Audiobook Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

 

Author: Elle Kennedy

Narrator: Lorelei Avalon & Lee Samuels

Title: The Mistake

Series: Off-Campus #2

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: April 28, 2015

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

He's a player in more ways than one… College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game… After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Review:

Been itching to get to book 2. Originally I was waiting for it to arrive from the library, but I couldn't wait, so I used an Audible credit to get a copy asap. The wait at the library was willllllllllllllld.

We are back at Briar. This time we are with Logan, who is trying to get over his crush anyway he can. Enter in Grace. There is more than a spark between them, and Logan messes up by saying something dumb. He realizes Grace is everything he has ever wanted, so he has to get her back. 

Oh sweet, sweet Logan. You are so sweet but yet so dumb. Bless his lil heart. I'm so glad Grace made him work really hard to get her back, because she deserves the best of the best. Logan IS the best for her, but that work was good for him lolll. 

Ugh Logan's backstory kills me. I feel so bad for him and his brother. :/

That ending scene before the epilogue! Oh, my heart!

I ended up doing the audio this time around. Our male voice was great. The female voice? Ehhhhhhh not so much. I did warm up to it, but it took a while

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this one. I liked Grace, and I liked Logan. It was very sweet watching them go from just hooking up to more. I liked watching them grow and learn. I can't WAIT for Dean's story!!!!! 4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #30

 

Book Review: The Chase by Elle Kennedy

Author: Elle Kennedy

Title: The Chase

Series: Briar U #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

Format: ebook

Pages: 374

Published:  August 4, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

Review:

I had a couple of people recommend this book, and it was available at the library (after waiting in line for a couple of weeks). Why not? Love hockey romances! This is technically a spin-off (methinks) from a different series. I still need to read that series. One day!!!!!!

Here we follow Fitz and Summer. The two couldn't be more different. Summer loves fashion and tries to look at the positives in life. She messed up big, but she has been given a second chance! Fitz is a grumpy and gruff hockey player. There is a spark between them, but she overheard him calling her superficial and just "fluff". She won't chase a man, so she'll just have to ignore him even though he is one of her roommates. 

This started off......meh. I struggled the first 50 pages-ish. I don't want to say it but I can't think of a better word(s)...it was so awkward and cringey. Some of the dialogue made me roll my eyes and made me appreciate not being in my early 20s. However, things leveled out and did get better. I think the author stopped trying so hard to sound like a college kid.

I didn't like Fitz or Summer at first either, but I warmed up to them once we got past the surface-level. Still found them mid by the end. Eh. I think they are side characters in the original series, so maybe I would've liked them more there? Mmmmm. I finally got the first book from the original series from the library, so we shall see. 

I also didn't buy Summer's insta-friendship with Bee. I warmed up too that as we went along. But it still felt so sudden.

But yeah. This was entertaining enough, and it did keep me up one night, so that's a plus? It all felt......shallow? Don't get me wrong, I like a carefree romance, but the author tried to make this deep, but it just didn't strike. Maybe I am getting too old for college romances. 

Overall, 3 stars from me. It was entertaining enough, and I ended up warming up to our mains. 

Reading Challenges:

- Library Love #15

Book Review: The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh

Author: Toni Shiloh

Title: The Christmas Catch

Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance, CF

Format: Paperback

Pages: 224

Published: September 1, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

Review:

While at the used book store, I saw this, and it sounded cute. Look at that cover! Plus, I've been meaning to read more Football romances. And it's Xmas? *chef kiss*

Here we follow Jahleel and Bebe. They were High School friends and then sometimes more than friends. However, things fell apart when they went to college, and Jahleel had the NFL in his sights. Years later, Jahleel is back home with a career-ending injury. Bebe has been back home for the last three years, but with a divorce certificate and a kid. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, they must decide whether they can overcome the past and find love again. 

Christian Fiction REALLY needs to have a label on it. The cover states "Sweet Romance," and that is fine! I love a nice, sweet, and clean romance, but as I started diving in..........the religious stuff was peppered on heavily. I looked on Goodreads and yep....Christian Fiction. Sighs. Normally, I don't mind sprinkles of religious chat, but when it is saturated in it...I literally can't.

