Short Take Reviews: Coach and Blitz by Devney Perry

 

Coach

by Devney Perry

Series: Treasure State Wildcats #1

Pub: 4/6/2023

Goodreads

4 stars

After a successful career as a professional football player, Ford is returning to his alma mater as a coach. Excited to settle into his new job and new home, along with his daughter Joey, Ford shows up on his first day shocked to find that Millie (the one that got away) also works in the athletic department. Best friends in college, Ford was ready to move things out of the friend zone with Millie when life dealt him a curveball that changed everything. Now, after ten years apart, Millie is suddenly back in his life.

I love a second chance romance and this one delivered. Ford and Millie had great chemistry and I enjoyed their journey as they made peace with the past and worked toward a future together. Millie understandably had some trust issues and wasn’t always the best communicator. Luckily, Ford excelled at being up front, stating how he felt, and what he wanted. Ford’s relationship with his daughter was a highlight and I loved his dedication to putting her first, even when it meant making concessions for Joey’s selfish, flighty mother. While no new ground was broken here, I enjoyed the low-stakes, low-drama romance with a couple that was easy to pull for.

Blitz

by Devney Perry

Series: Treasure State Wildcats #2

Pub: 3/7/2024

Goodreads

3 stars

Toren is immediately taken with Jennsyn the first night he lays eyes on her. They have a hot and heavy one night stand and, despite having her number, he doesn't call her in the ensuing weeks. (His reasoning: he was totally thrown by their connection and the insanely good sex. Um, okay?) Imagine his surprise when he learns she is a 21 year old college student. The problem with that is him being a 32 year old assistant football coach at said college. Oops. 

What follows is many chapters of Toren and Jennsyn being all emo and angsty while trying to keep their distance - but then caving and having more hot and heavy sex when she sneaks over to his house late every night. (Did I mention that college girl lives right next door to college coach?) Separately I really liked Toren and Jennsyn. He was a decent guy, still feeling the loss of both his parents and a beloved uncle, and he took an active role in the lives of his young cousins. I sympathized with Jennsyn's struggle to forge her own path and extricate herself from her mother's overbearing plans and demands. But as a couple I just wasn't feeling it. Out of the bedroom there was a severe lack of communication which meant their relationship felt very surface-level. I was told they had a great connection but there was nothing to back that up. For the first time, a Devney Perry romance missed the mark for me because where was the romance?

Have you read these books?

Short Take Reviews: Pittsburgh Titans series | Hendrix, Bain, Van2

 

Hendrix

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburg Titans #7

Pub: 6/6/2023

4 stars

Hendrix Bateman was considered one of The Lucky Three, among the trio of players that were not with the team when the plane crashed. Hendrix was possibly the most well-adjusted of the three and was grateful for his good fortune and second chance. After ending a bad relationship that had run its course, an encounter with a feisty bartender had Hendrix ready to take a chance again.
 
Bar-owner Stevie was tough as nails and could handle her own with her sometimes raucous clientele, but being abandoned by her mother as a child had left its mark. Desperate for a connection with her mother, Stevie allowed herself to be manipulated by her time and time again.
 
Hendrix was an absolute sweetheart and so supportive of Stevie. Unfortunately, Stevie’s continued need to forge a relationship with her mother created a lot of drama and came close to ruining her relationship with Hendrix. As usual with this series, the camaraderie among the teammates is always a highlight for me, and it was great to see Stevie pulled into the fold of the Titans family.

Bain

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburg Titans #8

Pub: 11/3/2023

4.25 stars

Bain was recently traded to the Titans and was excited to be a part of the team that had overcome such adversity. Meeting the goalie’s sister at a team event set off instant sparks and, since neither was interested in a relationship, they embarked on a no-strings-attached fling. Naturally, both refused to admit they were catching real feelings so when faced with a serious situation they pulled apart instead of pulling together.
 
This entry in the series packed an emotional punch and it was hard to see both characters suffer. Despite all their protests it was obvious that they had something real and their mutual denial that it was anything other than physical was pretty funny. I especially appreciated the way Bain’s teammates rallied around him when he was struggling. 

