Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am never one to turn down a sweet hockey romance. Mood Swings and Hockey Flings was definitely entertaining and worth the read. Kaitlyn with a K and Banks kept the pace moving right along and eventually made it to their happy ending. There were some snags along the way, but they were all worth it.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun read! I like to mix up genres when I finish a book that is longer. This book was the perfect change of pace for me. I loved that the author wrote a bit about the history between Kaitlyn and Banks so we have an idea about the dynamic between them. As we meet them again 10 years later, the two of them are finding out more about each other than they ever expected as Kaitlyn takes Banks on as a client! How will these strong willed professionals finally find what they have been searching for? The author did a wonderful job world and character building. I will be checking out more books by this author. I connected with both Kaitlyn and Banks as they go through the ups and downs of relationships.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mood Swings & Hockey Flings is a sports romance with some animosity and passion. A slight second chance. The author gives you two characters that had a wonderful “meet cute” yet quickly had a misunderstanding that changed things for them.
Banks has always been slightly troubled in his hockey career. Yet a chance meeting with a beautiful woman at the airport he was willing to change things about himself. What he didn’t expect was that woman to show up at his practice and she wasn’t who she seemed. Now that he’s older and has been dumped by another agent, this woman is his only hope of not only continuing his career but with his current team.
Yet can he trust her?
What about the attraction he has for her?
Kaitlin is out to prove herself. Prove that she doesn’t only know football by moving into the hockey world. A sports agent with a passion that’s being held back by her boss. Unfortunately she runs into one of the hockey players on a flight down to her new client. He seemed great but later proved himself otherwise. Now there’s everlasting animosity between them. Yet they travel in the same circles so are constantly crossing paths. Now he needs her more than he realizes. Not only that but gives them both a chance to stick it to her previous boss.
However, what happens when she truly gets to know them?
Can they keep things strictly professional or will feelings become an issue?
I already stated it’s a romance but nothing is ever cut and dry. These two characters have so much to give to anyone. However they both get in their own way. They are stubborn. Yet they both care deeply for those that mean something to them.
If that’s the type of book you’re looking for, it’s up to you to jump right in. I can guarantee it won’t be disappointing. Just trust me!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings was a great read. I loved reading about Ben / Banks and Kaitlyn.
Those two met at an airport
about 10 years ago and had no idea who the other person was. They were both attracted to eachother but Kaitlyn has a one track mind and her job is the most important thing on her life. Meeting a hot guy and learning he’s a hockey player, makes her angry. They did alot of flirting at the airport and on the plane but, Kaitlyn is a different person in
Work mode. Banks and Kaitlyn grow to dislike eachother more then you would think even though they secretly have some hidden feelings.
Now 10 years later, Kaitlyn is asked by Roman to
Be Ben’s agent. Both Ben and Kaitlyn are against it
But, Ben needs the best of the best and that’s her. But what will happen when they start spending alot of time together? Can Kaitlyn stay strong and deflect the blue eyed, gorgeous guy she has spent 10 years avoiding? Or is it inevitable ? These two are both such strong characters but, Ben is willing to put everything aside for a chance with Kaitlyn to see what happens. Kaitlyn knows it will
Be career suicide being she’s a hockey agent, he’s a hockey player and the cherry on top is…..he’s her client !
Review by @xchellex
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is an enemies-to-lovers romance. Kaitlyn is a sports agent breaking into the hockey scene. On her way to meet her first client, her flight is delayed and she ends up having a great conversation with the man at the bar. They flirt, even on the flight, and at the end they part ways with no contact. However, to her surprise, he is a hockey player on the same team as her client and she gets mad because he has “lied” about who he was. Banks “Benny” Bennet is a professional hockey player but is known as the bad boy, who cares-type of player who is getting up there in age. After his and Kaitlyn’s meet cute, they end up as enemies and now 10 years have gone by. At this point, they claim to hate each other but have some residual sexual tension from 10 years ago. Banks is now looking for a new agent and Kaitlyn is persuaded into helping him. Through this “arrangement,” they start to learn more and more about each other and see that there is more to the story. Will they be able to cross these boundaries to satisfy what has been hanging over their heads for so long? Is this possible “arrangement” worth both of their careers?
