Bound by Elise Faber

4 Stars

She’s innocent…

And I’m the one who’s going to corrupt her.

I’m a hockey player with a secret—one so big that it can get me kicked out of the league.

I’ve spent years trying to bury it and there’s only one person who’s found me out.

Claire.

Former intern. Current jack-of-all-trades for the Baltimore Breakers.

And the woman I want more than anything else.

More than hockey. More than breathing.

Even more than keeping that secret.

But she’s seen behind the veil…

And, rightfully, wants absolutely nothing to do with me.

Unfortunately for her, I’m going to keep her anyway.

I loved Claire and Jackson so much. It was such a good read, and the twist at the end hurt my heart, but I get it, but Smitty is my favorite. I loved the slow build up and the push and pull between them. They actually communicated really well and it was nice to see that in the book.

Book 9 Breaker Hockey

Amazon

Hit ‘em Hard by Kat Mizera

4 Stars

Hit 'em Hard is Book 3 in the Bang Brothers hockey series.

The Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same.

JENSEN:

Chasing my pro hockey dreams in the City of Angels has been a relentless battle. Each season feels like starting over, and being miles away from my family only adds to the struggle. I don’t know what I would do without my online gaming friends. Especially @Empress.

I know nothing about her—not even her real name—but what I do know with certainty is that our chats are my lifeline. I wish she would let me in, but she guards her secrets even more closely than I do.

A chance encounter puts us in the same room together, and the attraction IRL is next level. But before I can make my play, she disappears. I'm desperate to find her again and my meddling, matchmaking mother shows up just in time to help. Can I convince her that I'll be there no matter what she's hiding? Or will we both get hit hard in this real-life game of love?

I loved so many people in this book. Jensen was such a sweetheart and was so sweet with Bailey and her fears. I loved that they slowly built their relationship from friends and gaming buddies to so much more. Mama Bang is amazing and love how she’s trying to help her boys. Sometimes with world sharing they don’t work so well but so far this series is amazing and I’ve loved all of them. Definitely can’t wait to see the rest of the brothers fall.

Book 3 Bang Brothers Hockey

Amazon 

Show ‘em How by Jami Davenport

4 Stars

JAKOB:
I'm a professional hockey player and a single dad with two rambunctious five-year-olds. My boys have driven away every nanny that's stepped foot in our house--except one--the one I don't want to keep, but they do. Tatted and pierced Gardenia Bliss is everything I dislike in a nanny and woman. She's a mouthy whirlwind, an obsessive recycler, a buyer of organic only food, and a lover of loud music. She's disrupted my household and destroyed my comfortable routine with her spontaneity. I want her gone, but I also want her naked, which is all kinds of messed up.

My plans to send her packing are thwarted by a road trip and no other options available. By the time I return, she's completely entrenched herself in my house, my life, and my dirty thoughts. She has to go, but I haven't found a way to extract the boys from her clutches. They adore her.

Then my meddling, matchmaking mom shows up for the holidays and enlists Gardenia to help her find the perfect woman for me. The two of them are forces of nature I'm powerless to combat. They'll never know the truth--I don't want those other women. I want Gardenia, but I can't have her. She's all wrong for my boys and me, but tell that to my stupid heart.

Loved the characters in this book. Jakob is trying to keep from making the same mistakes he’s made in the past and protect his boys so he is fighting the attraction for Gardenia throughout this book. He finally caves and allows himself to fall. The getting to accepting was an amazing read and I loved the whole thing. Still Love Jakob’s mom and her meddling. Can’t wait for the rest of the books.

Book 2 Bang Brothers

Amazon 

Golden by Elise Faber

4 Stars

I’ve seen her.

I’ve watched her.

But…I can’t allow myself to have her.

My job as the owner of an elite security company for celebrities and athletes alike means that I don’t have a problem putting myself in harm’s way to protect my clients.

But I do have a problem when it’s Lauren who’s caught in the crossfire.

Literally.

I need to protect her.

I need to keep her safe.

I just…

Can’t let my heart get involved.

Way too short. I wanted more with Lauren and Pascal. It was so good and I loved seeing Pascal get his HEA since he’s been in so many other books. Flowed nicely but for some of the development of characters you need to read the previous books.

Part of the Gold Series

Amazon 

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

3 Stars

He's the hot, grumpy goalie I had a crush on in high school... and now I'm his live-in assistant.

After my ex crushed my dreams in the music industry, I’m done with getting my heart broken. Working as an assistant for an NHL player was supposed to be a breeze, but nothing about Jamie Streicher is easy. He’s an intimidatingly hot, grouchy jerk who can't stand me. The guy has a massive ego. Keeping things professional will be no problem, even when he demands I move in with him.

