going forward.

The relationship between Livia and Locke begins as a professional consultation. Livia works diligently to help Locke move on from the past but our hero struggles to forgive himself for a perceived betrayal, a betrayal that was meant to save many lives going forward. As Livia and Locke’s relationship quickly turns into something more, our couple must come to terms with both of their pasts, and the possibility that crossing the line may have gone too far. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to several members of the Portland Wildfire Hockey team including front office, ownership, and players including Juno and Crosby, Arch, team owner Patrick Rowe, as well as Crosby’s sister Birdie, and Livia’s obsessive ex Grant, and the return of Van Turner from the author’s Pittsburgh Titans, and Carolina Fury hockey series.

LOCKE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is captivating, dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is seductive ; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Meet Sawyer Bennett:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

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Puck, Marry, K!ll (Dirty Puckers 2) by Lauren Landish -review

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Puck, Marry, K!ll (Dirty Puckers 2) by Lauren Landish -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2026

NHL defenseman Dominic Lee is traded mid-season with one job: save a struggling team from itself. The complication? Briar Johns—a guarded single mom, zookeeper, and his new coach’s daughter. She’s strictly off-limits, but one look at her and Dominic knows some rules are meant to be broken. Too bad hockey players—and relationships—are a firm never again for Briar.

Between surviving a toxic marriage, managing an emotionally absent father, and raising her son Harley, Briar only has room for things that bring joy. A cocky defenseman should never make that list. Dominic isn’t like the men from her past, though. He shows up for Harley’s practices. He listens. He does the dishes. And he’s patient enough to wait for her walls to come down.

When her father forbids their relationship and threatens Dominic’s career, the choice should be simple. Except Briar’s tired of letting fear win. And walking away from her and Harley? That’s the one play Dominic refuses to make.

••••••

REVIEW: PUCK, MARRY, K!LL is the second instalment in Lauren Landish’s contemporary, adult DIRTY PUCKERS erotic, hockey romance series. This is defenseman Dominic Lee, and zoo caretaker Briar Boothe Johns’ story line. PUCK, MARRY , KILL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. DOMINIC LEE is Penny’s brother (The Diamond Puck UP 1).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dom and Briar) PUCK, MARRY, K! LL follows the forbidden relationships between our story line couple. Dominic Lee, defenseman for the Stanley Cup champion Ice Hawks, has been traded mid-season to the Blizzard, a team floundering near the bottom, and begins to wonder what he did wrong. Dominic’s trade is meant to help the struggling Blizzard, whose lineup is a mess, and whose leadership is pulling the team towards collapse but Dominic never expected to come face to face with his future in the guise of single mother Briar Johns, daughter of the cynical and soured Blizzard coach. Briar doesn’t do relationships in the face of her contemptuous divorce but Dominic is determined to prove Briar is worthy of her own happily ever after.

The world building focuses on ‘team building’, friendships, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Robert Boothe, coach of the Blizzard, has a team deteriorating both on and off the ice, due in part to his questionable techniques, and our hero has been tasked with returning the Blizzard to a group worthy of being called a winning team.

The relationship between Dom and Briar is one of immediate attraction but Dom has no idea as to Briar’s familial connections. Briar is a single mother who has struggled on her own but a woman who places her son first, and everyone else if forced to take a back seat . Dom is determined to get to know both Briar and her son Harley, a young boy who needs more than friendship but a man he can count on. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and struggling secondary and supporting characters including the players and coaching staff of the Blizzards hockey team. We are introduced to Coach Robert Boothe and his wife Vanessa, as well as Briar’s son Harley, and her ex Tyler Johns, as well as the return of Griffin Mahoney and Penny Lee.

PUCK, MARRY, K!LL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, struggle and disharmony, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the characters are enthusiastic and determined; the romance is seductive and intimate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Saving Forever (Pucks & Penalties 3) by Kat Mizera-review tour

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Saving Forever (Pucks & Penalties 3) by Kat Mizera-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2026

One year.
One contract.
One fake wife I can’t let go of.

As a professional hockey player, I don’t lose—and I don’t do relationships. But my family demands a wife, and I don’t need the distraction.

So I buy one.
One year.
Two million dollars.
No feelings.
It should’ve been simple.

Except she’s everything I didn’t plan for—smart, tempting, impossible to ignore.

My teammates love her. My family is convinced. And I can’t keep my hands off her.

She was only supposed to be temporary.

