A veteran hockey player and a rookie can't get away from each other—or their own desires—in this sexy, heartfelt opposites-attract hockey romance.
Olly Järvinen has a long way to go. He’s got a fresh start playing for a new team, but getting his hockey career back on track is going to take more than a change of scenery. He’s got to shut his past out and focus. On the game, not on his rookie roommate and his annoyingly sunny disposition—and annoyingly distracting good looks.
All Benji Bryzinski ever wanted was to play in the big leagues, and he’s not going to waste one single second of his rookie season. Yoga, kale smoothies and guided meditation help keep his head in the game. But his roommate keeps knocking him off track. Maybe it’s just that Olly is a grumpy bastard. Or maybe it’s something else, something Benji doesn’t have a name for yet.
Olly and Benji spend all their time together—on the ice, in the locker room, in their apartment—and ignoring their unspoken feelings isn’t making them go away. Acting on attraction is one thing, but turning a season’s fling into forever would mean facing the past—and redefining the future.
Trade Season
Book 1: Season's Change
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Season's Change is a fabulous hockey romance by Cait Nary.
Damn! I love this book.
It's a super hot romance full of tension and steamy moments.
A player falling for his roommate and teammate; what more could you ask for?
For Benji, he discovers his bisexual side, with some feelings developing, and a super hot threesome sparking things further. Ollie meanwhile, has plenty of his own issues to deal with, including some past traumatic events.
The writing is great, as Cait had me both laughing and crying at times, fully pulled into the emotions throughout. There are a bunch of secondary characters who add to the fun. Everyone is fabulous and easy to fall in love. I love a good sports romance and this one is just that. The sports parts of the story are well done, and I adore the relationship.
Love it all!
Season's Change is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a sports romance. Cait Nary will not disappoint in this slow burn, bisexual awakening gem.
I’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?
Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected.
Unfortunately, my plans go awry when I fall for the quaint neighborhood, quirky locals, and loyal employees. That’s when he enters my world. A contractor down on his luck, looking for work and a place to stay, offers me an offer too good to pass up.
He makes me feel things I never have before, and now I’m considering hanging around much longer than intended. As long days turn into even longer nights, I can’t force myself to leave him. His presence turns my carefully planned world upside down, and before I know it, my quick trip becomes an Extended Stay.
Extended Stay is a double bi/gay awakening, opposites attract, slow burn romance starring a laid back contractor and the buttoned up hotel owner who hires him. It is book 1 in the California Crush series, featuring tan lines, thick thighs, and plenty of hot guys. Book your vacation and meet the men of Hillcrest Hideaway.
My Rating - 4.5 Stars!
Extended Stay is a great romance by Mia Monroe. The first book in the California Crush series, this one had me entertained throughout.
This is a delightful friends to lovers romance that combines a double sexual awakening and plenty of heat.
Atlas and Rome's story is fun, with some cute stumbling along the way. Their new feelings and developing relationship all happen via forced proximity. I enjoy the way they come together to fix up the old hotel. But, best of all, I love the way everything evolves between them.
The writing is great, fully pulling me into the story immediately. The characters are charming and I can't wait to read more about the secondary characters.
Extended Stay is fun great from start to finish. I love every moment of this Mia Monroe gem.
Grady Dalton is in a rut. He’s thirty-eight, without a boyfriend, and has yet to find the place that feels like home. The closest he ever got was his best friend, Nathan. But it’s been seven years since he passed, and life isn’t getting easier. That’s how he ends up in Briar County, hoping to grow roots in the place Nathan had loved.
Deacon Sharpe spends his days serving homemade ice cream at Sundae’s Best and his nights alone, pretending he’s getting by after his wife’s death better than he is. His world is rocked when a man shows up, claiming he’d been his brother-in-law’s best friend, and who seems to miss Nathan as much as Deacon misses Patty.
Their losses connect them, but soon, the weight of their loneliness eases with laughter, making ice cream, and Grady reminding Deacon what it feels like to be held again. Deacon tells himself it’s platonic. How can it be more when he’s forty and has never been with a man, never even been attracted to one. But then, he’d never felt those things about anyone other than Patty either. And when Grady touches him…kisses him…nothing else matters and the rest of the world melts away.
Together they can deal with family drama, small-town gossip, and Deacon’s newly discovered feelings. But as it often does, life has one more curveball to throw their way…
Sundae’s Best is a small-town, bi/demisexual awakening romance, with characters who like to be held, swoony moments, a dog named Moose, and lots of ice cream. Sundae’s Best can be read as a standalone.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Sundae's Best is an amazing romance. The second book in the Briar County series by Riley Hart, it's easily read as a standalone.
This story! Omg, I absolutely love it!
Deacon and Grady are more than I could have ever asked for. Their story is a sexual awakening story that is unique and emotional throughout. The connection between the two is undeniable, and their journey is unforgettable.
This is a story of forgiveness and understanding. It's a story of making amends and moving forward.
This is a reminder that sometimes things happen that we don't expect. It's best not to question or judge. Rather, grab love when you can.