Van2

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburg Titans #10

Pub: 11/30/2023

3.5 stars

Retired from his hockey career, Van had settled in Vermont for a quiet life with his wife Simone, hoping to start a family. When a book was published based on the diaries of his serial-killer father, filled with salacious lies meant to hurt Van, he reacted by pushing Simone away. Convinced that the stigma would damage not only Simone but their future children, Van quickly signed a new contract with the Titans and left Simone. Unwilling to let Van’s emotional reaction to the book derail their future, Simone followed Van to Pittsburgh, determined to save their marriage.
 
As much as I love this series, I’m sad to say that I struggled with this one. I understood Van's fears and his (misguided) reasoning, but the way he was intentionally cruel to Simone was hard to get past. I admired Simone’s tenacity and her desire to make Van see reason, but his cutting remarks, meant to hurt her and drive her away were hard to take. There is no good reason to inflict such pain on someone you love. My disappointment in Van’s actions meant this was a low point in the series for me. 

Do you read hockey/sports romance?

Short Take Reviews: Three Piper Rayne Titles

 

The Problem with Second Chances

by Piper Rayne

Series: Lake Starlight #1

Pub: 5/16/2023

Format: Audio

4 stars

Rylan and Calista had been in each other's lives since they were six years old: as rivals, teammates, friends, and lovers. Everyone knew they belonged together. Both professional soccer players, things changed dramatically when Calista's career ended due to an injury. She returned to her small hometown of Lake Starlight, Alaska to lick her wounds and start over. Three years later, Rylan is back in Lake Starlight for their friend's wedding and he makes it known that Calista is still his one and only. He has just three weeks to get Calista to open up, to give them a second chance, and make her believe they belong together forever. Having read Piper Rayne's Greene Family series, I already knew and loved Rylan and Calista. I was happy to return to Lake Starlight (and nearby Sunrise Bay) and so many characters who were familiar to me. While I love a second chance romance, I did find myself frustrated with Calista at times because there was truly nothing keeping she and Rylan apart - other than her own issues and insecurities. Love was not the problem, but it was a case of sometimes love not being enough. Despite wishing that Calista would have been more forthcoming with Rylan from the start, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them find their way back to one another.

The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates

by Piper Rayne

Series: Lake Starlight #2

Pub: 6/27/2023

Format: Audio

4.25 stars

Widowed at 21, after just one year of marriage, Brinley knows that it's time to move on. It's been four years, but family and friends still treat her with kid gloves. Enter Van Adler, who answers her ad for a roommate. Forced by his Coast Guard Commanding Officer to take eight weeks of leave, Van arrives in Lake Starlight, secures a bartending job, and a place to stay. Van's background was heartbreaking and while his appearance (tattooed and muscled) might have screamed bad boy, he was anything but. Kind, compassionate, and patient, Van was the stuff of book boyfriend dreams. While they initially both withheld information - Brinley let Van assume she was divorced; Van did not share that he was there temporarily - I loved how over time they did share the truth, without there being third act bombshells. I enjoyed seeing Van encourage Brinley to follow her passion without guilt over family expectations, and Brinley slowly moving past her grief and embracing life again made me want to cheer for her. Van's background had him feeling so unworthy, as if he had no value and nothing to offer, so I appreciated that Brinley took steps to fight for him and their HEA. This felt like a stronger and emotional story than the first book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews

by Piper Rayne

Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #3

Pub: 3/24/2023

Format: Kindle

4 stars

Twyla has been dumped by her cheating fiancé and relocates from Connecticut to California for a break from all the pitying stares. Taking a job to house/pet-sit, she finds herself living across the hall from none other than Chase Andrews, her professional football player brother's teammate. Reticent and anti-social, Chase was the grumpiest of grumps. When Twyla convinced him to take in a stray kitten, it kicked off a friendship of sorts and the two began spending time together. Their mutual attraction led to a friends with benefits arrangement which (obviously) led to some very real feelings - although neither was brave enough to admit their hearts were now involved. What I loved about Chase was that, despite that grumpy exterior, he had the softest of hearts. His actions always belied his words and while he would grumble and complain, the big bear of a man would do absolutely anything for Twyla. He loved her sunny disposition and these two opposites definitely attracted. If you enjoy a grumpy-sunshine romance on the lighter side, You'll love Twyla and Chase.

