Tag Archives: hockey

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 …

••••••

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

 

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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Grizz (New York Vipers 1 ) by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan-review

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💚Grizz (New York Vipers 1)by Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan-review tour💚

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2026

Grizz McAvoy is the most electrifying player in professional hockey…and the most volatile. He’s got a wicked shot, a hair-trigger temper, and spent his childhood surviving his father’s cruelty. Off the ice, he’s a PR catastrophe, racking up fines, burning through handlers, and daring the New York Vipers organization to do something about it. He’s built his entire identity around one principle: winning solves everything.

But winning can’t silence the past trauma that haunts him when the arena lights go dark.

Daisy Turner was fired from a top style magazine for asking questions powerful men didn’t want to answer and exposing hypocrisy in the world of high-fashion. She’s looking to salvage her career as a journalist by scraping together a second chance as Grizz’s new media handler. Fearless in her own right, she carries scars from a betrayal that taught her trust is a currency she can’t afford to spend freely.

From their first combustible meeting, Grizz and Daisy collide in a battle of wills neither is prepared to lose. She challenges him, and he can’t look away. What begins as mutual provocation becomes far more dangerous when the walls between professional and personal start to crumble, and the wreckage of Grizz’s past threatens to destroy the one person brave enough to see through his rock-solid armor.

Grizz is a scorching, emotionally charged hockey romance about two people who were never supposed to fall for each other, and the bruising, tender, inevitable collision that happens when they do.

•••••

REVIEW:GRIZZ is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult NEW YORK VIPERS erotic, hockey romance series co-authored by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan. This is professional hockey player James ‘Grizz’ McAvoy, and investigative journalist turned PR crisis manager Daisy Turner’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Grizz and Daisy) GRIZZ follows in the wake of the arrival of our story line heroine. Grizz McAvoy is a brand, represents the team, and he’s one suspension and one game from losing it all. New York Vipers owner is determined to keep his player from crossing the proverbial line, and hires PR crisis manager Daisy Turner to do the job but Grizz is struggling with past trauma and the drama back home, and Daisy wants to ensure Grizz finds his path going forward. Grizz is not making it easy, and when the past returns, Daisy finds herself on the outside looking in as Grizz starts to implode.

The world building focuses on the game of hockey-on one man’s struggle to move on from his past, a past that both shaped his future, and destroyed any sense of worth and any chance at his own happily ever after. As Daisy battles to keep Grizz on a path towards success, she will lose her heart to a man who refuses it all.Grizz is a stubborn, volatile, broken and desperate man who is unable to see beyond the past.

The relationship between Grizz and Diasy begins acrimoniously. Grizz doesn’t want a ‘babysitter’; doesn’t see an issue with his behavior, blaming the fallout on everyone else. Daisy needs the job, and is determined to change Grizz for the better, ensuring a happy player, happy team and happy owner. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and animated. We are introduced to Julian Langley, team owner, a man whose loneliness is reflected in his choice of partners: left-wingers Deacon Campbell, and Tanner Wylie; coach Carlin; Grizz’s sister Eliza, Daisy’s friend Elias Reed, and Daisy’s former boss Kendra.

GRIZZ is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, flawed, spirited and determined.

 

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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Promise Me This (Chicago Railers) by Jennifer Sucevic-review tour

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Promise Me This (Chicago Railers Hockey 4) by Jennifer Sucevic-review tour

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 June 25, 2026

I never planned to end up pregnant, alone, and starting over. But life unraveled faster than I could hold it together, and now the only thing that matters is protecting my baby… even if I have no idea what comes next.

Taking a live-in nanny job for Laiken Lennox is supposed to be temporary. A fresh start. A safe place to land while I rebuild my life. It’s not supposed to be dangerous.

Laiken is my brother’s teammate.
My new boss.
A guarded NHL goalie and devoted single dad already fighting a custody battle.

I tell myself I can handle the proximity.
The late nights.
The way he looks at me like I’m something worth saving.
But living under his roof blurs every line I swore I wouldn’t cross.
Especially when he starts caring for me in ways no one else ever has.

