Recent Reads: Pucking Ever After Vol I and II by Emily Rath

Pucking Ever After Volume I and Volume 2 

Series: Jacksonville Rays #1.5 and #2.5
Publisher: Emily Rath Books
Publication Date:  April 23, 2023 & Nov 22, 2023

Format: Ebooks
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads Synopsis- Volume 1:

From the Amazon Bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series comes a Happily Ever After novella full of spice, laughter, and so much love.

Curious to know what happened to Rachel and the guys after that fateful hockey game in LA? PUCKING EVER VOL 1 provides readers with a six-chapter peek into the future of Team Price. Bonus content in this volume spans four years after the end of PUCKING AROUND.

"Show me all the ways I'm yours."

"I would bury myself in you, wife. No beginning. No end."

"Mars, if this is your baby, please don't name him Flörp."

PUCKING EVER VOL 1 is a special collection of bonus scenes meant to be read after PUCKING AROUND. It is a spicy 'why choose' hockey romance. A list of tropes and tags can be found at the author's website.

  

Goodreads Synopsis- Volume 2:

From the International Bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series comes a second Happily Ever After novella!

PUCKING EVER VOL 2 provides readers with SEVEN new chapters of happily ever after content. This volume spans five years and includes swoony and spicy HEA stories for both the Price Family (PUCKING AROUND) and Tess & Ryan (PUCKING WILD).

"Come on daddy...don't make me beg."

"I can't breathe for wanting you. I have no pride left."

"Mars...do you love me?"

PUCKING EVER VOL 2 is a special collection of bonus scenes meant to be read after PUCKING WILD (book #2 in the Jax Rays hockey romance series). A list of tropes and tags can be found at the author's website.

   

 

Review: 

As a follow-up to the main books, these two volumes of short stories are an absolute delight. Packed with sharp, witty banter and a chaotic energy that keeps the pages turning, they offer readers a whirlwind of emotions in bite-sized narratives. 

The multiple POVs from both Pucking Around and Pucking Wild bring depth and variety, allowing glimpses into the lives and thoughts of the beloved characters while keeping the storytelling dynamic and engaging.

These short stories are perfect for fans of the previous books, offering a mix of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments that expand on the world and relationships established earlier. They’re also a must-read for those who enjoyed the first installment of the series, an MMMF steamy romance that introduced this intriguing universe of messy, passionate, and unforgettable characters.

With their fast-paced, playful tone, these volumes feel like a love letter to readers who’ve grown attached to the series’ unique blend of steam, drama, and humor. If you’re craving more of the banter, chaos, and emotional depth that made the earlier books so captivating, these stories won’t disappoint.

Volume 1 includes: Jake's Ice Cream trick, Emergency Contact, Up in the Air (spicy airplane time), Ikea (Mars; worst nightmare), Paternity Test #1 and King of the Ice.

Volume 2 includes: Dark Devil (Karaoke night), Turks and Caicos (Tess/Ryan), Waiting Part 1 (Tess), Waiting Part 2 (Ryan), No Exit, and The Dentist parts 1-2 with Mars and Caleb.

Recent Reads: Pucking Wild by Emily Rath

Pucking Wild by Emily Rath  

Series: Jacksonville Rays #2
Publisher: Emily Rath Books 
Publication Date:  August 21, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Tess Owens is a confident, 33-year-old plus-sized divorcee daring to start her life over in a new job in a new city. In the process, she meets Ryan Langley, starting forward for the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays. Sure, he’s cute, in a puppy at the beach kind of way. But he’s ten years younger than her, and they have nothing in common.

But to Ryan, Tess is his dream girl. He’s ready to do anything to show her that age doesn’t matter, our pasts don’t define us, and just sometimes, two wrongs can make a right.

PUCKING WILD is a spicy MF hockey romance with positive plus size and bisexual representation. This is book two in the Jacksonville Rays series.

Review: 

I wasn't planning on continuing this series, but to understand all the stories offered in Puck Ever After Vol 1 and II, I needed to read this one. So here we are.

