This was my very first hockey romance, and I may be a fan for life now. When Dimitri and Austen find themselves in an unfortunate situation, they decide to make the best of it as they can. What then ensues is some of the funniest banter I’ve read in a while. Their relationship slowly goes from strangers to friends to lovers in the best way. By then end, you can’t help but cheer them on in their love for one another. I plan to add the rest of this series to my TBR because I need to know what happens with the other characters in this!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2023-08-02 18:18:302023-08-04 12:17:48Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Brittany Angel
Austen has had a challenging life. She now lives with her grandfather who has decided to buy a hockey team, that will be the farm team for the Nashville Assassins. He has named her the General Manager of this new team and has sent her to Nashville to learn from the best. Dimitri is a possible new player for the Assassin’s, that’s if he can show the General Manager that he has a history with that he belongs there. Austen and Dimitri have both been given the same apartment and are having to figure out how to make all of this work. Austen is trying her hardest not to get distracted by Dimitri because she needs to learn as much as possible while she is with the Assassins. Dimitri has other plans even though he doesn’t need to be distracted either because he needs this chance to prove he belongs in Nashville.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Knallshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Knalls2023-08-02 17:44:072023-08-04 12:17:40Heavy Shot(Nashville Assassins:Next Generation) by Toni Aleo- Review by Heather Knalls
Heavy Shot is Book Seven of the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series. This is a sports romance book that centers around the characters of Austen and Dimitri. Austen has had a rough life full of abuse and neglect. She has learned to be strong and wants to make her grandfather proud, so she takes a job with the Assassins. Dimitri is back from playing hockey in Russia and comes to try out for the Assassins team. When a mix-up with housing occurs Dimitri and Austen end up in the same apartment. Although at first the two do not necessarily hit it off they eventually reach a truce. The witty banter, teasing, and chemistry between them builds as they get to know one another better.
This was a well written book with an engaging storyline and lovable characters. Austen has had a horrific past full of abuse and trauma but has not let that deter her from having a bright future. She learned to be strong, assertive, feisty and stand on her own two feet. Dimitri comes across as being cocky and arrogant initially but as the story unfolds, we see another side of him. He is sweet, kind, and gentle with Austen which was wonderful to read. The author did a beautiful job of writing about sensitive subject matter and the after effects a survivor of abuse experiences. The love story between Austen and Dimitri was inspiring. A wonderful story full of angst, witty banter, humor, hope, love, passion, and romance. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-08-02 14:26:242023-08-04 12:08:10Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182665118-heavy-shot” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1689858504l/182665118._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182665118-heavy-shot”>Heavy Shot</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5255580.Toni_Aleo”>Toni Aleo</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5738411491″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Dimitri is from Russia, and came to the states to play hockey for the Assasins team. He gets to his new apartment, and it’s filled with stuff from what we think is the previous tenant. Austen thinks someone has broken into her apartment. Austen and Dimitri get into a scuffle about the apartment, but it ends up working out for them in the end. Austen is here training to be a GM for her grandpa’s team he is trying to build. Austen escaped a cult and is trying to live her life and learn who she is. With Dimitri by her side they are able to conquer and win together. This was such an amazing read. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2023-08-02 11:12:182023-08-04 12:13:34Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Tori Mitton
This feels like a typical romance made slightly edgier by the fact the main character is a tattoo artist. With that being said, it’s a good read and the characters are pretty well developed; although for someone who’s not afraid to do what she thinks is right for her, Kia seems to be a bit more insecure than I’d expect. The supporting characters perfectly mesh into the story and being more depth to it. This is a nice, quick summer read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2023-08-02 06:52:002023-08-04 12:12:49Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Wendy Wary
This book was phenomenal to read and so hard to put down. G.K. did a fantastic job with this book and developing a plot that sucks the reader in.
This book follows the stories of Wyatt and Serena. Wyatt was a player in the NHL as a goalkeeper. He enjoyed the perks that came along with being a pro athlete and a little too much and it cost him his spot on the roster. Now he wants back in more than anything and there is nothing he won’t do to make that happen.
Serena works in PR for a Hockey team. She loves her job and helping to connect players with the public to raise awareness for worthy causes. She was so excited when the bane and largest time suck of her career got released from the team she works with.
One night Serena and Wyatt run into each other in one of the most unique situations. Stubborn as a bull and with determination, Wyatt was not going to let this chance pass him by.
What happens when two determined people collide? Can someone really change in a few years or are they just a good actor? Can the stuck-up businesswoman stand a chance against a gorgeous and determined man?
