Tag Archives: Sports romance

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Icebreaker
Author: Hannah Grace
Series: Maple Hills #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I first opened this book – I mean, I know that it has gotten good reviews and a lot of attention. But, that doesn’t always equate to a book that I’m going to love, or indeed, an author that I will enjoy. That was not the case here. I really, really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to dive into Wildfire. There was something fun and engaging about it all. Plus, I’m not really used to having a book throw quite so many curveballs at me. I literally thought that everything in the story was all tied up, but then realised that there were over ten chapters left to go, and began to kind of dread what was coming.

I’ve read a lot of sports romances over the past few years – there is something about them that I really enjoy. But I’ve never read one that features a figure skater. I really liked the mix of figure skater and hockey player. The differences and the things that they have in common due to their sport. I feel like, in hindsight, it’s a bit of a natural and obvious pairing, but when I started reading this, it certainly didn’t feel like it. In fact, some of my favourite moments are when the two are able to connect through their love of skating, even though their styles and approaches are vastly different.

Anastasia and Nathan are kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope, but they start more as frenemies than anything. I love how it is Anastasia that really drives the antagonism, because she is a tiny pocket rocket of a woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone. In fact, she absolutely calls Nathan on his nonsense from incredibly early on. And, even if she doesn’t quite know the full story, I totally get the vindication and approach that she takes to this nonsense. Although I loved watching their relationship go from frenemies to friends to more in my mind’s eye, I actually loved the process of Anastasia becoming friends with all of the hockey players more. They’re just adorable and kind of labrador-like in their drive to connect with her.

Of all of the relationships in this story, it was Aaron and his treatment of Anastasia that really got my heart racing. I actually couldn’t believe how manipulative and evil he is. By the midway point, I was really hoping that he would just… be set on fire or something equally drastic. But, Grace was a master at crafting her villain. I completely related to every decision that Anastasia made, even if I didn’t actually think that they were “smart”. It was kind of terrifying, a little like Gaston, because he is one of the most realistic and insidious villains I’ve read in a long while.

<- More Hannah GraceWildfire ->

Image source: Simon and Schuster

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows since the fun little prequel, False Start. I’m not really sure what distracted me from diving straight in. But I’m really glad that I eventually got there. As with all of the Piper Rayne books I’ve had the privilege of reading, I absolutely adored this. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows was a fun and enjoyable sports romance. One that not only had a wonderful couple in the lead, with a whole lot of past that majorly complicated things. But, it also introduced a new cast of characters that I couldn’t help but love. They were fun and I can’t wait to read about each of the boys falling to the women they decide to love like dominoes.

As much as I enjoyed this romance, Shayna is far more forgiving than I think I could be. But, I know how to hold a grudge, and Shayna is definitely a lot more grown up and sweet than I could ever hope to be. Don’t get me wrong, she does hold onto her feelings for a little while, and her being able to forgive Lee for his childish nonsense is a big point of their conflict. But, the past and past hurts weren’t the only things that acted as a point of conflict for the couple. I like that there are other challenges that they face, all coloured by the past, but also influenced by the present. Rather than being bitter and stuck with what has been before, Shayna manages to be optimistic and kind in all of her dealings.

Although Lee is very obviously apologetic for his past stupidity, he is also a little too enmeshed in his own privilege. He consistently believes that because he thinks or says something will be so, it will turn out the way that he wants. Even when Shayna warns him, repeatedly about the consequences of his choices, he just… barrels on ahead. Honestly, his surprise at the outcome of their final hurdle to be together was almost laughable. If it wasn’t for the fact that his privilege made me want to smack him round the head and scoff “idiot”. Yet, this very steep (and kind of unnecessary if he’d just listened to Shayna) learning curve actually acts as a mechanism for him to learn about his privilege. I like that he ultimately acknowledges that he was acting in a very ignorant manner and figures out a way to move forwards with his head just a little further out of his own butt.