Pucking Wild is in the same world as Pucking Around, with the Jacksonville Rays hockey team. In this installment, we follow Tess and Ryan. Tess is Rachel's bestie trying to leave her cheating, abusive husband and life behind. Ryan is the young forward of the team, trying to make his way in the hockey world.

The story delivers a captivating blend of steam, tension, and emotional depth, centering on Tess, who is determined to escape her toxic marriage and Ryan, a young, earnest hockey player who unexpectedly becomes her refuge. The story leans into a classic will-they/won't-they dynamic, heightened by forced proximity that keeps the sparks flying.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, though their immediate, love-at-first-sight connection may feel a bit rushed for some readers. Both characters are deeply flawed, particularly when it comes to communication and their ability to trust, which adds layers of frustration and authenticity to their relationship. The steamy moments are balanced with heartfelt glimpses into their vulnerabilities, making for a compelling read.

While the narrative occasionally skates (pun intended!) over deeper explorations of their pasts, it still manages to capture the emotional journey of breaking free from abuse and finding hope in unexpected places. Fans of angsty, steamy romance will likely enjoy this one, though those looking for slow-burn development may find it less satisfying.

Early Reader Review: Lightfall by Ed Crocker

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Lightfall by Ed Crocker  

Series: The Everlands Trilogy #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date:   January 14, 2025

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An epic fantasy of vampires, werewolves and sorcerers, Lightfall is the debut novel of Ed Crocker, for fans of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings.

No humans here. Just immortals: their politics, their feuds—and their long buried secrets.

For centuries, vampires freely roamed the land until the Grays came out of nowhere, wiping out half the population in a night. The survivors fled to the last vampire city of First Light, where the rules are simple. If you’re poor, you drink weak blood. If you’re nobility, you get the good stuff. And you can never, ever leave.

Palace maid Sam has had enough of these rules, and she’s definitely had enough of cleaning the bedpans of the lords who enforce them. When the son of the city’s ruler is murdered and she finds the only clue to his death, she seizes the chance to blackmail her way into a better class and better blood. She falls in with the Leeches, a group of rebel maids who rein in the worst of the Lords. Soon she’s in league with a sorcerer whose deductive skills make up for his lack of magic, a deadly werewolf assassin and a countess who knows a city’s worth of secrets.

There’s just one problem. What began as a murder investigation has uncovered a vast conspiracy by the ruling elite, and now Sam must find the truth before she becomes another victim. If she can avoid getting murdered, she might just live forever.

 Review: 

My partner and I are calling this book the nighty bitey lumber yard…more on that shortly.

Lightfall by Ed Crocker is a multi-POV epic fantasy that attempts to delve into the political machinations and secrets of an immortal society. As a comparison to Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire, this one sadly falls short for me. Where Empire is dark, edgy, and pretty violent, Lightfall is slow and overly verbose.

The story follows many characters however, I would say that Sam, a palace maid, is our MC. She stumbles upon a clue to how a young noble died and leverages her wit and ambition to navigate a web of conspiracies, rebels, and secrets throughout the city and the other nobles. All of the characters in this book are immortal – a unique take on the normal vampire book. No humans as prey. We follow vampires (nighty biteys), sorcerers, and werewolves and get a POV from at least one of each. In total, I believe that there were at least 8 different POV throughout this book.

The writing relies heavily on a journal-esq style description, which often uses the “tell” versus “show” route. I was not a huge fan of that. These entries attempt to provide world-building but come across as overly clinical and detached, making it hard to connect with the setting organically. As an example, a person walks into a room and immediately takes in the furniture but also describes it all. It was so distracting and off-putting that it makes it SO HARD to fully immerse yourself in the story.  That brings us to the lumber yard….