Beneath his surliness, though, Jamie’s surprisingly sweet and protective.

When Jamie learns how bad my ex was in bed, his competitive nature flares, and he encourages and spoils me in every way. The creative spark I used to feel about songwriting? It’s back, and I’m writing music again. Between wearing his jersey at games, rowdy parties with the team, and being brave on stage again, I’m falling for him.

He could break my heart, but it might be worth it.

Behind the Net is a grumpy-sunshine pro hockey romance with lots of spice and an HEA. It’s the first book in the Vancouver Storm series and can be read as a standalone.

This probably would have been a 4 if Pippa had gotten some bigger revenge on her ex. He steals her songs and does nothing but blocking him. So, he can get away with being a dick, making money from her work, and nothing happens. No thank you. Jamie was a good grump and I loved the give and take between them. It was a nice read.

Book 1 Vancouver Storm

Amazon 

Lace’em Up by Elise Faber

3.5 Stars

With a last name like Bang, the jokes were endless.

I’d decided long ago it was easier to pretend to embrace my namesake than try to prove myself to the world.

No one had ever seen through that…

Until I rescued a runaway bride from the side of the road.

Then my mom—my interfering, matchmaking mom—saw the diamond ring, made assumptions I didn’t have the heart to dispel, and, suddenly, Rory and I were pretending to be engaged.

Only…somewhere along the way, it became real.

Somewhere along the way, I realized I could never let her go.

Meet the Bang Brothers—five hot hockey-playing brothers who are allergic to commitment.

The brothers are about to face off against their newly-retired mother…who suddenly has plenty of time to play matchmaker. Add in their baby sister and some secret dating, a single dad, an accidental pregnancy, a marriage of convenience, and a wrong bed—or two—and these siblings are not going to know what hit them!

Loved these two together but it felt rushed. I get she just broke up because of an abusive ex but it seemed rushed to jump into a new relationship. I did love them as a couple and they worked so well together. I so wanted the one teammate to get his due for his comments. It was such a good addition to her series.

Book 1 Bang Brother’s Hockey

Amazon

Broken Laces by Elise Faber

4 Stars

This team of misfits and bad boys is going to puck you in the best possible way.

I’m the captain…

And I’m in love with the owner’s daughter. I played my entire career with the San Francisco Gold. But now I’ve been traded to our rivals, and I’m playing for Jean-Michel Dubois, owner of the Oakland Eagles, my new boss, and father to the woman I’m in love with. And he’s made it clear that anyone who so much as looks at Chrissy will find themselves out of the league. The problem is that I end up moving in right next door to her. And the more time I spend with Chrissy, the harder it is to keep my distance. Only…I can’t have her. Because if I do, I’ll lose everything.

I loved Crissy and Rome in this book. It was sad to see Rome leave the Gold but I can’t wait to see how the new team comes together and reality is most players do get traded. I also loved all the pets and need them in my life. The personal stuff going on with Crissy was interesting and I liked seeing the struggle she had to work through to end up with Rome. Rome also had his own issues since the Gold was his found family and he’s now with people who don’t want him there. It definitely came together to be a really good read and made me want the next book in this series and the next Gold book.

Book 1 Eagles Hockey

Amazon 

End Game: New York Stars by GA Mazucke and Serena Akeroyd

4 Stars

Gracie Has been raised around hockey. She loves and hates it all in one breath. Everyone is so focused on making sure her brothers and their friends make it to the pros that they forget she might want something different. Gracie is determined to make her own way away from her family and hockey even if Liam makes her want to fall into him. Life takes them on their own paths but can they find a way back to each other?

Where the last hockey book was a disappointment this one exceeded all expectations. It’s 600 + pages of fun reading. Gracie is trying to find her path away from hockey because of her family. She has dealt with so much because of them and she forgives them way too quickly. I love MMC. They’ve been friends for so long he doesn’t know how to get out of that zone with her. When he finally gets to go beyond that he is all in and has her back no matter what. It was probably one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Book 1 New York Stars

Amazon 

One Last Shot by Julia Connors

2 Stars

She thought he would always be there for her until he abandoned her. Fourteen years later he’s back and saying we’re married, and he needs her help adopting his niece. When she accidentally screws up the childcare, he has set up she opts to stay and help. Will she want to leave when everything is settled?

I get the idea of this and it’s an interesting concept, but it’s poorly implemented. Things are alluded to but never said. The only character I enjoyed was the niece. Beyond the story issues there were errors in the book that needed to be fixed. Including trimming it down a bit. There is a trigger warning about harm to a child and if this is an issue for you skip this one.

Book 3 Frozen Hearts

Amazon 

No Pucks Lost Between Us by Elise Faber

3 Stars

Joel won over Rosie’s heart but there are still things that are trying to keep them apart. Will they be able to get their happily ever after?