I can’t wait to read You Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks. His story is set up perfectly, as I’m discovering many of the stories in the Piper Rayne world are. I might not be reading each of the series (and even individual stories) in order, but each and every journey into this world is a whole lot of fun. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is a good, easy and fun sports romance that had me smiling and, honestly, believing anything is possible. A great way to depart reality and just enjoy what I have the privilege of burying my literary nose into.

<- False StartYou Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks ->

Image source: Pinterest

Knock Out by Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Knock Out
Author: Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Fighting for Love #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

It’s really not that uncommon for a fighter and trainer to end up in a relationship, and I really like how this dynamic was built upon in Knock Out. Don’t get me wrong, it could be an incredibly difficult and serious breach of etiquette, but both Ozzi and Willow navigate this dynamic with finesse and kindness. Plus, I love how they build their relationship up from their points of vulnerability and getting to know one another to the final moments when they realise how much they truly care for one another.

Knock Out finishes out the Fighting for Love series, but I’m kind of disappointed that it’s the last. There’s one more Viking brother to fall in love! It’s supposed to set Viggo up for another series, but I haven’t seen any evidence of it. And I’m seriously disappointed. Viggo has more hang ups than his other four brothers, and I really, really want his story. Plus, everything that involves a family that is this heavily enmeshed in MMA is going to draw me in… I mean, not only is it a wonderfully familiar world, I also have fallen stupidly in love with these brothers and the life that they end up building in Green Valley.

I really liked Ozzi, but honestly, his commitment to running away was truly ridiculous. No human is stagnant, and yet I’ve met people like this. Those who think that a certain way of living is there to define them until their last breath. I’m really not sure why people stick to such preconceived notions of who and what they are, but I completely understand that it happens. And this rigidity and (quite frankly) stupidity made Ozzi that more realistic and interesting. It just takes him a little longer than I would like to realise that people change as they grow, and that’s actually okay.

I might have liked Ozzi trying to figure out who he is and what he wants from life, Willow is trying to learn how to trust. Her battle and willingness to change was definitely the more intense and interesting of the two internal stories of growth. Then, she decides to fight for her sister, her skills and just her life in general. I love that this entire story really centres around the fact that Willow is learning how to thrive, not survive her life. And that she is doing it whilst learning how to become a single mother and taking on a pretty intense responsibility that a lot of people would balk at.

As much as I loved this story, I desperately wanted more MMA. That may have been partly because when I read this, I hadn’t actually trained for three weeks, and that always makes me a little twitchy. Some of the facts in this aren’t quite true to the MMA world that I know (but I’m also based in Australia). But the grit, the determination, the emotional release that comes with training… all of these things are wonderfully familiar and left me smiling after I turned that final page.

<- Eye CandyMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rebel Yule
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This is the second book I’ve read in the Rookie Rebels series, and I absolutely love these sports romances. There is extra love for this story in that it is also a Christmas story. I may have read Rebel Yule way out of order, but there are honestly no regrets. It’s a fun and light read. One that I absolutely adored. And I look forward to reading more and more stories of the cinnamon roll alphas of the Rebels Hockey Team. Particularly the ones that are set around Christmas – because Christmas is always a favourite time of the year.

At first I thought that Casey’s frustration and annoyance at Erik was totally unfounded. Or at least, that it was about her attraction to him and inability to act upon it. The fact that she had a genuine reason to actually be annoyed with him? Brilliant. And the fact that Erik was actually a much better person than assumed – and that he had reasons for his behaviour, even better. Their past and the way that they move into the future together was really sweet. And I love that they are able to work past the misunderstandings from before to find a much better, and more enjoyable, life together.

I’ve actually heard of “face blindness” before, although I can’t for the life of me remember the technical term. I love that this unique condition was a really important part of the plot line. Plus, it gives Erik his insecurities and humanness. That, partnered with Casey’s need to overcorrect from the mistakes in her past relationship gave this story the perfect amount of drama and angst. I didn’t want to stop reading, and was really disappointed when the story was finished. I mean, we got the happily ever after (as expected), but I kind of wanted more of Casey and Erik, they had such amazing character journeys and I really enjoyed travelling along this path with them.

