Mary Smith is on a winning streak with her second book in The New Hampshire Bears Series, The Workaholic and the Realist. New Hampshire Bears’ defenseman Keaton Jaco is a workaholic. Editor Harlow Goldsmith is a realist. The question is, are they compatible? This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
Mary Smith does a fantastic job with both her character development and plot. Keaton is very likeable. He is hard working and motivated. He does not want anyone to know about his goals and aspirations. I love that age is not an issue for him, and he looks deeper at people. Harlow is forty years old and knows what she wants. She has rational expectations. Being in my forties, I related to Harlow a lot. She has great taste in music. I love her sarcasm and dialogs. I love their pet names for each other. Their verbal banter was entertaining. Both characters have a lot of depth.
I like how the characters from the first and second book interrelate to each other. It made for a nice transition. I revered Keaton’s grandmother. She was a good person that everyone adored. The plot was worthy and well executed. I felt bad for Keaton and the things he went through. The hockey scenes were well described. The story was full of humor. I thought it was funny when Keaton rescued Harlow from her date. The conflict between Keaton and Felicia was believable. I enjoyed the ending, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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 - Mary Smith, Rebecca Cartee)
