RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU Hockey #5) by Eden Finley & Saxon James

 

PUCK DRILLS & QUICK THRILLS

CU Hockey - Book Five

by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Release Blitz

Release Date: October 6, 2021

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Genre: M/M College Sports Romance

Trope: Friends to lovers, secret relationship

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WESTLY

The fall from NHL superstar to domestic disaster was swift and painful. When I became the legal guardian of my five younger siblings, I had no idea what I was doing.

One year later, I’m still lost.

Coaching CU’s hockey team might be the only thing I’m excelling at. But when our star forward is failing math, I have to do what it takes to keep him on the team. Even if it’s going head-to-head with Jasper Eckstein.

One minute I’m confronting the notorious hockey-hating professor, and the next I’m agreeing to be his date to his twenty-year high school reunion.

I don’t know how that happened.



JASPER

My rules are simple. I don’t give extra credit. Ever. No matter how entitled jocks think they are, I refuse to give them special treatment.

It's not because I hate them. It's not because a hockey player broke my nose in high school.

It's fair.

But when Westly Dalton bursts into my office like a hurricane, all my principles fly out the window.

Suddenly I'm giving extra credit.

And I have a date to my reunion.

After one explosive night together, I want more, but his home life is a mess, and I don't want to get in the way. If all we can have is quick thrills, I’m okay with that.

It’s not like I could ever fall for a jock.

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Add to your TBR List!

GOODREADS LINK

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Purchase Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/WfRG

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is a fabulous addition to the world of CU Hockey. The fifth book in this Eden Finley and Saxon James series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Dear lord, I love every second of this book. Their first meeting is memorable, and everything that follows is awesome. 

I love Jasper's firmness as a teacher, but learning about his past certainly makes him a well rounded character. He's definitely more than meets the eye, with a past that has shaped him.

And Weston. Poor, lovable Weston. He's doing the best he can for his siblings, but it isn't easy. I admire him greatly and am thrilled to see him find some happiness and peace for himself. 

I absolutely love the character growth for both men. Together, they lift one another up, encourage each other, and help each other find happiness in their futures. I love them together. 

As usual, the writing is fantastic. You can't go wrong with this writing duo or this series. The full cast of characters in every book are well worth the read. 

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is a great ending to this sports series. This writing duo managed to capture my heart with these lovable men and this compelling hockey team. Definitely read the whole CU Hockey series the next time you're in the mood for a college sports romance. 

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Other Titles Within this Series

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

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Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son's, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

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Connect with Eden

Website:

https://edenfinley.com

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2owAsgY

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2GMjfag

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2t1KqM4

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Twitter: http://bit.ly/2HQnyCv

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Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3qkn0eP

Bookbub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ouhBDq

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Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.

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Connect with Saxon

Facebook Author Page:

http://bit.ly/2QSVCmS

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/36slT1W

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2SYfPKU

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33m1XPb

Amazon Author Page: hhttps://amzn.to/2ZXjp9C

Bookbub Author Page: https://bit.ly/3fKt5MC

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Fireproof (Busy Bean #8) by Delancey Stewart

 

FIREPROOF BY DELANCEY STEWART

Release Date: September 13, 2021

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/FireproofAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/FireproofApple

Kobo: https://geni.us/FireproofKobo

Nook: https://geni.us/FireproofNook

Google: https://geni.us/FireproofGoogle

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean

Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/2MOE0tV

Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

The newest barista at the Busy Bean is about to steam the place up... 

Former Marine Mason Rye can make a cappuccino with military precision, but he finds it much harder to serve up a smile. It’s not that he doesn’t like people. But he knows from experience that once you let someone in, it hurts like hell when you lose them. And Mason’s lost too many people already. 

So it’s pretty damn inconvenient when his old Marine buddy shows up on Mason’s goat farm with his younger sister in tow. Heather’s work in Washington D.C. has turned dangerous, and she needs a safe place out of town. 

Mason doesn’t need a new roommate, especially not a pretty, single one who insists on rearranging his spice rack and giving his chickens cute names. Although there’s no denying the haunted look in her blue eyes. Every time her fear shows its face, he wants to reach for her.