In amongst all of the fun drama and character development is the joys of Christmas. I love how all of Erik’s Swedish Christmas traditions are sprinkled throughout the story. That, and the feeling / need for family and loved ones at this season was really nice. I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, and reading Casey and Erik’s story with a whole heap of different traditions left me feeling a little bit more in the Christmas mood, ready to jump into the insane, I mean, festive season, both feet first.

<- Dear RoomieJock Wanted ->

Image source: Kate Meader

Away Game by Cathryn Fox

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Away Game (Rebels)
Author: Cathryn Fox
Series: Scotia Storms #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Romance tropes are tropes for a reason, and I always love trying to pick which ones each story is going to fit. Away Game is a snowbound romance, with the star hockey player falling for the coaches’ daughter. Honestly, everything unfolds exactly as you would expect, but it does so in such a fun way and I couldn’t really put it down. I mean, I might pretty much be able to predict how a romantic trope is going to unfold, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the journey to get there. Plus, Sawyer and Chase are just too damn cute and sweet.

I really like that in this romance, the man is the one who is the introvert and trying hard not to be recognised. Then, he finds himself a woman who loves to be on stage and has no issue with being the centre of attention. I love how opposite they are, but that in having totally different interests, they are able to perfectly complement each other. Having said that, Chase’s need to hide who he is and his family ties do almost lead to him destroying his relationship before it even starts. Not to mention, Sawyer has her own hang ups that provide wondrously delicious complications to the entire relationship.

Even though I really enjoyed this story, I did find that Sawyer was a little bit too quick to jump to conclusions. I mean, it’s understandable in the whole wanting to not date a hockey player saga, but the rest of it? It got a little bit repetitive and made her seem somehow less. Plus, she’s obviously got a great group of people around her (away from her dad’s hockey team), yet, she constantly thinks that she’s being overlooked. I kind of understand that insecurity, but it did feel a little like, “look at this amazing woman, but no one else notices her”. I’m really not a fan of that kind of trope.

This was definitely one of those romances that I read without witnesses. It’s got some pretty good and steamy on-page romance that had me smiling (a lot). But also, it wasn’t one that I necessarily wanted to be reading in public, or with someone looking over my shoulder. But, new author, new hockey team. There is so much that I’m excited for in my TBR now and this goes very happily into that list.

<- More Cathryn FoxWarm Up (Rebels) ->

Image source: Amazon

Open Fire by M.E. Carter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Open Fire
Author: M.E. Carter
Series: Florida Glaze Hocky #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

From the title of this story, and the fact that it’s a Christmas story, I knew that the song “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” was going to get mentioned (and stuck in my head). And I wasn’t wrong. I ended up walking around the house singing this song for ages after starting this story. And then, I got it stuck in my head all over again when I started writing this review. Honestly, I’m just going to have to sing this song every time I see the cover for Open Fire, and I’m honestly okay with that – this was a fantastic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I can’t imagine trying to fly around Christmas, particularly on Christmas eve. That must be one of the most awkward and intense times at the airport. Which meant that having a romance based on flying at this time of year, and the inevitable flight delays was something that fascinated me. I mean, I always try to travel off the peak times, and I’ve never had to entertain myself in an airport for more than four hours, so it was fun to read about how Becker and Sloan were able to do so. Plus, having a romance set in a single location (primarily) in a matter of hours was a fun and brilliant way to make this story come to life.

This was the very definition of a slow-burn romance. Becker and Sloan spend a lot of time getting to know one another and just, genuinely enjoying each other’s company. The majority of this book is honestly just about them spending time together and getting to know one another. The fact that they don’t actually kiss until right towards the end just made it all that much sweeter and more spine tingling. Honestly, it made me swoon just a little bit reading about this. The build up was phenomenal and I can’t wait to read another M.E. Carter story.

