A new stand-alone hockey romance from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen. On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency. A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn … traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants. She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same. Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…
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4.9 Stars
Bess & Tank!
Bess is a sports agent and friends/family with lots of Brooklyn hockey players and their wives and Tank is a newly traded Brooklyn player!
They had a little fling nine years ago and now they’re both single and back in Brooklyn.
But Bess is looking for something serious. She wants the whole husband & baby thing.
And Tank – he’s just got out of a not-so-happy marriage.
But why not spend some happy moments together while Bess is looking for her happily ever after, right??
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!!!!!
Such an adorable story!
I’m not really a hockey fan – but I just adore everything Sarina writes!
And this book was just so sweet and fun and Brooklyn-ish and hockey-ish!
A really adorable second-chance love story full of sparks and sexy times and friends and family.
Of course not everything is all happy-happy-fun-fun. We have some serious parts too. Why did Tank’s marriage not work out? Why does he not want something serious with Bess? What will happen with those two??? Ugh. I just wanted to fast-forward to their happy end. But of course I adored every single page of their journey!
Great romance!
Also … why hasn’t Netflix knocked on Sarina’s door yet??
Does it already have an amazingly funny and sexy Hockey Romance series? NO, it does not!
SURE SHOT was a super adorable + fun + sexy second-chance Hockey Romance!!! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Tank – this one is MINE!
ARC received for an honest review
I love love love the Brooklyn Bruisers series, and I was absolutely thrilled to get an early copy of Sure Shot.
And in fact, except for my Nate, I think this is my favourite story in the Brooklyn/Bruisers series – at least to date!
Bess Beringer is a lady whose story I have been wanting since we first met her – you remember, she is Dave’s sister from Zara’s story in the True North series (if you haven’t read that series, get onto it, STAT!)
Bess is strong and fiesty and successful – and I want to be her friend!
Tank is a new trade coming out of a marriage, and not looking for anything more than resurrecting their fling from a decade ago – nothing could go wrong here right?
Oh my the longing looks across a crowded room, the sexual tension you could cut with a knife and he fun and flirty interactions
Gah, I just love everything about them and this book.
I have been mourning the lost of hockey season in 2020, so reading about my hockey hotties has to get me through this trying time, and the Bruisers are getting me there.
I loved seeing the other Bruisers and their significant others – though there was so much Becca and not my Nate hahah.
I love a second chance story, and absolutely adored Sure Shot.
Now, Ms Bowen – give me more…. please.
When a Sarina Bowen book lands on my kindle, I get ridiculously excited. I know that I am in for a fantastic read that will make me smile while also tugging on my heartstrings. And Sure Shot did precisely that.
I knew that once I started this book, I would want to ignore life, put aside the projects I was working on, and lose myself in the world of the Brooklyn Bruisers. Yup, I was right! Sorry everyone whose work I ditched to lose myself in a book—but since you are all authors, hopefully, you understand!
I loved every single thing about this book. I loved heading back to Brooklyn and visiting old friends… umm, I mean beloved characters! I absolutely adored Tank and Bess. I loved them together, and I loved them apart.
Bess was such a kick-ass, strong, and independent woman. I love how she knew she wanted to make some changes in her life, and she set out to do it. No, it wasn’t completely smooth sailing, life never is, but made a decision to find new priorities in life, and she went after that! I admire that!
Tank is reeling from a disaster of a marriage. He is carrying baggage that he just refuses to share with anyone. When he finally opened up, my heart just bled for him. I wanted to jump through my kindle and just give him a huge hug!
The chemistry between Bess and Tank was just explosive. But what was even more beautiful was the deep friendship that develops between the two. The way they learn to turn to each other, trust each other, and ultimately to find happiness together.
Sure Shot had it all. It is a steamy, heartfelt, second chance romance that you need to bump to the top of your TBR list!
If I were to write the review I’ve got in my head it’s possible it would be longer than the book. It is that good. I loved every single thing about SURE SHOT: the romance that reflects all the good things in the world, so many likable characters, and personal issues many suffer with that was handled with beauty and grace by author Sarina Bowen.