Have you read any of these books?

Short Take Reviews: Coen and Drake by Sawyer Bennett

 

COEN

Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #4

Format: Kindle

Source: Purchased

When the Pittsburgh Titans plane went down, Coen Highsmith was one of the lucky ones – one of the three hockey players who were not on the plane with their team. Coen was riddled with survivor’s guilt and, instead of dealing with it, took out his anger and frustration on everyone around him: his teammates, his coaches, management, right on up to the team’s owner. Now off for the summer, he has no intention of returning to his team when the new season starts. He is walking away from his hockey career. Staying in a secluded cabin in the woods, he is immediately at odds with his closest neighbor, artist Tillie Marshall. Threatening a lawsuit when she attempted to cut down some trees, Coen continued to butt heads with Tillie even as attraction flared between them. 

While I enjoyed Coen’s story and appreciated his journey from anger and grief to acceptance and healing, I missed some of the trademark elements that I’ve loved in the previous books in the series. There was little time spent with the team and I sorely missed that camaraderie. I also missed the slow evolution of the romantic relationships from the previous books. Coen was a real jerk to Tillie, and he continued to be for longer than I would have liked. They didn’t exactly have a friends with benefits relationship because they weren’t really friends. There was an intense attraction that they agreed to act on. Even though a friendship of sorts did form, I never really felt a true romance develop, and their relationship did not have the emotional depth that I experienced with the other couples. While this wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed Coen’s story, and the moments I did get with the team were truly special and heartwarming. 4 stars

DRAKE

Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #5

Format: Audiobook

Source: Purchased

Drake McGinn felt betrayed and abandoned by the league when his (now ex) wife made false allegations against him – and his team, the media, and the fans chose to believe her. Although proven to be false, the damage was done, and he chose to walk away and leave it behind. His sole focus became being a single father to his three sons. When Brienne Norcross, new owner of the Pittsburgh Titans, showed up at his home and offered him a spot on the rebuilt team, he was still bitter, but accepted. Now he has to find a balance between hockey, his boys, and the intense chemistry between he and Brienne. 

After feeling like the previous book (Coen) was lacking some of the elements I've come to appreciate in this series, I was relieved this latest entry returned to what I’ve loved and come to expect: slowly evolving relationships with deep emotional connections, and a focus on the strong bonds between the teammates. Both Drake and Brielle were insistent that they did not want a relationship, and that made their journey all the more satisfying.  I loved how they truly saw one another and accepted the other for who they were. I was delighted with how their relationship slowly morphed into something more and how tentative they were to explore those possibilities. The female friendships, Drake’s devotion to his boys, Brielle’s kindness and her acceptance of Drake’s priorities, and the way Drake celebrated Brielle’s strength and success while also helping her to find balance in her life… it all combined in such a satisfying way. A bonus was seeing the relationships from previous books continue to flourish, and the surprise wedding proposal (I’m not telling whose!) about made my heart burst. I’ll be so sorry to see this series come to an end. 4.25 stars

Have you read either of these books?

Short Take Reviews: Branded by Fire, Faking It with #41, Knotted

 

BRANDED BY FIRE

Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling #6
Format: Kindle

It’s always fun to return to the Psy-Changeling series. In Branded by Fire, DarkRiver sentinel Mercy pairs off against SnowDancer lieutenant Riley in a battle of wills. Both dominant forces in their respective packs, neither was willing to bend to the other. That made for some fantastic banter and some off-the-charts chemistry. I grew frustrated over time with Mercy’s resistance to Riley and her refusal to admit her feelings for him, but even so, there were plenty of sweet moments that went a long way in showing her true feelings. For once the main conflict did not come from the Psy, but rather from the Human Alliance. There were so many scenes between the various pack members that were touching and emotional and it proved just how talented Singh is at creating sympathetic characters and a strong family dynamic. Events in this one had me more excited than ever for Hawke and Sienna’s story (and pulling my hair out because there are still three books in between). I become more and more invested with each book and can’t wait to see more of the story unfold.          4 STARS