I’m carrying another man’s baby.
He’s the last person I should fall for.
But the more time we spend together, the more Laiken feels like the one thing I can’t lose.
And when the truth comes out, it could cost me everything.

••••••

REVIEW:PROMISE ME THIS is the fourth instalment in Jennifer Sucevic’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO RAILERS erotic, hockey romance series. This is professional goaltender and single father Laiken Lennox , and nanny Kia Van Doren’s story line. PROMISE ME THIS 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 (Laiken and Kia) PROMISE ME THIS follows the marriage of convenience between our story line couple. Kia Van Doren is pregnant with another man’s baby but said man refuses to accept responsibility. Desperate to find a nanny in the face of an upcoming custody battle with his ex’s parents, NHL goaltender Laiken Lennox hires Kia Van Doren, his teammates sister, and the woman with whom our hero will fall in love but both Kia and Laiken’s pasts refuse to go quietly, and our couple find themselves facing the drama of potential loss and threats for their future.

The world building focuses on the supporting friendships, the game of hockey and teammates, the backing of family, and threats from outside their immediate circle.

The relationship between Laiken and Kia begins as a professional arrangement but quickly turns into something more. Laiken needs a full-time nanny, and Kia finds herself at a crossroads going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and determined secondary and supporting characters including the return of Kia’s brother and Laiken’s teammates Oliver Van Doren and his wife Rina, Steele and Lilah, River and Callie, Jax, Knox. We are introduced to Laiken’s daughter Elody, Sloane, and Kia’s ex Collin DeSoto. Knox’s story line is next.

PROMISE ME THIS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating, dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

As a side note, the author has included several bonus epilogues at the end of the book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook/ Amazon Author Page/ X (Twitter)/ Instagram /

Jennifer Sucevic is a USA Today bestselling author who has captivated readers worldwide with her sizzling new adult romances. With over thirty novels to her name, her stories of love, heartbreak, and swoon-worthy heroes have been translated into six languages, including German, Italian, and Portuguese, making her a truly global voice in the genre. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Jen initially worked as a high school counselor before embracing her passion for writing full-time. Her background in psychology lends a depth to her characters that resonates with fans everywhere.

When she’s not crafting irresistible love stories, Jen enjoys biking along scenic trails and soaking up the sun at the beach. She currently resides in Michigan with her family, where she continues to dream up heroes and heroines you’ll want to fall in love with again and again.

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Vicious Obsession (Hellions of Hade Harbor) by Mila Kane-review

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Vicious Obsession (Hellions of Hade Harbor 5) by Mila Kane-review tour

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 JUNE 17, 2026

She thinks we’re enemies. I know… we’re inevitable

Brody

Discipline is everything.

It dragged me out of my past. Turned me into a college hockey star. Prepared me to inherit my father’s billion-dollar empire.

Control. Routine. Self-restraint.

Then she moves in down the hall. Chaos in human form. She’s self-destructive, reckless, and impossible to predict with a mouth designed to offend.

The girl is fearless, and she treats me like no one else has ever dared to. She’s exactly the kind of girl I should stay far away from. A distraction like no other.

Instead, my father puts me in charge of her.

Now her mess is my responsibility. Her mistakes are mine. Her attitude is my problem. Her late nights are mine to answer for. And the more I try to control her… the more obsessed I become.

She’s beautifully broken, and I can’t stay away. I want to keep her exactly where she is— under my control.

•••••••

REVIEW: Vicious Obsession: A Dark Bully Hockey Romance is book 5 in the Hellions of Hade Harbor series by Mila Kane.

Selena Carmichael has a traumatic past. One that she battles daily. When she returns to college after a year off, her mother informs her that she has got married and for Selena’s own safety, they will be requiring her to live with them while she attends school. Begrudgingly, Selena goes home and meets her new stepbrothers. Callahan and Brody Sinclair, Hade Harbors newest, ultra rich hockey players. Selena had previously met Brody in a compromising position in the school’s library. He isn’t high on her list of nice guys.

