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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My love for all things Sarina Bowen isn’t exactly a secret so it should come as no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read an arc of Sure Shot. And it was an utter delight. Bowen is positively golden when it comes to creating genuinely likable characters that feel like people I want to know. Whether it’s the women that I would love to call my friends, or the guys that would be great to hang out with, I always fall hard for her characters. And Bess and Tank were no exception.
“My motto is simple. In any situation I just ask myself, what can I get away with? And then I do that.”
At age 30, Bess has launched her own sports management agency and is a success by any standards. Now she’s ready to tackle her personal life and has a five year plan in place. Enter Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, a face from her past and the man who has always remained her ideal. But she has a hard rule: she doesn’t date players. Plus, Mark is getting a divorce and being someone’s rebound is not part of her five year plan.
Things are not going well for Tank. His divorce is imminent and now he’s been traded from Dallas to Brooklyn. The only bright spot is seeing Bess Beringer again. Nine years ago their chemistry was off the charts and they had an under-the-radar affair for several months until Bess walked away with barely an explanation. It only takes a moment to realize the chemistry is still there and he’s ready to pick up where they left off and enjoy some friends with benefits action again. Because he’s definitely not getting serious with anyone again.
“Maybe you don’t like my terminology But you sure as hell like me.” And then, just to prove the point, the asshole kisses me. “Even if you’re not willing to say so. Even if it’s unexpected.” He kisses me again. “And even if it fucks up your five-year plan.”
What I loved most about Bess and Tank was the ease they had with each other. Because they had history, there was a familiarity there and it gave a comfortable, easy-going feeling to their relationship. Both of them had suffered past traumas that changed them and how they approached the relationship and I loved the way it was dealt with – realistic and emotional, but without a lot of drama and angst. I adored the way these two were willing to grow and change and compromise. They each wanted the best for the other and were willing to sacrifice to make it happen. Now that’s a partnership. There was a touching sub-plot concerning Bess’s mentor (cue the tears) and the last two chapters provided an epilogue of sorts that was sheer perfection (cue more tears). Whether you’re already a fan of the series, or just want to dive into a swoony/sexy/funny stand alone, you will not want to miss Sure Shot!
Disclosure: I received a a complimentary copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.
Bess Beringer is one of my favorite heroines in all of Sarina Bowen’s books. She’s Dave’s sister (Dave/Zara’s story is in Bountiful-in the True North Series).
Sure Shot is Mark Tankiewicz’s nickname. He’s recently been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers from…..
Dallas -gasp!– The Bruiser’s #1 opponent!!
What a big burden and a major uphill job to gain any credibility and rapport with Tank’s (Mark’s) new team.
Just before Tank’s trade, Tanks wife leaves him. The reason for the split is up for major gossip. Neither Tank nor his ex are giving any details. Tank is painted as the bad guy.
Bess is a sports agent who building up her clientele after moving to NYC, and specifically Brooklyn.
Bess and Tank have a past. More than 9 years ago, when both were single & much younger, Tank and Bess had a thing. Bess had broken it off with Mark so she could keep her reputation with players and teams’ negotiations. This part reminded me a little of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Bess took advice on what it would look like if she was dating a player. She had to make a choice between her career and a casual fling with a hockey player.
I love the chemistry between Bess and Tank. They’re friends. Nine years went by, but they started to build on a new relationship now that they’re in their early 30’s
Bess is in a man dominated profession, but the players are very respectful to her. I loved that.
Meanwhile, Tank is struggling to find his niche on the team. The Bruisers are building up to their game with Dallas. Tank and one of his old teammates have a score to settle. Grrr, I’m team Tank of course.
I have no clue about hockey, but I really enjoyed following the team (my pleasure!)
The supporting characters played important parts. I especially loved Becca, Heidi and Dave.
This is 1st person POV, alternating between Bess and Tank.
I loved the ending and the epilogue was built right in
BRAVOOOOOO!!! Sport Romance is one of my favorite genre. Sarina had written it with easy heart-warming storyline. Tank and Bess romance were genuine and sexy cute. Hockey player.. sexy Alpha. ‘Sure Shot’ was centered around family, love and friendship.
