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Sunday, June 27, 2021

Blog Tour: Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover + Review!

 


We are so excited to help celebrate the release of FOR-TUNATE SON by Jay Crownover with you today! FORTUNATE SON is part of Forever Marked: The Second Generation of the Marked Men.


Join Jay's Group for details about all of her titles.




FORTUNATE SON by Jay Crownover

Forever Marked: The Second Generation of the Marked Men

------------

Purchase your copy of FORTUNATE SON to-day!

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo

Purchase in Paperback


About FORTUNATE SON:

Ry Archer and Bowe Keller are as different as night and day. But that doesn't stop the childhood frenemies from reconnecting whenever one of them needs some help tackling any of life's major puzzles, like figuring out why getting what you always thought you wanted isn't living up to all the hype. They might constantly rub each other the wrong way (except for the times when they rub each other the really-really right way), but there is no denying they've always made one hell of a great team. They manage to balance each other out… when they aren't driving each other crazy. For Ry, he thought he had the perfect girl, the one who was going to run headfirst into a me-thodically planned future. He was going to marry young and have the same kind of legendary, life-long romance his parents did… or so he believed. His girl was going to stand by his side as he chased his dream of being a professional football player all the way to the NFL. He was wrong. Now, Ry's gotta figure out the difference between a bruised heart and a broken one, and the only person who can teach him the difference is Bowe. Bowe always felt like she had to run before she learned to walk to keep up with her father's mu-sical legacy. He's her hero, and she wants nothing more than to make him proud. Bowe's about to figure out that maybe she wasn't meant to be in a rock and roll band and that it is possible she let her father's success cloud her idea of what making music should be. Bowe needs to find her own path to fame, and there's a good chance she wouldn't be brave enough or bold enough to start over if Ry Archer hadn't charmed his way back into her life when she least expected it. Some days they're enemies. Other days they're lovers. For a while, they were strangers. But now, it feels more like they might have always been soulmates. Eventually, Ry and Bowe realize that letting go of an old dream and creating a new one is much easier to do with the right person by your side.

Add FORTUNATE SON to your Goodreads TBR here!


Purchase your copy of FORTUNATE SON to-day!

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo

Purchase in Paperback


Review:

3.5-3.75 stars
***


 This was a good book. Fortunate Son has the charm of the Marked Men series and has so many possibilities for more great stories about the now-grown children of the original characters. This is Ry and Bowe's book. Ry and Bowe have a complicated history as childhood friends that ended badly in their teens and they haven't spoken since. Ry is now a college football player and Bowe lives in Austin and is an aspiring singer. When Ry's girlfriend breaks up with him, saying they aren't a good match, he can't explain why he immediately runs to Bowe. Despite their differences they understand each other like no one else does and now the time has come for them to work out their issues and be together.

I enjoyed this story a lot and being back in the Marked Men world. All of the kids of the original characters are close friends and complicated relationships with each other. The first 75% of the book was my favorite. I did feel like it lost a bit of relationship momentum and fizzled out at the end. I didn't feel like they had really worked out everything between them and some important conversations were skipped over. I wasn't super satisfied with where they ended up. Still, this was an enjoyable book in general. This world was so much potential and I really hope Ms. Crownover continues this as a series.


---------------------

About JAY CROWNOVER:

  Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling au-thor of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road. 

Connect with her: 

Friday, June 25, 2021

Blog Tour: Treasured by Lexi Blake + Review!

 

Treasured, a sexy must read novella in the Masters and Mercenaries Series from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake and 1,001 Dark Nights, is available now!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…



David Hawthorne has a great life. His job as a professor at a prestigious Dallas college is everything he hoped for. Now that his brother is back from the Navy, life seems to be settling down. All he needs to do is finish the book he’s working on and his tenure will be assured. When he gets invited to interview a reclusive expert, he knows he’s gotten lucky. But being the stepson of Sean Taggart comes with its drawbacks, including an overprotective mom who sends a security detail to keep him safe. He doesn’t need a bodyguard, but when Tessa Santiago shows up on his doorstep, the idea of her giving him close cover doesn’t seem so bad.

Tessa has always excelled at most anything she tried, except romance. The whole relationship thing just didn’t work out for her. She’s not looking for love, and she’s certainly not looking for it with an academic who happens to be connected to her boss’s family. The last thing she wants is to escort an overly pampered pretentious man-child around South America to ensure he doesn’t get into trouble. Still, there’s something about David that calls to her. In addition to watching his back, she will have to avoid falling into the trap of soulful eyes and a deep voice that gets her heart racing.