PREPARE FOR A RANT: This author, for some asinine reason talks about fantasy wood FAR too often, an arboreal fascination of some type. It pulls you from the story so much that I has to stop and ask is crestwood real? Is gelmwood real? [starts Googling] No, no they are not – but the characters talk about the crestwood tables and the gelmwood chairs without really telling me what that means for them. Unlike if there were real wood types used i.e. then oak would tell me something was likely rough and maple would be softer/ smoother. In the first 20 or so pages there are like 8 references to woods… and it continues throughout the book. (I tabbed it, photo in my blog post). It is too much. I was HOPING that at the end there would be some weird revelation that the wood is important… so far NOPE. [This is in a ARC of the book, I am not sure if anything changed for final publication]

Wood type tabbing in Lightfall

Anywho, the political intrigue and morally complex characters are the novel's strongest elements, with an ensemble cast including a clever but magicless sorcerer, a deadly werewolf assassin, and a countess brimming with secrets.

Overall, Lightfall is a solid debut with a fascinating plot and an intricate political backdrop. Readers with patience for slower pacing and unconventional storytelling techniques may find this an enjoyable read, though others might struggle to engage fully.

Building the Book Pile #471

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy New Year reading friends. I hope your year kicked off with lots of good reading already. 

This week I attended a really fun Chronicle Books webinar and learned about some fun new children's books releases coming - super cute and super fun. I have also gotten a fair amount of reading done. I am getting books lined up for Feb and March reviews -  so many good ones coming! I can't wait to talk about them.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week Hopefully

Review: Lightfall by Ed Crocker (Adult, Fantasy)

Review: Pucking Wild by Emily Rath (Adult)

Review: Pucking Ever After Volume I and II by Emily Rath  (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

  

 The Barking Puppy by Lori Lobstine (MG) - from the Publisher and Edelweiss for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Happy New Year post

Early Reader Review: Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee (YA, Fantasy) - 4 stars

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway - A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy by Nikki Bright

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway! - A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy Nikki Bright

A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy
Nikki Bright
Publication date: January 9th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

  

About the Book 

Samuel Warner is rich, charming, the CEO of his family’s business, and the guy I’ve hated since grade school. Now, thanks to one of my more questionable ideas, he’s also my new pretend boyfriend.

Our families have been at each other’s throats for three generations, fighting over the future of our small town. The Warners are all for bulldozing and modernizing every corner of Fox Creek, while my family is determined to preserve our quirky little town and its quaint ways. But even without the family feud, Samuel’s charm and charisma (and his maddening smirk) would still get on my nerves.

Samuel is insufferably smooth, his favorite hobby is teasing me even though he’s able to charm the most cantankerous granny in the county, and he’s spine-tinglingly handsome. Worse yet, he knows it!

But when my brother falls head over heels for a Warner girl, I’m desperate to find a way to unite our families. So, I propose a totally sane, not-at-all-ridiculous plan: Samuel and I will pretend to be in a serious relationship, faking our way to family peace and town harmony with a Romeo-and-Juliet-style performance (minus the tragedy at the end).

First problem with this fantastic idea? Samuel agrees way too quickly, which screams that he’s got a hidden agenda. And yet, he’s so perfect in the role of doting boyfriend, I can’t figure out what his angle is.

Second problem? This relationship might be fake, but my heart didn’t get the memo. Every “date” and impromptu public display of affection Samuel insists on performing stirs up feelings I’m not prepared for. Soon enough, I’m wondering if I can really end this without a total family feud—or losing my heart.

A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy is a laugh-out-loud small-town romantic comedy full of swoon-worthy moments, sizzling kisses, and a romance that’s anything but fake. It’s a closed door romance with mild swearing/language.

 

I inhaled the steam from my latte for courage. “You’re right.”

I braced myself for a smug response.

Samuel—who was in the middle of sipping his Americano—set his drink down and immediately moved on, pushing the plan ahead with a suspicious amount of eagerness. “Good. Then, since we’ve been a couple for months, we’ll need to adopt some habits long-term couples have, like pet names. Naturally, we’ll also need to be physically expressive.”

“For nicknames we can just call each other Nat and Sam, since that’s what our families call us,” I said.

Samuel idly tapped his phone screen. “You know my family calls me Sam?”

