Diane's Book Blog

DUMP AND CHASE by Toni Aleo is a game-winner. I was so excited when I found out that Toni Aleo was writing the next-generation Nashville Assassins novels. DUMP AND CHASE is Shelli Adler’s and Aiden Brooks story. Shelli is the daughter of Assassins team owner Elli Fisher and Shea Adler (TAKING SHOTS, Nashville Assassins #1). Aiden is the son of Fallon Parker and Lucas Brooks (TRYING TO SCORE, Nashville Assassins #2). 

Shelli has been crushing on Aiden for pretty much her entire life. Seven years older than Shelli, Aiden used to watch her and her siblings when they were growing up. The two both lived in New York and finally hooked up at a party. Problem was; Aiden didn’t recognize Shelli. Shelli thought he knew who she was. Talk about awkward. Next day, Shelli moves back to Nashville, and Aiden is traded to the Assassins. Where Aiden soon discovers who the girl was that he had the one-night-stand with and can’t stop thinking about. Oh, and Shelli’s mom, Elli, owns the team he was just traded too. Yup, Aiden is freaking out. Needless to say, the story is extremely entertaining. 

I love how things that happened in the previous Assassins books are important in this story; especially Aiden’s upbringing. I appreciated that his brother, Asher, calls him out on his behavior. I also love that the Adler and Brooks families are close. The welcome home party was perfect. It has been fun seeing Shelli and Aiden grow up and develop. DUMP AND CHASE is a heartwarming story. It is skillfully written and perfectly paced. Toni Aleo fans will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this story to lovers of sports romances. I would recommend reading Shelli’s and Aiden’s parents books first; in addition, to reading JUICY REBOUND. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Stephanie Julian is victorious with THE MACHINE, the seventh book in the Redtails Hockey series.  Reading Redtails star, Jakub (Jake) Mozik, suffers a possible career-ending injury.  While at therapy he is inspired by, Faith Donovan, who was recovering from a car crash that almost left her paralyzed.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

Stephanie Julian does a fabulous job with her character development.  She does a great job depicting Jake’s Czech accent.  I like Jake.  He initially comes off as being “a Machine,” solely focused on recovery, showing no emotion.  As he opens to Faith, he becomes more personable.  Faith is an inspirational character.  After a car accident, she was told she would never walk again.  Faith didn’t give up; she continues with therapy and once again walks.  To add insult to injury, her fiancé stood her up at the altar.

I enjoyed the plot.  It was skillfully executed.  I like that Jake and Faith were acquaintances before they were in therapy together.  They both respected each other before they began hanging out.  They are both fighters.  I appreciated how Faith’s job was relevant to the story.  THE MACHINE is an excellent example of how your life could change in a minute, and your life plans derailed.    I recommend this book to people that enjoy sports romances with perseverance.  I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

The MacKilligan sisters' story continues, IN A BADGER WAY by Shelly Laurenston.  Honey Badger/Tiger hybrid, Stevie MacKilligan goes undercover to help capture a scientist experimenting on hybrids.  Simultaneously, she sets her sights on Bodyguard/Giants Panda shifter, Shen Li.  This contemporary PNR is suitable for adults. It will have you laughing uncontrollably. 

I can always count on Shelly Laurenston to make me laugh so hard that I cry.  I love her humor.  I find it amusing how she adds in different animal quirks of the shifters.  Top that off with the hybrids and she takes it to another level of entertaining.  There is never a dull moment in this story. 

I love Stevie.  She was a child prodigy in both music and science.  I love the way her mind works.  The stuff going on with her family is always amusing.  Shen is the perfect boyfriend, whether he wants to be or not, for Stevie.  He’s laid back and happy.  I love how he chews bamboo any time he wants to distract someone’s attention. 

I appreciate how Shelly Laurenston includes characters from her other work in this story.  It’s fun when someone from a previous book pops up.  I’m always excited when Shelly Laurenston comes out with a new shifter book.  I was not disappointed.  IN A BADGER WAY had me laughing throughout the entire book.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I applaud Rachel Harris’ EYES ON ME.  Concerned about her stress level, Lily Bailey’s father enrolls her in dance classes in hopes of relaxing her.  Unknown to her, he offers star Brighton High football player, Stone Torres, money for being her dance partner.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for young adults.