But when the seemingly simple mission turns into a treacherous race for a hidden artifact, David and Tess know this assignment could cost them far more than their jobs. If they can overcome the odds, the lost treasure might not be their most valuable reward.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**




Grab your copy today!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QHWgrg
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Treasured

Add Treasured to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3hN4ZUd


Excerpt


What the hell was she doing? 

Tessa glanced down at her watch. She was standing in front of her building ten minutes early, and there was a big part of her that wanted him to be late. Really late. Annoyingly late. 

There had to be something about the man that wasn’t perfect beyond his connection to her employer. 

She’d come down when she realized if she stayed inside one minute more she was going to decide to change again. Because she’d been halfway to convincing herself that she could do a fine job as a bodyguard in that curve-hugging dress that gave her so much confidence. Lots of bodyguards wore four-inch heels and a push-up bra. Yeah, sure they did. 

Coming down here had saved her so much discomfort because in her line of business, slacks, a sensible shirt and shoes, and a blazer were the only way to go. The blazer hid her shoulder holster in a way that off-the-shoulder sex dress never would. And she didn’t care that Hollywood assassins could stuff any number of weapons between their thighs. Hers did not work that way. 

It’s not a big deal.

The words David had said haunted her. What did that mean? It’s not a big deal. It had felt like a big deal. Not texting that smart hottie back had been a big fucking deal to her. She’d agonized over it, and he’d just kind of let it wash over him. He’d taken his shot and moved on. She had thought of nothing but him for weeks. 

Or he was saving face by playing it cool and she was being ridiculous. The man was making this easy on her and she was inwardly complaining that he wasn’t making it harder. It was perverse, but then she had deeply conflicted feelings about David. 

Feelings she could maybe work out over the course of this week. She could get to know him and then she would see he wasn’t as perfect as he seemed to be. Most men showed their true colors when a woman spent too much time with them. He wouldn’t be as patient as he seemed. His charm would wear off when she took charge and he got annoyed. 

Yes, this could be exactly what she needed.

Especially if he was late.


Review:

3.75 stars

***+

 This was good! Treasured is a novella in the Masters and Mercenaries series and is Tessa and David's (Sean Taggart's stepson/Grace's son/Kyle's brother) book. David is a college professor who is writing a book about an eccentric millionaire in South America who died and left a treasure hidden in the South American jungle. Tessa works for McKay Taggart as a bodyguard. She meets David by chance, not knowing who each other are really, at the bar at Top. They have a connection, talk for hours and share a kiss, making plans for a date later. But Tessa finds out who he is and doesn't want to get involved with someone related to the Taggarts and her work. So she ghosts him. But when there are threats to David's safety on his research trip to South America, Tessa is assigned as his bodyguard. The two both have some baggage from family situations and past relationships, but they manage to work things out between them, fall in love and stick together through a dangerous situation.

Treasured was a good read. It is a novella, but it felt plenty long enough to have a detailed romance. I really liked the hot professor, David, and the fact that Tessa could hold her own as a bodyguard, but was willing to be vulnerable and submit to him in the bedroom. They were a great match. I also liked the tropical location and treasure hunt aspect. This was an entertaining, well written story and an easy read. Overall, I enjoyed Treasured and I look forward to more from Ms. Blake and one of my favorite series!



About Lexi Blake


New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.


Connect with Lexi


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vTyQyb
Facebook: http://bit.ly/339Svf9
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2JGwnBn
Instagram: http://bit.ly/36oVxOP
Website: https://www.lexiblake.net

For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit


Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

New Release: Jock Royal by Sara Ney

 


Release Date: June 24

IT’S EASY TO TAKE ONE DARE WHEN YOU THINK IT’S HARMLESS.

 

Ashley Dryden-Jones is the best rugby player on the field—when I take a dare I instantly regret, I had no way of knowing he was a gentleman. An athlete. British with no plans to stay in the States.

 

He makes me forget myself, bruises, 5 o’clock shadow, accent and all.

 

He makes me forget I cannot crawl into bed with him at night—or get drunk and throw caution to the wind for once in my overly cautious life.

 

Because he’s my new roommate.

 

ONE STUPID BET LEADS TO ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.

 

When I win a trip to Vegas I need a plus one; he’s the strapping, strong and responsible choice. Besides—I’ve never been anywhere and he has.

 

He is the best friend I didn’t know I needed.

 

Ashley is one of the good ones—but I’m about to find out how bad this good boy can be.


Grab Your Copy Here:








Meet Sara Ney


Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney




Hosted By: 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

New Release: Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover + Review!