But when Brody’s dad assigns him to watch over Selena and make sure she doesn’t do anything to soil the family name and reputation. All hell breaks loose. What ensues is a hilarious back and forth that only newfound step siblings can have. Especially when those step siblings have feelings for each other.
Brody tries a tough love approach to bring Selena back to her old self. But he doesn’t know her trauma or her story. Intrigued to find out, he slowly begins to fall for her. Selena does everything in her power to fight everything that Brody is and stands for. But when she starts to see that he truly cares for her, her feelings begin to change also.

This was my first Mila Kane book, and this could be read as a standalone, but I am so looking forward to going back and starting this series from the beginning. An enemy, to step siblings, to lovers’ book. A wild college ride of forbidden love and breaking barriers that each has built. Sarcasm and whirlwind of excitement and lust fill this book.

Highly recommend it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

I’m obsessed with cats, coffee, and anti-heroes just the right side of insane.

I write dark and dirty romance with the alpha-holes of your most filthy nightmares.

While I like my heroes obsessed and powerful, I like my heroines smart and independent. My headstrong, capable women will bring their own personal demons to their knees, and capture their hearts at the same time.

I only write SAFE stories, there is never a place for another woman in my hero’s sights, once he’s caught the scent of the heroine, and there will always be, no matter how dark and twisted the story might be… a HEA guarantee xx

 

Connect with Mila

Website | https://www.milakane.com/

Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09V3856QQ

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MilaKanewrites

Facebook Group |  https://www.facebook.com/groups/434068325513060

Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/milakanebooks/

Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/MilaKaneWrites/

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Just Playing For Keeps (Hockey Ever After 2) by Lauren Blakely

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🩷🏒Just Playing For Keeps (Hockey Ever After 2) by Lauren Blakely🏒🩷

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 June 3, 2026

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed star Lake Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey player insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.
We need rules though.

To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room. Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

•••••

REVIEW:JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HOCKEY EVER AFTER erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off set in the author’s Love and Hockey world. This is professional hockey player and widower Lake Axelrod, and romance designer Remy Hatmaker’s story line. JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS 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 (Lake and Remy) JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS follows the fake dating and relationship between our story line couple. Remy is a ‘romance designer’ and believing Jameson, her boyfriend of one year, was about to propose, set into motion a series of events that ended with our heroine dumped on the Golden State Foxes jumbotron for all the world to see. Watching the events unfold, hockey player Lake Axelrod swoops in to save the day, finding himself attracted to the woman with whom he will fall in love. Needing a plus one for her friend’s wedding, Remy offers Lake a chance of a lifetime-a date for the wedding but Lake offers up something more.

The world building follows Lake’s hockey career and his friendships, as well as his struggles since the death of his wife but as Remy battles between head and heart, she begins to wonder if the ‘business’ of romance is where she is meant to be. With the approach of Remy’s sister’s wedding, and the prospect of seeing her ex, Remy and Lake’s fake relationships begins to take on a life of its’ own until someone else takes aim at our story line couple.

The relationship between Remy and Lake is a best friend’s brother, fake relationship that will quickly turn into something more but Remy continues to remind Lake that their relationship isn’t real but Remy is starting to believe there is something more. 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 familiar, energetic and fun. We are re-introduced to Remy’s best friend and Lake’s sister Clementine, Corbin and Mabel (Just Breaking the Rules).teammates Ivan , Miller and Riggs; Remy’s sister Caroline and her fiancé Parker, as well as the introduction of podcaster Daniel, and Remy’s ex Jameson.

JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS is a story of secrets and lies, heart break and betrayal, family and friendships, grief and loss, relationships and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and engaging but a little bit predictable; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are spirited, energized and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Her Coach / Her Player (Vegas Vipers 1 & 2) by Savannah Rylan

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Her Coach / Her Player (Vegas Vipers 1 & 2) by Savannah Rylan-review

HER COACH
Vegas Vipers #1
by Savannah Rylan
Genre: adult, contemporary, hockey romance

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 May 9, 2026

He is SO off limits. He’s a silver fox, sly, sophisticated, and he knows exactly what I want from him.