Looking for a sports romance? Needing that hockey romance to hold you over until your favorite players are back on the ice? Pick up Sarina Bowen’s latest Brooklyn Bruiser release, Sure Shot. I’m a sucker for second chance romance, add in hockey and a Sarina Bowen romance, and I’m ready to dive in.
Bess and Tank have undeniable chemistry and make for an irresistible read. I loved everything about their story. SB provides readers with a bit of everything to keep the pages turning.
Every time a new story in the Brooklyn Bruisers universe comes out, I’m more than a little excited, because there’s just something about these characters that always, always pulls you in. It’s been a difficult time globally and for me that meant not being able to relax enough to enjoy a book. Thank you Sarina, for writing the perfect antidote to my lockdown woes!
When he first came on the scene, I wasn’t totally sold on Tank. I mean, why would Bess want to get with him? And yet, a couple of chapters in, I was intrigued. What really happened in Texas? What really happened 9 years ago? And then I forgot allll the questions, because as events unfolded (I really enjoyed the flow of the book, so well paced!) I was totally engrossed in the moment. With each new interaction (and how great are the group scenes, when the girls or the guys get together! Even the antagonism worked here) I was reminded again of how enjoyable the entire cast of characters is. Like, there were times when I just wanted to sit and appreciate how much I like reading about Becca, or Georgia, or Eric or any of the others, really. It feels like sitting down with friends, tbh.
And can I just give a shoutout to the one tiny mention of Blake Riley?! I laughed so much at that!
So, yes. I really enjoyed this book, and absolutely recommend reading it (and the entire series if you haven’t already done so). It’s an absolute joy to read something that’s well plotted, well written, has excellent dynamics between all the characters, and the right dose of humour and romance along with all the feels!
I just loved this book! I first read Sarina Bowen’s work a little more than two years ago when I picked up Bountiful and I haven’t looked back. I haven’t quite read all of her work yet but I am working on it and I do get excited every time a new book hits the shelves. I still have a soft spot for Dave and Zara, the couple from Bountiful, though so this book was a big winner for me since it features Dave’s sister, Bess. I loved getting to know Bess and Tank and I really enjoyed getting to check in on Dave and Zara. Once I picked up this book, I didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading it cover to cover in less than a day.
Bess Beringer is turning 30 and is ready to make some changes in her life. She is a sports agent and has been very career-focused up to this point but now she is ready to work on her personal life. Mark Tankiewicz, or Tank, has been playing hockey for a long time but now everything seems to be falling apart. His wife has asked for a divorce and he has been traded to a new team. Nobody knows it but Bess and Mark had a short fling when they were both starting their careers nine years ago and now they find themselves single and living in the same city.
I loved Bess, Tank, and the entire collected cast of this story. Bess and Tank were both great characters and the chemistry that they shared was off the charts. I really liked the way that they were willing to take a chance with each other. All of the obstacles to their relationship made sense and I liked the way that they worked together to work past them. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone but readers of the series will enjoy seeing many of the characters from previous books stepping in to play a role in this one.
I would recommend this book to others. If you enjoy sports romance and you haven’t read Sarina Bowen yet, what are you waiting for? This story put a big old smile on my face and I couldn’t help but cheer these characters towards their happily ever after. I really appreciated the fact that we get to see how things work out for this pair in the epilogue that jumped forward a bit. I cannot wait to read more of Sarina Bowen’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this book from the author/publicist.
4.5 Sure Shot Stars!
Man, I fell head over heels for Bess and Tank. I had no idea I could love a couple quite this much, but here I am…totally in love.
Tank and Bess have insane chemistry. They get along, they complement each other, they spark. They come to life when they’re with each other.
It’s only natural that you’d want these two together. You want them having their happily ever after just like the other Brooklyn Bruisers and company.
You will root for them from start to finish. And you won’t put this book down.
4.5+ stars
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz is the new guy on the team, with a bit of a reputation and some baggage from the move.