 


We are so excited to help celebrate the release of FORTUNATE SON by Jay Crownover with you today! FORTUNATE SON is part of Forever Marked: The Second Generation of the Marked Men.

Join Jay's Group for details about all of her titles.



FORTUNATE SON by Jay Crownover

Forever Marked: The Second Generation of the Marked Men

------------

Purchase your copy of FORTUNATE SON to-day!

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo

Purchase in Paperback


About FORTUNATE SON:

Ry Archer and Bowe Keller are as different as night and day. But that doesn't stop the childhood frenemies from reconnecting whenever one of them needs some help tackling any of life's major puzzles, like figuring out why getting what you always thought you wanted isn't living up to all the hype. They might constantly rub each other the wrong way (except for the times when they rub each other the really-really right way), but there is no denying they've always made one hell of a great team. They manage to balance each other out… when they aren't driving each other crazy. For Ry, he thought he had the perfect girl, the one who was going to run headfirst into a me-thodically planned future. He was going to marry young and have the same kind of legendary, life-long romance his parents did… or so he believed. His girl was going to stand by his side as he chased his dream of being a professional football player all the way to the NFL. He was wrong. Now, Ry's gotta figure out the difference between a bruised heart and a broken one, and the only person who can teach him the difference is Bowe. Bowe always felt like she had to run before she learned to walk to keep up with her father's mu-sical legacy. He's her hero, and she wants nothing more than to make him proud. Bowe's about to figure out that maybe she wasn't meant to be in a rock and roll band and that it is possible she let her father's success cloud her idea of what making music should be. Bowe needs to find her own path to fame, and there's a good chance she wouldn't be brave enough or bold enough to start over if Ry Archer hadn't charmed his way back into her life when she least expected it. Some days they're enemies. Other days they're lovers. For a while, they were strangers. But now, it feels more like they might have always been soulmates. Eventually, Ry and Bowe realize that letting go of an old dream and creating a new one is much easier to do with the right person by your side.

Add FORTUNATE SON to your Goodreads TBR here!


Purchase your copy of FORTUNATE SON to-day!

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo

Purchase in Paperback


Review:

3.5-3.75 stars
***+

 This was a good book. Fortunate Son has the charm of the Marked Men series and has so many possibilities for more great stories about the now-grown children of the original characters. This is Ry and Bowe's book. Ry and Bowe have a complicated history as childhood friends that ended badly in their teens and they haven't spoken since. Ry is now a college football player and Bowe lives in Austin and is an aspiring singer. When Ry's girlfriend breaks up with him, saying they aren't a good match, he can't explain why he immediately runs to Bowe. Despite their differences they understand each other like no one else does and now the time has come for them to work out their issues and be together.

I enjoyed this story a lot and being back in the Marked Men world. All of the kids of the original characters are close friends and complicated relationships with each other. The first 75% of the book was my favorite. I did feel like it lost a bit of relationship momentum and fizzled out at the end. I didn't feel like they had really worked out everything between them and some important conversations were skipped over. I wasn't super satisfied with where they ended up.  Still, this was an enjoyable book in general. This world was so much potential and I really hope Ms. Crownover continues this as a series.


---------------------

About JAY CROWNOVER:

  Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling au-thor of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road. 

Connect with her: 

New Release: Treasured by Lexi Blake + Review!

 

Treasured, a fast paced and intriguing novella in the A Masters and Mercenaries Series from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake and 1,001 Dark Nights, is available now!



From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…

David Hawthorne has a great life. His job as a professor at a prestigious Dallas college is everything he hoped for. Now that his brother is back from the Navy, life seems to be settling down. All he needs to do is finish the book he’s working on and his tenure will be assured. When he gets invited to interview a reclusive expert, he knows he’s gotten lucky. But being the stepson of Sean Taggart comes with its drawbacks, including an overprotective mom who sends a security detail to keep him safe. He doesn’t need a bodyguard, but when Tessa Santiago shows up on his doorstep, the idea of her giving him close cover doesn’t seem so bad.

Tessa has always excelled at most anything she tried, except romance. The whole relationship thing just didn’t work out for her. She’s not looking for love, and she’s certainly not looking for it with an academic who happens to be connected to her boss’s family. The last thing she wants is to escort an overly pampered pretentious man-child around South America to ensure he doesn’t get into trouble. Still, there’s something about David that calls to her. In addition to watching his back, she will have to avoid falling into the trap of soulful eyes and a deep voice that gets her heart racing.