I pushed on as much as possible, but it was a LOT. I started skimming because I was really curious about how these two would finally find love again. I was invested at this point, but I, for sure, had to do some serious skimming. 

Overall, this was very sweet, and I liked Bebe and Jahleel, but the religiousness was too much for me. I don't mind a bit of religion mixed in, especially if it helps the plot and character development, but this one had A LOT. Meh. 

2 stars. 

 

Audiobook Review: Against the Clock by Brittany Kelley

Author: Brittany Kelley

Narrator: Greyson Ash, Lee Samuels
Title: Against the Clock

Series: Wilmington Football #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary
Format: Audiobook
Published: April 6, 2023
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

I'll never date a football player— but all the veteran quarterback wants? Me.

Daniel

My life’s defined by my long career as a quarterback. I’m determined to have a great season, because I’m not sure how many I have left. But when I slam into gorgeous reporter Kelsey Cole on the sidelines, my focus on the game takes a backseat to my fascination with her. She’s tiny, smart, and fierce, and she makes me feel young again. Only one problem: she hates football—with good reason, too. Still, you don’t become a champion quarterback without learning how to fight for what you want.

Football’s always come first, but Kelsey might be the one to change that.

Kelsey

The last thing I need is to get involved with huge and handsome quarterback Daniel Harrison. Under all those muscles he’s hiding charm and a surprising intellect— an irresistible combination. I can’t deny our chemistry, but I can’t stand what he does for a living. Not to mention, once the internet starts shipping us, the spotlight becomes unbearable.

The fans will hate me even more when they find out I’m writing a piece that could leave the league they love in shambles.

There’s no future for the hot quarterback and I— so why can’t I say goodbye?

Review:

One of my private goals was to read a football romance at some point this year. Earlier this year, I realized I hadn't read many football romances over the years. Mainly, hockey ones. So I decided I wanted to try and read one or two this year. I found this little one on Audible. 

Here we follow Kelsey and Daniel. Daniel is a veteran quarterback who is nearing the end of his career. Kelsey is a reporter who wants nothing to do with football or football players. One day, while she is on the sideline working on her investigative piece, Daniel accidentally runs into her. To make it up to her, he takes her out for some grub. There is an attraction, but it seems impossible. 

At first, I thought this was going to be such a shallow love story. The lust and love happened SO fast. Too fast to be perfectly frank. However, we did get some depth! I was happy as a clam. Again, the lust and love happen quickly, but they have a lot of trauma and trust to dig through. Kelsey has some good reasons why she hates the football world. And Daniel is having some personal and career questions. I'm happy that we did get the depth. It helped flush out the story a bit. 

The beginning was slightly cringy. There is no way that scene would've played out. The quarterback would've helped her up and run off. I could be wrong, and maybe the clock would've paused to make sure there wasn't an injury on the sidelines. I don't think so, though. 

I am bummed that we didn't learn more about the piece that Kelsey wrote about the cheerleaders and how they were being mistreated by the league. I wanted to know what she found. It was sooooo glossed over. The next book stars one of the cheerleaders, so maybe we'll learn more than?? 

The narrators did a lovely job. I would've liked more time with the male narrator. I think Daniel needed more time in the spotlight. 

Overall, I did have fun with this story. It was super, DUPER spicy, and I think I would fall for Daniel too. What a sweetheart!!!!! I loved the depth we were given, but the love and lust were waaaay too quick. We needed more time to see them develop this. Maybe date 2? LOL, I also wanted to see more of Kelsey's work being shown and talked about. Just a hair more. Maybe this will be talked about more in book 2, which I am curious about. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars.

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #58

Book Review: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

Author: Chloe Walsh

Title: Binding 13

Series: Boys of Tommen #1

Genre: YA Romance, Contemporary, Sports

Format: ebook

Pages: 626

Published: July 18, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

He wants to save her. She wants to hide. She's damaged. He's determined. Fate brought them together. Love binds them. Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he's a force to be reckoned with, even plagued with a hidden injury. Everyone knows he's heading straight for the top—but that means there's no room for mistakes or distractions. Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College, the one with the sad eyes and hidden bruises. He needs to stay focused, keep his cool, and not let anything get in the way of the bigger picture.  Except before he knows it, this lonely girl has become his only picture. Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. Bullied and tortured, she arrives at Tommen College mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start and desperate to shake off the demons that plague her. But when she meets the notorious Johnny Kavanagh on her first day, her plans to keep a low profile are at serious risk. As they fall into a complicated friendship and grapple with their undeniable chemistry, hidden pain and complicated secrets threaten to be their undoing—but Johnny won't give up on Shannon. No matter what it might cost them both.

