The Book Barista Reviews: Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Title:  Good Boy

Series:  WAGs, #1

Author:  Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Release Date:  January 31, 2017

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs.

Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.

But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Caution: May cause accidental aspiration of tea or coffee. Do not read in a public place where loud laughter is inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppy cuddling and a snarky pair of underwear.

We were first introduced to Blake and Jess in Us, so I was pretty excited about them getting their own book.  I just knew that I was going to love Blake.

I would definitely say that Blake is one of my all-time favourite characters.  He’s a professional hockey player.  He’s funny (sometimes downright goofy).  He’s loyal and protective of those he loves and cares about.  He’s a good and thoughtful friend. He’s got a super positive outlook. He’s Canadian (his family lives in the same city as I do!).  What’s not to love?!

Jess was a bit of the opposite.  She’s flitted from career to career and believes that her family sees her as a disappointment.  Her focus is on the new direction she wants to take in her life and doesn’t see room in it for anyone (Blake).

Blake never gave up even when Jess gave him an ice-cold shoulder.  He remained positive.  Then, when she needed a little boost, he was there for her giving her all the positive vibes a girl could want.

This writing duo has definitely joined the list of my favourite authors, both individually and collectively.  I look forward to reading more from these two.

You know when you read a book and it just makes you feel good? THIS book did that for me.  It was a fun and sexy read.  No big angsty moments.  Just a sweet and funny love story.  There was no hesitation on my part in giving Good Boy five sweet, hot and delicious caffe lattes.

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Note: I received this ARC  in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Book Barista Reviews: Back Check by Kelly Jamieson

Title:  Back Check

Series:  Aces Hockey, #4

Author:  Kelly Jamieson

Release Date:  January 10, 2017

The so-bad-they’re-good alphas of hockey’s Chicago Aces are back in this emotionally charged novel of sex, love, and second chances from the bestselling author of Top Shelf and the Heller Brothers series.

Tanner Bennet hates weddings. They just remind him that he simply isn’t cut out for any kind of healthy, committed relationship—never has been, never will be. After getting rejected by the girl he thought was “the one” all those years ago, he made a huge mistake and married the wrong person. Now that the divorced heartbreaker has reluctantly agreed to be a groomsman for one of his NHL teammates, the last thing he expects is a chance at redemption with the one that got away.

After Marc Dupuis of the Chicago Aces hires wedding planner Katelyn Medford, she discovers that her big break comes with a twist: a reunion with her college sweetheart. The way she dumped Tanner still haunts her. Eight years—and three broken engagements—later, Katelyn knows she’ll never have that kind of innocent, wide-eyed passion again. Still, she and Tanner soon generate enough body heat to burn up the sheets. And even with Tanner’s career with the Aces up in the air, Katelyn’s wondering whether the time is right to let him in for real.

This book has so many things going for it.  The first thing you’ll notice is the amazing cover.  HELLO SEXY MAN WITH THE STUNNING EYES!!!  Then once you dive in, you’ll add a new sexy, hockey player book boyfriend to your list.  And then, who doesn’t love a second chance romance?

This series sucked me in right from the first book.  Kelly Jamieson writes amazing characters.  You’ll love the hockey players and the women who love them.  I thought it would be tough to top Jared and Sidney from the previous book Top Shelf, but this one pretty much tied as my favourite in the series.

Katelyn and Tanner have history, so imagine their mutual surprise when they come across each other again. Katelyn as Marc and Lovey’s wedding planner and Tanner as one of Marc’s groomsmen.  In the past they made choices that required that they each go their separate ways.  Now they keep bumping into each other and their chemistry is unmistakable.  Once again they may be forced to make some tough decisions.  I loved seeing how they came to terms with the love they have for one another.

I really enjoyed this book and it definitely is worthy of five hot and steamy Tim’s (you know, the first one you have in the morning that is oh so satisfying).  As usual I look forward to more in this series.

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Note: I received this ARC from the Publisher/NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Announcement from Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Title:  Good Boy

Series:  WAGs, #1

Author:  Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Expected Release Date:  January 31, 2017

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs. 

Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score. 

But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Warning: Do not read while sipping hot liquids. Or cold ones. Or while sitting anywhere laughter would be inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppies and a snarky pair of underwear.