EYES ON ME was an entertaining and believable read. The characters were well developed.  I like Lily.  She puts a lot of stress on herself to become valedictorian and to get accepted to Harvard.  After winding up in the hospital, her father enrolls her in dance classes as an activity to get her mind off her classes.  Stone is a good guy.  Out of concern for the financial well-being of his mother’s dance studio, he accepts money from Lily’s dad to be Lily’s dance partner.  As he gets to know Lily, he feels conflicted about taking the money.  Cameron Montgomery is the perfect antagonist.  She is Lily’s competition for valedictorian and Stone’s ex-girlfriend.

I enjoyed the plot.  There were good life lessons and moral issues. I have taken ballroom dance classes, so I respected that aspect of the story.  Being Hungarian, I appreciated that Stone’s mom/dance instructor was born there.  I like that the characters faced significant obstacles and grew as a result. This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Harris.  I enjoyed her writing style.  I would read books by her in the future.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kat Mizera hits it in the net with NATE, the eleventh book in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series. Rookie, Nate Calloway, meets journalist, Chelsea Baldwin, when she literally falls in his lap. The two are smitten with each other, but there is no way an athlete and a reporter could date. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult audiences.

Nate was introduced in the Alaska Blizzard series. Nate is friends with Whitney Sommers. They both met when he was at school in Boston. I adored him in that series. I was thrilled that Kate Mizera wrote his story. Nate is a sweet rookie that you cannot help but love. He suffered a tragedy in his youth who still affects him. I like Chelsea. She is a recent graduate working for the Sin City Observer. She is given the opportunity to report on the Las Vegas Sidewinders despite her lack of hockey knowledge. She is smart, creative, and has integrity. The two have a heartwarming connection. They are adorable together. 

The novel had a great plot. It covered topics that are important and unfortunately happens too frequently. The characters face significant obstacles and grew as a result. I love how the team supports Nate. Kat Mizera continues to do a great job with this series. I highly recommend this book to people that enjoy sports romances with relevant issues. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. 

Kelly Jamieson has a breakout with PLAY TO WIN, the first book in the Wyn Hockey series.  Needing to prove himself to his family, Théo Wynn accepts the position of general manager of the NHL team, the Los Angeles Condors.  He enlists the help of Lacey Olson to get her out of Las Vegas.  The two decide to get married to help with his plan.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

Kelly Jamieson does an amazing job laying the foundation to the Wynn series.  The Wynn family is very complicated.  Jamieson does a fantastic job of explaining the history and dynamics of the family.  Both Théo and Lacey have been betrayed by their brothers.  I love that they meet each other and help one another with their issues. 

Théo is a likable hero.  His NHL career was cut short due to an injury.  He pursues a job in NHL management.  I felt horrible for him and what happened with his previous relationship.  It is understandable why he enlists Lacey’s help.  Lacey is a sweet heroine.  Her brother is a gambling addict who abused their relationship.  The two are good for one another.  I appreciated that Lacey helps Théo relax and enjoy himself, instead of analyzing everything.

I am a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson.  I enjoy her writing style.  PLAY TO WIN is an amazing start to the Wynn series.  I like how it ties into the Aces Hockey series.  There is a lot of interesting drama with the Wynn family.  I’m looking forward to the rest of this series to find out how everything unfolds.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Isabella Cassazza wins with DEFYING GRAVITY, the first book in the Ice Tigers series.  Boston Ice Tigers NHL star, Tyler Wolfe, has a secret, his boyfriend, Danny Fisher.  Their lives change after meeting, Lily Parker. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences. 

I adored this story.  Tyler, Danny, and Lily are all amazing characters.  They are all very different but fit together.  Tyler is an in the closet athlete.  He distances himself from his teammates fearing they will discover his secrete.  Danny is his patient bisexual boyfriend.  He is a physiotherapist; this is great considering Tyler and Lily are athletes.  Then horse trainer, Lily, enters their lives changing it forever.