Read this book to find out everything that happens with these two. The spicy that comes with this book is extra hot. Keep water close by and read in a cool room. Read to find out if they will mix together or forever be at odds.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kiana Corleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKiana Corley2023-08-01 23:23:572023-08-04 12:11:24Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Kiana Corley
Heavy Shot is the seventh book in the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series by Toni Aleo. It is an NA sports romance (hockey), with some forced proximity, a touch of fate, drama, emotion, banter, family, friendship, touching scenes, past trauma, chemistry, and finding love unexpectedly. So, even though this is the seventh book in a series, it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did- coming into a series backwards- again 😊 But having said that I really got the impression that this would have been an even better reading experience if I’d read the previous books in the series before starting on this one, and perhaps even the original Nashville Assassins series too. So, looks like I have a book binge somewhere in the near future… This is Dimitri and Austen’s story- Ms. Aleo made me feel for Austen and the challenges she had faced- she’s such a great character. She and Dimitri were perfect for each other…. Looking forward to more from Ms. Aleo. Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-08-01 22:45:142023-08-04 12:10:30Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Book #7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Angela Hayes
I love sports romance and I absolutely loved this story of Dimitri and Austin so much..I could not get enough and devoured every page. The author gave me all that I love….hockey, angst, banter, loyalty, secrets and hot and heavy moments.
All Dimitri Titov wants is to make his dad proud and play for the Assassins Hockey Team. Dimitri had to fight his way back after having detours thrown in his way….trying now to make it…..never expecting to have a glitch in the new housing set up for him during training camp, Dimitri ends up having to share his apartment with Austen McDavid.
Austen McDavid is trying to move on with her life, after being a survivor of the unthinkable and trying to find her own way in life. Austen wants make her grandfather proud and learning the ropes on how to be a successful general manager of a new and upcoming hockey team…so she is shadowing another farm team to get more experience with the Assassins Hockey Team. What Austen did not expect was to have to share her apartment with Dimitri….but in light of everything…they try to make it work….even though Dimitri drives Austen crazy at times…
Friendly banter between Austen and Dimitri that leads into feelings….will Austen and Dimitri get their HEA when so many people are against their relationship believing it is for the greater gain for Dimitri to make the team and protect Austen from her past? Or will Dimitri and Austen stay loyal to each other and prove their love…
This is a fantastic story!! I loved every moment…and definitely am wanting to read more of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-08-01 22:05:522023-08-04 12:10:23Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
When I got this book I didn’t even realize that it was book 7, but it totally didn’t matter! You can read this as a stand alone, but honestly I can’t wait to read the others to the set!! This one was so good!! I haven’t read any sport romances before and I am glad that I gave it a shot. I was able to understand what the author was talking about and I ended up really enjoying the book. Dimitri loves hockey. It’s his life long career and his goal has always been to play for the Assassins. So picking up his mom, dad, and sister they all move from Russia to Tennessee! But just because his family came with doesn’t mean he wants to live with them. He stays in the players rooms instead. After a long day of practice, working out, meetings, and seeing old friends he’s ready to crazy. Unfortunately there is a tiny problem. Austen. She’s escaped a horrible abusive past and can’t wait to lead the farm team for the Assassins. She doesn’t want people making decisions for her and she wants to thrive in her new life and career. Only issue is Dimitri. Both Dimitri and Austen are given the same room. A mix up with last minute changes and not enough communication. Thinking Dimitri is an intruder, Austen loses it. Let’s just say that their first meeting leaves some marks. Boy oh boy do you need to read this book! It is funny and sad and you will just get sucked right in! Sports Romance for the win!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-08-01 19:53:322023-08-04 12:01:37Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
This is the seventh book in the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series. This is the first book I’ve read on the series, not initially realising it was book seven. The books seem to be able to be read as standalones focusing on different couples. This book focuses on Dimitri and Austen.
I got far too emotionally invested in this story, especially in Austen and everything she’s been through. I absolutely love Dimitri and Austen together; they were good for each other’s character development. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’re both lovable characters that you just can’t help rooting for. I especially love Austen, she’s so strong after everything she’s endured, and now learning about hockey.
I’ll certainly be reading the series from the beginning, it’s too good not too and I look forward to getting more insight into other characters and backgrounds.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-01 17:33:172023-08-04 12:00:38Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This book was one of those that took me by surprised by how good it was. I expected a well written romance but I didn’t expect to connect with the characters so much. Something about them drew me in from the start and I could not help but want to read more about them. Their connection was strong but it was also fun. I enjoyed the overall story. It was such an entertaining book but it had a depth to it I didn’t think it would. This author has created an amazing story with some incredible characters right at its center. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I will definitely be reading them all if they are as good as this one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-08-01 15:34:152023-08-04 11:59:43Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Kerry Baker
When Max wants his T-Ball coach to meet his mom, little does he know what is about to unfold! Turns off Jeff and Kia already know one another, from years ago! Blast from the past situation.