Sundae's Best is another amazing story by Riley Hart. I love everything about their tale. It's wonderfully sweet and heart-warming, with plenty of tearful moments. Just read it.
Hiro Though I was born with the ability to see the dead, I struggled with it until my brother was killed and his ghost was left behind. Now, I’m determined to figure out who is responsible for his death… the problem is that Detective Maddox Booker, the one working the case, is a grumpy and stubborn man who wants nothing to do with me and definitely doesn’t believe in ghosts. It doesn’t help that I keep finding myself looking ridiculous in front of the detective, thanks to interfering ghosts who enjoy laughing at my expense. Still, the more I’m around Maddox, the more I realize that beneath that surly exterior is a kind and caring man who will do anything to help.
Maddox When another man dies, I know we have a serial killer on our hands—the same murderer who has remained elusive for a year and a half. To add to my frustration, I keep running into Hiro at crime scenes only to hear him claim that he can talk to ghosts. The words of the dead could lead us to the serial killer and even tell us who is next, but ghosts? There’s no such thing as ghosts. Hiro is determined and charming, and no matter what I do, I can’t stop letting him get involved. He's definitely snagged my attention, but when he nearly winds up dead, I know he's getting closer to the truth—and if I don’t do something soon, he might be next.
Ghost of Lies is full of action, mystery, humor, and romance. Though more is planned for this couple, the mystery is solved and there is a happy ending.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Ghost of Lies is the start of the Medium Trouble series. This Alice Winters book is riveting from the start and looks to be the beginning of another fantastic series.
From the start, this book grabbed me, with humor and plenty of charm. Good god, I fell for Hero immediately.
This gem is a romance mixed with a murder mystery, a medium, ghosts, action, danger, and non stop laughs. It's full of hilarious banter and wit. Hero and Maddox are simply hysterical together. But add in Hero's friends and omg, I can't get enough of this story.
The romance is great, with the two slowly falling for each other, and the sarcasm and attraction between them being amazing.
As for the mystery, well damn. The author kept me guessing throughout, with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.
Let's be honest; there's nothing else quite like an Alice Winters' story. She manages to keep humor throughout, all while getting her characters falling for each other with non stop banter and non stop innuendoes. The storylines are always fast paced and intriguing, keeping you up late into the night.
Ghost of Lies is another stellar book added to Alice Winter's catalog. Just read this one and read all her books if you haven't yet discovered her genius. You won't regret it!
One wrongful arrest ruined Kris Xappa’s image—and made his NHL team look bad. Now, with orders to keep his head down, the last thing he needs is to develop feelings for his younger teammate—and best friend’s brother. The fact that he can’t stop thinking about their one illicit kiss doesn’t mean anything.
Rory Stanton is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and doesn’t need his brother’s best friend keeping an eye on him. Sure, he likes having Kris’s attention, but he’d rather have it for entirely different reasons. Too bad that one kiss they shared wasn’t enough to convince Kris to take a chance on him.
When an injury lands Rory in Kris’s care, will these teammates be able to see past the obstacles to become a two-man team?
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Two Man Team is the fifth book in the Stick Side series. This Amy Aislin book is easily read as a standalone.
There's a lot going on in this romance. It's a sports romance featuring two hockey players with a teammates and best friend's brother element.
I adore the relationship between the two. They've known each other growing up, but the age gap was large enough to keep them from hanging out or fully knowing one another. I am an avid fan of this type of story, and this one was as enjoyable as I was hoping.
Rory and Kris are wonderful together. I adore every moment of their story. It's cute, sweet, and emotional. They are a lovable couple for sure, with awesome dynamics between them.
I love that one of the men is pansexual, and the way he talks about it. Love it!
There are some serious elements explored throughout, including the problems of being in the spotlight. The author excels in illustrating the way rumors and stories spread quickly. I appreciate the way she accurately nails that news stories aren't always true, and that public opinion can be based on inaccurate rumors. And, damn it, I love the way the children understand reality better than the adults.
Two Man Team is a fabulous addition to this series. I am a sports romance junkie and absolutely love these Amy Aislin books.
The hottest player on the Moo U hockey team hangs a flyer on the bulletin board, and I am spellbound:
Rent a boyfriend for the holiday. For $25, I will be your Thanksgiving date. I will talk hockey with your dad. I will bring your mother flowers. I will be polite, and wear a nicely ironed shirt…
Now everyone knows it’s a bad idea to introduce your long-time crush to your messed-up family. But I really do need a date for Thanksgiving, even if I’m not willing to say why. So I tear his phone number off of that flyer… and accidentally entangle our star defenseman in a ruse that neither of us can easily unwind.
Because Weston's family is even nuttier than mine. He needs a date, too, for the most uncomfortable holiday engagement party ever thrown.
There will be hors d'oeuvre. There will be faked PDA. And there will be pro-level awkwardness…
Boyfriend is a full-length stand-alone romance for Weston and Abbi!