Review:

This was a picked by a member of my community over on my Twitch account (Carole_Rae). 

Here we follow Shannon and Johnny. Shannon has not had the best go of it. She was relentlessly bullied at her school, her dad is terrible, and her mom is working so much. She finally convinces her mom to let her go to the private school just to have a fresh start and reconnect with old friends. Her plan is to keep a low profile and just get through school. However, when she meets Johnny all her plans are destroyed. They fall into a complicated friendship and deny any sort of chemistry. Johnny wants more but he'll take what he can get...for now. 

This was really, really, really long. I enjoyed the story for what it was but man....it needed some trimming. Some scenes felt like they were NEVER going to end. Some scenes didn't seem to help the plot move forward at all. Honestly, just shaving 50-100 pages would've helped the story immensely.

Nooooow don't get it twisted...I love a good slow burn. I love watching people deny their feelings and then finally overcome themselves and just be together. It's great! But man the slow burn here sometimes felt like watching paint dry. However, I will say that when I felt like giving up some scenes would happen and I would be hooked again. The author did a good job keeping you reading even with the slowness. 

The characters also helped keep my attention. They were sweet kids who deserved happiness. I just wanted them to be in love though. Shannon especially needs solid love man. I can't believe the bullying she witnessed. It was ASSAULT in many cases. Yes, I was bullied in school but MAN. 

Nice side characters too. I loved Shannon's one brother. He was an angel. 

All-in-all, I did like the story and characters. But the length was too much. It really killed some of the story for me. I think a nice edit was needed. Maybe 50 or 100 pages could've been shaved off. The flow would get so slowed down that I felt like we were wadding in a puddle. I'll give this 3 stars overall. The characters and some scenes really did help me stay attached to the story. 

Favorite Character(s): Shannon and Johnny

Least Favorite Character(s): Too many people to count. So many mean people

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #21

Book Review: Yours for the Season by Kate Cochrane

Author: Kate Cochrane

Title: Yours for the Season

Series: Puck Struck #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 352

Expected publication October 28, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Making the yuletide gay

JT Cox never quite fit into Hart’s Landing. Playing on the boys’ hockey team and coming out young didn’t help. Now, thanks to an Olympic gold medal, JT’s name is on a sign greeting visitors to her hometown. Her family of artists and creatives still treat her as an odd duck, but elsewhere there’s a warm welcome. Especially from her best friend’s older sister, newly divorced Ali Porter.

Single for the first time since high school, Ali is ready to take the reins of her own life. She’s never had the chance to date another woman, and JT is an irresistible force of nature. When they team up for the town’s holiday contest, cocoa tasting and gingerbread decorating give way to snow-melting chemistry.

If teenage JT thought Ali was the prettiest girl on the planet, adult JT is completely smitten. But JT can’t see herself living in Hart’s Landing again and Ali can’t imagine leaving her job and her newly purchased home. And with Ali’s mom trying to plot a reconciliation with her ex, this holiday season might be bittersweet…or the start of something magical.

Review:

I meant to wait a bit before reading this, but I needed some holiday joy. 

Here we follow Ali and JT. The two have known each other for years. Ali is JT's best friend's older sister. Ali is finally free of her stuck-in High School husband and is ready to move on. JT never quite fit in and always felt like the odd duck out. This has all changed and everyone wants a piece of JT after she won an Olympic gold medal. When they team up to take on the holiday contest, they realize there is a strong chemistry between them. However, JT doesn't ever want to move back to Hart's Landing and Ali can't imagine leaving her job. 

This is technically book 2 of the series, but it did well as a standalone. The first book was about another couple. I totally forgot I wanted to read book 1 first...oh well. This was fine. 