The problem is that she wants him, too. And when Mason breaks all his rules, they practically burn down his bed together. But her life is in D.C. And the threat against her is over. 

Unfortunately, neither of their hearts is fireproof...

Warning: this stand-alone novel contains cute goats, bossy Marines, and small-town charm.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Fireproof is the eight book in the Busy Bean series. This is Delancey Stewart's contribution to this multi-author small town series. 

This is a sweet tale that starts with danger causing Heather to hide out in Vermont. And there she meets Mason. 

I enjoy the way Heather takes to farm life and fully becomes involved with hard and messy work. 

Mason's easily loveable and his past is heartbreaking. He's definitely one I wanted to love and protect. 

The two make for a delightful couple. They mesh and connect well. I enjoy the way they both end up helping one another to live again. 

The political stuff is intriguing, but I find it to be resolved far too quickly. None of that rings true, but I understand that it isn't the main part of the story. 

Fireproof is a nice small town romance. This Delancey Stewart book is a nice addition to this series and adds to the charm of this small town world. 

MF - The Sweet Talker (Boston Hawks Hockey #1) by Gina Azzi

 

Amazon Link  

Goodreads Link

I’ve sworn off hockey players. Until the pregnancy test turns pink.

Noah Scotch is revered in Boston, a veritable god on the ice. I’m a nerdy, newly minted college professor who would rather color code my planner than hit the club scene. Noah shouldn’t look at me twice but when he does, I falter.

Who can blame me?

The sweet talker with the deliciously chiseled abs and sinful chocolate eyes is a force. On and off the ice. One hot and intense night with Noah has me second guessing my lack of a dating life.

Friends with benefits? He offers, I dive in headfirst. Growing up in a hockey family, I know better than to get serious with a player.

But the more time I spend getting to know Noah, the more my intention to keep things casual rings false.

Now, I’ve got a hopeful heart and a baby on the way.

I just need to tell Noah. But when I do, will I end up with everything I never knew I wanted? Or on my own? 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Sweet Talker is just that; a sweet romance. The first book in Gina Azzi's Boston Hawks Hockey series, it's all sweetness and heat for this couple. 

 

I enjoy the way they knew each other for years, but are reunited with a new attraction to each other. 

Their individual backgrounds are interesting and well developed. Both have personal issues to deal with, as well as their feelings for each other. 

From a hook up with a friend, to friends with benefits, both struggle with admitting their true feelings. And then she ends up pregnant. That definitely wasn't in the plans.

A sports romance, this isn't so much about the game. There's plenty of issues surrounding the game, but no real game moments. 

The writing is great. Written in alternating first person pov, both characters are fully brought to life, with their emotions front and center. 

The Sweet Talker is a delightful hockey romance. I am definitely happy with this Gina Azzi romance. 

Newton's Laws of Attraction (The Science of Love # 1) by M.J. O'Shea

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link 

He never forgot his first love… too bad his first love would do just about anything to forget him.

Rory was Ben’s oldest and best friend until senior year of high school, when lifelong friendship turned into something so much more. They had each other and what felt like forever until Ben chose closeted popularity over true love…

He’s regretted it ever since.

Ten years later, Ben is out and proud and teaching art at the same high school he graduated from. He’s excited to meet the new chemistry teacher next door until he finds out the brand new teacher is none other than Rory Newton—the first love he’s never come close to getting over.

Despite a painfully awkward start, it doesn’t take Ben long to realize he’ll do whatever it takes to win Rory back.

But it’s starting to look like even his best might not be enough.

** This is a second edition of a previously published book **

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Newton's Laws of Attraction is a wonderful, feel good read by MJ O'Shea. The first book in The Science of Love series, it's a short and sweet second chance romance. 

Rory and Ben get a second chance years after they broke up. They were best friends and high school boyfriends, but now they are teaching at the same school. 

Their reunion is initially full of unresolved anger, pain, hurt, and guilt. Adolescence is a horrible time for kids to be true to their feelings. The peer pressure aspect is completely understandable. It's not nice, and it makes Ben a total ass, but it's so damn understandable as well.