Bess Deringer is a heroine for the ages. She’s a successful sports agent in a male-heavy occupation. She loves her job, she has great friends, and she knows hockey. She’s the woman I’d love to have as a friend. Not much is missing from her life until the day Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz walks back into it.
It was love at first sight for me with Tank and I’m having articulating why. Maybe I saw the brokenness he was hiding or the bitterness that he’s dealing with after being accused of cheating with his teammate’s wife, being handed divorce papers, and then traded to the Bruisers, a team that collectively hates him. To say he’s unhappy is an understatement-until he runs into Bess.
I adored these two together. Besides their sizzling chemistry there’s playful banter and the love of hockey. Some of my favorite scenes in SURE SHOT were Bess and Tank hanging out watching hockey. There was something so organic about these scenes as they casually discuss what’s happening in the game. I. Loved. This. It revealed an extra layer to their relationship that already had so many, like the mutual respect they have for each other and the same sense of humor.
The depth of emotion in SURE SHOT is riveting. Bowen does justice to the things Tank and Bess face, whether it was Tank’s struggle with the issues that led to his divorce or the terminal illness of a mutual good friend to Bess’s fight to keep her personal and business lives separate. There were moments that I found myself tearing up in a “I’m going to start sobbing” way. These scenes were beautiful and written so well.
There were some laugh out loud moments in SURE SHOT as well, including one where Tank “outs” how long he and Bess have been involved to a room full of Bruisers players. I’m sure I startled my husband, but the delivery of his line was so on point. I’m giggling right now just thinking about it. Many of these moments involved the players and their significant others. Fans of the series will be happy to see some of their favorites!
5 Stars for SURE SHOT. Heat level: 3
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
I love Sarina’s Brooklyn Bruisers series and SURE SHOT did not disappoint! Bess and her 5 year plan, Tank in all his grumpy glory, it was just PERFECT. A must read!
Bess Beringer is a top notch sports agent that has just moved to New York. She is part of the Brooklyn Bruisers squad since her brother Dave is on the team and she is the agent for others. After unplugging for a week for a long-overdue vacation, she returned to a surprise. The last player she had a hot fling with nine years ago when they were both new to the scene, has been traded to Brooklyn.
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz is not happy with recent events in his life. An unexpected trade, a failed marriage and impending divorce, and conflict with his new team. Seeing Bess’ face was both a shock and a bright spot in a sea of people who seem to dislike him.
They have both achieved goals in their careers, but have not found passion and a connection like the one they had in the past. And the chemistry is still there. They can’t seem to resist though Bess knows it would not be appropriate and would have to be kept secret. But they just cannot seem to stop crashing together.
She’s got rules and a five-year plan that he does not fit into. She wants love and a family, not just a good time. His life is in transition and he has some issues holding him back. But they’ve got needs. And they actually like the other. They have flirty and fun rapport, smoking chemistry, and make each other feel alive and wanted. Therefore, things could get really complicated.
I actually adored Tank. Under his grumpy exterior, he is just kind of lost and vulnerable. He is really attached to Bess, but has issues and reasons to not feel good enough. My heart hurt for him. And Bess is so strong and tries to be such a professional, but she is having to put her own happiness aside for appearance’s sake. But there are also some secrets and conflicts still affecting them.