Check out the YouTube video for this announcement!

The Book Barista Reviews: Falling For Flynn by Kate Willoughby

Title:  Falling For Flynn

Series:  Hockey On Tap, #1

Author:  Kate Willoughby

Release Date:  October 19, 2016

Tracy Duval has spent her life proving women can play hockey. From leading her college team to coaching little girls, she’s been a champion of the sport. But when a sexist ad for the Barracuda Fantasy Hockey Camp seems to exclude women, she signs up to teach the boys a lesson.

Retired NHL player Flynn Hammerstrom meets Tracy at the local ice rink and is immediately intrigued. She’s mature, confident, sexy—and hello, she plays hockey. He’s ready to settle down again and, after his tumultuous marriage, he’s looking for a woman who is high on fun and low on drama.

Unfortunately, even though he’s nuts about her, the drama he desperately wants to avoid flares up at the fantasy camp.

And Tracy is smack dab in the middle of the fire.

I love Kate Willoughby’s hockey romance series In the Zone, so I was pretty excited to see that she had a new spin-off series for me to sink my teeth into.

The first thing that I liked about this book is that the characters are more mature.  In their 40’s.  How awesome is that?!  It’s nice to read about characters that are closer to my age.

The next thing I liked about it is that Tracy is a hockey player.  It’s good to see females playing the game.  In the book she stands up for women everywhere who love to play hockey.  Aaaaand she also coaches a little girls’ team.  I think it’s safe to say that I really liked Tracy.

Now what can I say about Flynn?  He’s a retired hockey player.  The chemistry between Flynn and Tracy is instant.  He apparently had IT back in the day and he’s still got IT. I instantly also liked Flynn.  He’s sexy and sweet.

This was a quick read as it is a novella.  There was just enough heat and drama to satisfy any reader.  I gave Falling For Flynn four steamy lattes.  The only reason it didn’t get five is because it is a novella.  I would’ve liked more.  Please note that that isn’t a complaint, it’s just my preference.  I’m am definitely looking forward to more in this series.

AMAZON | KOBO | B&N

Note: I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Book Barista Reviews: Top Shelf by Kelly Jamieson

Title:  Top Shelf

Series:  Aces Hockey, #3

Author:  Kelly Jamieson

Release Date:  October 18, 2016

Whether it’s a clutch goal or a cocktail, nothing beats “top shelf.” In this novel from the bestselling author of the Heller Brothers Hockey series, a fun-loving jock and an ambitious career woman mix business with pleasure.
 
Not only is Jared Rupp one of the stars of the NHL’s Chicago Aces, he’s also the owner of the Sin Bin, the after-hours hot spot where the whole team hangs out. Lately, Jared can’t take his eyes off the woman he’s hired to give the Bin a more modern feel: a sexy, sophisticated consultant who has carved out a niche updating drink menus. She’s as passionate about her career as Jared is about hockey—and yet he can’t help wondering what kind of cocktail she really wants.

In her line of work, Sidney Frayne is used to guys hitting on her in bars, but Jared gets her hot enough to burst into flames. When he’s wining and dining her, he’s sophisticated as hell; on the rink, he’s a testosterone-fueled powerhouse. Still, Sidney’s bitter divorce taught her to keep her emotions on ice. With her busy schedule—and Jared’s playboy reputation—she’s not sure she’s ready for a fling. Because if she lets Jared into her bed, she just may have to let him into her heart.

It’s no secret that I love sports romance, especially hockey romance.  There’s nothing like a big, gorgeous hockey player.  Kelly Jamieson knows how to provide the hot steamy hockey romance and the big sexy hockey player book boyfriend.

A chance encounter and an honest comment brings Sidney and Jared together, at first in a business relationship and then as fun.  Both Jared and Sidney are reluctant to get into a long term relationship but both agree to have some fun together.

I really enjoyed Sidney.  She was a strong, independent woman who had gathered up the pieces of herself after being emotionally destroyed in a previous relationship, and made a new career for herself.  I definitely thought she was a great character.  She also had a fantastic dog.  I’m a sucker for pets as fictional characters.