It's slow going for the two but there's no denying how they still feel for each other. 

And I love the mother!!! What a breath of fresh air she is!

Written in dual pov, we get to understand both men well. The reason for their breakup is realistic and completely painful. As well, getting back together is realistic as people change and grow up.  

Newton's Laws of Attraction is a great tale of forgiveness and love. This MJ O'Shea left me happy with this sweet in the end tale. 

Ranger Hank (Lonely Heroes #1) by Sam E. Kraemer

Amazon Link
Goodreads Link  - Old Version

Hank Schatz

When I decided it was time for me to get out of the Army to begin making my way back to my humanity and beyond the pain that leeched into my soul over time, I had no idea what I would do with my life. I’d been the property of Uncle Sam for fifteen years, and I’d been an Army Ranger for ten, a member of a distinguished group of brothers-in-arms who would give their lives for their country and each other, too many of whom already lost in the fight. The term, “war is hell,” wasn’t coined for no reason, and I’d had enough hell to last me a lifetime.

It was time to go home and get to know my family again, especially my little sister, Jewel. She was the light in our family and much younger than me. I wanted to spend time with her and learn for myself all the wonderful things she brought to our family, and I hoped her gentle spirit could help me fight the demons that accosted me when I least expected it.

I also had another mission…to tell my family the secret I’d been hiding from them for too many years…the secret that had nothing to do with my career as an Army Ranger. It was time I began living my truth, but how to start? That was a question I couldn’t answer until I went to my sister’s Christmas program and met my sister’s teacher. He was one who made me want to find the answers. I didn’t want to be lonely anymore.

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Reed Bayless

I had more than a few issues to work through when I moved to a small town in Central Missouri to work as a Special Education teacher at Carver Middle School. The kids were amazing, and their parents were supportive, unlike my last school where the parents believed their expensive tuition relieved them of their obligation to actually participate in their children’s education.

I had embraced my new job and my sweet students easily, but the Christmas Eve service at the local Lutheran church found me wanting to embrace the brother of one of my most precious pupils, Jewel.

Her brother was a handsome man, but there was a sadness about him that made me want to hold him in my arms until his hurts healed. Of course, he was an Army Ranger, the toughest of the tough and the straightest of the straight. The odd friendship that grew between us made me want more from the man because I was tired of being alone. Add in a comfort dog named Cosmo, and I was in over my head before I even knew what happened. The Ranger had me wanting things that weren’t possible…or were they?

Please Note: This book contains material which may be offensive to some readers. It includes graphic language and/or adult situations and descriptions of sexual activity between two, consenting adult males. This fictional story is intended for adults over 18, is approximately 140,000 words in length, and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is part of a new series of stories entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series.” Each book can be read alone or as part of the series. I hope you enjoy them.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Ranger Hank is a nice, easy to read romance. The first book in the Lonely Heroes series by Sam E Kramer, I'm excited to see what comes next.

It doesn't seem so at first, but in the long run, there's a lot going on in this story. There's being closeted while in the military. There are students who need a teacher's help. There are lots of crooked people, their manipulation, and under handed ways. 

Hank's back home trying to get to know his family again. He's been closeted his whole life, but definitely feels the sparks when he meets Reed. In addition to dealing with his potential coming out, he's also  dealing with having PTSD. 

Reed is the teacher of Hank's sister. And oh...Hank's sister is sweet as can be. A child with downs syndrome, she adds a lot to the story, as do Reed's other students. 

A large part of this story is the journey of Reed and his job. His students are faced with prejudice and bullying. It's heartbreaking. And it's coming from the top. I love how hard Reed is willing to fight for his students and for what's right. He's an incredible guy. 

And then...ugh...some twists and turns that had me holding my breath. Hank has a little left to do before he retires and it involves some mystery, intrigue, and danger. 

Overall, Ranger Hank is a riveting romance. This Sam E Kramer story has romance, issues of being closeted, military danger, mysteries, and some wonderful kids. In the end, it's a long journey for the men to be together, but it's worth it. 