Lily is a sweet person.  She has good intentions.  I felt horrible for what her friend, Nathalie, went through.  It’s understandable how Lily becomes involved with Tyler and Danny.  I enjoyed the horse training aspect of the story.  It was very detailed, and I felt like I learned a few things.

I adored how the characters developed throughout the story.  They make a serious positive impact on each other’s lives. I love that Tyler opens to his teammates.  Everything about this story was perfect.  It was believable.  There were relevant obstacles.  Isabella Cassazza does a fantastic job getting you in the characters' heads. 

I appreciated Isabella Cassazza writing style.  DEFYING GRAVITY was skillfully written and engaging.  It had me hooked from start to finish.  I cannot wait for book two, CENTER OF GRAVITY.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Stacey Lynn scores a touchdown with WICKED PLAYER, the third book in the Rough Riders series. Football wide receiver Gage Bryant has a reputation to uphold; he pays a lot of money to The Velvet Club for their non-disclosure agreements to have his secret kept that he is a dominant.  Imagine his surprise when the submissive he can’t stop thinking about has been assigned to follow the opening of his new Children’s Hospital Family Center.  This story takes place in Raleigh and is suitable for adult audiences.

Stacey Lynn does an amazing job with this book.  Her character development and plot are skillfully executed.  I like Elizabeth Hayes and Gage.  They are both members of The Velvet Club to help maintain their privacy and reputations.  They are both public figures with a lot to lose if their lifestyles were discovered.  They are both honorable and hardworking. 

The plot was clever and heartfelt.  I like that Elizabeth doesn’t know that Gage is the Dom from The Velvet Club, due to being blindfolded.  Since she is an inquisitive investigative reporter, it made an interesting angle.  I thought it was clever how her ex-boyfriend, Connor Hopkins, played into the story.  I like Gage’s reason for supporting the children’s hospital.  I loved Gage’s and Elizabeth’s relationship with Brandon Miller.  My heart broke for that little boy and his family. 

WICKED PLAYER was a thought-provoking read.  It was believable and inspiring.  This was the first book that I have read in the rough rider series.  I had no problem following the story, and I am interested in reading additional books in the series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Toni Aleo scores with JUICY REBOUND, the first book in the IceCats series. I had been looking forward to reading Amelia Justice’s story since reading WHEN YOU'RE READY, which was released in the Hockey Holidays Anthology. WHEN YOU'RE READY is Amelia’s parents’ book. The ending of the novella started Amelia’s story prior to JUICY REBOUND. In JUICY REBOUND, Amelia runs into her college crush and brother’s best friend, Chandler Moon, who is a defenseman for the South Carolina IceCats. Amelia’s brother is Ryan Justice from book four in the Bellevue Bullies series, END GAME. Both, Amelia and Chandler are in that story.

I loved JUICY REBOUND. Amelia and Chandler are both divorced and scarred from their previous marriages. They were interested in each other in college but since Chandler is Ryan’s best friend, Amelia was off limits. I love that these two get a chance together. Ryan and Amelia are the perfect people to help each other heal.

The character development was noteworthy. Amelia is the niece of Shea Adler (TAKING SHOTS, Nashville Assassins book #1); needless to say a lot of the characters have been around for a while and made many appearances in multiple books and series. Toni Aleo does a fantastic job of making the characters feel believable and grow throughout the series. They are not perfect. They are relatable. The characters have weaknesses and strengths. They have high and low points. In this story, Amelia is trying to come off a low point. She hasn’t spoken to her family in four years. She’s embarrassed and trying to make a new life for herself. Chandler is at a high point in his career but not in his personal life. Chandler is an amazing guy. He is patient and kind. Amelia has lost her confidence and on the journey to healing.