Bess Beringer has finally written the 5-year plan she always coaches her rookie players to create. But she doesn’t expect to find herself back in the same city as Mark, and suddenly she is questioning everything she thought she wanted for the next 5 years.
What she wants is not the same thing he wants after just ending his marriage. But the chemistry between them is hard to resist. What will happen if she asks him to give her what she wants most – will he hear her out, or will it be the end of their fun?
These two had fantastic chemistry that even years apart couldn’t diminish. But what started out as fun quickly turns to more as they find themselves entwined, even if they are in different points of their lives.
Returning to returning to the Brooklyn Bruisers world always feels like returning to a group of friends. I love the way the side characters rally around Tank and Bess, both supportive and protective in their encouragement (and razzing) of this couple. Tank has issues with his team to work through as well, so it isn’t just about the main couple’s relationship, but it is also about fitting into new situations and opening up to the people who have your back.
This turned into a more emotional story than I was expecting from the beginning, and I loved how it made me feel while I was reading. This has been a tricky season for reading and this was a book I couldn’t put down. It’s a second chance with a huge heart as Bess and Tank work to figure out what is important and how to balance what they want with what comes their way.
I absolutely loved Bess and Tank! Grumpy, misunderstood hero. Independent, career-focused heroine who is ready to settle down but definitely NOT with a hockey player. I liked the history that these two had with each other. But primarily I just was carried along their journey, rooting for them both the whole time. It was also interesting to have a storyline the he had struggled through in the past that you don’t usually see from the man’s perspective. I always enjoy Sarina Bowen’s books, but this one is a top one of the series for me. It’s also a decent place to jump in if you haven’t read the rest of the series, as this book is focused a lot on the couple, and Tank is a new character.
Such a heartfelt story!!
Tank and Bess are just flawed perfection. They had a brief fling nine years ago and then fate brings them back together. “I’m sorry your hotness temporarily scrambled my brain.”
What starts as a rekindled fling turns into…complicated. About 60% through -this story will break your heart. This subject is touched on with such tenderness and realness. It will rip your heart out seeing the pain of these two.
But…this is a fantabulous story…worth every tear…and oh my – I absolutely LOVE THIS COVER MODEL! And you’ll be craving some Tex Mex afterwards!!
Another Sarina Bowen winner for sure!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I have loved Bess Beringer since we met her in Bountiful, as Dave’s sister years ago. I was so happy to be able to read her story now in Sure Shot. She deserves all the good things and her very own happily ever after. Bess is a badass boss babe but also loves her family and makes that a priority. I love this about her most of all. Her perfectly laid plans cross paths with Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz and they are perfect for each other even if it takes them a bit to figure it out.
Advice to live by courtesy of Tank:
“In any situation I just ask myself, what can I get away with? and then do that.”
I first read Sarina Bowen many years ago and fell in love and she only continues to get better with each book she writes. I especially love her hockey books so I was thrilled to read a new book in The Brooklyn series about the fiction Brooklyn Bruisers hockey team.
Sarina Bowen is one of those authors whose books I know I will love before I even start them. This novel did not disappoint the story drew me in from the first and I was instantly intrigued by and rooting for the characters.
I love how you learn more about old characters even as each book highlights a new set of characters. While this is not my favorite book by her, nothing can top Brooklynaire, it is a VERY close second.
I absolutely fell in love with Tank. Throughout the book he had me hooked and I can not explain exactly what made me head over heals without giving you a spoiler but let me tell you, he is a keeper!!
The fling Tank and Bess had 9 years ago was enough to show them how much chemistry they had but if Bess hadn’t ghosted Tank, I’m not sure he would have been ready for this relationship 9 years later. Bess wasn’t even really ready for Tank even now. He did not fit into her 5 year plan. Well sometimes life has other plans! What a great story this was! Sarina scored another goal with this Brooklyn Bruisers book. The Brooklyn Bruisers have made me a hockey fan…..at least for book boyfriends! Make sure you get this book!
Sigh! This story has all the elements I love and in true Sarina Bowen form brings out “all the feels”. It is so much more than a hockey second chance romance, not that those attributes don’t make for a nummy read.