The two had a lot of family stuff to deal with and I felt so bad for them. Screw both of their families (minus Ali's brother). Honestly, I think they both needed therapy because a lot of the hurdles they face were internal. But they were an adorable couple and I adored them soooo much. They deserved all the love!

Don't even get me started on KYLE. >_> Ugh. Such a stereotypical jerk. 

Awwww this made me miss Christmas!!!! I want some hot chocolate now!

I did enjoy this overall, but I did feel that some of the side characters seemed so 2D and in some case pretty stereotypical. 

All-in-all, this was a very sweet romance between two gals who deserved all the love in the world. I loved that couple!!! The side characters needed some fleshing out since they felt so 2D to me. This was adorable and a nice Christmas read. 4 stars from me. 

 

Favorite Character(s): Ali and JT

Least Favorite Character(s): KYLE!

Audiobook Review: As Luck Would Have It by Sonya Lalli

Author: Sonya Lalli

Narrator: Amrit Kaur

Title: As Luck Would Have It

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 10, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Hockey coach Ashley Jaswal doesn't take nonsense from anyone … except her overbearing and superstitious family. They believe she's a good luck charm for her brother Jas, the newest Vancouver Canucks draft pick, forcing Ash to attend all his games as he rises up the NHL ranks, sacrificing her personal life (not that she has one—who decided hockey season needed to be 10 months long anyway?).

Ash also clashes with Jas’s teammate, Canucks captain Devin Snyder. Devin is yet another arrogant hockey bro—and admitted total babe—who is fresh off a scandalous break-up with a global pop-star. But she soon finds the ice melts between them, and they share an unexpected chemistry. As Ash wrestles with her family’s demands, her brother’s career and her feelings for Devin, will she find a way to take a risk and make her own luck? Or will she puck this up?

Review:

Weeee love hockey love stories!

Here we follow Ashley Jaswal who is a hockey coach and a school teacher. She doesn't take nonesense from anyone, except for her family. They are overbearing and superstitious. They believe she is a good luck charm for her brother, Jas. If she misses a game, he doesn't do well, so now she has to go to every.single.game. Things are about to change and Ash will have to make some tough choices when Jas is drafted for the Vancouver Canucks. Will she sacrifice her personal life to attend every game or will she finally put some boundaries down. At the same time, she clashes with Jas' teammate and captain, Devin Snyder. Devin is a babe, but he seems to be an arrogant hockey bro who is fresh off a scandalous break-up with a global pop-star. Nothing is as it seems though. 

This was truly entertaining!! I didn't want to stop listening! 

Poor Ash, but there are times I wanted to shake her. However, it's hard to really set boundaries with family, especially when you do love them. Her father is a piece of work so F him. Sexist for sure. You can say he is simply just "old school" but still....F him. 

I loved Devin once we really get to know him. 

Jas...........he has potential to be a good man someday, but he has too much of his father in his head right now. There is hope for him especially near the end. I hope we get to see him find love in the future but I don't think this is going to be a series. Booo!!!!!!

Love a good romance, but I love a romance with some depth. We go over sexism and racism in sports and life in general. The author did a nice job weaving it into the story and it actually helped push the plot along. It didn't muddy the story at all. It was beautifully done. 

As much as I enjoyed this, I did have some issues with the ending. It was very sweet and adorable and yes, Ash and Devin find their HEA. However, I'm still debating on how I feel about Devin's decision. I also wanted more of an epilogue if this isn't going to be a series. There are a lot of questions I have that I need answers for. Sure, I can assume but where is the fun in that? 

The narrator was nice. She did a good job with the different genders and different age groups and different accents. Lovely job. 

All-in-all, this was a nice read. I really did enjoy it. I wanted a hair more from the ending and I'm not sure how I feel about Devin's decision, but even with that I enjoyed this. A lovely story with some depth. 4 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Ash and Dev

- Least Favorite Character(s): Ash's father and Jas (he DID get better but his transformation still has a mile to go)

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #19

- Romance Reading #15 (Snow/Ice on Cover)

Audiobook Review: Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan

Author: Kendall Ryan

Narrator: Jason Clarke & Virginia Rose

Title: Playing for Keeps

Series: Hot Jocks #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Format: Audiobook

Published:  August 13, 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

I've never been so stupid in my entire life.

