Book Review: Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen

Series: Brooklyn Bruisers Book #4

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

You’d think a billion dollars, a professional hockey team and a six-bedroom mansion on the Promenade would satisfy a guy. You’d be wrong.

For seven years Rebecca has brightened my office with her wit and her smile. She manages both my hockey team and my sanity. I don’t know when I started waking in the night, craving her. All I know is that one whiff of her perfume ruins my concentration. And her laugh makes me hard.

When Rebecca gets hurt, I step in to help. It’s what friends do. But what friends don’t do is rip off each others’ clothes for a single, wild night together.

Now she’s avoiding me. She says we’re too different, and it can never happen again. So why can’t we keep our hands off each other?

Review

I was so excited for this book. There were little bread crumbs for it throughout the previous books and I'm a huge sucker for sequel bait. And this was exactly what I needed. This feels like a nice cup of tea on a rainy day. It was pleasant and brightened my day.

Normally, Sarina Bowen books rip my heart out, but this was a treat. I loved spending time with Nate and Becca-individually and as a couple. I want to be friends with them! They are fantastic realistic and endearing characters. And its a very good friends-to-lovers romance.

Speaking of the romance-let's talk power dynamics. Generally, I avoid romances between a boss and employee because of the imbalance of power makes me super cringey. And it's even harder to handle in the hyper-aware world post Harvey Weinstein. but Ms. Bowen navigated this well. She acknowledged the potential issues and had Nate and Becca address them as mature thoughtful adults.

I can see this easily becoming a compulsive re-read for me-especially when I need a pick me up. Thank you, Sarina Bowen for still publishing this after Berkley dropped it. it's a fast favorite and I'm so happy it's part of my library.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: City of Champions by Chloe T. Barlow

Series: Gateway to Love Book #2
Format: ebook
Rating: 3.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

How do you find the will to try, when you've spent all your life playing on a field strewn with shattered lives and broken rules?

Tragedy and betrayal taught Jenna Sutherland early on that her safest bet was to fiercely avoid any risk, whether it is in work, life, or love. Now a respected orthopedic surgical resident on the cusp of finally breaking through in her career, she’s more guarded than ever.

When injured NFL quarterback Wyatt McCoy bulldozes into her life there’s no denying he’s cocky, selfish, and downright dangerous — everything Jenna’s sworn she doesn’t want.

Suddenly the levelheaded doctor finds herself facing down her greatest fear, and she’s tempted to gamble all she’s fought so hard to build. The two embark on an intense holiday love affair that quickly teeters on obsession, and tempts them both to think they could go all-in on a real future together. Yet Wyatt's desperation to stay on the field — and out of the operating room — lures him to take dangerous risks with Jenna's trust.

Will they win at love or lose everything — including their fragile chance at happiness?

Review

Have you ever wanted to like a book so you started justifying things that bother you? That's what I kept doing while I read this. I did like it more than A Steel Town but just barely. This may sound mean but the writing needs more polish. It may be an editing issue. The dialogue-internal too-often felt disjointed. There were also some continuity errors which is a personal pet peeve.

The characters are fine. A little irrational but fine. I did like Jenna when she wasn't acting like a hormonal teenager. I totally get being attracted to someone but I don't get potentially sacrificing a job you've spent years and tons of money to obtain on a nice body and good sex.  That's what would frustrated me. Then there was Wyatt who was more likeable than I was expecting. But he could have been better developed.

The romance worked especially when they stopped playing games. There was a decent amount of not talking to each other but what are you going to do. I don't know why but I did find some of Wyatt's behavior kind of inappropriate. He would force himself on Jenna and say she wanted him. It's a tough situation because she did want him physically but was still coming to terms with it in her head. Teenage me would've found this super hot but as I get older I'm starting to see the dangers of this type of behavior. Now, i think ms. Barlow meant it to be innocent but it still sets a bad precedent.

This didn't have suspense elements like her other book. It's more of a straight up contemporary romance which I prefer. It isn't the strongest book but it's OK and a quick read.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Falling from the Sky by Sarina Bowen

Series: Gravity #2

Format: Ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I’ve loved Sarina Bowen’s new adult novels so I was eager to try a contemporary romance by her. I enjoyed the characters and story, but it didn’t have the magic of the other books I’ve read.

Hank and Callie were both likeable characters. And it was nice to read about Hank’s recovery-his struggle with his loose of mobility and former self. Although, I wish it had been explored even more. Callie had a little too much of that typical “I’ll never be good enough for him” thing that I don’t like.

The romance was good. I bought their attraction and love. There was the constant issue of doctor-patient relationship, but it was handled well. I do wish there was a little bit more, but that’s a common complaint I have with a romance.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson

Series: Chinooks Hockey Team (Book 2)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                I have re-read this book countless times. It is one of my favorite Rachel Gibson books.

                I love Luc and Jane so much. Luc is great. He has some personal struggles, but they show how sweet he can be. And Jane is this odd blend of physical insecurity and sexual confidence that works. And they play of each other so well. I love antagonistic couples who fall in love, but it’s hard to do well.

                Plus, I love the way hockey is incorporated. If you don’t know anything about hockey there’s enough information to explain, but it’s not overkill. It helps that Jane doesn’t know anything either.

                If you’re looking for a good Rachel Gibson book I suggest this one. And if you know any good books that take place in or around the world of hockey let me know because I would like to read more. And if you know any good books that take place in or around the world of hockey let me know because I would love to read more.

~Thanks for reading!

Holly