Jeff doesn’t know Kia is about to turn his world upside down. Turns out their one night together resulted in Max! Jeff brings Kia and Max into his pro Baseball playing world. But not without struggles.
This book is very relatable in being pushed to limits when it comes to privacy and love and relationships. I love how the author has portrayed Kia. She’s a hard working, dedicated mom, who has had her fair share of struggles and judgment.
It was such a quick read and I was wishing for more of this story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2023-08-01 11:29:292023-08-04 11:58:50Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Devon Pulliam
This was my first hockey romance and I was not disappointed! I love Toni Aleo, I’ve read her books before so I knew what I was getting into, but Dimitri and Austen’s relationship hit a little different for me. I don’t know if it’s because I really didn’t like Dimitri starting off or what, but I have always loved the way Aleo develops her characters and she does an exceptional job with Dimitri here because by the end of the book, I was on his side. I really loved how much he had to work (and didn’t really mind it) it get on the Assassins. I admire Austen’s determination to overcome all of her trauma, religious trauma at that (something that I think many authors shy away from, but Aleo dealt with it very well). I really love the banter between Dimitri and Austen and how they really do heal each other and are genuinely good for one another. This is definitely a must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Reahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Rea2023-08-01 07:45:452023-08-04 12:06:05Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Megan Conley
Heavy Shot is the seventh book in the sports Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series. This is my first read by author Toni Aleo and I was not disappointed one bit! But I didn’t realise it was the seventh book in the series until I went looking for the next book to read. Now I have an excuse to go back and read the series from the very beginning! Heavy Shot was a very entertaining story that had some laughter, tears and possible love, but when there was laughter didn’t mean that it’s all fun and games. There is a fair share of some early childhood trauma that comes into play. This emotional heartfelt tale is spicy and plenty of sparks fly as Demitri and Austen give in to what they want. The characters are so likable, well developed and easy to fall in love with as their story develops….they may even steal your heart! The only way to find out is to pick up the book and read it for yourself! Like I stated earlier this is the seventh book in the Assassin series but it can be read as a stand alone! Mary Espinoza, July 2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2023-08-01 05:22:462023-08-04 12:03:27Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Mary Espinoza
This was a quick, easy to read stand-alone from a series, though there are cross-over characters, so I would give the whole series a read. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2023-08-01 00:37:592023-08-04 11:54:16Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Sarah King
Book two in the Playing for Keeps Series definitely does not disappoint. Even though this is part of a series all of the books can be read as stand-alone. This is Peyton and Ryan’s story. What starts out as mutual distrust and dislike for each other eventually leads to their fake-dating and the events that follow. This story starts as a fake relationship genre but quickly crosses over to rom-com with the obvious sports romance and then bridges to the enemies-to-lovers genres. Something for everyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2023-07-31 21:31:312023-08-04 11:53:05Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kelli Harper
Sliding into Home is the 3rd book in the series and a great book from beginning to end. I love second chance romance books and this one was perfect. Jeff and Kia had a one night stand 6 years ago and it was amazing. Jeff moved shortly after and then Kia moved to get away from her controlling verbally abusive parents and be closer to her sister. Now they are both living in the same town and Jeff actually Coaches Kia’s son in T-Ball! Talk about small world or fate! This book has a lot of ups and downs. How will Jeff react when he finds out Max is actually his son? Jeff is in the public eye alot and Kia doesn’t want to be part of that. She doesnt want and her son posted about in gossip columns because of their relationship To Jeff. When someone runs to a gossip Column with lies about Kia and her relationship with Jeff, that definitely doesn’t sit well with her. Will Jeff and Kia get the happily Ever After they both deserve or will these lies tear them apart. Such a great book!!! Loved it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2023-07-31 20:51:522023-08-04 11:52:04Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Michelle Mulvey