Not only is this a fun and engaging romance, it also highlights the importance of family and Christmas time. I love that both Sloan and Becker are trying to rush home to spend the time with their families, although they have vastly different traditions. But, really, it was the moment that Becker chooses to dress up as Santa for Sloan’s family and jump into their relationship with both eyes open that made me absolutely fall for this Christmas romance.

<- Trial by FirePlaying with Fire ->

Image source: Amazon

My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: My Lucky #13
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Hockey Hotties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I knew from the very first moment reading about Aiden and Saige in Countdown to a Kiss that I was going to love their story. I mean, they are just way too cute. And sweet. And just all of the things that I love in a good couple. The fact that they build their relationship on friendship and respect just made me love them all that much more. The fact that they are able to build this relationship with each other when they are dealing with an overriding lust for one another… it was honestly an impossible book to put down.

I’ve heard about superstitions in pro athletes, but I love how Piper Rayne was able to take this idea and give you a superstition that wasn’t quite what I expected. Having a drink thrown in the face of lucky #13 was hilarious. And it was downright joyful just to see how everyone reacted to a superstition which isn’t exactly glorious. Plus, it gives you a beautiful Meet Cute. And it also leads to Saige really recognising how much of an inconsiderate fool Joran is at times. Particularly when he just… is okay with Aiden and Saige travelling around the country together with no second thoughts.

This was one of those romances where I thought the biggest challenge would be the couple actually getting together. And I was ridiculously excited when they did… only to realise just how much of this book was left. They’re a great couple, and seeing that plenty of the book was left just made me realise that there was more than one road bump in the way. That final twist was incredibly sad and hurt my  heart a whole lot. But, I love how they still found their way to each other and created their own happily ever after, moving past the nonsense of the past.

Not only was My Lucky #13 a wonderful read, but it beautifully set up the drama that is to come for Maksim and Ford. This showed the brotherhood of the hockey teams, the high stakes of being a professional athlete. And also the trouble two of Aiden’s best friends are about to find themselves in. Drama that is going to be absolutely delicious to read (and probably impossible to put down too).

<- Countdown to a KissThe Trouble with #9 ->

Image source: Kobo

Good Guy by Kate Meader

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Good Guy
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance,
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I really like that this is a bit of a second chance romance story, and also the best friends’ girl story. I mean, Levi has been in love with Jordan from the very beginning, even though she ended up marrying his best friend. Somehow, he made something that may be frowned upon less cringey, and kind of sweet. Plus, he is just so damn stoic throughout this. Don’t get me wrong, all of the angst throughout this was a little bit difficult to read. But also completely beautiful and made me want to keep turning the pages, even when I should’ve been sleeping.

Jordan’s expose and attempt to gain equality in an inequal world is kind of fantastic. Plus, I love the journey of how she gets there and how she realises that she needs to actually write this piece. It’s terrifyingly familiar many of the microaggressions which Jordan experiences. And the battles she faces to try and change the status quo. I absolutely adored the show of strength and spine of steel that she displays in her battle to try and find a way for the world to be just a little bit more just. Particularly within the realm of a male-dominated sphere. The fact that her expose touches upon dramas that have happened in the Chicago Rebels series just made me want to read them all that much more.

There is something about a good hockey romance that I’m really into lately. I don’t even get the chance to watch the sport, but I am completely intrigued by it. I’ve literally only ever seen one game in my entire life, so I definitely want more of this in my life. But, Australia. But I digress, I love the idea of hockey players and the romances that follow. Plus, there’s the whole problematic nature of having a relationship with someone who is a professional / celebrity athlete. Like many of the stories that fill my shelves, it’s the external stressors that challenge Jordan and Levi, the nature of his celebrity and how they can fit together into the world.