But now she’s mine.

I don’t share.
I don’t lose.
And I won’t let her walk away.

••••••

REVIEW:SAVING FOREVER is the third instalment in Kat Mizera’s contemporary, adult PUCKS AND PENALTIES erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off from the author’s LA Phantom series. This is twenty-seven year old, Atlanta Thunder, Russian born goalie Viktor Maslak, and twenty-six year old Holly Grant’s story line. SAVING FOREVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Viktor and Holly) SAVING FOREVER follows the marriage of convenience between our story line couple. Viktor Maslak needs a wife to keep his mother from arranging women to meet as potential wives but when he overhears Holly Grant’s dilemma, Viktor offers up a marriage of convenience, to help them both. A one year contract, a debt of betrayal paid in full, and everyone walks away with their feelings intact but all does not go according to plan, when extended family members refuse to accept their union, and Holly becomes a target of jealousy and greed.

The world building follows several pathways including Holly’s dysfunctional political family who exert their control over their only daughter. Viktor’s Russian family struggle with our hero’s choice for a bride, and betrayal come from outside and within. Accepting her marriage is not forever, Holly looks to a future without the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Holly and Viktor begins as a marriage of convenience but quickly turns into something more. Holly battles between head and heart believing there is nothing more than friendship between herself and groom, while Viktor struggles to convince himself that he fell in love with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and dynamic including the return of several members of the Atlanta Thunder and their significant others, team management, as well as Holly and Viktor’s immediate families, and Holly’s ex who refuses to let go.

SAVING FOREVER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is edgy; the characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

KAT MIZERA

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kat Mizera was born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of Wanderlust. She’s lived from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, but home is wherever her family is. A devoted mom and wife to her wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat loves to travel the globe with her adventurous, hockey loving family. Greece is at the top of that list. She hopes to one day retire there, spending her days writing books on the beach.

Kat is former freelance sports writer who now writes steamy hockey romance about her favorite fictional teams, the Las Vegas Sidewinders and the Lauderdale Knights. The library of novels she’s penned also include sexy contemporary stories about baseball stars, alpha sex club owners, bodyguards, rock stars, and royalty. Regardless of genre, her books about bad boys with hearts of gold will steal your breath, rock your world and melt your heart.

To find out about Kat Mizera’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here!

For more information on Kat Mizera and her books visit: https://katmizera.com/

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter (X)/ Facebook/ Amazon Author / Instagram

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The Offside Rule (Dallas Blaze 1) by RC Stephens-review

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🩷The Offside Rule (Dallas Blaze 1) by RC Stephens-review🩷

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 29, 2026

Working with the Dallas Blaze is supposed to prove I belong in sports medicine.

Not because I’m Coach Davis’s daughter. Because I earned it.

The problem is Hunter Russell. Single dad. Captain. Tattooed, broody, and my father’s close friend.

He’s nine years older, completely off-limits and way too good at pretending he doesn’t want me.

Too bad I’m done pretending I don’t want him.

Getting involved with Hunter could ruin my future with the team.

Sneaking around with him could ruin a whole lot more.

But the more he touches me behind closed doors, the less it feels like a mistake. And the more I want the one thing he’s too scared to give me.

All of him.

••••••

REVIEW:The Offside Rule begins with CC (Catherine Celia) Davis moving back to Dallas with her parents after having her heart broken. She majored in sports medicine and applied for an internship with the local pro hockey team that her father coaches and is determined to show everyone she has what it takes to be a doctor (following in her mother’s footsteps) and didn’t get the job because of who she is related to. CC has been around hockey her entire life, her father having been a professional hockey player who transitioned to coaching. She has two younger siblings, Mila and Jaden, whom she has missed since she has been in college, and wants to spend time with them before medical school starts.

Mila’s best friend, Isla, is the daughter of Hunter Russell, who happens to be the captain of Dallas team. Hunter also happens to be someone CC has had a crush on most of her life. Isla loves spending time with CC and Mila and their entire family. Hunter has made it his life’s mission to make sure that Isla knows that she will always come first with him and he has done an excellent job of that.

CC goes to a pool party at her parents’ ranch and does not expect seeing Hunter to have the effect on her that it does. After her heartbreak, the last thing she thought she wanted was another man, let alone someone who is older and a good friend of her father’s. She has been told her whole life that being in a relationship with a professional sports star is hard and she deserves better. She never expected that Hunter finding her in a compromising position in the pool house would change both of their lives forever.