FAKING IT WITH #41

Piper Rayne

Hockey Hotties #3

Format: Audio

Hockey star Ford Jacobs unexpectedly found himself a single father when a previous hook-up left their infant daughter in his care and disappeared. His father, determined to rehabilitate Ford’s image, insisted on a fake relationship with Lena, the wealthy family’s publicist. Although Ford and Lena had long butted heads, they both had their reasons for agreeing to the arrangement. I’m not usually a fan of the fake dating/fake relationship trope, but I am a fan of Piper Rayne and their hockey series, so I was pretty sure they would make it work for me. Mission accomplished because I was so on board and lapped up every page as their relationship morphed from fake to the real thing. They both had some baggage and Lena, in particular, had to make peace with her past. My heart was bursting seeing the change in Ford from previous playboy to doting dad. Watching as Ford, Lena, and Annabelle formed a family – even when they didn’t realize that’s what they were doing – was so heartwarming. The drama when Annabelle’s mother returned was handled well (I was practically cheering for Ford) and wasn’t over the top. The friendship and camaraderie of the team continues to be a big highlight for me.  4 STARS

KNOTTED

Pam Godwin

Trails of Sin #1

Format: Kindle

Brothers Jake and Jarret, siblings Conor and Lorne – all share a close friendship. For Jake and Conor it goes beyond friendship and even though they are young, their love is one that will last. One horrific night changed the lives of all four friends forever.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since Knotted was my first by Godwin, but there’s a reason she’s known for dark romance. The events at the beginning were brutal and the aftermath was heartbreaking. I was riveted from the very start. This story grabbed me and didn’t let go. There were twists that I guessed and others that floored me. A couple aspects strained belief, but I was so taken with these characters and the overall narrative that I was more than willing to just go with it. The relationship between Jake and Conor was layered and complicated. I loved his patience and the way he made sure she had a safe space with him. Knotted won’t be for everyone - Godwin doesn’t shy away from graphic content – but I was 100% hooked. This is one that I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I finished it.  4.5 STARS

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS?

Short Take Reviews: Hockey Romance Edition

 

I love a good sports romance and hockey is my favorite. Thankfully, there is no short supply of hockey romances to enjoy. Here are my quick thoughts on the last few that I've read.

MY LUCKY #13

Piper Rayne
Format: Audio
Trope(s): Slow burn, friends to lovers

When it comes to his hockey career, Aiden has always been lucky. Until suddenly he's not. When a beautiful woman throws a drink in his face at a party, and his game improves, he's convinced she's his good luck charm. Now he needs Saige to give a repeat performance before every game so he can keep scoring goals. The more time they spend together, the more it's obvious that there's something real there. But Saige has been burned before and has sworn off professional athletes. Silly premise? Maybe, but hockey players are notorious for their game day rituals and superstitions. And it made for some truly fun circumstances as Saige showed up in whatever city Aiden was in to perform their drink-in-the-face ritual. Aiden was such a good guy - a real sweetheart - and when he realized his relationship with Saige was the real deal he was willing to do whatever it took to win her over. This one gave me all the good feels and I loved getting to know the other players on the team.               4.25 STARS

THE TROUBLE WITH #9

Piper Rayne

Format: Audio

Trope(s): Forbidden/workplace romance

Maksim has no desire to open up about his past and bare his soul to anyone, so when the team owner requires all players to meet with a therapist he plans to feed her some fake stories and move on. But the therapist is the same woman he kissed on New Years Eve and he hasn't stopped thinking about her. Dating a patient goes against Paisley's moral and professional code but she can't resist Maksim's relentless pursuit. I loved Maksim and his fierce protectiveness of his teammates, even though it came from a place of pain and guilt. Things came to a head when Maksim's family arrived from Russia and he was forced to deal with his past. The camaraderie among the players was a real highlight and Maksim's unique dates with Paisley put a smile on my face. Speaking of Paisley, I appreciated how she pushed Maksim to talk to another therapist, knowing that he needed to sort out his issues. She called him out when needed and was no pushover. I'm excited for more of this series. 4 STARS

