Review: Fake Skating

 

Dani and Alex used to be best friends every summer. But they broke up - each believing the other ghosted them. Now Dani's moving back to town. It's the middle of senior year and she's been wait listed at Harvard. She's trying to impress them, but it's hard when you're a military brat and you move all the time. Her social anxiety doesn't help matters either. 

Alex isn't thrilled to see Dani. Things have changed since they saw each other last. He's become a hockey god. Last year his hockey team fell short of their championship goal. This is the last chance. Alex feels like a weight is on his shoulders. He needs to go pro in hockey in order to help his family. But his shoulder is hurt, his reputation isn't great, and he's caught in a compromising position with Dani,

What's the most logical thing to do? Pretend to fake date his ex-best friend. What could go wrong?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; I didn't want it to end. I loved the fake dating. I loved untangling what really happened all those years ago between Alex and Dani. I loved their banter (Although there was a nickname that I didn't love - just a nitpicky thing that kept pushing me out of the story). I loved Mick and his hockey status - especially how he made all the guys around him act. I loved how he admitted that he was wrong and worked to make it up to Dani. I hated Dani's father. I loved that Dani and Alex were both readers - and those lunches in the library were perfect. I loved the moments between friends. This is my first Lynn Painter and it won't be my last.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable - BUT there's no figure skating in the book, so it's a bit misleading

Source: My Library (an ARC did arrive for me after the book release)

Library Recommendation: A must have book for you school or public library collection.

Review: It's a Love/Skate Relationship

 

Charlie Porter had the shot that would tie the game - when a cheap shot ruins her plans. After the game, the guy comes out at her again. This time she punches him and accidentally starts a brawl. At school, she loses her scholarship. She's forced to attend the local high school - with the same bullies from the fight. Charlie's also forced to pay for the damages; she's working off the payments are the rink.

There she runs into Alexa. She's a figure skater with Olympic dreams, but her partner sprained his ankle in the fight. Alexa's mother, her coach, thinks that Charlie could step in for Frankie. She reluctantly agrees. Alexa and Charlie can't stand each other. They bicker at every opportunity. Charlie's struggling to find her footing at figure skating. 

Can Charlie survive the worst year of her life?

My Thoughts: 

If you've seen the Cutting Edge, this is the book for you. 

It has the same ideas - the banter and the learning to figure skate.

It also has a great friendship and great family. I loved Charlie's father and brother. I felt bad for her about her mom. 

The jock bullies made me angry.

I didn't want this book to end. It was amazing. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Fantastic sports lesbian romance - highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Romance Review: Blitzed

* Book 3 in the Playbook series *

Brynn's been around the Lady Mustangs enough to become friends with several of the women. It helps that they and some of the team players frequent her bar - including Maxwell.

Brynn's been crushing on him for a while - until one night his anger destroyed part of her bar. Of course he paid for the damages without being asked. But Brynn's no longer interested.

Maxwell comes to apologize. He can't tell her the details, but he's more sorry than she'll ever know. He's been wanting to date Brynn for months. He realizes this changes everything, but he'll do what it takes to win back her trust, her friendship, and maybe her heart.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I didn't want to put this book down. And I want to hang out with at Hers and grab a drink. Also I love the Lady Mustangs. I love the friendship in this series and how the women support each other. I love the moments at the game where the kids run wild and the women talk, but everyone comes together to watch football. I loved Maxwell and his slow approach, his banter, and his manners. I love how Brynn hooked him on Parks and Rec. Another great addition to this series and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public library's romance collection.

Review: Fumbled

* Book 2 in the Playbook series *

Poppy Patterson's main concern is her son. As a single mom, she worries about making his life the best that she can. She's not concerned about the past - until her past walks into her work.

When football player TK Moore walks into the club, he's stunned to see her. From their reunion, it's clear that they both have feelings for each other. When Poppy tells him about his son, TK flips out.

Poppy's not impressed. But when TK runs into his son on the soccer field, there's no denying the truth. He's dumbfounded to learn the truth about the past. TK knows he's can't make up for the past, but he can be present in the future - if Poppy will let him...

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the chemistry between Poppy and TK. I loved Poppy and Ace and their relationship. I loved the friendships Poppy found within the wives and girlfriends of the team football players. I loved the snark and the support from the other women. I enjoyed hearing updates about the characters in the previous book. I liked the discussion about concussions and the dangers of playing football. I loved the second chance romance. I couldn't put this book down.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your romance section at your public libraries

Best Discovery: The next book in the series is already out (and I'm currently reading it)

Review: Stealing Home

Ryan has her future all planned out. She's going to college and then coming home to take over the family business - the minor league baseball team. Eventually, she hopes to be one of the youngest female General Managers. So what if she has to work her butt off to earn the players' respect. So what if they see her now as the manager's daughter and not as part of the team. She loves baseball.

Until she learns her mother's looking to sell her shares for the team. Now everything could change and Sawyer could lose everything.

Maybe she can lean on the new recruit Sawyer. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but a romance between management and players is forbidden. Can Ryan save her future?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - for the female twist on a sports romance. I loved seeing the inner workings of a baseball team. We have a minor baseball team in my town and I could picture the behind the scenes moments there. I loved the moments between Ryan and Sawyer - they had great chemistry. I loved how they decided to help each other. I loved Mia and her family. A fun sports romance that's perfect for summer.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public library for a sports romance.