As both navigate their growing feelings for each other, with Hunter fighting it at every turn and CC wanting to keep it a secret, they end up hurting each other without either of them understanding why. Thankfully, they figured it out.

The Offside Rule is a nicely written story that pulls you in on the very first page. CC is a woman on a mission and will not stop trying to get what her heart wants. Hunter’s backstory is heartbreaking and makes you understand why he made the decisions he made. Do you agree with some of those decisions when it comes to CC? No. But when he figures out what he wants, you root for them both. Their chemistry is off the charts! The secondary characters are beautifully written and leave you wanting their stories too. I loved CC’s father and mother and their reactions when they discover what is going on. The teammates and extended family are overwhelming in the absolute best way. Well done, R.C. Stephens! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

 

Meet R.C. Stephens:

R.C. Stephens writes the kind of stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again.

A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.

A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.

Connect with R.C. Stephens:

https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens_author/

 

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Secret Husband (Chicago Players 4) by Kate Meader-review tour

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Secret Husband (Chicago Players 4) by Kate Meader-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 14, 2026

Years ago, I broke her heart, but fate has given me a second chance. I am here to claim my wife—and I will fight like hell to make her mine.

Lauren

I might be late to the game of life, but things are finally starting to go my way. I’ve just started my own sports talent agency, stepped on the first rung of the property ladder, and landed myself a normal boyfriend who’s about to propose. (I found the ring!)

Unfortunately, I have a slight problem—as in a husband who is surplus to requirements. Somehow, I got married without even realizing it to the guy who once broke my heart , and now he’s back in my life, making demands and turning my world upside down. Except I’m no longer that starry-eyed girl in love with the Russian hockey star. These days I’m a ball-busting tigress for my clients, and the last thing I need is Alexei Nazarov ruining everything for which I’ve worked so hard.

But when he makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I wonder if I’ve struck a bargain with the devil who knows my heart better than anyone …

Alexei

Years ago, I met a hockey playing spitfire and fell ass over skates for her. But my life was in disarray, and I had to let her go. When a chance comes to reconnect with her, I grab it with both hands.

There are obstacles. A boyfriend (unworthy), her disdain for me (admittedly, hot), and the fact I hurt her deeply (my biggest regret). It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Known for fighting dirty on the ice, I am not opposed to fighting dirty off it to get what I want.

And I want Lauren Yates …

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REVIEW:SECRET HUSBAND is the fourth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO PLAYERS erotic, second generation, hockey romance series, set in the author’s Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series. This is thirty-seven year old professional hockey player Alexei Nazarov,and former women’s professional hockey player turned sports agent Lauren Yates’ story line. SECRET HUSBAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lauren is the sister of Sadie Bond ( Rookie Rebels/ Man Down). Several characters cross over from the author’s interconnected Rookie Rebels and Chicago Rebels hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alexei and Lauren) using present day and memories from the past, SECRET HUSBAND follows the second chance romance and relationship between our story line couple. Approximately twenty years earlier, Alexei and Lauren met in college, and fell in love but following graduation Alexei had to return to Russia, leaving a heart broken Lauren behind. Fast forward and nine months earlier, a chance meeting in Las Vegas, ends with one night stand, both going their separate ways. At the end of the hockey season Alexei will be traded from Seattle to the Chicago Rebels, where he will once again reconnect with the woman he loves, the woman he secretly married in Vegas, a woman who is now ‘engaged’ to someone else. Lauren needs a divorce immediately from the secret husband she clearly forgot but all is not as it appears to be back home. As Alexei struggles with his own family secret, Lauren will discover that betrayal comes in many forms.

The world building focuses on the past and the present; on Lauren’s career as an agent, a career that is about to come to a screeching halt; an unforeseen betrayal , and Alexei’s ongoing struggles at home, struggles of which nobody knows.

The relationship between Lauren and Alexei is one of second chances. Lauren does not remember marrying the man she once loved, but Alexei is determined to reclaim the heart she had stolen. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, varied and familiar secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Alexei Nazarov’s father Sasha, and Lauren’s boyfriend Thad, as well as the return of several players past and present from the Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series including team owners Harper Chase, and Isobel Chase , and Gunnar and Sadie Bond.

SECRET HUSBAND is a story of betrayal and heart break, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is startling, spirited and edgy; the rekindling romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are animated and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Kate Meader

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Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

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