DIRTY SECRET

Mira Lyn Kelly

Format: Audio

Trope(s): Forbidden/secret romance

Allie had always lived in the shadow of her superstar brother Greg, a professional hockey player. Too many friends and boyfriends had used her just to get close to her brother. So when she had a one night fling with hockey player Vaughn, she kept her identity secret. A year later, when Vaughn is traded to Greg's team, he sees Allie and the sparks are still there. Since Vaughn and Greg despise one another, they agree to keep their relationship secret. It was obvious from early on that these two were developing feelings for one another but it was fun to watch them fight it every step of the way. Vaughn, in particular, had never had a relationship and struggled with his feelings for Allie and what it meant for his career and his future. The downside for me was Allie's brother Greg, who took the protective older brother role to an extreme. He consistently interfered in her private life (setting her up on dates without her knowledge, lying to Vaughn about her dating someone else) and felt completely justified in doing so. I disliked him so much and unfortunately he played a pretty big role. I would have felt better had he shown any remorse but even by the end he still seemed overbearing and smug. His involvement was way too heavy-handed for my liking, but beyond that this one was a good time. 3.5 STARS

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS?

Review: Gage by Sawyer Bennett

GAGE

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #3

Publication date: 7/5/2022

Format: Kindle

Source: Overdrive

4.5 Stars

Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league following a successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?

After achieving the goals I set for myself, I walked away from my professional hockey career. It was a tough decision, but the right one at the time. When the Titans organization approached me about joining the team they were rebuilding following a devastating plane crash, I felt a passion for the game and a competitive spirit I hadn’t felt in years. The opportunity to make a huge difference to a lot of people spoke to me, and I accepted their offer and headed to Pittsburgh without a second thought.

Jenna Holland is also new to town, having moved from Phoenix to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Titans. Her past has left her with scars—both physical and emotional—and she’s slow to trust others. But the more I learn about Jenna, the more I want to know. The more I need to know. Because the beautiful blonde with honey gold eyes and a wall around her heart has me enamored.

My game on the ice is the best it’s ever been, but it’s my game off the ice I’m focused on these days. Because while Jenna may not be willing to take a chance, I know the potential is there for something big. Something life changing. Now I just need to convince her to take the shot.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

After the tragic loss of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team in a horrific plane crash, Gage Heyward is called from retirement. Intrigued by the idea of helping to rebuild the team and be a part of history, Gage accepts the offer. It’s obvious there are some growing pains, and it will take time for the team to truly gel, but he is still excited to play and, as a veteran player, be a guiding force on the team.

Jenna Holland is looking for a fresh start. After surviving a horrific house fire, she has spent years trying to recover – both physically and emotionally. Her physical scarring means she has dealt with abandonment and rejection, and she is wary of putting herself out there. Accepting a job as the media liaison with the Pittsburg Titans is a big step for her, and she is determined to give others the benefit of the doubt and not automatically expect judgment and disgust.

From Gage’s first meeting with Jenna, it was obvious that he was a good man. Jenna was aware that he noticed her scars and quickly shut down and withdrew. Gage, unwilling to let her think he was judging her in any way, set things right with her immediately. The care and compassion he showed made it obvious he was special from the start.

Gage found reasons to seek Jenna out, to try and spend time with her, and make his interest known. It was difficult for Jenna to accept his interest at face value, and I loved that Gage was so open and honest and was always upfront about his feelings and intentions. My heart hurt for Jenna and what she still had to deal with. It would have been easier to hide away and not take chances, so I was cheering her on every time she pushed herself out of her comfort zone.