Elise Parrish, my teammate's incredibly sweet and gorgeous younger sister, should have been off-limits, but my hockey stick didn't get the memo.

After our team won the championship, our flirting turned physical, and I took her to bed. Then shame sent her running the next morning from our catastrophic mistake.

She thinks I don't remember that night - but every detail is burned into my brain so deeply, I'll never forget. The feel of her in my arms, the soft whimpers of pleasure I coaxed from her perfect lips....

And now I've spent three months trying to get her out of my head, but I'm starting to understand she's the only girl I'll ever want.

I have one shot to show her I can be exactly what she needs, but Elise won't be easily convinced.

That's okay, because I'm good under pressure, and this time, I'm playing for keeps

Review:

Been needing some sport romance in my life. I still need to read more Football ones, but I'm a sucker for hockey lads. 

Okay so we have Elise and Justin. They have known each other since they were young. Justin is best friends with Elise's brother. Pretty much an adopted brother since his parent's had been divorced and had issues. Years later Justin is a player in more than one way. He plays for a beloved hockey team and he has no interest in love. He seen what happens when love sours. However, after a drunk night between Elise and Justin....things have changed forever. 

This was a nice read. The drama wasn't too high. Sure there was a bunch at first, but once they actually TALKED things got less muddy. Sure, complex because they are both scared of their feelings and they don't want to hurt Owen (Elise's bro). 

Lots of lust. Lots of love that is so obvious to us but it does take them a LONG while to accept that.

Dang man! Those hockey boys are def womanizers. At least they are honest with the puke bunnies that it is just a one night stand. I did get annoyed with how often this was brought up and discussed. Yes, I get it. Man-whores the lot of them. It got exhausting a teeny bit. 

The narrators did a wonderful job. Loved their voices. They were great. New to me, but I hope they do the rest of the series. Weeeee.

But yes, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this. We actually had some character development and good communication. Loved it. Some repeatrtiveness, but still extremely enjoyable. 4 stars from me. 

 

- Favorite Character(s): Elise and Justin. Loved Becca too

- Least Favorite Character(s): The puke bunnies. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #13

- TBR #3 (Rizz prompt)

- Romance Reading #11 (Sports romance)

Audiobook Review: Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

Author: Jenny Holiday

Narrator: Joshua Jackson & Emily Ellet

Title: Canadian Boyfriend

Genre: Sports romance, Contemporary, fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 30, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A charming and heartfelt romance about a woman who comes face to face with the fake Canadian boyfriend she made up as a teenager.

The fake Canadian boyfriend. It's a thing. The get out of jail free card for all kinds of sticky social situations. “I can't go to prom; I'm going to be out of town visiting my boyfriend in Canada.” It's all over pop culture. But Aurora Evans did it first. Once upon a time she met a teenage hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. He was a boy. She may have fudged the “friend” part a little, but it wasn't like she was ever going to see him again. It wasn't like she hurt anyone. Until she did—years later—on both counts.

  

When pro hockey player and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora Evans teaches, he's feeling overwhelmed with the fact that his wife may not have been exactly who he thought she was and the logistics of going back to work. As one of the few people his angry, heartbroken daughter connects with, Aurora agrees to be a pseudo nanny to help him navigate the upcoming school year and hockey season. To his surprise, she turns out to be the perfect balm for him as well. Aurora gets him. The real him underneath his pro jersey. And yet, he still finds himself holding back, unable to fully trust again—especially when he finds out the secret Aurora’s been hiding from him.

Review:

Picked this for book club because why not? We needed a little bit of fluff, plus this matches up with a couple of my reading challenges. Win-win-win. 

Here we follow Aurora (aka Rory) and Mike. The two met years and years ago...briefly...at a mall. From there it was history. Rory found herself a fake Canadian boyfriend so she wouldn't look like a loser at her school. Time went on and she slowly moved on. However, things changed when they met again. Mike is a star hockey player who thought he had it all until his wife died in a car accident and now he is a single dad who is picking up the reigns his wife left behind. Which includes getting their child to dance class. Enter in the teacher....Aurora Evans. He's overwhelmed and she's great with kids. Maybe she can be a nanny while the season goes? However, will they be able to fully trust each other? They both have secrets and guilt. 