I really enjoyed this story. Kaitlyn is a badass woman rocking it in a man’s world. She is respected but also hated for her position in the league. She had many sides to her character and I enjoyed all of them. As for Banks, OMG I just fell in love with him. The way he handled all the things that came his way (especially when they were not true) was just amazing. He is misunderstood, manly, gently, and hiding a really big heart. I just really enjoyed learnig about him and seeing his character develop throughout the story. In the end, he is just a down right good man who wants to protect what he wants, but learns that consequences occur, but sometimes it is totally worth it!!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Hot Flash Hookups book series is one that I adore reading! The authors do an amazing job of creating a great storyline with characters that you would not normally think to pair together. One of the main characters is a hockey player, and the other is usually a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants but not what she needs in her life. Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is no exception to this amazing formula that truly works, and it works well. I had a good laugh as I read about our main female stressing over possibly being in perimenopause, especially when the doctor let her know she may still have a good 10 years of fertility left before menopause kicks in. To our main character, this means that her eggs are all drying up, and she needs to get pregnant ASAP, despite how busy she is working as an agent to hockey players. Our main male character falls hard for his new agent, with whom he has been having a love/hate relationship for the past 10 years. His agent has been hiding her feelings for her client through a love/hate relationship herself. Throughout the story you get to see the point of view of both main characters and follow along as they work through their client/agent relationship, all the while fighting against their attraction for one another. There’s a fine line that shouldn’t be crossed, but what is more important, a career or finding your soul mate? What a sweet romance this story was, filled with dilemmas that our main characters must work through, including not allowing their impressions of one another to shadow the real characters of our main people. I love that we got to continue along with Olivia and Roman’s love story from the first book while following along with Ben and Kaitlyn’s story in this new book. I cannot wait to see who gets featured in the third book in this series. I am so invested in reading more about the development between each of our couples we’ve met so far.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kaitlyn and Ben (aka Banks) met 10 years ago…and they did not leave on good terms. Since then, Banks has been busy on the ice while Kaitlyn is working hard to become a top agent. So, when Banks’ current agent drops him, these two find themselves having to work together. Kaitlyn wants to clean up his image, get him a great deal, and be done with the whole thing. However, there seems to be more behind the image that Banks portrays and she is finding it hard to resist. Ben realizes that Kaitlyn is not the cold-hearted ice queen that she is made out to be and finds himself being able to think of anything except her.
The banter between these two is what kept me turning the pages. Kaitlyn is making her way in a world dominated by men…while also dealing with the onslaught of premenopausal hormones. Ben is constantly trying to overcome his poor choices while fighting these feelings he is having for Kaitlyn. I was cheering Kaitlyn on as she was making her mark on what most consider to be a man’s world. There is steam, witty banter, romance, and of course some hockey!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylyvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Jessica Stone
Oh man! This book was so fun, so total transparency, I have not read the previous book in this series, but rest assured after getting a few chapters in I, to my complete delight discovered this book could in fact be read alone. And I’m so glad it could, this was my first hockey rom com and it felt soooo good! I’m so excited to dive into this series more and into this genre more.
The chemistry between the two main characters was absolutely palpable, tension so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Let’s start of with Kaitlyn with a K, I was a bit worried she was going to be a soulless, work to live live to work type, but I was so happy to get to know the girl underneath her stone cold facade. And I fully squealed when she got her HEA.
Now Ben, or should I set Bennett, oh boy, I think I’ve loved him since the moment i read him penned on those pages. His sense of humor and general nonchalance is weirdly endearing. I loved his character arc, and his final admirable to his feelings, his character blossomed SO hard in this book. And it was everything i needed.