The plot was relevant and skillfully executed. I love the similarities between Amelia’s and Chandler’s story and her parents’ life. Amelia is a lot like her mom and Chandler is like Amelia’s dad, James. It’s sweet and heartwarming. I don’t think I have read a book by Toni Aleo that hasn’t made me cry; JUICY REBOUND was no exception. I love that Toni Aleo’s books tug your heartstrings. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kat Mizera lights the lamp with ROYCE, the tenth book in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series.   Hockey star Royce Lenahan’s best friend and teammate, Dmitri Papadakis, asked him to take his little sister, Kristina, to a rock concert.  She’s not the quiet girl with glasses that he remembered.  She is free-spirited, the opposite of his programmed lifestyle.

I like Tina and Royce.  They have different personalities.  She is artistic, free-spirited, and spontaneous.  Royce is a great athlete, organized, and scheduled.  They are both hard working.  Royce is a bit uptight and Tina is the perfect person to loosen him up.

I enjoyed the plot.  The couple had many interesting obstacles to overcome.  There were significant life lessons.  I appreciated the similarities between Tina and Royce’s mom. I like Casey Hart and Jayson Keller.  I enjoyed what they added to the story.  I thought it was clever how Royce and Tina met them. 

ROYCE was skillfully written and entertaining.  It is a perfect addition to the Las Vegas Sidewinders series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Lisa B. Kamps triumphs with FIGHTING TO SCORE, the twelfth book in the Baltimore Banners series.  I was excited that LISA B. Kamps continued Shane Masters’ and Chloe Hunter‘s story.  She wrote their prequel in book 11.5, CHRISTMAS INTERFERENCE, which was originally released in the HOCKEY HOLIDAYS Anthology. 

Shane and Chloe have a lot of history.  Including a car accident that altered their lives forever.  Five years have passed, and Shane and Chloe were reunited in book 11.5 CHRISTMAS INTERFERENCE.  Now Chloe moves to Baltimore to see if they could have a future together.  Chloe is struggling with thoughts that they have changed too much over those five years, and it’s up to Shane to prove that what they have is worthwhile.

I really like Shane.  He has lived in guilt about the accident when it wasn’t his fault.  Chloe has been living with a different guilt that she has kept secret.  The two have concerns they need to settle and to rediscover one another. 

I’m glad Shane and Chloe’s twin, Wyatt, resolve their issues.  I loved the sled hockey aspect of the story.  My son just played in a sled hockey charity event while I was reading this story, so it was pertinent for me.  It’s a great sport who is significant for its players. 

FIGHTING TO SCORE is a sweet and heartfelt second chance romance that fits in perfectly with the Baltimore Banners series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kelly Jamieson leads the league with GAME ON, the last book in the Aces Hockey series. Cam Brickley’s teammates bet him that he cannot date the same woman for two months and not fall in love with her. Olivia Lockwood needs a spokesman for her charity. They both want something from the other, and neither one of them is interested in an actual relationship.

As always, Kelly Jamieson does an amazing job with her character development. Initially, Cam and Olivia used each other; Cam to win a bet and Olivia for PR for her charity. As they get to know each other, feelings develop. I like Olivia. She is an heiress and has been used by people in the past for her connections. Her self-esteem is not the best because she has been verbally beaten down by her family. She is an honorable woman with admirable goals. Cam is a good guy. He’s great with the kids at Olivia’s charity. I like how he defends Olivia.

The plot was skillfully executed and interesting. Being a Chicago, I appreciated that this series takes place there. I love all the history that was shared in this story. GAME ON is a hard book to put down and may cause a book hangover. The ending to GAME ON was perfect for not only the book but the series. I am sad this series is over, but I am thrilled that Kelly Jamieson is coming out with a new hockey series (Wynn Hockey) that Aces players will be making an appearance in. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Jami Davenport scores a touchdown with SNAP DECISION.  Seattle Steelhead's quarterback Tyler Harris is willed a run-down mansion on an island in the Pacific Northwest.  He keeps bumping heads with his new next-door neighbor, Lavender Mead, who is not a fan of football players.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

SNAP DECISION is a clever and fun read.  I enjoyed the banter between Tyler and Lavender.  They are very entertaining.  Tyler is a complicated character.  He is a talented football player who lost his passion for the game.  He’s questioning his worth.  He doesn’t let people see the real him.  Lavender is an enjoyable character.  It is understandable why she does not like/trust football players.  I like how their lives overlapped.