I did really like this one. There is a lot of mental health talk in here (so be prepared) but it was fitting. Rory was a ballet dancer with a Godzilla of a Ballet-mom. Poor thing did develop an eating disorder and anxiety issues. Poor thing. 

Mike, of course, is dealing with his wife who passed and he uncovered that his wife was not FULLY telling the truth. There is guilt and anger and sadness. Plus, dealing with a sad daughter? Oof. 

They both have a lot on their plate, but it was nice seeing them become friends first. They def are super supportive of each other and I loved it!

However there was ONE thing that bothered me. When Rory's whole "fake boyfriend' thing came out (yes not a spoiler...you know it will) he.....acted like shit. I won't spoil anything but I was SO annoyed at him. Yes, how and when she revealed her big ol' secret wasn't great. However........it's not that big of a deal. Yes, he felt like she betrayed his trust by not telling him the truth right away. But like dude....chill.

Besides that whole exchange, I really liked this book. Great characters. Lots of internal things for them to fix. I loved Rory at the end. So proud of her. This was very sweet. 

The narrators were great. It was a duo set so it was fun to hear them sound like they were actually conversing. He would read Mike's dialogue and she would read Rory's. It was nice. I wonder why duo narrators don't do that more?

All-in-all, this was a nice sports romance dealing with mental health issues. I think Mike was overdramatic at the end, but it was resolved and they made up. The narrators were great and I def recommend listening to this. 

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Nice

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #21

- Romance Reading Challenge #13 (Sports romance) 

Audiobook Review: Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn

Author: Avery Flynn

Narrator: Tim Paige
Title: Parental Guidance

Series: Ice Knights #1

Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance, Chick Lit
Published: May 31, 2019

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

It wasn't me.

It was my team.

But as almost co-captain I raised my hand to fix it.

Never imagined they'd arrange a PR stunt to make me look like Mr. Right to someone my mom picks out on some new dating app.

Then my salvation walks into the restaurant.

Zara Ambrose.

The five-foot-nothing redhead with more freckles than inches that I convinced to go on five dates with me for all the world to see.

She's got her own reasons for our set up--and her own rules.

But somewhere between the couples' obstacle course, wrestling matches with her Great Dane, and fights over mashed potatoes, Zara went from means-to-an-end to something so much more.

What happens when you start to fall for the one girl you can't have...on live TV?

Review:

This author is always fun so I was excited to get some more!!

Two people couldn't be more different. Zara is a small redhead who has big dreams of making it with her miniature figurines! Caleb is a tall rough and tough hockey player. They both find themselves forced to join a new dating app where their parents pick their dates. This is the only thing they have in common, so they decide to make rules and just fake it for the world to see. Get their 5 dates done and be free. However...things will not go as planned.

This was a lot of fun. There wasn't a crazy amount of drama here so that was nice. The biggest drama bubble was near the end. Some personal and professional stuff popped up, but no insane exes, and even the parents were pretty mellow. It is nice to get a romance once in a while that isn't too drama-filled. 

I liked Zara and I liked Caleb. Good people who deserve all the love! Caleb is pretty dreamy for sure. hehe.

Not sure why, but lately I have been loving the Fake Love to Real Love has been a hit for me. It's just so dang fun. I loved watching these two muddle through their dates and the interview afterward. So fun. 

I would NEVER EVER use this app. I wouldn't trust my folks to pick my dates. Not that I don't love and trust my folks....I could never tho. It's so weird! It's interesting for sure. I would be curious WHO my parents would pick for me, but I'm also curious about a lot of things that would not be safe or beneficial LOL.

The side cast was fun esp Caleb's hockey teammates. I am curious to read more if they get some love story next!

To be honest, I had two small-ish issues. One was how quickly Zara forgave her father. Don't get me wrong...he's not a bad dude, but I think the two need therapy. Maybe they did but we didn't see it at the end? Second, the fight Zara and Caleb had was a hair too over-the-top. I get WHY they fought but it escalated a little too much for the situation. I'm glad that the recovery and talking afterward didn't take too long. I was worried it was going to drag on and on. Thank goodness. 