Bess and Mark aka Tank “knew” each other years before. Even though they had something that burned hot both moved on to make career dreams come true.
This story really starts when they reconnect. OMG I can’t believe all the topics that are beautifully explored in this book. Yes of course romance is the foundation but you get a look at how to balance the desire for family and career, in-depth view of the politics of the hockey world, and dealing with the abuse of your childhood or a failed marriage. Eek I really want to say more but you need to read this story to have all revealed. SOO GOOD!
The icing on the cake is this story is a full cast experience. You meet new and beloved characters from this Brooklyn Bruisers Series. My heart was so happy after this book. What a touching five star story. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Sure Shot is the fourth book in the Brooklyn series by the hilarious and talented Sarina Bowen. It can be read as a standalone, but you should definitely read the other books because they are all awesome! We’ve met Bess before as the agent for a few other players on the team and Dave from Bountiful’s little sister. She’s a fiery red-head who’s smart and sexy and has a very specific plan for her life. One that does not include the hot as sin Mark Tankiewicz, a new player who was just traded to Brooklyn who she had a brief affair with nine years ago. She never forgot Tank and his sexy looks and easy going style. Tank is excited to see Bess again. His life was just turned upside down when he got traded and filed for divorce. He’s not ready to settle down ever again, but Bess makes him smile and he wants to spend more time with her. She’s reluctant at first because she thinks she can’t see him and be a sport agent, but he’s not going to let her make excuses. Together their chemistry is off the charts, but they also talk, have fun and watch hockey together. They both have a zest for life and a love for hockey and that’s a bond you can’t fake. Will something in Tank’s past ruin the future they could have together? Or will Bess surprise him and change her five year plan for him? Oh wow! I loved this story! This is a perfect addition to the series and Tank stole my heart from the first page. There’s just something about how comfortable he is in his own skin. He’s older, he’s been around a little and he knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s nice, sweet and caring. And I love the way he calls her honey. I was swooning all over the place! Tank and Bess made me laugh, cry and smile a lot! And of course, seeing the other players and their women, plus Nate and Becca always makes me smile!
I love Bess and Mark…I mean Bess is actually like the best person ever!
Mark is a hot shot Hockey player with a complicated past. I love a good reunited story…and Bess & Mark have a good one.
I love that Bess takes her job seriously and I love that Mark sort of respects that (but its hard for him to when that means he has to give her up) or he has to try to make her see that they could work.
They have amazing chemistry and I love their east banter.
That ending tho…so prefect!
#Kryptonite #Hogwash #SureShot
Bess Beringer is a leading sports agent in her field. She’s worked hard for years and in doing so admits she’s put her personal and love life on the back burner. There’s nothing like a thirtieth birthday to make you reevaluate and Bess is determined to make time for love.
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz is a blast from Bess’ past. They had a brief and passionate affair when Bess was a newbie on the scene, but their careers took them on different trajectories. While Bess’ work life is on the up, Tank’s seems to be well… tanking. Starting anew in a new city and a new team, Bess is a sight for sore eyes. He would love to pick up where they left of but is met with resistance from Bess.
Whilst Tank is temptation on a stick Bess owes it to herself to find a lasting and committed relationship. She isn’t the same person from all those years ago, but the problem she finds is neither is Tank. He was charming in his young but in his adulthood he’s damn right dangerous.
I’ve followed the Bruisers since their first outing and with every book in the series my affection and adoration for them grows. There is a wonderful sense of family and even as a reader I too feel as if I am enveloped in it. Each story is angsty, endearing and impossible to put down. As expected, Sarina shots and scores with this winning read!
Sure Shot is about Bess Beringer, the younger sister of one of the hockey players and sports agent to some of the players, and new guy Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, a player recently traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers team. Tank was previously part of the Bruisers’ biggest rival Dallas so the guys weren’t as welcoming. But, Tank was happy to see a familiar face in Bess. They had a brief fling when they were both living in New York about ten years ago, when they were just starting in their respective careers. Now, they’re both at different points in their lives–Bess moved back to New York to be closer to her brother and also so she can work on her five-year plan that includes dating, marriage, and starting a family. Tank was just recently divorced, and dealing with the rumors from the media about why his marriage failed. He’s not about to jump into another relationship. But, Bess and Tank can’t ignore the chemistry and attraction between them.