Even though I definitely shouldn’t have it. As the owner’s daughter, I know better than to get involved with anyone tied to the Vegas Vipers.

Especially not Colton Mercer.

He’s the new head coach. A walking scandal A PR nightmare in an expensive suit.

He’s older, out of bounds, and one bad headline away from losing everything. My mother brought him in to rebuild the team. I should’ve kept my distance. Instead, I let him get too close.

Now the man hired to fix my family’s franchise is looking at me like I’m the one thing he wants, and every smart decision I’ve ever made is hanging by a thread.

Because Colton Mercer is a risk. To the team. To my family. To me.

And the worst part? I’m sleeping with him anyway.

•••••••

REVIEW:HER COACH is the first instalment in Savannah Rylan’s contemporary, adult VEGAS VIPERS erotic, hockey romance series. This is forty year old hockey coach Colton Mercer, and twenty-six year old, PR manager Brynn Caldwell’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brynn and Colton) HER COACH follows in the wake of a scandal and a PR disaster. Agreeing to ‘leave’ his current team, Colton Mercer flounders for weeks until an offer and a new contract finds Colton Mercer the new head of the Vegas Vipers where he will meet his future in the guise of Brynn Caldwell, the owner’s daughter, a young woman who sees beyond the social media headlines. Brynn Caldwell thought about setting up her widowed mother with the team’s new head coach but Colton Mercer only had eyes for one woman, and our heroine was about to fall for a man with more experience than she could have ever imagined but Colton is about to repeat history, and in doing so, threaten his future with Brynn and the Vegas Vipers.

The world building focuses on remodeling and rebuilding the Vegas Vipers, a team that has been struggling for years. Colton knows that his past is no far behind but falling for Brynn Caldwell was never in the card. Brynn lives her life for someone else, and a future with Colton, may not be in the cards.

The relationship between Brynn and Colton is an age-gap romance in which history is about to be repeat itself. Colton was forced to move, leave his life behind, restarting a new direction with the Vegas Vipers but Colton never expected to fall for the owner’s daughter, a fall that may threaten his future in the league.The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the team owner Victoria Caldwell, as well as several members of the Vegas Vipers: Captain Rhett ‘Stone’ Calloway, Jettson, Goalie Moose, Frank, Marcus, Hawk as well as Brynn’s best friend and editor Dani.

HER COACH is a story of family and relationships, loss and grief, second chances and new starts. The character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and startling; the characters are desperate, charismatic and charming.

I will add the cover, although sexy and appealing, the AI images are all the same. The men all have the same eyes, jawlines, tattoos, and muscular builds, looking like clones of one another-there needs to be some changes in the AI programs used by the authors, as many of the covers are starting to look alike.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

___________

HER PLAYER
Vegas Vipers #2
by Savannah Rylan
Genre: adult, contemporary, hockey romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26, 2026

I don’t date players. I own them.

Six-foot-seven. Jaw like a damn Greek statue. Hands that could palm a steering wheel and my entire waist at the same time. My star captain, and the one man on this roster I absolutely cannot touch.

So why is he in my office right now offering to rub my shoulders?

Rhett Calloway has been finding excuses to turn left toward my office instead of right toward his team for three years. He shows up at my house to change tires nobody asked him to change. He calls me Miss C in that voice and pretends he doesn’t know exactly what it does to me.

He knows.

I’m forty-three. I own the franchise, the foundation, and every decision that keeps this team running. I haven’t let a man get close in fourteen years, and I’m not about to start with one who’s sixteen years younger than me and plays on my ice.

Except he’s patient. Annoyingly, impossibly, infuriatingly patient. And when a media scandal puts everything I’ve built in the crosshairs, this man looks at every camera pointed at us and says let them talk.

He’s younger. He’s my employee. He’s the worst possible decision I could make.