Expanding on the problematic nature of celebrity athletes, I love the fact that Levi chooses to join the army instead of dealing with the celebrity. He recognises the damage that fame can do upon somebody’s growing psyche at a young age. And the fact that he realised that he needed to grow up is completely admirable. It made me absolutely adore him, even in those moments when I just shook my head at his nonsense. I mean, this is such an adorable romance, but one with a little bit of extra meat to the characters. Things like Levi joining the army to make sure he doesn’t become yet another spoilt athlete made it impossible not to love.

<- More Kate MeaderInstacrush ->

Image source: Goodreads

Eye Candy by Jiffy Kate

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Eye Candy
Author: Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Fighting for Love #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Vali and Maggie are just too damn cute together. Maggie is kind of naïve and innocent, but with this amazing strength that I kind of wish I had. Then, there’s Vali. He’s a little bit more damaged and rough around the edges. But, he is able to be loving and kind and sweet. Rather than being a reformed playboy, he’s someone who really wants to make a life with someone and find his own happily ever after. Plus, I just loved how Maggie and Vali are so seamlessly able to fit into each others’ lives without too much thought or hard work. They are just too dang cute and I’m really disappointed that this story is over.

Whilst this is a romance, I love that Maggie is finding her wings in this story. Her parents, whilst kind of stifling her, aren’t actually the true restriction. Rather, it is her fear to dive into life without the barrier of her parents. Vali, rather than being the one to push her, acts as a bit of a catalyst for Maggie to truly find her wings. That, and her gorgeous pen pal who encourages her to take the plunge and live life on her own terms. I mean, we all need that reminder every now and again. Everyone lets themselves be stifled by something in their lives, but it is so fun going on this journey with Maggie as she decides to learn how to fly.

In his own way, Vali is also learning how to fly. He is recovering from a major betrayal and just… licking his wounds in private. I love that, even though he’s not confident in his ability to commit, he doesn’t entirely ignore the possibility either. Rather, he chooses to find his own way forwards in life. And, when the world throws Maggie in his path, he chooses happiness, not his own preconceived notions and plans for recovery. Plus, he gets this beautiful moment of closure when Chloe and her horribleness tries to walk back into his life. Something that I seriously and ridiculously enjoyed. There’s nothing like that moment of closure that never really happens in real life, but I do love to read about in a good book.

One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed about the Fighting for Love series is that it’s based around a group of brothers who all do MMA. There are a few discrepancies in how they fight in the cage, but I love how Jiffy Kate are able to capture the feeling of the crowd and the intensity of the sport. Plus, there’s the seriousness with which true MMA fighters take it – and the fact that they are all big teddy bears. A great little story that left me feeling happy, smiley, and content.

<- Beef CakeKnock Out ->

Image source: Jiffy Kate

False Start by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: False Start
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

False Start is the beginning to Lee and Shayna’s story and one that I think is going to give the first book in this series a whole heap of wonderful texture. After reading this, I just can’t wait to dive into You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows and see what happens when they reconnect years later. Particularly since all of the bumbles in this come from youth and misunderstandings. It creates a story that is so angsty and makes you want both Lee and Shayna to be happy and complete in their lives. I absolutely adored this and I’m hanging to get my teeth into yet another fun and awesome Piper Rayne sports romance.

If I’m being totally honest, Lee is a total and utter fool. He just can’t seem to get his head around the fact that he comes from a place of privilege and that him and his friends might be able to hurt someone else’s feelings. Then, there’s the fact that if he was just honest, he would probably have been able to fix things with Shayna and not waster so much time. I’m also programmed to trust and like Shayna more anyway as the geeky girl who always felt a little overlooked. So I most definitely get that feeling of betrayal that she experiences at the end of this story.

I did love the organic nature of Shayna and Lee getting to know one another. They spend time together learning, and then get to know one another through this. it’s also nice that it’s away from all of the pomp and circumstance that Lee is used to. Thus, a much more genuine and sweet budding romance. And now on to see what happens after all of the drama of False Start.

<- More Piper RayneYou Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows ->

Image source: Target