So throw these two interesting characters together in a force proximity/reluctance situation and you get pure magic. Add a splash of hockey, the love of the game, rivalry, heavy atmosphere, and it’s complete as one of the best rom com’s I’ve read in a good while.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings, Hot Flash Hookups Series, Sylvie Stewart, Marika Ray, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Sports, Romance, Jessica Stone, May 2024
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where oh where do I start with this book I just absolutely LOVED it! Banks and Kaitlyn are just such wonderfully written, relatable and fun characters that you just want to see them have a happy ending. The storyline definitely draws you in to their lives and the great banter will not only give you a laugh but will keep you turning page after page. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this fabulous series!!!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read for these authors and I absolutely loved it. I love a good sports romance but this story exceeded my expectations. This is the second book of the very addictive hot flash hookup series. You will fall in love with these characters right from the start. They had me laughing out loud with their banter. It only took me a little over a day to read this amazing enemy to lover story. I can’t wait to see who they will write about next.
Kaitlyn worked very hard to get where she is now. She is a new hockey agent and she can’t wait to meet her team. Kaitlyn is waiting for her flight but then a very handsome man comes and sits next to her. They get to know each other and hope to see him again. She is in shock that her mystery guy is a hockey player for the team she came for. Kaitlyn feels so betrayed that she doesn’t talk to Bennet again. Ten years later she is told that she has to be Bennet Bank’s new agent and she loves a challenge. She knows what she needs to do to help his and her career but will they be able to be a good team or will they rip each other apart?
Review by @heatherbass
View all my reviews
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this very relatable story of the relationship between Ben “banks” Bennet and Kaitlyn with a K.
They meet by chance at an airport catching the same plane and by coincidence their lives are intertwined due to professional Hockey…. Kaitlyn becomes Banks agent but the lines become blurred and the attraction wins…
Very steamy sex scenes and certainly a page turner.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved this series so far!! I think it is because I connect to the characters a little more as they are older, like me (45 *gasp*). I really enjoyed book one and couldn’t wait to hear another story in this hockey world. Banks and Kaitlyn’s story is an enemies to lovers with all the feels. Ben and Kaitlyn mee at the airport one evening and hit it off, only to learn that Banks (aka Ben) is a hockey player on the same team as a young player she is an agent for. Banks makes a comment that he thinks is funny and Kaitlyn takes it the wrong way and they become enemies. Ten years later and now Banks is looking for a new agent as he is nearing the end of his career and she decides to help him out to make her ex-boss look bad. This book is funny, full of banter between characters, some really sweet moments as we get to know Banks better, and a peek into Kaitlyn’s past too. Kaitlyn is trying to make him look good, going through some major mood swings, and trying to stop herself from falling for him. This is a fun, fast paced, story with s sweet romance and a bit of spice. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray. I loved this book and I could relate to it because I’m having hot flashes left and right. This is the story of Kaitlyn & Ben. Ben is a hockey star and Kaitlyn is a hockey agent. They meet in an airport bar and hit if off and Kaitlyn ends up thinking she is in love. The next day she meets him again but as Ben the hockey player and she is not impressed realizing he was just looking for a one night stand. A decade later she is asked to be his agent and she’s not sure she can do it or not. She has continually thought of him since that one night and can’t see to forget him. She has had to constantly fight battles in this mainly male dominated world and she’s not sure she has fight left in her for a relationship that might mix with business Will they be able to get thru all the differences in their relationship, age, sexism in the workplace and just general relationship problems!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MOOD SWINGS AND HOCKEY FLINGS (HOT FLASH HOOKUPS BOOK 2)
There are so many little things about this book I loved, starting with how Banks and Kaitlyn met. At an airport over grilled cheese sounds like a great way to start off. If only their relationship had been as simple as their initial meeting.
Ten years changes so much, but there are also so many things that haven’t changed. Banks is still in the NHL and Kaitlyn is an amazing sports agent. Their paths have crossed several time over the years, but nothing like now that Banks is in need of an agent.
We learn dark secrets about each of them and I was totally not expecting the big secret Banks was hiding.