The narrator was good. Even his female voices weren't bad at all. I liked him. I think I heard him before. The name and the voice seem familiar. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. A couple of issues, but nothing that destroyed the story for me. I liked these two a lot. Caleb was dreamy and Zara was adorable. It was fun. It had some humor and a lot of heart. Def recommend it! 4 stars. 

  

  

Challenge(s):

- #36 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

Author: Jamie Wesley

Title: Fake It Till You Bake It

Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Published: June 21, 2022

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

A reality star and a cupcake-baking football player pretend to be a couple in order to save his bakery in this sweet and sexy romance from Jamie Wesley, Fake It Till You Bake It.

Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most reviled woman in America after turning down a proposal on a reality dating show. When she comes home to lick her wounds, Jada finds herself working at San Diego's newest cupcake bakery, Sugar Blitz, alongside the uptight owner and professional football player Donovan Dell.

When a reporter mistakenly believes Jada and Donovan are an item, they realize they can use the misunderstanding to their advantage to help the struggling bakery and rehabilitate Jada's image. Faking a relationship should be simple, but sometimes love is the most unexpected ingredient.

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this while looking for a book with food on the cover (for this reading challenge). It's a fake romance and a sports romance JUST in time for the start of Football season....perfection. 

Here we follow Jada and Donovan. Jada is the most hated woman in America after her stint on a reality show. She turned down the proposal of America's sweetheart and now she is in hiding and nursing her wounds. Her grandmother decides enough is enough and forces Jada to go back into the world and get a job or she will take away Jada's trust fund. Enter in Sugar Blitz. Sugar Blitz is owned by Donovan who is a football player and Donovan owes a lot to Jada's granny so he agrees to take on this employee who doesn't know a lick about working in a bakery. When a reporter mistakenly believes Jada and Donovan are an item, they realize they can use this misunderstanding to their advantage. Help Jada's image AND get more customers for his bakery. Win-win.

This was a lot of fun. Two unlikely people who are SO made for each other. She is a hot mess and chaotic. He is a strict and uptight dude. They even each other out for sure. 

I loved the backdrop of the bakery. It made me want to munch on some cupcakes while reading this!! Seems unlikely a football player would own a bakery because we all know they rarely get to indulge. As unrealistic as this is.....it oddly was fitting after getting to know Donovan. He loves to bake and this allows him to be creative. It's an outlet of sorts.

Now....the ending felt..........off. I didn't agree with Jada's decision. Yes, they get their HEA but Jada HAD to throw in a last-minute dramatic impulsive decision. One would think she would've learned her lesson since all her troubles have been caused by decisions like this. Granted, it all works out in the end, but still. Seemed like an unnecessary moment. 

Other than that, I really did like this book. It had a fun set of characters and a fun bakery. I'm curious to see if we'll get a second book. The ending made it seem one of our sides might be getting their own love story! One can hope! I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #22 for Romance Reading Challenge - Food on cover

Book Review: The Viking and the Drag Queen by VL locey

Author: VL locey

Title: The Viking and the Drag Queen

Series:  Campo Royale #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 214

Published: January 5, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (BookBub)

Summary: 

Who will emerge the victor on the battlefield of love?

Tyr Hemmingsen had his life mapped out at a young age. The only son of the late Danish hockey great, Elias Hemmingsen, Tyr has always done his best to follow the plans his father had laid out for him. Finish school, make it into the pros, become team captain, find a biddable young lady to marry, and win a championship so the Hemmingsen name lived on eternally on the side of a massive silver cup. Like the good son he is, Tyr has done as his father wished, no matter how it peeled away layers of his true self. Then, all the neatly placed supports that hold up his so-called life come crashing down during a night on the town. Tyr might be known as the “War God of Wilmington” on the ice, but there’s no battling the effect Gigi Patel LeBay has on him.