But when the seemingly simple mission turns into a treacherous race for a hidden artifact, David and Tess know this assignment could cost them far more than their jobs. If they can overcome the odds, the lost treasure might not be their most valuable reward.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**



Grab your copy today!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QHWgrg
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Treasured

Add Treasured to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3hN4ZUd


Review:

3.75 stars

***

This was good! Treasured is a novella in the Masters and Mercenaries series and is Tessa and David's (Sean Taggart's stepson/Grace's son/Kyle's brother) book. David is a college professor who is writing a book about an eccentric millionaire in South America who died and left a treasure hidden in the South American jungle. Tessa works for McKay Taggart as a bodyguard. She meets David by chance, not knowing who each other are really, at the bar at Top. They have a connection, talk for hours and share a kiss, making plans for a date later. But Tessa finds out who he is and doesn't want to get involved with someone related to the Taggarts and her work. So she ghosts him. But when there are threats to David's safety on his research trip to South America, Tessa is assigned as his bodyguard. The two both have some baggage from family situations and past relationships, but they manage to work things out between them, fall in love and stick together through a dangerous situation.

Treasured was a good read. It is a novella, but it felt plenty long enough to have a detailed romance. I really liked the hot professor, David, and the fact that Tessa could hold her own as a bodyguard, but was willing to be vulnerable and submit to him in the bedroom. They were a great match. I also liked the tropical location and treasure hunt aspect. This was an entertaining, well written story and an easy read. Overall, I enjoyed Treasured and I look forward to more from Ms. Blake and one of my favorite series!



About Lexi Blake


New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vTyQyb
Facebook: http://bit.ly/339Svf9
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2JGwnBn
Instagram: http://bit.ly/36oVxOP
Website: https://www.lexiblake.net

For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit


Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Cover Reveal: Jock Royal by Sara Ney

 



JOCK ROYAL by Sara Ney is coming!


Release Date: June 24

IT’S EASY TO TAKE ONE DARE WHEN YOU THINK IT’S HARMLESS.

 

Ashley Dryden-Jones is the best rugby player on the field—when I take a dare I instantly regret, I had no way of knowing he was a gentleman. An athlete. British with no plans to stay in the States.

 

He makes me forget myself, bruises, 5 o’clock shadow, accent and all.

 

He makes me forget I cannot crawl into bed with him at night—or get drunk and throw caution to the wind for once in my overly cautious life.

 

Because he’s my new roommate.

 

ONE STUPID BET LEADS TO ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.

 

When I win a trip to Vegas I need a plus one; he’s the strapping, strong and responsible choice. Besides—I’ve never been anywhere and he has.

 

He is the best friend I didn’t know I needed.

 

Ashley is one of the good ones—but I’m about to find out how bad this good boy can be.



Pre-Order Your Copy Here:


Add to your Goodreads TBR List!






Meet Sara Ney



Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney



Hosted By: 

Monday, June 7, 2021

Cover Reveal: Exposed by Kristen Callihan

 



Kristen Callihan has revealed the cover for Exposed (VIP #4)!


Releasing: July 13, 2021

Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations

Photography: Wander Aguiar


Blurb:


Brenna

There are some people in life who know exactly how to push your buttons. For me, it’s Rye Peterson. We can’t spend more than ten minutes together before we’re at each other’s throats, which makes working together that much harder. Rye is the bassist for Kill John, the biggest rock band in the world, and I am his publicist. It doesn’t help that the man is gorgeous, funny, talented, and…never takes anything seriously. Avoidance is key.

But everything changes when he overhears something he shouldn’t: a confession made in a moment of weakness. Now the man I’ve tried so hard to ignore is offering me the greatest temptation of all—him.

Rye

Brenna James is the one. The one I can’t have. The one I can’t get out of my mind. Believe me, I’ve tried; the woman loathes me. I managed well enough—until I heard her say she’s as lonely as I am. That she needed to be touched, held, satisfied. And I could no longer deny the truth: I wanted to be the one to give her what she craved.

I convinced her that it would just be sex, mutual satisfaction with nothing deeper. But the moment I have her, she becomes my world. I’ve never given her a good reason to trust me before. Now, I’ve got to show Brenna that we’re so much better together than we ever were apart.

Things are going to get messy. But getting messy with Brenna is what I do best.

Pre-order today on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/34QUjwl

Apple Books: Coming Soon!

Nook: Coming Soon!

Kobo: Coming Soon!


Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fOg0Sx

 

Meet Kristen


Kristen Callihan is an author because there's nothing else she'd rather be. She has written New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestsellers. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Her debut book, Firelight, received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence and was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, Best Book of Spring 2012 by Publishers Weekly, and Best Romance Book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she's not writing, she's reading.


Connect with Kristen

Website: www.kristencallihan.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kristen_callihan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen_callihan/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kris10Callihan

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-callihan

New Release: Playmaker by Sierra Hill + Excerpt and Review!



 


Playmaker by Sierra Hill is now available!


BLURB:


There’s no faking it in love or hockey...

Transferring to a new school under false pretenses is harder than I expected, especially when my cocky new housemate, Callan Thomas, annoys me at every pass. He’s treated like a god and revered by everyone on campus. Too bad he made me feel like a rejected fool the first night we met.

But that doesn’t stop me from accepting his offer to become his fake girlfriend, because he has skills that I need. Only Callan can help me improve my game and make the USA women’s hockey team.

I try to keep despising him, but he keeps proving my first impression was wrong. And the more time I spend with him, the more complex my feelings become. I need to tell him the truth about who I really am before anyone finds out and things go too far.

Problem is, I think they already have...





LINKS


Release Date: June 7, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iFVKDT
Purchase here: https://geni.us/AmazonPlaymaker
Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey






Excerpt:

It’s like the cap has been unscrewed from a bottle of soda, because inside me the fizz and excitement of talking with this beautiful and captivating girl bubbles through my blood.

I offer my hand between us. “People call me Church. What’s your name?”

She raises her eyes to me, extending her arm to place her warm hand inside my palm, where I gently cup it in mine. She’s soft and warm and I know her prickly attitude is a defense meant to throw me off.

“I’m Aria. And Is Church your last name?”

I tip my head to the side, cocking an eyebrow. “You’ve never heard of me?”

Most people at the school know who I am. Hockey is a big deal around these parts and the Moo U hockey team is royalty. Unless she’s new or a freshman, she’d certainly know who I am. And based on the statement on her tank top, she knows hockey.

By deduction, that must mean she’s new or lying, but I can’t figure out her angle or what she’d gain.

She could just be messing with me as a joke. Maybe she was sent by one of the guys to prank me.

Aria shakes her head, some of her golden-spun hair spilling over her shoulder.

“I’m new to Burlington University this semester. In fact, I just arrived today.”

I laugh. “Well, welcome. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but I need to introduce you to one of the campus colloquialisms. Nobody calls it Burlington University. We refer to it as Moo U.”

She nods curiously, considering the validity of my suggestion, but then seems to think twice about it. “You’re serious? Moo U? Huh. Weird.”

I let out a hearty laugh and raise my hands in surrender. “I swear. Ask anyone. The school is well-known for its agricultural studies. We are in Vermont cow country. Surrounded by dairy farms and apple orchards.”

“Okay, if you say so, Church,” she says drolly, a hint of a smile around her full lips. “So, are you going to tell me why everyone calls you Church?”

I run a hand down my short beard, a reminder I still need to shave it off before the semester starts.

“Well, as you may have guessed, I’m a hockey player. Starting center. And the name was established when I played in juniors, when a kid said playing against me was just liking going to church.” I slap my hands together in a prayer position, giving her my best impression of a dutiful churchgoer. “Because when my opponents faceoff against me, they kneel and pray.”

She laughs in a fit of hysterics at this. Like seriously, full-on belly laugh, clutching at her stomach and throwing her head forward to her knees.

And I realize I think I’ve met my match.

How utterly inconvenient.




Review:

3.25-3.5 stars
***

 This was an okay read for me. Playmaker is a stand alone book by Sierra Hill in the Moo U hockey series, which is set in Sarina Bowen's True North World. This is Aria and Callan's book. Aria has some family drama so she transfers to Moo U to get a fresh start and to focus on her college hockey team and her goal of making the Olympic women's hockey team. Callan is on the men's team at Moo U. After some trouble with the ladies last year, he is trying to focus on hockey and stay away from women. But Aria and Callan meet at a party and are instantly attracted to each other, and that doesn't change when they find out they are housemates in a house for students. They become friends and make a deal. Callan will help Aria with her hockey skills for her Olympic goal and she will pretend to be his girlfriend to fend off a persistant ex-hookup. As they spend time together, romance blossoms between them.

I liked the story in this book. Aria and Callum were fine characters. I just felt they were immature at times and had poor communication. I didn't feel the love or chemistry between them. Still, I did find the book entertaining and an easy read. Overall, this was not my favorite book in the Moo U series but I still think it's worth a read. I do like this series and look forward to more books to come.