As for Jared…I loved Jared!  He had been introduced in the previous books in this series so I was happy to see him get his own book.  He was a very sexy (and well dressed) hockey player and bar owner.  He’s an older and wiser player on the Aces team. I must also say that Jared  could very well be the king of great dirty talk. Yes indeed!!!

One of my favourite parts of the book was their first real kiss.  Man oh man was it hot!!!!  I don’t know if it was the kiss itself or if it was the build up to it.  Maybe it was just these characters.

Also, I love the way this author actually puts some hockey in her books.  It’s not that he’s just a hockey player and hockey is mentioned.  She actually writes some exciting hockey action into the story.

Kelly Jamieson once again delivered a great story with great characters (including a lovable dog).  I look forward to more in this series.  I gave Top Shelf five hot, rich and steamy cups of Tim’s Dark Roast coffee.

AMAZON | KOBO | B&N

Note: I received this ARC from the Publisher/NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Book Barista Reviews: The Goal by Elle Kennedy

Title:  The Goal

Series:  Off-Campus, #4

Author:  Elle Kennedy

Release Date:  September 26, 2016

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

I’ve really loved this series.  I’ve loved the story lines and the characters.  That’s why I was pretty excited to read this one.  At the very end of the last book, the pregnancy bomb was dropped which set up this book nicely.

I have to admit that at first I didn’t much like Sabrina. She just seemed a bit egotistical to me.  As I read through, I found myself understanding her.  She was very driven and had a plan.  A boyfriend didn’t  really fit into that plan.  Life was not easy for her and she worked very hard to be able to achieve her goals. I actually admired her ability to not lose sight of her big picture no matter the hurdles in her way.

That said, I often felt that Sabrina might not be deserving of Tucker.  Tucker has to be the most patient, kind-hearted, beautiful soul to ever exist.  I mean, the guy loves and is good to his mama. *sigh*.  Did I mention his patience?  The man has the patience of a saint.  And through all of these traits, he’s still confident and doesn’t give up on what he wants.  He’s a damn good book boyfriend

I loved their journey together even though Sabrina sometimes made it harder than she should have.

Like the other books in this series, The Goal got five delicious cups of java from me.  I highly recommend this series to everyone.  Especially to anyone that loves a good sports romance.

 

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Note: I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cover Reveal: The Goal by Elle Kennedy

Title:  The Goal

Series:  Off Campus, #4

Author:  Elle Kenney

Release Date:  September 26, 2016

 

 

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

 

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The Book Barista Reviews: On The Brink by Kate Willoughby

Title:  On the Brink

Series:  In the Zone, #0

Author:  Kate Willoughby

Release Date:  June 28, 2016

Due to popular demand, Kate Willoughby brings you Hart Griffin and Jeremy Fenton’s origin story. Find out how these two met and fell in love…

Holtzer University junior Hart Griffin won’t let anything interfere with his future as a professional hockey player. No way, no how. He’s the star forward of his college team and a first round NHL draft pick.

One hot night with a male super fan calls into question everything Hart thought he knew about his sexuality and launches him on a soul-searching journey in which nothing is as it seems and his entire world is turned upside down.

 

This is a prequel novella about Hart and Jeremy, two characters that were introduced in Kate Willoughby’s In The Zone Series.  As they were already a couple in the series, this is a look into how they got together.  I will admit that I don’t usually read novellas because they just aren’t long enough.  That said, I absolutely had to read this for a couple of reasons: 1)  I loved the glimpses I got into Hart and Jeremy and wanted to know more and 2) this is Kate Willoughby!  I love her writing!

I totally understand how it would be difficult for Hart to admit to himself that he was gay. He’s on the verge of beginning his professional hockey career and he’s afraid of what being gay might mean for his future career. On the opposite side of the spectrum is Jeremy.  He’s out and proud.  He’s totally attracted to Hart and I will say that he’s incredibly patient with Hart.  One hot night turns into a great friendship which then turns into more.

I absolutely loved this book (even though I did wish it was longer).  I loved Jeremy and Hart and am so glad that Kate Willoughby wrote this.  I think she did a great job on her first m/m venture.  I think she kept it realistic and stayed true to the characters.  I look forward to more in this series.  I gave On the Brink five refreshing and delicious mocha cookie crumble frappuccinos.

 

 AMAZON | KOBO | B&N

 

Note: I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.