I wanted to love this book as I’ve enjoyed the rest of the series. It was just fine. At times it felt very disjointed, like there was something left out that needed to be there. I am also still really confused by what all Rosie’s mom and dad did. A lot is alluded to but never explained nor why Rosie was set up to take the fall. Then you throw in the fights at the end of the book between Rosie and Joel that made zero sense. The ending that sets up the next book was interesting. Overall, it was nice to see them get their HEA but this one had problems.

Rush Hockey Book 6

Amazon

Changed by Elise Faber

4 Stars

Maddy is trying to make up for her past mistakes and Lucas just doesn’t believe she’s going to stay clean and not break her brother’s heart. He’s going to make sure she’s being truthful and staying clean. Will he ever believe she’s trying to make up for her past errors?

Maddy and Lucas getting their HEA. They have trauma they’re working through that has to deal with addiction. Lucas is an asshole through most of this book. Once he gets his head out of his ass, I was happy to see him getting his HEA. My biggest issue was the last chapter (NO SPOILERS) where I may have screamed when I read it and immediately went to see when it comes out to see when a resolution happens. Definitely happy with this one.

Book 19 Gold Hockey

Amazon 

Breathe Elise Faber

4 Star

Theo was happy being a single hockey player without any responsibilities. Eva is the opposite. She has nothing but responsibilities. She’s smart and talented sports blogger but when that’s not pulling in enough income, she will do what she needs to get the cash the family needs. Theo thinks she’s just a pain and doesn’t want anything to do with her until he sets aside his preconceived beliefs and gets to know her. When her secret comes out will he still want her?

 

I thought for sure this was going to be a 3 start as Theo was a jerk for the first half of the book but once he gets his head on straight, he's all in. Even when her secret is revealed he doesn’t do the way I thought he would, which is awesome. I also loved Eva. She's doing everything she can to be independent but also take care of her family. Their relationship is a lot of hate hookups, and I loved it. Worth reading. 

Book 7 Breakers Hockey

Amazon

 

I’m Your Guy by Sarina Bowen

 

4 Stars

Tommaso is trying to figure out life after being traded to the team in Colorado following his very public fight with his family. One of the first things Tommaso needs to do is buy furniture for his house. This is the worst thing in the world for him to do. He doesn’t know what he needs or wants. While being tortured with terms he doesn’t know he sees a hot guy arguing with the salesclerk about a bill. He finds out Carter is an interior designer, which is perfect. Carter has been screwed over by a previous client and his ex-boyfriend until a chance encounter with star hockey player. Tommaso is a struggle to work with as he doesn’t have an opinion about anything and he’s hot as sin. Will they find what they’re looking for?  

I loved these two. It was fun to see the struggle Tommaso is going through. His life has changed so much because of his uncle and cousin. Then deciding what he wants out of his life. While Carter also has his own struggles that he’s dealing with. They have a chance meeting that starts their journey. They had great chemistry and getting to their HEA was amazing. The biggest issue I had was the uncle and cousin never really got what’s coming to them. If you’ve liked her other hockey books you will love this one.

Book 2 Hockey Guys

Amazon 

Double Pucked by Lauren Blakely

3 Stars

Trina finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her and gets the perfect revenge. She takes the VIP tickets to his favorite team and gets to meet his favorite players. The guys have a better plan for sweet revenge and want to spend the night with her. When they find out she’s between housing they ask her to be a temporary roomie with them as well as a fake romance. There is an expiration date on the relationship but will they decide forever is for them?

This was a super sweet why choose hockey book. Trina got the perfect revenge and got her HEA. The struggle the trupple have because they were in a 3-way relationship isn’t the norm in this world and people are being judgy about it. It was nice to see this because a lot of books gloss over any issues they might be having with others. Book flowed nicely and I liked the main characters. Will definitely be picking up more by this author.

Book 1 My Hockey Romance

Amazon 

Sticks and Stone Grace McGinty

4 Stars

Nova Stone is dealing with the death of her parents when she is contacted by social services notifying her that she has an infant half brother that needs to be taken care of. She never thought her dad would cheat but here’s the proof. How is she supposed to handle this. She is the boy’s only relative other than the biological mom’s foster brothers. They want custody but can’t get it with her available to take him in, so they offer to move her to Ann Arbor and help take care of them both. Is this a good decision…only time will tell.

I loved this story. It is very well written why choose hockey romance. Three of my favorite tropes. I love how McGinty builds the world and the relationship between each of the characters. It flowed nicely and the ups and downs they had as they learned to live with their new normal. Definitely worth picking up and reading.