Once again I was thoroughly entertained by Ms. Stewart and Ms. Ray’s book. Looking to the third book and seeing who is next. I have my money on one particular couple and really hope I’m right.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Banks Bennet is a hockey star that has a bad boy persona and Kaitlyn has now become his new agent. For one small moment Banks and Kaitlyn share banter, chemistry and the promise of what could have been. That is until Banks realizes who Kaitlyn is then an acrimonious relationship begins. That is until the agent and hockey player become a team, then the intensity between the two becomes two much to ignore can the two find that they are just the right fit for one another?
Delightful, pure fun. The attraction is sizzling between Banks and Kaitlyn. Page turning entertainment, I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see what is next in this series.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the chemistry in this book. It had great witty banter between the sassy Kaitlyn and the snarky Ben. I enjoyed them unraveling each other’s personalities they keep hidden. This book was well written.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 did not disappoint and was just as fantastic as book 1 in this series. Ben and Kaitlyn make a great duo in this story. Once again the authors nailed the hockey and sports storyline and this time, with the added element of a female sports agent. Lots of hilarious moments but also a blend of many other emotions, too. I cannot wait for book 3. Another very successful romantic comedy book for Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Hot Flash Hookups Series. This book was just as good as the first one. A chance meeting in an airport bar finds Kaitlyn and Ben attracted and flirting with each other. Until she finds out he is on the team with her newest client. That is when the drama starts and the love hate relationship starts. This is a great enemies to lovers story. The characters are all so fantastic.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing!!! I couldn’t stop once I got into it. It was so “real” and represented a lot of today’s issues in relationships, our past experiences still haunting us! The character development along with relationship dynamics and growth were fun to read, and kept you reading intrigued to see how it plays out. Hoping she writes about other characters love stories now… especially Niko & Chloe… highly recommend this
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6468806738
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kaitlyn is a top range hockey agent although being a woman in a mans world can be tough she has a reputation of a killer in the boardroom. Now she is representing young blood in the team and is damn good at it, although no-one ten years ago told her she would have to be a babysitter and agent all in one, but now she has her own agency and can pick and choose who she wants, until a friend asks her for a favour and in steps Bennet Banks her sworn enemy.
Can she put the past behind her to help him extend his contract and be a better person?
Ben “Bennett” Banks has lived to annoy Kaitlyn seen that day they meet ten years ago in the airport, she seemed okay with him then but once she knew who he was it has been daggers and teeth when ever they meet, but when he falls out with his agent just before a crucial extension of his contract no-one will touch him accept Kaitlyn. But can he keep his feelings for her under wraps as she has made it plain she hates him and is only doing this as a favour and to stick it to her old boss.
So, when something is released in the press at a critical time can Kaitlyn believe in Bennett or will she let him loose?
I love this calibration, the writing is brilliant and the characters are so real you wish they were your friends. This is the second book in this series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel but I recommend you read the first one as it is just as good.
Kaitlyn’s character is fiery and strong but as always you get to see the venerable side of her and that not everything is rosy in the garden. Ben’s character is lovely the rough alpha male on the ice but behind the scenes is a man who is misunderstood, caring and humble which makes these two characters just brilliant for each other.
The secondary characters as always are full of depth and life and just add to this wonderfully developed book, with you wanting to know the more about them in the next book. I hope Niko Drugov is our next mean hockey player to find love as it would be great for him and Chole to have some sparks in their future.
Can’t wait for the next instalment going forward.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mood Swings & Hockey Flings is the second installment of Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart’s Hot Flash Hookups series. It follows Kaitlyn, hockey agent at the height of her career who, at the age of forty, is starting to think about starting a family, and Banks, hockey player who isn’t ready to retire at thirty-eight. I read a lot of hockey romances, but it was really refreshing seeing a woman of colour lead, and the leads being in their late thirties rather than early twenties. I think the authors handled the balance between having a career and starting a family really well, because I don’t think women should have to sacrifice one for the other. I also think they handled a woman nearing menopause really well, because women tend to feel old once they start thinking about menopause, but Kaitlyn is still confident and she still feels attractive, despite her mood swings or weight gain or fatigue. I did think, at the beginning, that Banks’ behaviour was immature for someone his age, but the more I read the more I changed my mind. My favourite character was Kaitlyn and my least favourite character was Ed. I recommend this book, mainly because it’s so refreshing to see an Asian female lead and a romance between two people in their late thirties. I also appreciate how the romance didn’t lead to anyone sacrificing any other important parts of their lives. ‘So much so that I might have been half in love with her by the time we said our goodbyes.’