This book is so well written! It is one of the best secret baby romances I’ve read in a while! The plot was well thought out and the characters were easy to fall in love with! Smitty and Kia’s story was an amazing read!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kassandra Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKassandra Anderson2023-07-31 20:25:062023-08-04 11:50:52Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kassandra
This is one of my first Aleo books and all I gotta say is wow! Just love the background story, the character interaction, and funny moments. I really enjoyed reading and getting to know Dimitri and Austen. They are so in sync with one another and build up their friendship into something more. On top of falling for this love story, there is hockey (huge hockey fam here) and female leadership. Now I’m really wanting to read the previous books in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-07-31 19:39:232023-08-04 11:57:44Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Jennifer Ramos
Heavy Shot is the seventh book in the sports Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise it was the seventh book in the series until I went looking for the next book to read. Now I have started at the end I need to go back and start at the beginning with the first book with the first generation. Heavy Shot is an entertaining story with some laughter but it’s not all fun and games. There is some early childhood trauma that comes into play. This emotional and heartfelt tale is sexy, and sparks fly as the MC’s give in to what they want. Watch as the locker room steams up from more than just the showers. The characters are so easy to like and fall in love with they stole my heart. The Assassins are an Ice hockey team many following in their fathers’ legacies and Dimitri is no different. It is his life. Is history repeating itself? Will one encounter lead to a HEA? Well to find out you will have to read the story yourself.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-07-31 16:22:562023-08-03 12:31:28Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Jenni Bishop
Heavy Shot is the seventh book in the Nashville Assassins series by Toni Aleo. I had actually never heard of this series before, and this is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed this story, I read it in one sitting and found it thoroughly entertaining. The story follows Austen, a young woman with a tragic past who is currently trying to learn all she can about hockey to take over her grandfather’s new business, and Dimitri, the Russian stallion. When the two unexpectedly get pushed into the others personal space they both help each other see that there is more to life than what they have had so far. I loved these characters; they are so genuine. I started getting the rage at Austens grandfather though. I love it when a book makes me emotional. I would recommend this book to romance lovers. The only thing I would ask/change is for there to be a breakdown somewhere of who everyone is related to and how. As a newcomer to the series there was a lot of names all at once and it took a bit of time to work out how each person fitted in, however, in saying that I will be going back to the start to read this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juls Dickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJuls Dick2023-07-31 14:16:022023-08-04 11:45:07Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Juls Dick
This book was full of sparks all over. We have Shelli, grudge holder to Dimitri. Shelly and Posey, sisters who argue. Dimitri and Austen. Oh, did I love Dimitri and Austen story. These two showed us what true love is. It all came down to what is more important to you and what are you willing to give up. First, this is my first venture into the Nashville Assasins and I need more!! This team story is hot and exciting. I loved the drama. Second, I couldn’t put down the story of these two. I was pulled in by their interactions. I loved the back stories with all the OG families, such as Peepaw, and Dimitri’s family and the Adlers. The dual POV makes reading it so much more like you are there listening to the interaction. This book was a fantastic story. A quick read that will make you smile.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-07-31 13:51:582023-08-03 12:17:26Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Shelly Kittell
🏒Dimitri Titov was on hockey skates before he could walk. All he’s ever wanted is to play for the Assassins, his dad’s team. After growing up in Russia, he’s back in Nashville, Tennessee, and ready to pursue his lifelong goal.
Austen McDavid escaped the kind of life they make Netflix documentaries about. But she has survived and is thriving in her new position, preparing to lead the Assassins’ farm team.
A housing mixup leads to a middle-of-the-night encounter so reminiscent of his parents’ relationship, Dimitri can’t help but wonder if it’s fate.