Book 1 Penalty Box Players

Amazon 

Made for me by Natasha Madison

3 Stars

Julia works as a social worker, and she is too invested in her charges. When one of them dies in a horrific accident leaving her daughter without a mother, she steps in to take care of the little girl. What she doesn’t expect is to be suspended pending charges from the maternal grandparents. To help her Chase steps up and wants to help her in all ways. He’s tired of being just the friend and he will use all his connection to help her get out of trouble.

I had issues with this one. The Julia was a social worker and one of her charges dies in a car accident. The girl’s family sues her for emotional trauma which just meant they wanted money. Ok I can understand that cause there are people who would do this. What I don’t understand is why the DA then filed charges. Nothing written showed her being negligent in her job but for some reason the DA charged her. Charges not explained so I can’t say if they were justifiable but what angers me is the girl had a toddler. They found her bio dad who just happens to be a family friend. Once he got custody the grandparents’ case was canceled which leads to the DA dropping all charges. This is not how our criminal justice system works. Just because there is no civil case doesn’t mean no criminal case. The romance was fine, it was everything else that irritated me. It’s probably closer to 2.5 stars than 3 stars but I will stick with the 3. I may pick up another book by this author later when I’ve had a break from how angry I am over this book.

Book 1 Made For

Amazon 

Shattered Truth by H Hunting

 

4 Stars

Nearly running into Winter, BJ found his Cinderella. Instead of a shoe she left her hockey skate. Winter is just trying to earn enough funds for school and hockey gear when she is nearly run off the road she didn’t realize her life was about to change.

Loved this book. It was light with bits of drama and seriousness. The drama wasn’t over the top and it just made me like the book even more. I loved the give and take between Winter and BJ. They balance each other out. I also liked seeing all the characters from Pucked series. It is not necessary to read that series to read this one. This is one of my favorite books by H. Hunting. Definitely give it a read.

Book 3 Lies, Hearts, and Truths

Amazon 

Pucking Wrong Number by CR Jane

1 Star

Monroe has been on her own forever. A runaway from foster home and finally an adult just trying to make it in the world when one night she gets a random text. She tells the texter they have the wrong number, but they don’t believe her snarky response. What she doesn’t realize is that she texted Lincoln Daniels NHL golden boy who is intrigued by her snark. He is determined to have her no matter what. Will he win her over?

WHAT THE HELL did I just read? From the description of the book, it sounds like a standard hockey romance. Boy meets girl by text the wrong number and he goes after her. Boy is wealthy and plays pro hockey and girl is form foster/street kid trying to make her way in the world with nothing. Sounds good. MAJOR SPOILERS COMING.

That is until about ¾ of the way through and she finds out he is literally stalking her and isolating her, so she only has him. He’s got her phone and apartment bugged. Her landlord evicts her, so she has no where to live because her bosses fired her because he PAID them all off to do this to her. When she is rightfully angry and tries to throw him out of her life, he KIDNAPS her and CHAINS her to his bed. He won’t let her go because she is HIS.

I read dark romances all the time and don’t mind dub con if it is done correctly. This was not done correctly. She literally caves to his whims almost immediately and is all in because she just loves him sooooooo much. I can’t get behind a book that is classic abusive relationship. This one is a hard pass, and the author ends up on my no thank you list.

Book 1 Pucking Wrong

Amazon 

Iced Up Love by Elizabeth Bardot

2 Stars

My writing career is up in smoke, and I need to find something else to do. My best friend is there to help me out. She needs me to help her launch a blog by putting the new team in a good light. Now I just need to keep my hands off some hot men.

I had several issues with this book. The biggest being FMC starts a relationship with all of these guys without TALKING to any of them about her plans. This led to huge problems and it made me feel skeevy that she was basically cheating on them with others. The others were also friends/co-workers so lets create drama in their professional and private life. I also hated that FMC ex was able to get away with revenge porn without any consequences. FMC and the guys had their private life released and had fallout but the ex no consequences. Overall, it was just meh.

Book 1 Sports Sensual

Amazon 

All’s Fair in Pucks and War by Elise Faber

3.5 Stars

Joel has never had to work for the interest in someone, but Billie Rose makes him work for her. It’s worth it though because she’s everything to him. When outside forces try to tear them apart will they prevail or will everything fall apart.

This one started right where the last one ended. I had issues with Billie Rose in this one. She has 0 faith in Joel. When someone claims to be his wife instead of asking him about it, she just takes off. It frustrated me. There was a legit answer and he had to chase after her to explain. It’s a whole thing with her. Misunderstanding she runs and he chases and has to force her to listen. Then all is well. Later on, other stuff happens that caused problems because she doesn’t share the load. Other than this I loved the book. It does on the cliff of all cliffs. That made me so incredibly angry. I need the next one now so I can see how their story concludes.

Book 5 Rush Hockey

Amazon