Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, but Goalie Interference was just an okay read for me. Ryu and Emmitt are competitors. They both want the top position, and they both want to be on the ice for the playoffs. There is some back and forth in the very beginning, but other than that, I never really got the enemies to lovers vibe. That fierce sense of rivalry is there, and they both want to win. They wouldn't be valuable players if they didn't, but I just never got that animosity that comes with being enemies. The big, angsty problem is what I expected, and we get lots of moping on both sides, maybe a little too much moping. There is some wit and fun, mostly when Emmitt and Ryu are interacting with the team, particularly Morley. I absolutely love the fun-loving Morley. Given the circumstances, the relationship isn't public knowledge, and Ryu isn't even out, but that isn't a cause for worry here, which was refreshing in this type of romance. I will add that for those who want gameplay, this one gives us plenty of that. As the team heads into the playoffs, the play gets more and more exciting, and the authors do an excellent job of drawing you into the game. In the end, Ryu and Emmitt do have good chemistry, and their story is certainly plenty steamy, but it lacks the highs and lows of enemies turning into lovers while they fight every step of the way. It is certainly worth the read, and I'll be interested to see what's next for this series - I'm secretly hoping Morley gets a turn soon. As for this one, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but it did keep me entertained with its engaging characters and gameplay.

This is book #2, from the series Hat Trick.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  To avoid spoilers, and to better understand the series I recommend reading this series in order intended by the authors.  You can catch the review for Off The Ice, the first book in this series, by clicking here: OFF THE ICE REVIEW.

Emmitt has the opportunity to move up to the NHL, when a trade gives him the ultimate chance.  Not having as much family support as he would have liked - he still gives it his all.  Then he finds out there is a catch.  

Ryu is already a successful goalie who gives his team everything he has.  Then the challenge is given to work harder or lose your place.  This is normal for the NHL, but what he does not expect is to be attracted to his nemesis.  If only he could make the feelings go away.....

Such an exciting and well paced story.  I love the banter, the humor, and so much more.  The heat starts out sizzling and grows till it is almost a complete bonfire.  I was not able to put the book down, and eagerly read this in one sitting.  I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publisher.

This is book #3, in the Kiss And Make Up series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader enjoyment and understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this great series in order.

Abigail AKA Abby meets Caleb at one of her most embarrassing moments.  He never lets her forget it either.  Why would she be attracted to someone so mean?  He had a lot in common with her, that's why.

Caleb cannot believe his eyes when Abby comes out the window of the house next door.  Nearly killing herself, he jumps in and rescues the damsel in distress.  Finding out she can hold her own with him, only makes her more attractive.  

This was an amazing series and this story was no exception.  I love all the books I have read by this author.  She is a must click when it comes to purchasing books.  This was a fun and hot read.  The sparks, and the fun friendships, it just is all totaled up in a great story.  I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 3rd book in the San Francisco Thunder series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader understanding, and to avoid spoilers I recommend reading this hot series in order.

Sadie has to be strong.  Her family is counting on her to take them through this trying time.  What she wants or needs does not seem to be relevant, as long as she can hold it together.

Griffin also is going through some awful things right now.  He can see that he has to be strong for his daughter and all that is going on.  Can he be strong for Sadie too?

This was a hot book right from the beginning.  The characters had sizzled as soon as they met.  Like all this author's works there is humor, heat, and family.  I loved reading it and eagerly devoured each page.  I am hoping to read more about this amazing  series.  I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley, and its publishers.

Practice Makes Perfect

Patrick “Patch” Donnelly has what it takes to be the best goalie in the NHL…if only he could learn to control his temper. When Coach orders him to get his head in the game with private yoga classes, Patch isn’t having it. There’s no way this tough Boston guy would be caught dead downward dog-ing his way to inner peace. But if he refuses, he risks his starting position and the dream he sacrificed everything for, including joining the priesthood.

Yoga instructor Margot Kowalski is over men. After yet another toxic relationship, she’s eager to forget love and focus on growing her business. Doing the Hellions head coach a favor by helping out a troubled player can’t hurt, and it might give her career a high-profile boost. But free-spirited Margot is soon charming the pants off Patch. Literally. Her sassy combination of sweet and sexy proves irresistible to the goalie. Before Patch can give into temptation though, he’ll have to confess his biggest secret:

He’s a virgin.

But Patch is hiding more than sexual inexperience, and his dark past soon threatens to destroy his shot at true love.

About the Book:

Virgin Territory by Lia Riley

Series: Hellions Angels

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

Margot stood on tiptoe, both hands clutching the front of his t-shirt, and kissed him full on the mouth. Their ragged breaths mingled a moment. He tasted the brown sugar in her lipgloss before she broke free, pressing a quick second kiss to the tip of his nose.

“Go to bed,” she whispered, clearing her throat and stepping back. “And have a great game tomorrow.”

It took every last shred of Patch’s willpower not to close the space again, to consume her. “There’s something else you should know.”

“Shoot.”

“I’m not going to get a lick of sleep if you leave.”

“If I stay, you won’t sleep either,” she shot back, shrugging into her jacket.

“I’ll take those odds.”

She shook her head slowly as if with reluctance. “I’ve got to fold. “Goodnight.”

He took her hand and held it between his own. Her skin was cooler than his. He didn’t like that. He wanted to tuck her against him, warm her up. “Do me a favor and call when you get home. I want to know you got back safe, especially driving on that spare.”

“It’s been a long time since anyone has cared if I got home,” she said with a smile.

“Careful, you might be turning into a gentleman.”

“Don’t get carried away. The things that I want to do to you are far from gentlemanly,” he said in a husky tone.

She rocked her head back and unleashed a frustrated moan. “Quit leading me into temptation. I’m trying to respect your virtue here.”

“My virtue can take a long jump off a short fucking bridge.”

“That might be. But . . .if we end up taking that jump. I want it to be special. That’s important. I want you to feel special.”

Blood rushed to his ears. “Funny, I feel the same way about you.”

“Then we’re in agreement and I’m leaving.” A wicked gleam entered her gaze. “But while you wait for my call, slip into something more comfortable.”

“Like?”

“Nothing at all.”

She blew a kiss, pirouetted, and was gone.

From VIRGIN TERRITORY.  Used with permission of Avon Impulse. Copyright © 2018 by Lia Riley.

Virgin Territory by Lia Riley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book #3, in the Hellions Angels series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and understand the series, I recommend reading this great series in order.

Patrick AKA "Patch" is an amazing hockey player. He also has a temper. This time it may cost him all he holds dear, unless he is willing to meet a certain sexy female in the middle.

Margot is more than willing to help Patch learn the yoga secrets that can help him stay calm. What she doesn't know is in around her he is anything but calm. If she can reach him on another level, she can save his whole career.

This book was amazing! The emotions felt so real. I loved their banter. The pace of the book was nice and steady. The heat and sexy times felt like the author just turned up the thermostat - cause it was HOT!


***This book was given in exchange for an honest review only by its publisher and Edelweiss.

View all my reviews

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Tour Wide Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of VIRGIN TERRITORY, we’re giving away five paperback copies of HEAD COACH by Lia Riley!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. Five winners will each receive a paperback copy of Head Coach by Lia Riley.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance.  Giveaway ends 3/18/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Lia Riley:

After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, Lia Riley scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling fourex with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.

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