And the worst part? I’m making it anyway. Repeatedly. With the door locked

•••••••

REVIEW:HER PLAYER is the second instalment in Savannah Rylan’s contemporary, adult VEGAS VIPERS erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty-seven year old team captain Rhett Calloway, and forty-three year old, team owner Victoria Caldwell’s story line. HER PLAYER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one HER COACH for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: If you have not read book one HER COACH, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rhett and Victoria) HER PLAYER follows the building but forbidden romance and relationship between our story line couple. As the fall-out continues from the privacy invasion of coach Colton Mercer, and Victoria’s daughter Brynn ,Victoria along with team captain and confident Rhett Calloway escape to the private cabin of our story line heroine wherein Rhett will continue his slow seduction of Victoria Caldwell. While the Vegas Vipers head toward the championship playoffs, the press, the paparazzi and the public are relentless discovering not only has the coach been placed in a possible compromising position but the team owner as well. Determined to protect one another, Rhett takes a chance with a potential investor, as Victoria must face down the people in charge.

The world building focuses on the battle for hockey’s biggest prize, and the uncertainty of the relationship between Rhett and Victoria. Victoria continues to struggle with the loss of her husband, fourteen years earlier, a loss that directs all of her actions involving the team and her life.

The relationship between Victoria and Rhett is a forbidden romance between player and owner. As one of the few female owners in the PHL, Victoria is under a microscope, and a rumored relationship with one of her players doesn’t bode well for our story line heroine. Already embattled with the coach’s relationship with her daughter Victoria battles between head and heart with her attraction to Rhett, the man with whom she will fall in love. Rhett is determined to prove Victoria is capable of moving on, moving beyond the past, and into a new future. The $ex scenes are emotional and provocative, without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Once again we are reintroduced to Coach Colton Mercer and Brynn Caldwell (Her Coach), as well as Jettson ‘Jet’, Goalie Moose, Frank and Marcus.

HER PLAYER is a story of grief and loss, second chances and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is emotional and real but as a diehard hockey fan and Canadian, some of the hockey terminology is wrong, and the actions on the ice involving the owner, coaches, players etc would never happen or be allowed.; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive, energetic and spicy.

Again, the AI images on the covers, although eye catching, all look the same, similar to hundreds of covers using the AI format.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche 3) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche 3) by Crea Reitan-review tour

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/pscrrelease

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2026

You miss all the shots you don’t take.

Denny

My world turns upside down when I’m thrust into single parenthood to my day-old son. Coming from a home where hatred and resentment thrived, I’m terrified of messing up my kid. Just when I’m at my lowest point, on the brink of drowning, a stranger shows up at my door and somehow, he makes it a little easier to breathe even as he makes the guilt in my chest a little louder.

Tyler

My world turns inside out with the loss of my sister – my best friend. I’m hours too late to say goodbye and by the time I get to the hospital, her newborn has already left with her fiance. Tracking them down isn’t as difficult as not falling for him. Everyday this man makes me fall a little harder as I search for the answers my sister took with her to an early grave.

••••••

REVIEW:Penalty Shot by Crea Reitan is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you with its emotions and warmth.

It’s the third installment in the Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey series, and it delivers a tender, grief laden MM romance centered on two men learning to navigate sudden single parenthood, loss, and the slow bloom of unexpected love.

The story opens with Denny’s world shattering when he becomes a single father to his newborn son under heartbreaking circumstances. (Sally and Denny aren’t a couple, but Denny was stepping up for his little family.) Haunted by his own toxic upbringing filled with resentment and hatred, he’s terrified he’ll ruin his child. Just as he’s drowning in panic and exhaustion, Tyler appears at his door, the brother of Denny’s late fiancée. Tyler arrives reeling from his own devastating loss, hours too late to say goodbye to his sister, only to find his nephew already gone with the man she was going to marry. What follows is a beautiful, aching slowburn as these two strangers are thrown together by necessity and shared grief.