And when everyone is telling you not to go for it, sometimes you just have to line up the shot and let the pucks fly where they may. 🏒
My name is Toni aleo and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness! I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston. You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I’ll never give my heart to one player again. When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean. Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HEAVY_SHOT_SMALL.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-07-31 00:02:262023-08-03 21:31:11💕 🏒 ❤️🔥 🤟 RELEASE BLITZ 🤟 ❤️🔥 🏒 💕 Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Book 7) by Toni Aleo
Guarding the Crease is part of The Playmaker Series by G.K. Brady. I’ve enjoyed other playmakers books so I was excited for another. But this book can be easily read as a stand alone. Wyatt is honestly…. Terrible, a jerk, not someone you think you’ll like. It’s pretty known he uses who he is to his advantage. Serena is in PR for one of the high ranking hockey teams. And she just so happens to meet the one who is Wyatt on a night out. Though they are clearly attracted to one another, Serena isn’t so sure she can help his image, plus just because it’s her job, why should she want to? Except she owes him. And now it’s going to get messy. I enjoyed these two characters. The redemption was there and the chemistry between them was evident. Things could have moved a bit faster but overall I liked the book and hope there’s more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-07-30 20:41:402023-08-04 11:47:57Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Kristan Anderson
Guarding the Crease was an enjoyable sports opposites attract romance. However I feel the bigger message the author projected was a man’s journey of finding himself. Growing up, seeing his awful actions through the eyes of others, and the acceptance and guilt that came with it. Wyatt has fallen. He lost the job he loved, all because he couldn’t reign in his partying ways. It’s something that happens to a lot of athletes and celebrities, however now he will do whatever he can to get that dream back. His journey is eye opening in so many ways, and the author presented that beautifully. Then there’s Serena, the PR rep for the CO hockey team. Who spent so much of her first so many years with the team, cleaning up Wyatt’s PR blunders and organizational blows. Now he’s back, which worries her. Worried she will be spending time cleaning up after him again. Crazy thing about all that is she has agreed to be his date for his brother’s wedding. Maybe it’ll make her job easier, by being there she could get ahead of an issue or so she thought. What happens when she can tell he’s changing? That he’s starting to understand and embrace the turmoil he brought to the organization? All that and so much more comes from this book. If you’ve ever been in a place where you had to stop and look in the mirror, well you’ll understand what Wyatt is experiencing throughout this book. I’ve always enjoyed sports romances, but I enjoy this book more due to Wyatt’s personal journey.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2023-07-29 22:46:052023-08-04 11:40:38Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Beverly Finnie
This is the 9th book in The Playmakers Series Hockey Romance. I jumped from the first book to the 9th but I expect I will be reading the books in between very soon. Wyatt Tompkins was the goalie for the Colorado Blizzards, but recently became a free agent which isn’t where he wants to be. Serena is the PR director for the Blizzards and isn’t a fan of Wyatt at all. That is until Serena is attacked and Wyatt comes to her rescue. What will this mean for their future? Another great book by the author. Wonderful characters and world building. Thank you for writing about Wyatt, I wasn’t sure about his character in the beginning but he turned things around!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-07-28 21:14:052023-08-03 14:29:12Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Betsy Melano
This is the first book in The Playmakers Series Hockey Romance. The author is new to me and I really enjoyed reading the book. Beckett and Paige met while they were in college. Beckett graduated and moved right into being a NHL hockey player. Soon he began making bad decisions. As the years go by, he’s finding that life isn’t turning out the way he expected. After graduating from college, Paige has started up her own company working on flipping houses. When Beckett and Paige meet unexpectedly, he doesn’t exactly remember her. That’s just fine with Paige but soon things seem to change. The author did a wonderful job world building and character development.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-07-28 20:51:002023-08-03 14:28:58Taming Beckett (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 1) by G.K. Brady – Review by Betsy Melano
Fresh take on an enemies to lovers story! I love that the change was gradual. It made it seem way more plausible and realistic. The flow of the story really worked and kept me guessing what the outcome would be. Now to go back and read the others in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emmye Marihughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmmye Marihugh2023-07-28 11:27:452023-08-03 14:31:43Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Emmye Marihugh
I haven’t read a good sports romance story for a while so when I saw this one, I grabbed it. Now it is book 9 in the series and I have only read 1 of the others from this series but they are easily read as standalones.
I really liked the characters in this story, yes, I will admit Wyatt was not one of those characters you get an instant connection with but I think I ended up liking him even more because of how much his character grew over the story and there was some great character development with him. Serena was a really nice character and I loved that this wasn’t one of those instant, one night stand kind of relationships. It was lovely to see the whole thing develop over the story.
Overall, a really great read, I definitely mist read some of the other from the series now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-07-28 07:14:052023-08-03 14:30:06Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Katie Matthews
Reading this book gave me all sorts of emotions. First and foremost, at the beginning I did not like Wyatt at all. I just couldn’t get behind him and felt like this book was going to drag on because of it. However, that is not what happened. I actually read this book pretty quickly and got over my dislike for Wyatt throughout the book. He has some redeeming qualities that only Serena and his team mates can help him find and figure out. In this book Serena has a job that requires her creative thinking and always seeming to be on call to handle any bad situation that the team comes across. This sounds like a draining job to me but the way it is written makes me think that maybe in another lifetime I should do this. She deals with a lot in this book not just professional but personally as well. This is where we get to see the character growth of Wyatt in the book. He steps up and helps Serena. This book has a lot to offer the reader. It has the slow burn romance, the character growth and development, the page turning urgency, and it is a quick read that leaves you feeling good after you finish it. Reviewed by: @bbohls
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Barbara Bohlshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBarbara Bohls2023-07-24 08:27:532023-08-03 13:59:21Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Barbara Bohls
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