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hilarious steamy rom-com for even those in certain stages of life. Ben and Kaitlyn are a feisty couple that brings the heat no matter where they are, bantering on the ice, playing mahjong with Beatrice, or between the sheets! These two push and pull each other to be the best.
I love all the hockey players. Psssst….these authors sound like they actually know hockey! Makes the story come alive!!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adore this book! This is the second installment in the Hot Flash Hookups series and my favorite so far. I loved Kaitlyn and Banks’s characters independently and together. Their banter, their stubbornness, and their chemistry…OMG their chemistry. Ray and Stewart had my hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put this one down! They way they do a slow burn is phenomenal! And this book is a slow, slow burn in the best of ways. I love the other tropes as well: forced proximity, forbidden love (agent & player), he falls first (a personal fav), and many more. The character development is *chef’s kiss* as is the plot line. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment! I highly recommend grabbing this book…it’s a fantastic sports romance with just a bit of spice. A great pallet cleanser if you are looking for something a bit lighter in-between the darker readings 😉
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved reading the first book in this series and this book is definitely just as good. I thought the characters brought this story to life and I loved the connection between them. The constant push and pull, their chemistry, it all made the book so much better to read.
I thought the overall story was great as well. Sylvie Stewart is an author I always enjoy reading and this collaboration between authors is just as good. I think their writing styles work really well together and it made the book even more interesting to read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings is the second book in the Hot Flash Hookups Series. This is a Enemies to Lover’s/ Forbidden Romance that will pull you in from the beginning and have you turning the pages till the end . I do recommend reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already started it. I’ve read other books by this author and this one may be my favorite yet. The characters are well developed, connectable,relatable and make the story come to life. The chemistry between them is electric. This is a wonderfully written story about a Hockey player who was dropped from the team and a kick butt agent who tougher than she seems. What will happen when she looses control? This is a fast paced story that I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second book in the series is just as good as or better than the first! I LOVED this one!! It is exciting, funny and has glorious sarcasm. The story held me captivated until the last page! The characters have a wonderful love/hate relationship with high sexual chemistry. I laughed with them and just delighted with their banter! They are both very witty! Secondary characters are wonderful! I liked how they moved the story forward but still held a memorable quality.
This writing team is a dynamic duo! They pour just the right amount of snark, laughs, heat and hockey into their stories. They had these characters go from like to extreme dislike to slowly coming around then lust then friends then lovers. What a ride! I loved every second and look forward to more!
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Has Banks Bennet finally met his match? Banks and Kaitlyn are at it yet again. In this Rom-Com can’t put down hang on to your seat story, Kaitlyn meets a mystery man at the airport as she heads to meet a new client. They immediately hit it off. He tells her that his name is Ben. They have a great time together cause you know its a stranger and they will never meet again… or so they think. Enter the story of Banks and Kaitlyn the sports agent. A must read.
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I really liked this couple and their story. They had a history going back 10 years. When Kaitlyn is asked to be Banks’ new agent things get very interesting. Will she be able to help him? I have to say I had several LOL moments with the bantering between these two. Both of them were great characters, and the secondary characters added a great element to the story. There are a few different things going on in the book. These two authors pulled me in with their writing and I am really enjoying this series. I look forward to reading more from them. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much! It was such a great read. From the very first page I was just totally in love with bath Kaitlyn (with a K) and Banks! They both had such great personalities and I loved that they wound each other up but underneath the chemistry was bubbling away. I really do love an older romance story now, I think I can definitely relate to the characters a lot more than stories with the young 20 somethings as the main characters. Kaitlyn was just such a down to earth person going through things that I can certainly relate to. She was focused on her career and she was good at it. I thought she was a wonderful female lead and I absolutely adored her.
This is definitely one of my favourite books that I have read this year and I 100% recommend it!