I loved both of these characters. Denny’s journey from overwhelmed and self doubting to confident, loving dad had me feeling like a proud mother watching her son navigate fatherhood….. You watch him grow through the little victories and quiet moments with the baby, all while carrying heavy guilt. Tyler is patient, steady, and incredibly supportive, even as he grapples with his sister’s secrets and his growing feelings for Denny.

Their relationship develops through late night feedings, shared responsibilities, and the hockey team’s wonderful found family support system. The teammates from previous books step up in meaningful ways that made me smile. I loved both this “Creaverse” everyone still visit’s 😊

The book balances heavy themes of grief, family trauma, and sudden parenthood, with sweetness, domestic warmth, and solid steam. The emotional intimacy often hits harder than the physical scenes, though those are nicely done too. There are touching moments where Tyler tries to keep his sister’s memory alive for the baby, and I loved that.

If you enjoy hurt/comfort stories, single dad tropes, hockey romances, and characters who choose to build something better than what they came from, this one delivers.

It’s comforting in its messiness and left me with that warm, satisfied feeling long after finishing.

A heartfelt, emotional, and very much worth picking up, highly recommended as usual from one of my favourite authors.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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Crosby (Portland Wildfire 1) by Sawyer Bennett- review tour

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Crosby (Portland Wildfire 1) by Sawyer Bennett- review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2026

She’s here to expose hockey’s biggest flaws. He’s the complication she never planned on. Neither one is prepared for the sparks that fly every time they collide.

Juno Paxton has built her award-winning documentary career dismantling institutions people blindly worship. Her latest assignment is her most high-profile yet: immerse herself in the league’s newest hockey expansion team—the Portland Wildfire—for an entire season and create a behind-the-scenes film the league can parade around as “authentic.”

Juno doesn’t buy it. Not the hype, not the hero worship, and definitely not the polished personas of pro athletes. She expects egos, theatrics, and plenty of manufactured grit.

What she doesn’t expect is Crosby Hale.

The Wildfire’s starting goalie is stoic, meticulously focused, and infuriatingly camera-shy. He wants nothing to do with her film, her questions, or her insistence that he “show some personality.” Unfortunately for him, the league wants Juno’s documentary to center on the enigmatic goaltender who refuses to cooperate.

But the more time Juno spends with Crosby, the more she glimpses the steady, thoughtful man beneath his guarded exterior. He isn’t the stereotype she’s built her name exposing—he’s better. The more she learns about him, the harder it becomes to keep her documentary, and her heart, objective. And for Crosby, letting Juno in feels less like a mistake and more like the beginning of something worth fighting for.

•••••

REVIEW:CROSBY is the first instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PORTLAND WILDFIRE erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected hockey series. This is Portland Wildfire goalie Crosby Hale, and documentarian Juno Paxton’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (June and Crosby) CROSBY follows the introduction of the new NHL expansion team the Portland Wildfire,and their owner Patrick Rowe. JunoPaxton is an award winning documentary filmmaker, and the Portland Wildfire is her latest project.Spending one year with the team, Juno is hoping to learn a little bit about management, the players, their significant others and the people behind the scenes but getting access to goalie Crosby Hale is proving harder than she could have ever imagined. Crosby’s past has followed our hero to Portland, and the spiral finds itself forcing a confrontation that Crosby never expected.

The world building focuses on the building camaraderie and friendships, previous entanglements and relationships, and the potential fall-out when lies threaten any chance for a struggle-free season.

The relationship between Juno and Crosby begins acrimoniously as Crosby struggles with Juno’s persistent and potentially invasive questions. Crosby doesn’t like to be the centre of attention but the past is determined to pull Crosby into a myriad of troubles. Juno knows that to cross a line has the potential to affect her professional integrity but Crosby and Juno are determined to prove there is more than a passing fling. The $ex scenes are impassioned and provocative without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including the members of the Portland Wildfire, owner Patrick Rowe, management, coaching staff, family and friends-a few familiar faces and mentions keep the interconnected series cohesive.

CROSBY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is detailed, edgy and captivating but there is little to no conflict resolution-the reader is left hanging wondering what will happen; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

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