Brienne, the team owner, agreed to have a documentary made about the rebuilt team and it was totally something I could see happening in real life. Jenna’s involvement with the documentary team meant more time with the players (including Gage) and more interaction with people outside her small circle of friends. While she continued to struggle with her insecurities, Bennett did an amazing job of showing Jenna’s confidence rise in such a natural way. The various team events meant more time with some of the players (and executive staff) I have come to love. An ongoing issue with a staff member was resolved in this entry and I was practically cheering and pumping my fist over how it was handled.

At the risk of going overboard with my praise of Gage, I have to say he is one special romantic hero. Some might say he was too good to be true, but sometimes too good is just right. Gage was old-fashioned, protective, patient, compassionate – and his open communication with Jenna (both in and out of the bedroom) to ensure they were on the same page was always on display. The tenderness and care he showed Jenna were enough to melt any heart.

As with the previous books in the series, the character development was perfection. Bennett has created something special with this cast of characters and the way she highlights the camaraderie of the teammates is one of my favorite aspects. This series has been so much more than I expected and I can’t wait for the next release. ★★★★.5

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Review: Stone by Sawyer Bennett

STONE

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #2

Publication date: 3/1/2022

Format: Kindle

Source: Overdrive

4.5 Stars

Minor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down. He never expected the phone call that followed.

After a shoulder injury put my NHL career on ice, I resigned myself to the fact I’d never see my way out of the minor league again. As my career faded, my estranged brother’s star shot into orbit as the first line left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans. But when the team’s plane crashed returning home one night, his light was snuffed out, and I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now I’m in Pittsburgh, playing for the Titans, and face-to-face with my dead brother’s ghost at every turn. His locker, his legacy, his persistent and annoyingly gorgeous attorney who won’t stop contacting me about his estate, even though I’ve demanded she leave me alone.

Harlow Alston would be extremely appealing if she wasn’t so aggravating. Only…that’s a complete lie. She pushes all the right buttons for me, and as much as I want her to quit pestering me about Brooks’s estate, I find myself intrigued by the fiery redhead who can’t take no for an answer. And the more I learn about Harlow, the more I find she might be the key to understanding who Brooks really was, and who I want to be.

I’ve got a second shot at a career I thought I’d lost and the opportunity to build something real with Harlow, but can I find strength to move forward or will my past dictate my future?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

Stone Dumelin’s career has floundered. An injury sent him from the NHL to the minor league just as his brother’s star was rising as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans. Then tragedy struck when the team plane crashed, killing all on board, including his brother, Brooks. When Stone is called up to join the fledgling rebuilt team, it’s with mixed emotions. He’s being given the opportunity of a lifetime, but at the cost of his brother’s life. Adding to his distress are the repeated calls and emails from the attorney handling his brother’s estate, even though he wants no part of it. When he finally caves and shows up at her office… things don’t go well. He’s angry, he breaks an antique chair, and her dog almost eats him. But when he learns that Harlow seemed to know his brother better than he ever did, he’s willing to listen and learn. And as much as he’s learning about his brother, he’s also discovering that Harlow could be the one thing in his life that he needs more than hockey.

Oh boy, Stone was a hot mess at first. His grief often manifested as anger but when he lashed out at Harlow she wasn’t having it. The more I learned about Stone’s family, the dynamics between the father and sons— it explained a lot, and it hurt my heart. The lack of unconditional love and true support in Stone’s life was crushing.

Harlow was Brooks’ best friend and they kept each other’s secrets. When he appointed her the trustee of his estate, she had an uphill battle to get Stone to hear out his brother’s wishes. I loved her support of Stone and her determination to do right by both brothers. The relationship between Harlow and Stone developed so naturally. Stone’s issues (abandonment issues, imposter syndrome) meant there were some bumps along the way, but Harlow’s patience and acceptance, and Stone’s newfound acceptance of the past and understanding of his own worth, were worth everything.

I loved the development of Stone’s character, and the continued development of the team dynamics. I am so hooked on this world that Sawyer Bennett has created. Watching these characters grow and heal and find love gave me all the feels, and after just two books I don’t want the series to end. ★★★★.5

Have you read this book?