Elijah McBride lives for the spotlight. As Gigi, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. His vibrant stage persona is the face he presents to the world. Underneath the rouge, eyeliner, and lipstick is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents’ disapproval and rejection of the son who wears wigs and dates other men. With his drag family and older brother in his corner, he’s finally found peace in his life. Until the fateful night a massive hockey player shows up at the club. There’s a world of hurt in Tyr’s soft brown eyes, and Eli finds himself falling for the big man, despite all the barriers he’s built around his tender heart.

Review:

I was given this from BookBub a couple of months ago. I couldn't resist this! The title....the cover. Love it. 

Here we follow Elijah and Tyr. Elijah loves the spotlight. As Gigi, his stage name, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. He is confident and vibrant! However, under the makeup, he is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents' disapproval of him being gay. Enter Tyr who walks into the Camp Royale Club and is dazzled right away. He has been battling his true self for his whole life. His parents may be gone, but he still has his father's voice in his head that he needs to hide himself. He is scared to lose his new career in hockey if the world finds out he is gay. When the two meet it is electric and they can't deny the lust and the love that sparkles there. 

It's been a min since I've done this format. I am feeling lazy on this heavy rainy day so here it goes. 

The Good

- Loved Elijah and Tyr. How can you not???? They are both so different but they complement each other very well. 

- I can't remember ever reading a story about a Drag Queen. If I did they were not the main character that is for sure. Love the inclusion here. 

- Hockey!!! Love the sport and love the men behind it 

- The lust was instant and the love happens quick too, however, it oddly worked for these two. 

- The drama was minimum. No terrible exes. No craziness. I loved just watching them battle together to find their piece of heaven. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- This was too short. I needed more at the end. I want to see them get married and be happy! Maybe we will see them in all their bliss in the next book. 

- There were some backstory issues here. Some things didn't make sense to me. For example, Tyr was 13 (14?) when his parents both passed. By the time he was ready for college at 18, he mentions that his dad was mad that he decided on Creative Writing as a major. But...isn't he dead? How could he disapprove? I would've liked more clarification on this.

Overall

I liked this. It was a nice romance between two men who truly deserve all the love in the world. They were perfect for each other even with all their differences! A little short and a couple of blimps on the backstory. Maybe it being longer would've cleared up the issues. In the end, I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: Flawless by Elsie Silver

Author: Elsie Silver

Title: Flawless

Series:  Chestnut Springs #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western, Sports Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 424

Published: June 24, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

The rules were simple. Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.

But now I’m stuck with her. There’s only one bed. And well, rules are made to be broken.

I’m the face of professional bull riding—the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”

But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can’t stop running.

A mouth I can’t stop thinking about.

Because Summer isn’t just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run—she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.

She says this means nothing.

I say this means everything.

She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. That my reputation can’t take any more hits—and neither can her damaged heart.

I say I’m going to steal it anyway.

Review:

This was a freebie on Amazon and it seemed so perfect. Small town. Hot bad boy cowboy. Enemies-to-lovers. 

Rhett is a bad boy...a loose cannon. He was the face of professional bull riding and he was the golden boy all the ladies wanted and all the men wanted to be until he said some stuff and now he's in hot water with his sponsors. In order to help fix his image, his agent is sending in Summer. Summer will act as his babysitter and fix the damage he did. However, they will butt heads and she won't relent. Eventually, that hatred towards each other will turn into more, but that is a boundary they shouldn't cross since his reputation hangs on a thread as it is. 

Sighs. I hate Rhett. He was an ass and I wanted to kick him. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bad boy, but he was a total idiot and jerk. I kept reading because I had hope for him and I adored Summer. On paper, he gets better, but I never ever warmed up to him. He's full of shit and I don't buy it for a min. Summer deserves way better in my humble opinion. 

That being said....I had a hard time with this one. I pushed my way through it because I didn't want to give up. And then he said what he said in the hospital to her and I was so over him. However, I was nearly done with the book and I was curious to see how she would forgive him and how he would make it up to my girl. Yes, I get he said what he said because he wanted to hurt her and push her away. Still. Wtf man. 

Maybe this was a me thing? Soooooooo many people adore this book. Maybe I am a bitter old lady and Rhett didn't do it for me. 

Not sure if I will continue with series unless the next one is a freebie too. 

2 stars from me.