“Of course I do,” I said, a little irritated. “We might not get along, but I’ve seen you almost every week of my life.”

“True.” Samuel gave me a more thoughtful look that made me shift in my comfy seat. “I guess I just didn’t expect you to pay attention to details about me.”

“Oh,” I said.

I suppose since the two of us rarely did anything besides bicker, I’d never given him a reason to believe I saw him as anything more than a picture I tacked to a dartboard to take out my aggression on.

“Alright, so we’ve got our pet names down,” Samuel said. “Now to address the physical aspect of our relationship.”

“Yeah. About that.” I took another sip of my latte, then set it back down on the coffee table. “We’ll have to stick to hugs and occasional hand-holding.”

“What?” Samuel sat on the edge of his love seat. “What kind of serious couple only hugs and holds hands? We should at least be prepared for short kisses.”

“Kisses?” I cackled. “I don’t think I could believably kiss you without looking like I want to wipe that smug smile off your handsome face.”

Samuel playfully tilted his head. “I’m flattered you think I’m handsome, Nat. Don’t worry—I promise not to let it go to my head.”

“Focus, Samuel. Focus,” I said.

Samuel relaxed and once again leaned back against the couch. “Of course, you want to stick to business. Fine, we can start with hugs and hand-holding.”

“Occasional hand-holding,” I corrected.

“If either one of us thinks our act isn’t convincing enough, we’ll revisit the physical touch aspect.” Samuel typed out his notes on his cell phone. “Does that make you happy?”

“Yes,” I reluctantly agreed. “We’ll probably have to adjust as we go anyway. Could you email me your notes?”

“I’ll do you one better and text them,” he said. “What’s your number?”

I internally weighed the pros and cons of giving him my number. Knowing Samuel, he’d start texting me in the middle of the night, asking me what the process was to submit construction permits, just to be annoying.

“Nat, darling, honey,” Samuel cooed. “What kind of serious boyfriend would I be if I didn’t have your number?”

Oh yeah. He was definitely going to send me annoying text messages.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Nikki Bright! In my experience life can be tough, so I write laugh out loud romantic comedies in the hope that they will bring some joy to your day.

My books are closed door (which is also called sweet romance by some readers) but with plenty of the romantic zing you love, and lots of chemistry between the main characters. (That means there’s no spice or steamy times.)

In my stories you’ll find lots of banter, happily ever afters, and loads of quirky side characters who all live in the small, fictitious Wisconsin town of Fox Creek—a city so cute and quaint you’ll wish you could move there!

I’m an indie author, which means I handle everything involving bringing my books to life on my own. Thankfully, I have an amazing assistant who helps me out and runs my social media accounts, answers email, and keeps the website up to date!

Currently I’m hiding in my writing cave hard at work on the next book and focusing on writing more stories about couples you’ll love and laugh with. But I still love connecting with readers through my author newsletter, so if you’d like to hear directly from me (or if you’d like to read extra epilogues for any of my books) please sign up to receive my newsletter!

 Find the Author

Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Instagram

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Early Reader Review: Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee 
Series: Breathmarked #1
Publisher: Wednesday Books 
 Publication Date: January 7, 2025  TODAY

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy duology based on characters and teachings created by Bruce Lee!

Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Earth to a new protector. Eager to prove his skills, Jun hopes that a win will restore his father’s honor—righting a horrible mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.

But Jun’s father strictly forbids him from participating. There is no future in honing his skills as a warrior, especially considering Jun is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and blessed with special abilities like his twin. Determined to be the next Guardian, Jun stows away in the wagon of Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital where the tournament will take place.

As Jun competes, he quickly realizes he may be fighting for not just a better life, but the fate of the country itself.

Review: 

I have had this book sitting in my TBR for a little while now. I have been patiently waiting to read it closer to release since I knew it was the first of a series and if I liked it... it would be a long wait until the next installment. I fully enjoyed book one and am so glad that I waited until right before release to give it a read.