I enjoyed the plot.  I thought the history behind Twin Cedars was interesting.  I love Cougar the cat.  I liked the cuss jar, it added amusing moments.  All the details made the story perfect. I always enjoy Jami Davenport ‘s writing style.  It flows well and is entertaining throughout.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Helena Hunting lights the lamp with PUCKED LOVE.  It is the sixth book in the Pucked series.  I’ve been looking forward to reading Charlene Hoar’s and Darren Westinghouse’s book for a long time.  Their relationship has been so mysterious throughout this series.  I loved finding out what their story is.  PUCKED LOVE was full of surprises and interesting twists.

Helena Hunting did an amazing job with her plot and character development.  Charlene and Darren are both complicated characters with difficult pasts.  They are both broken and the perfect people to fix each other.  Their need for privacy was understandable. I love Darren’s nickname for Charlene.  It is very appropriate.

There were so many interesting things that happened throughout the novel.  It had a little of everything. It was funny, serious, and heartwarming. Darren and Charlene both have unique parents.  Their pasts were distressing. I loved PUCKED LOVE. I enjoyed that the crew from the previous books played a crucial role in this story.  The team really is a family.  PUCKED LOVE was skillfully written and believable.  It had the perfect ending. I would love to see a spin off series with the kids.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I love hockey romances, so I couldn’t resist reading HOCKEY HOLIDAYS.  It includes stories by many of my favorite authors.  There are eighteen exclusive stories/authors included in this anthology. This is an amazing anthology.  I couldn’t think of a better read to get into the Christmas spirit.  I appreciate that 100% of its proceeds will be donated to charity. 

Stories listed in order of appearance:

A SECOND SHOT by Shannon Stacey is a heartwarming read.  Erik Burke of the Boston Marauders gets a second chance with veterinarian, Andrea Morgan, after he rescues a lost dog, bringing it to her clinic. Being an animal lover, I appreciated this story.  It was a heartfelt second chance romance.  This is the first story that I have read by Shannon Stacey. I enjoyed her writing style. 

CHRISTMAS CROSSCHECK by Jaymee Jacobs is a Dallas Comets novella.  This is an entertaining story about all the things that go wrong when defenseman Bryan Comstock attempts to propose to Georgiana Pierson on Christmas Eve.  My heart went out to the characters that both wanted to make their Christmas together special but faced one obstacle after another. 

A WOLFE BROTHERS CHRISTMAS by Jami Davenport is part of the Game On in Seattle series.  I love the Wolfe brothers.  In this story, they are spending their first Christmas together since they have been reunited playing different professional sports in Seattle.  I love that Jami Davenport tied this story in with book 2.5 in the series, LOVE AT FIRST SNOW.  That was a clever way to help heal the boys’ relationship. 

THE PLAYBOY by Stephanie Julian is a Redtails Hockey series novella.  In this story, Kyle Deangelo is hoping for a second chance with Leah Wilson after being moved back to the minors.  This is a sweet story that was an enjoyable read.

DMITRI'S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Kat Mizera is a Las Vegas Sidewinders novella.  In this story, Dmitri Papadakis and Angelica Reardon have an unexpected pregnancy. Then Dmitri’s ex-girlfriend reveals that she is also pregnant.  I loved this story; it made me cry.

A STAR-CROSSED CHRISTMAS by V.L. Locey is a Cayuga Cougars novella.  In this story, childhood friends, goalie Mitch Adams and Olympic snowborder Shawn Sandbeck, discuss the kiss they had two years prior and reveal their feelings for each other.  This is a sweet story.  I appreciated the candid scene with Vic and Dan, and I love Mitch’s and Shawn’s mothers. 

RED-HOT TROUBLE BY LILY HARLEM is a spin-off of the Hot Ice Series.  Dr. Sophie Delaney treats Nathan Walker after an injury o the ice.  After her twin brother's warning, Sophie tries to stay away from Nathan, but he has other plans.  This story has interesting twists.