This is a witty, swoony, sexy, second-chance love story that brings all the feels. I have to say, I got choked up a few times during this one especially in the last part of the book…sometimes in sadness and other times in joy. There were some things story-wise that I was not expecting, and they were so emotional and heartfelt. I wanted to give them both hugs. And I really just wanted this book to keep going. I was not ready to leave them and I hope to catch glimpses of them in future Bruisers’ books. They turned out to be one of my favorite couples of the series. But I also loved seeing the other couples and seeing Bess and Tank begin to immerse themselves in their new Brooklyn lifestyle and family.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
One of the things I love about this authour is that you start her books, and you’re “okay, this is good” and then before you know it, you are totally immersed and unable to set the book down! Sure Shot was this to perfection as Mark and Bess drew me into their story, their feelings, their past, and their present. The things they didn’t say, the things they shared with each other, and the paths they are on, and the ones they change to, so they can have the HEA with each other they so desperately need and want. There are a few tears, there are a few laughs, and there is some confusion, but when it all clicks together, it is simply perfect, and the perfect life for these two, and I loved them for it
I have oodles and oodles of love for this book!! I always know I am going to be so thoroughly entertained and satisfied reading one of Sarina Bowen’s books! She’s an excellent storyteller and this is the perfect blend of incredibly lovable characters, emotion, passion, humor and hockey all wrapped up in one amazing story. I love the Brooklyn Bruisers series and can’t possibly pick a favorite, but If I could it might be this one. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz and Bess Beringer see each other again for the first time in almost a decade. They had a brief fling all those years ago but Bess was just starting out as a sports agent and she thought hooking up with a hockey player was not the best idea, so she broke it off. Fast forward 9 years and the chemistry and attraction is still there. Actually it is stronger and deeper. Seeing their sparks turn into a full blown five alarm fire is the best thing ever! There is so much to Mark and I love when he finally lets Bess all the way and likewise really. I felt for Tank so much I just wanted to hug him so bad for all he went through. And Bess too, for all the awful things she went through as a child. They are such special and amazing people no doubt due to their inner strength and heart. There is no way you can read this and not fall in love with this couple and root for them every single moment to find their HEA. I absolutely adore Mark and Bess so much!!
Sure Shot is most definitely one of my top five reads of 2020. It’s a hockey romance masterclass. It’s beautifully written and it will definitely make you swoon.
I love the Brooklyn Bruisers. This series owns my heart. Every single book is a masterpiece, and Sure Shot might be the best one yet. It’s not surpring because Sarina Bowen is always outdoing herself. She’s such a talented writer and storyteller. There’s nothing better than reading one of her books, either for the first time or the tenth time.
Sure Shot is Bess Beringer’s story. She’s stong, smart and determined. She’s a very successful sports agent, and about to turn thirty. She’s making some changes in her personal life. She has moved to Brooklyn to be closer to her family, and wants a family of her own. But she didn’t count on Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, a former lover who still has the ability to make her swoon, to come back into her life.
Mark is a great guy. He’s a bit of a grump, but charming and funny. He’s dreamy and swoonworthy. His reputation precedes him, but he has depth, and you’ll see he’s hiding a wounded soul. He’s definitely book boyfriend material. He’s the new player on the team, traded from Dallas—Brooklyn’s nemesis, and is completely out of his depth. He’s not getting along with his new teammates on and off the ice. He’s getting divorced, and is a regular feature in the gossip blogs, his character constantly in question. Basically, his whole life is falling apart. He’s not looking for a relationship, but he wasn’t expecting to run into Bess again, the girl he had a fling with nine years ago.
I loved Bess and Tank together. Their banter is hilarious, and their chemistry off the charts. The intensity of their attraction comes through loud and clear. But more importantly, it’s evident they have a special connection. It’s not about sex, even when they both try to keep their relationship secret and without strings. Bess’s conflict with it is pretty evident, but Tank’s reluctance has deeper roots, and they come to light when he opens up to Bess, showing her his vulnerability.
One of the things I love most about this series is that it has a very strong small-town vibe. Brooklyn—and especially DUMBO—are described so vividly and with such attention to detail, that they come alive in the reader’s mind, and they really play a very important role in these stories. It’s part of their DNA.
The other thing I love is the characters. I’m in love with each and every one of them. The depth and intensity of the supporting cast is one of Sarina Bowen’s trademarks.
I loved seeing Bess bonding with Becca and Georgia, and Tank trying to explain his role on the team to Jason Castro. Heidi steals the show more than once, as only she does, and we get to hang out with Zara, Dave and Nicole for a little while. It was great to see Patrick O’Doul so zen, happiness definitely suits him. Baby Bayer had a couple of magic moments as well, and I loved meeting Henry, such a lovely guy.
Sure Shot is a beautiful second chance story about moving on, true love, and trust. About embracing change, and realizing that there’s more than one way to find happiness if only you’re open to the possibilities. It’s witty and hilarious, but just as heartfelt and soulful as you’d expect from Sarina Bowen. It’s the perfect combination of laugh-out-loud fun and very emotional and heartbreaking revelations. It will touch your soul and make it cry a little, both from heartbreak and laughter.