This book captured my attention from the very first page and kept me hooked throughout. The political intrigue was masterfully woven, creating a compelling backdrop for the story. I especially appreciated the East/West conflict, which added layers of complexity and richness to the narrative. It was, in a way simple, but as most political conflicts go, not simple at all.

The magic system felt fresh and innovative, providing a unique twist that elevated the world-building. I liked the addition of dragons and the breathmarkings, while we don't get a lot of dragons overall - the fact that they are the religious system makes me hopeful that we will get more of that in book 2. 

The plot was captivating and the pacing was spot-on, with action-packed sequences that kept the momentum going while still allowing room for character development. Jun’s determination to prove himself, despite the odds stacked against him, made him a relatable and inspiring MC.

The stakes felt real and high as the story unfolded, and the themes of honor, family, and resilience resonated deeply. The twists and turns were well done and I was on the edge of my seat as the book was wrapping up.

This book is a thrilling ride for anyone who loves fantasy filled with adventure, political intrigue, and a touch of magic. If you are into martial arts, I also think you will really enjoy this book, there is a lot of love for it and you can tell the care that was put into the explanations and fight scenes. Overall, this was a lovely start to this series, and I am excited for the next installment to be available.

Happy 2025!

🎉✨🎉Happy New Year Everyone.🎉✨ 🎉

  

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the start of a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared. This year has been a whirlwind, filled with ups and downs, lessons learned, and moments of connection. Through it all, this community has been a constant source of joy and inspiration for me.

Thank you for being here—for reading, sharing, and supporting not just this blog but also one another. Your kindness and engagement mean more than words can express, and I’m so grateful to have you as part of this space.

As we step into 2025, I wish you a year filled with possibilities, growth, happiness and SO MANY great books! May it be a fresh chapter that brings you closer to your dreams and fills your life with love and laughter.

Here’s to a bright and beautiful year ahead. Happy New Year, my friends! 🎉

Building the Book Pile #470

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and start of Hanukkah.

We had a great time with family Christmas Eve and got to have a nice relaxing Christmas day. This year I was gifted a Cricut and Autopress for all the fun craft things I want to make, so everyone got t-shirts and tote bags for Christmas. 

Meme is into needle point so we all got pillows with little quotes on them  💓

We had some great food and a great time all around. 

Andy and I are off for winter break since we both work for the college, so we have until January 6th to relax, read, play board and video games etc. I am loving it. He doesn't sit still well. It should be a good time though. 

I am so far from my 100 book reading goal, so my hope is to finish a few more before the 1st... wish me luck, but I know I won't get all of it done. I think I am stilling at 85 complete. 

What are you up to for New Years? I think we will plan a night in... but we will see.

I hope you are already having a lovely holiday season.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Review: Pucking Wild by Emily Rath

Review: Pucking Ever After Volume I and II by Emily Rath 

Books Received Recently...  

  

  

 

Picked up some Free Amazon Kindle books these last few weeks.. not that I needed more books, but here we are. 

And Then There was Silence by Candace Robinson

Enchant by Josie Darling

The River of Fire by Liana Valerian

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie

Have you missed anything lately?

Review: Frostfire by Elly MacKay (Youth) -5 stars

Merry Christmas

Review: That One Night by Emily Rath (Adult, Spicy) -5 stars

Review: Pucking Around by Emily Rath (Adult, Spicy) -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!

Recent Reads: Frostfire by Elly MacKay

Source: From the publisher and LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Frostfire by Elly MacKay 

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  October 1, 2024

 

Format: Hardback
 

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Follow dragon-expert Miriam and curious Celeste on a magical winter's day walk through their garden, where a snow dragon just might be hiding! Elly MacKay's luminous artwork and sweet sibling story will cast a spell over readers of all ages in this playfully imaginative picture book that’s perfect for fans of Frozen. On a walk through a snow-covered garden, big sister Miriam claims to hear the sound of a snow dragon. Little sister Celeste has lots of snow dragons are real? Where do they hide? What do they eat? And is that frost on the greenhouse windows or is it . . . frostfire? Miriam seems to have an answer for everything about snow dragons. But when Celeste wanders off, she has a magical encounter that changes everything she thought she knew. Told through gently playful dialogue and brought to life with spectacular works of paper diorama art, Elly Mackay's newest picture book is an enchanting wintertime adventure destined to become a classic seasonal fairy tale that readers will enjoy for years to come.