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Boyfriend is a great college romance by Sarina Bowen. Part of the Moo U series, it's a riveting new adult read.
Gah! Weston and Abi's book is pure awesomeness!
Individually, I adore these two. But together, damn, watch out!
This one starts with a fake relationship, as Abbi needs someone to take home for the holiday. And damn, these two have some major chemistry between them. But, it's the slow burn, friends to lovers aspect that kept me invested throughout.
This is a story of two giving into their desires, but refusing to define anything. It's a story of two people enjoying their time together while they can. And I love it all.
I love Wes and his nature desire to protect Abbi. Her stepbrother is one amazing piece of crap.
Boyfriend is another fabulous addition to the world of Moo U. It's no surprise, as Sarina Bowen has a way of drawing me into every book she writes. I adore the banter and all the swoony feelings in this book. Just read it. You won't regret it.
Shaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more.
Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival.
He’s struggling to keep his food truck and to maintain appearances, but what Ross doesn’t realize is that Shaw Finley, the bartender from the Funky Cup, has seen right through his charade.
Shaw offers the couch in his apartment over the bar, suggesting that saving money on rent might help salvage Ross’ failing prospects.
Even though he doesn’t really consider them friends, Ross discovers that Shaw is great to talk to, easy to look at, and he likes him. Late nights and lazy mornings and evenings with only the polished wood of the bar between them lead to an attraction that Ross can’t deny—and that Shaw doesn’t even try to.
But falling in love isn’t as easy as falling into bed together, and Ross isn’t even sure what he feels is love, until he figures out that it couldn’t possibly be anything else.
Wheels Down is the fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series by Beth Bolden. It can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as part of the series.
Ross is struggling with keeping his food truck going, as his ex partner stole all the money from the business. His food is in demand, but he can't afford to keep it going much longer.
Ross is a likeable, sympathetic character from the start. And Shaw is fantastic the way he understands Ross and sets out to help him.
Everything about this couple is sweet. Their tale is a slow burn, low angst one with plenty of desserts and waffles. Their story is one of dealing with trust issues, opening up, and learning to let people into one's life again.
This whole series is enjoyable and fun, with wonderful couples and a slew of captivating secondary characters. If you haven't yet read these books, start now. You won't regret it.
Wheels Down is a great addition to this world of food trucks. Beth Bolden delights as usual in this slow burn romance.
Shaw removed his glass, replaced it with a full cup of water and ice, and then a moment later he was back, with a plate full of delicious-smelling food.
“Steak and mushroom hoagie, with horseradish aioli,” Shaw said, depositing it in front of him, “and our famous sweet potato fries.”
“They’re famous?” Ross wondered, even as he realized he had heard people talking about them.
“According to our Yelp reviews,” Shaw said. “Can I grab you anything else?”
Ross was about to ask for napkins, because the sandwich looked absolutely delicious but also messy, but then one appeared next to him, like Shaw had known he’d need it.
“I think I’m good, thanks,” Ross said, and picked up the sandwich. It had a surprising heft to it, and he had to give Jackson and Shaw credit—they’d revamped the kitchen and the work they’d put in showed. When he took a bite, he was even more impressed, half a dozen flavors exploding across his tongue as he chewed spiced sliced steak working in perfect complement to the earthiness of the mushrooms.
“You’re nodding over there,” Shaw said, his voice teasing. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”
Ross finished chewing and swallowed. “Really good,” he said. “I’m impressed.”
“Wow,” Shaw said, looking surprised. Too surprised.
“Am I really that notorious?” Ross asked, before he thought better of it. He ate a handful of sweet potato fries and they were really good too. “That picky?”
He didn’t really want to hear the answer; he really didn’t want to hear Shaw’s answer.
“Not exactly notorious,” Shaw said, returning to slicing his lemons.
“Then what exactly?”
Shaw sighed and put down the knife.
“You’re gonna get me in trouble,” he said with resignation.
“I am?”
Ross almost told him to forget it. After all, hearing the truth was probably not going to be all that enlightening and might actually make the next few months of living together uncomfortable.
Shaw smiled then, and it wasn’t the same smile he gave to all the random guys at the bar. It was softer, sweeter, more genuine somehow. Ross had never seen it before, and it hit him somewhere deep, a place where he hadn’t felt much of anything in years.
Maybe the last time had been when his grandmother had smiled at him, over pots and pans and pie dishes.
“You gotta know that you’ve got the best food at that whole lot,” Shaw said. “Objectively. The other food there is good, don’t get me wrong, but those guys? You know why they keep you at arm’s length? They’re all terrified of you, though they’d rather die than admit it. You’re brilliant. You should be working in the best, the fanciest, the most expensive restaurants, and instead you’ve got this food truck and it’s just amazing. Every time I go to Basket, I’m blown away.”
“And,” Shaw continued, leaning over, his blue eyes twinkling again, and Ross’ breath caught in his throat, “you’re gonna get me in trouble, because Jackson would have my ass for not thinking Alexis serves the best food on the lot.”
A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.