Sure Shot is Sarina Bowen at her best, and that alone makes it worth your time. It’s hockey perfection, steamy romance and wonderful characters. I loved everything about this story, and can only hope there are more hunky hockey players coming our way in the near future.
Bess Berringer is a busy woman. She has her own company and is a sports agent. She recently moved to Brooklyn and the last person she expects to run into is a past hookup and a new Brooklyn Brusier – Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz.
I love a great second chance romance and Sarina Bowen did such a wonderful job re-introducing us to Bess and Tank. The chemistry is sizzling from the moment that they set eyes on each other again. Bess tries to keep it a one-time deal, but she is drawn to Tank and can’t stay away.
Bess and Tank have different long term goals. Tank has just separated from his wife and the media is having a field day of why he divorced. Bess has a five-year plan that is color-coated and all mapped out. Will Bess and Tank find a way to compromise and settle down together, or are they not meant to be?
I loved Bess and Tank together. I have so many parts between the two highlighted (a text chat had a smile on my face). Sure Shot had me laughing out loud, but also moments that had me crying into my pillow. There are some sensitive topics that are discussed in Sure Shot and I feel like Sarina did a wonderful job including the reader into the discussions and decisions that Bess and Tank make.
Bess is so strong and I LOVE that about her! The meetings between Bess, Georgia and Rebecca were some of my favorites. It’s always so great re-visiting with past characters. As always, I loved the camaraderie between the hockey players. Although Tank was an “outsider,” he won the hearts of his teammates eventually.
I really enjoyed Sure Shot and hope that Sarina, lets us come back to this world!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
5 Sure Shot Stars!!! I absolutely loved this one! Tank is broody and sexy and a second chance with strong and sassy Bess is just what he needs. Their chemistry is off the charts scorching hot. Their journey will have you hooked from beginning to end, with all the feels! A fantastic addition to this series and a definite must read!
I’m loving this Brooklyn series, and I’ve got to say, I had no clue where Sure Shot would take us. A second chance romance, a romance that starts up again 9 years after it first began. Sarina Bowen is the queen of hockey romance and I think that Bess and Tank’s story may just be one of my favourites. Two people, no game playing, honest moments, no holding back (I love that in a story). Ok maybe they’ve held back from discussing some parts of their past, but they’re willing to be open and honest with each other, maybe a little too much. It would appear that they might want completely different things out of this possible relationship, but can they meet in the middle? Super sexy, super addictive, and a little emotional, my heart strings did get pulled somewhat. Wonderful writing, story and characters, always great to catch up with all the previous team players (on and off the ice). I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I have loved all of the Brooklyn Bruisers books, but this is by far my favorite. Tank and Bess are perfect together! I loved the little struggles they had without it being too dramatic/angsty. I definitely hope to see them in later books.
OH MAN! After a few dark reads, Sure Shot was a much needed refresher for me. A nice, low drama, sweet and sexy hockey romance – voila!
What’s it about?
On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.
A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants.
She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.
Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her….
Here is the thing, Bess and Tank just met but not really … They are pretty well-acquainted with each other nine years prior but the romance was short-lived. It wasn’t meant to be back then but unfortunately the prospect still isn’t any brighter this time around. A fling and friends with benefit? Sure! Bring on the heat! Little nuggets and white picket fence? Not in the card for Tank. The timing is sh*t seeing Tank just got served up a divorce from his ex-wife before he joined Brooklyn Bruisers. No matter how much he is attracted to Bess, he is not ready to jump in another serious relationship. Bess understood but she is strong and she stands by what she wants in life. I adore the friendship between Bess and Tank. Amazing chemistry and awesome banters. Tank got a little secret and he buried his baggage and heartache deep inside. Until he can trust and open up his heart, he cannot move on to a more meaningful relationship with Bess. They both got some difficult decisions to make, some healing and soul searching before they can have the happy ever after they both deserved. Overall, this was a heartfelt, fun, sexy, and wonderful second chance romance.
