Review: Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen #BlogTour

Y'all know I love me some Sarina Bowen so I jumped at the chance to take part in the blog tour for her latest release in the Brooklyn series. Sure Shot just released this week and whether you're already a fan of the series or totally new to the goodness that is Sarina Bowen, I hope you'll pick this one up. You do not want to miss Tank and Bess!

SURE SHOT
Sarina Bowen
Publication date: May 12, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Series: Brooklyn #4
Format: eARC
Source: Sarina Bowen PR
4.25 Stars


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S Y N O P S I S

A new stand-alone hockey romance from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen.

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.

A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants.

She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.

Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…

M Y   T H O U G H T S

My love for all things Sarina Bowen isn’t exactly a secret so it should come as no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read an arc of Sure Shot. And it was an utter delight. Bowen is positively golden when it comes to creating genuinely likable characters that feel like people I want to know. Whether it’s the women that I would love to call my friends, or the guys that would be great to hang out with, I always fall hard for her characters. And Bess and Tank were no exception.

"My motto is simple. In any situation I just ask myself, what can I get away with? And then I do that."

At age 30, Bess has launched her own sports management agency and is a success by any standards. Now she’s ready to tackle her personal life and has a five year plan in place. Enter Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, a face from her past and the man who has always remained her ideal. But she has a hard rule: she doesn’t date players. Plus, Mark is getting a divorce and being someone’s rebound is not part of her five year plan.

Things are not going well for Tank. His divorce is imminent and now he’s been traded from Dallas to Brooklyn. The only bright spot is seeing Bess Beringer again. Nine years ago their chemistry was off the charts and they had an under-the-radar affair for several months until Bess walked away with barely an explanation. It only takes a moment to realize the chemistry is still there and he’s ready to pick up where they left off and enjoy some friends with benefits action again. Because he’s definitely not getting serious with anyone again.

"Maybe you don't like my terminology But you sure as hell like me." And then, just to prove the point, the asshole kisses me. "Even if you're not willing to say so. Even if it's unexpected." He kisses me again. "And even if it fucks up your five-year plan."

What I loved most about Bess and Tank was the ease they had with each other. Because they had history, there was a familiarity there and it gave a comfortable, easy-going feeling to their relationship. Both of them had suffered past traumas that changed them and how they approached the relationship and I loved the way it was dealt with – realistic and emotional, but without a lot of drama and angst. I adored the way these two were willing to grow and change and compromise. They each wanted the best for the other and were willing to sacrifice to make it happen. Now that’s a partnership. There was a touching sub-plot concerning Bess’s mentor (cue the tears) and the last two chapters provided an epilogue of sorts that was sheer perfection (cue more tears). Whether you’re already a fan of the series, or just want to dive into a swoony/sexy/funny stand alone, you will not want to miss Sure Shot! 

Disclosure: I received a a complimentary copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.