Every new Brooklyn Bruisers book is always a treat because I so LOVE spending time with these group of characters. Besides the romance between our main couple, hanging out with the gang is always my favorite part of the book because it’s like coming back to a group of friends. I love their ribbing, but they always have each have each other’s backs and very protective of each other. If you’re like me and have grown quite attached to the Brooklyn Bruisers characters, you’re in for a good time because everyone’s back and we get to see what they’re up to since we last saw them.
We’ve met Bess previously in Bountiful and I instantly loved her. She’s kind of awkward and a tomboy, and didn’t have an easy childhood, but had so much love to give. I am so happy she got her own book because she deserves her own happily ever after. At first I wasn’t sure about Tank, but he did grow on me. Second-chance romance is my jam, especially when it’s about a couple who are reconnecting after a period of time so I just ate Bess and Tank’s story up. My heart broke for them a few of times because they had some bumps and when we learned about why Tank’s marriage ended and what he went through I cried. And then I cried again because I really loved the ending and I can’t wait to see Bess and Tank in future books to see what they’ve been up to.
You don’t have to read the previous books in the series to enjoy Sure Shot, but I highly recommend you do–don’t be intimidated by the number of books because they all read quickly and you’ll fall in love with all the characters. Sure Shot does deal with more serious issues so trigger warning for child abuse and infertility.
Trope Snapshot: hockey, second-chance, older characters (in their 30s), opposites attract
Ah, where do I even begin with this book? There was so much more to both Bess and Mark than two people who once spent three months together as casual lovers who shared a strong connection and then would go on to garner a great deal of success in their respective fields. Experiences in their past–more recent ones on Mark’s end–have affected them deeply, leading them to make certain choices that could impact any chance of a future they have together. I loved seeing how they developed as a couple and evolved as individuals, celebrating their similarities and coming to terms with their differences, making adjustments and changes in the process, but not because there was no other choice, but because there were choices available. There were moments where I felt my emotions getting the better of me, but there was one particular point where the tears spilled over, and it was between Bess and her brother, Dave. Of course, there were a slew of lighter scenes that played out, as well as the expected sweet and steamy ones, and all of it made for a remarkable read, one that ranks as one of my top reads of 2020. Sure Shot is just the latest reason why Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers is such a favorite. Five-plus stars.
**** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ****
I tried to hold off a bit, reading Sure Shot. Because I know that once I start one of Bowen’s books, I usually can’t put it down until I’ve finished it. And yes, that’s pretty much what happened. So, as per usual, I started out carefully trying to savor every word, but soon I was racing through to the end feeling a whole lot of feels and nursing a book hangover.
I loved Sure Shot. I still haven’t met a Bowen-book I didn’t like, so it’s no surprise this one was no different. Tank has the ultimate grumpy guy exterior but is the sweetest underneath. And Bess is so strong and independent but vulnerable with lots of unhealed scars. I loved them so much. And I loved them together.
Then the story took a very emotional turn. I don’t know why that always surprises me, it shouldn’t. Even though this series is romance and all the feel-goods, there are still always more depth to them than the genre might imply. And Sure Shot covers a very sensitive and, for those personally affected, painful subject. I won’t reveal any spoilers, but I got plenty emotional and probably got some onion in my eye or something.
I’m so very impressed about the way Bowen portrayed this oh so difficult issue. Even if I think that almost all women can relate to this kind of grief, it could so easily have been depicted in a clichéd romance-y way, or even worse, in an overly tear-jerking way. But instead, it was such a perfect balance between gravity and strength, acceptance and hope. It was beautifully done. And I was so, so, so bloody happy that they stuck to their plan in the end, despite things…. happening. Wow. Avoiding spoilers is hard.
Anyway. This is a lovely read. A lovely romance with great characters. And also with nooky. Hot nooky. Read it!
Full review at:
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se