Title: Sure Shot
Author: Sarina Bowen
Genre: Sports Romance
My rating: 5 Stars
Sarina Bowen has knocked it out of the park with this one. For those of you who love sports romance, this ones up your alley. We start with Bess Beginner who’s a top sports agent. She’s phenomenal at what she does, in a predominately male field. She’s sworn off dating clients; a simple rule she keeps but finds hard to carry out when she runs into Mark Tank Tankowicz again. Sparks fly, though Bess tries to deny it. Soon the two heat things up, instant chemistry brims right where things left off. Will Tank and Bess work through their checkered past? Can they move on, together, and explore the emotions that’d stemmed the onset their meeting?
Final thoughts…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt as if the characters were real and I loved every second of it. Definitely a book I highly recommend reading.
*I received this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A Sure Shot of love! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
This story of Mark “The Tank” Tankiewitcz was traded to New York City and his life was sprilling out of control! The one thing in New York is a second chance at romance! Bess is a successful sports agent but her one rule may have to be broken for a second chance! Can this second chance really work out? These two will have your heart soaring!!!
Sure Shot is a heartwarming story that deals with a sensitive topic I rarely hear being talked about, but I won’t mention what it is so I don’t end up spoiling the plot. What I will mention though, is that I love the way it was handled.
Bess is a character I think a lot of women will find relatable- she’s strong, determined, smart, and successful. She’s also about to turn 30 and ready to start a family. Her relationship with Tank goes beyond sex, although this is one very steamy story. They are there for one another and respect each other’s boundaries.
This is the second book of Sarina Bowen’s that I’ve read and I am looking forward to reading more.
Sure Shot is a second-chance contemporary sports romance written in dual first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
4.5 Shining Stars!!
I absolutely love this book and the rest of the Brooklyn Series!!
Tank is a new member of the Brooklyn Bruisers Hockey Team, recently traded from Dallas. Bess is a sports agent and the only friend Tank now has in Brooklyn. They have a history together, but Bess also has one rule, never to date hockey players.
I love the connection and sizzling chemistry between Tank and Bess. They’re there to support each other. Their journey is one fill with real life struggles and situation, like moving to a new city, finding new friends, trying to bond with new teammates, dealing with recent divorce, etc.
Sure Shot is a second chance, sports romance that is intriguing, entertaining, emotional, and captivating, and I highly recommend this fabulous series!!
ARC kindly provided by the Author in exchange of my honest opinion!!
I am so glad to get Bess’s book. I have loved this whole series, well to be honest I don’t think Sarina Bowen could write something I didn’t love. But this one I found to be particularly emotional.
And I am so scared to give away any spoilers that I don’t know what to say. I want to gush about it’s awesomeness and how it gave me all the feels. But there was so much to this story, while at the same time it was all so everyday for so many people. You know other than being super sexy, rich, hockey superstars and super amazing agent to said hockey gods and baby sister to another.
Bess was such a beautiful soul. I have loved her since she made her appearance in Dave’s book. She was so together and sweet and hardworking and driven. I loved her. And Tank was so strong even though his whole world was on it’s head and on fire he just kept swimming.
But this story was gah. I just kept waiting for the knife to drop and when it did I wasn’t expecting that. And honestly maybe that’s because what Tank went through is nothing that has affected me so my brain just didn’t go there. But Sarina wrote it so well that I was gutted for both Tank and Bess.
Don’t despair thought because these two weren’t going to let anything get in the way of the massive amount of chemistry, love and pure happiness that they had found. And I really couldn’t put it down from start to finish I was wrapped up in these characters. Plus all the Brooklyn Bruisers that we already know and love were there and we got a few babies added to the family. As always the worst part was getting to the end and having to adjust to the reality that we have to wait for the next one.
4 1/2 STARS
Too much temptation to resist! With book four in her Brooklyn Bruisers series Sarina Bowen delights with a reunion no one saw coming! The characters have major chemistry and their connection is a joy to watch. Really enjoyed!
Bess Beringer is strong, capable and easy to like. She is at the top of her game as a sports agent to rich and famous hockey stars, but as she turns thirty, she’s feeling some emptiness in her personal life.
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz is a doll of a character. He’s picking up the pieces of shattered dreams, moving on to a team he isn’t exactly meshing with yet and in walks the one woman he never forgot.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sports romance with a lot of heart. I’m looking forward to more in the series.