Date in a Pinch by Brigham Vaughn

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

A sweet geek and an experienced Dom: someone’s about to learn their lesson …

When chemistry teacher Neil Greene gets an unexpected delivery at Pendleton High, he's mortified when his fellow teacher and crush sees the contents that hint at the adventurous love life he’s dying to explore. Curious but inexperienced, Neil has no idea how to live out his fantasies until the hot lit teacher offers a helping hand.

Alexander Ford likes to be in charge in the bedroom and he’s happy to tutor Neil in all things naughty. But when Neil asks him to pretend to be his date for the Sweetheart’s Game at Pendleton Bay’s Love Fest, Neil may be the one teaching Alexander about love. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Date in a Pinch is a sweet fake boyfriend romance by Brigham Vaughn. Everything about this book works for me. 

This is a story of sexual exploration, as one man teaches the other about BDSM.

I'm surprised and happy that it's much more about their emotions and developing relationship than about their sex scenes. At first, I expected a lot of the scenes to be written out fully. Instead, the author does a great job adding most of their scenes into the tale as off page events. Rather than getting all the details, we get one of the characters thinking about the scene after the fact. I am pleased with how well this was written and definitely enjoyed this aspect.

And the emotions. Omg, the emotions. These are two men who ooze emotions. Neither was looking for a relationship. But, scene by scene, moment by moment, time spent together slowly draws these men towards loving one another. It's just beautiful. If you enjoy an emotional slow burn, this is it. 

Both men have a past that keeps them holding back emotionally. One feels guilt for having let down his former sub, thinking he can't go through something like that again. And the other has a history full of pain and baggage, that has caused him personal issues as well as family issues. 

I truly adore this story. The emotions are everything for this developing relationship.

This is a must read when you're in the mood for two men starting a BDSM relationship and slowly falling in love. It's tender and sweet, in addition to all the heat and pain. 

The BDSM scenes are great, with amazingly sweet aftercare moments. They don't seem like the typical aftercare moments to me, but I enjoy them none the less. There's a whole lot of tenderness involved which just makes me smile.

Overall, Date in a Pitch is a great read. I love how Brigham Vaughn brings so much emotion to this story. She combines sexiness and sweetness in this kinky romance and it's absolutely delightful.

FF - The Mandolin Lunch by Missouri Vaun

 

Amazon Link   

Goodreads Link

Children’s book illustrator Garet Allen has just escaped her most recent, ill-fated relationship and accepts a temporary teaching position at a rural public school. After all, how hard can teaching kids about art really be? Apparently, pretty hard, because her first day on the job is a complete disaster, and that has nothing at all to do with the fact that Tess Hill, the captivating and overly conscientious music teacher, shares the same classroom.

Tess, a dedicated teacher and single mother focused on creating a stable life for her daughter, is immediately attracted to the handsome, cavalier Garet for all the wrong reasons. Everything about Garet says short-term, and Tess refuses to consider anything less than forever. She’s not about to give her heart away to someone she can’t count on.

Can Garet and Tess survive three months sharing the same classroom without killing each other…or falling in love? 

My Rating - 3 Stars!

The Mandolin Lunch is a slow burn lesbian romance. 

Tess is a single mom, trying to balance raising June and everything work involved. She dreams of having a partner to share her life and responsibilities with.

Meanwhile, Garet's in town for a short time, for a three month teaching position. 

The two have some instant attraction when they meet, and then discover they'll be teaching in the same room for three months. Yay - forced proximity between two people who are already hot for each other. 

From the start, the tone drew me in. The writing style is pleasant, instantly intriguing me with these characters. That said, the story is definitely way slow at times, as the author excels at setting the scenery, thus dragging out the story. It's a sweet story that develops as you'd expect, but it definitely bored me during the second half. 

I adore June and all her moments in the story. She's cute and adds a lot to the tale. She also makes me happy to have discovered this tale.

The Mandolin Lunch is well worth a read when you're in the mood for simple, sweet lesbian romance. But only read it if you enjoy descriptive writing.