Review:

I recently read an enchanting children’s book about two fox sisters exploring the snowy world around their cozy home, and I was utterly charmed. The story follows Miriam, the older sister and a self-proclaimed dragon expert, as she shares her imaginative tales about snow dragons with her curious and wide-eyed younger sister. But are they imaginative tales, or are snow-dragons real?

The narrative is both whimsical and heartwarming, perfectly capturing the magic of sibling bonds and the wonder of childhood imagination. The wintery setting adds an extra layer of enchantment, creating a dreamy backdrop for their adventures.

What truly stood out were the illustrations—soft, engaging, and brimming with warmth. Each page felt like a gentle snowfall, drawing me deeper into the sisters’ magical world. The delicate details and muted tones perfectly complemented the story’s cozy and whimsical tone.

This book is a delightful read for children and adults alike, perfect for curling up with on a snowy day. It’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the joy of discovery, wrapped up in a winter wonderland.

Overall, I highly recommend for anyone who loves tales of adventure, imagination, and the beauty of a snowy landscape. A perfect winter book, that I bet goes great with a hot cocoa.

Recent Reads: Pucking Around by Emily Rath

Pucking Around by Emily Rath 
Series: Jacksonville Rays #1
Publisher: Emily Rath Books
Publication Date:  March 20, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited - Borrowed

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When an ambitious sports medicine practitioner scores her dream job working for Jacksonville’s hottest NHL team, she knows the last thing she should do is get tangled up with a player. After all, how could she choose just one?

My name is Rachel Price, and two months ago I walked away from The Perfect Man—sweet, funny, and so sexy he should be illegal. We shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I’d see him again. I was wrong.

As it turns out, Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team . . . and thanks to the ten-month fellowship I just landed, I’m his new physical therapist. Imagine my anticipation as those familiar muscled legs walk towards me, the way my pulse races as he reaches out to . . . shake my hand. The jerk doesn’t even recognize me!

This is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Because now Mr. Perfect Mistake is determined to use his every seductive trick to win me back. Meanwhile, I also have to contend with his best friend the surly team equipment manager, and an exasperatingly stubborn, superstitious goalie who’s convinced I’m his good luck charm.

This is my chance to prove myself, and I’m not risking it for anything. But between one unexpected night, and one secret revealed, these men are ready to test all my limits. Still, I can’t fall for a player—let alone three. Or can I?

Review: 

As with book .5, Book 1s rating is for enjoyment not writing... and it is smut at parts.

This installment in the series cranks up the heat, humor, and heart to deliver a romance that’s as unconventional as it is irresistible. Rachel Price is back, and this time, she’s juggling her dream job as a sports medicine practitioner for the Jacksonville Rays with the complicated affections of three very different men.

The witty banter I loved in the novella is here in full force, keeping the tone light and playful even as the story dives into deeper emotional territory. The chemistry between Rachel and her three love interests—two hockey players (including a familiar face from the first book) and the gruff but endearing equipment manager—is off the charts. Each man brings something unique to the table, and the dynamic between them feels natural and full of affection.

The romance is undeniably steamy, with scenes that sizzle and a slow build of trust and connection that makes the group dynamic believable. What impressed me most, though, was how much love and care the story gave to every character. It’s not just about the physical attraction; it’s about the emotional bonds they form as they navigate their complicated feelings for one another.

The story also explores Rachel’s personal growth, as she balances her ambition with her desire for love and connection. The conflicts she faces feel authentic, and her journey is as compelling as the romance itself.

If you’re a fan of unconventional love stories, witty dialogue, and characters you can’t help but root for, this book is a must-read. It’s a bold, unapologetically steamy story that’s full of heart and humor, and I couldn’t put it down.