DALLAS CHRISTMAS by RJ Scott.  Logan Maxwell of the Burlington Dragons is trying to forget his relationship with the brother of his team captain, Archie Simard.  They end up spending Christmas in Dallas together along with some of his team mates who have no idea that he is gay.  This is a heartening and moving read.

ICING ISN'T ONLY FOR COOKIES BY MELODY HECK GATTO is a Renegades novella.  Avery James and Kyler Wilson are reunited a year after having a one-night stand that neither one of them forgot.  This is a delightful feel-good story that I enjoyed.  I love that Avery makes Christmas enjoyable for Kyler again.

FINAL SLAPSHOT by Jean C. Joachim.  Harry "Deke" Edmonds had possible career-ending injury and needs to make some difficult decisions.  This is a heart-wrenching story made more strenuous taking place during the holidays. 

CHRISTMAS INTERFERENCE by Lisa B. Kamps is a Baltimore Banners novella.  Shane Masters returned home and confronts a tragedy that happened five years ago.  I loved this story.  My heart went out to the characters in this story.

HOLDING ON TIGHT by Susan Scott Shelley is a Buffalo Bedlam novella.  Defenseman Vince Forsberg and Joseph Parelli undergo numerous burdens to make their first Christmas together perfect.  This was a skillfully written story with appealing outcomes.

HIS CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA by Kate Willoughby is a San Francisco Dragons novella.  Gideon Aguilar has just been traded to the Dragons and is on his way to the team at their Christmas party. He mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver and asks her to be his date.  This is a fun story with a story book ending.  I love how Bailey helps Gideon with his anxiety.

ALL I WANT by Stephanie Kay is a San Francisco Strikers novella.  This is a second-chance romance for Alex Westbrook and Maggie. They grew up together in Chicago.  Now Alex was visiting the kids at the Children’s hospital in San Francisco where he runs into Maggie, who is a doctor there.  This is a heartwarming story that I adored.

LUCKY HOLIDAY by Jennifer Lazaris is a Las Vegas Kingsnakes novella.  Tyler Quinn regretted breaking his engagement to Ella Wilkinson two years ago.  Now he’s hoping for a second chance when he discovers that she relocated to Las Vegas, and that he is going to be working with her on a charity campaign.  This is a touching story unexpected twists.

HER BEST WORST BOYFRIEND by Melanie Ting.  Em Davis enlist the help of Ian Reid, a guy she cannot stand, to go home with her for the holidays hoping her parents will hate him.  As she gets to know him, she discovers maybe he’s not so bad after all.  This is a clever and entertaining story.  It is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.

THE DEVOTED FATHER AND THE INTROVERT by Mary Smith is a New Hampshire Bears novella.  Elexis Dunaway and Dag Limon meet through a tweet.  This is a supper cute story.  I love the characters.  I like how Elexis and Dag originally meet.

WHEN YOU'RE READY by Toni Aleo is an Assassins prequel novella.  It is the story of Grace Adler (the twin sister of Shea Adler from book one, TAKING SHOTS) and James Justice. I adored this novella.  Assassins fans will not want to miss this story. 

Hockey Holidays is the perfect book for Christmas.  It would make a great gift for anyone the loves hockey/sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I was excited when I found out that Cecy Robson was releasing a prequel to the Weird Girl series. I have to say this has become one of my favorite books in the series. I loved it. The story was unique and clever. I enjoyed seeing a younger Celia, Aric, Koda, Gemini, and Liam. I also, appreciated witnessing a fifteen-year-old Aric interact with his parents. Knowing what happens in the future books, it was thought-provoking to learn Aric’s father’s opinion of Celia.

Since this is a prequel, if you haven’t read the Weird Girl series, you can read this book and easily follow it. If you do follow the series, I think you will find this story to be an interesting insight into the series. GONE HUNTING held me captivated from start to finish. My heart went out to the characters. I love how the story starts and ends similarly. GONE HUNTING is a brilliant addition to the Weird Girls series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.