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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Bess and Mark were lovers 9 years ago, but she ended it on the advise of another colleague, because she was a new sports agent and he was a rookie hockey player and she didn’t want to compromise her credibility, even though she didn’t represent him. They meet again at a party and pretty much pick up where they left off. She tries to resist him but fails and he doesn’t understand why she would want to resist. But she has a five-year plan that doesn’t include him and she knows he could break her heart! When he tells her he loves her, though, and she realizes she loves him, she’s all in! LOVED the ending! Loved the whole story! It kept me captivated to the very end!
If you haven’t had a chance to start the Brooklyn Bruisers, each story can be read as as standalone! Though I do recommend you read them because they are fun, steamy, and hilarious. I’m going to share some of the promo photos throughout the post because they are fantastic!
Sure Shot is actually one of my favorites of the entire series. I always liked Bess, but I wasn’t aware how much I could love her. Also, Tank is a brand new character and he’s fantastic. Second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope, but this one sold me.
These two had stellar chemistry and Tank was funny and charming. I was ready for Bess to put up more of a fight and was pleased she just accepted he was always going to be impossible to say no to. He was pretty easy to fall in love with and I enjoyed their whirlwind reunion. The little flashbacks to their first meeting were enjoyable and added to their sizzling connection.
This was also a good read for the background characters. Eric Bayer is hilarious, and he and Bess make a great team. They have a running gag I loved and you’ll have to read it to find out. Bess was also working on cultivating some female friendships so there are some nice moments of bonding and camaraderie between the ladies I enjoyed. It was refreshing to read about friendships and not catty behavior.
It felt like it took a long time for the Bess and Tank to delve into the personal sides of their lives. There wasn’t much introspection on their parts until other characters would force it out of them. Their physical connection was always there, but it took a bit for their personal one to become a priority.
Spend an afternoon soaking up the heat radiating from Tank and Bess’s sass because they are a delight.
Bess Beringer is a cross-over character from Bowen’s True North series; she’s the sister of Bountiful’s hero, Dave Beringer, and her Sports Agent career is a perfect fit for the Brooklyn Bruisers series, and even more so, since she has history with newest Bruiser, Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz.
While Bess and Tank’s past is definitely significant for handling their present, it’s their unshared time that is the bigger concern. Because, despite the fact that there is still a strong connection and interest between them, they seem to be at much different phases of their lives; plus, Bess’ firm stance on not dating hockey players is quite an obstacle to their second chance.
But, it’s clear, fairly early on in Bess and Tank’s reunion that their chemistry is so much more than physical and that way that plays out in the story line is how they help each other move forward – Bess when it comes to focusing on more than just her career and her game plan and Tank when it comes to getting along and meshing with his new teammates and working through the negative thoughts and feelings he has since his divorce. And it’s during those conversations and interactions that it becomes clear to both of them that what they have is something worth building on, even if it requires them to form new plans.
I’m a sports romance junkie as well as a huge fan of Sarina Bowen’s storytelling and characters, and when you add my affinity for second chance romances, this story is a trifecta of reading goodness, and the fact that readers get to see past Bowen characters and catch up with them is quite the bonus as well.
4 Poison Apples
4-4.5 stars
Bess Beringer, kickass sports agent getting those fab contracts, sponsorships and managing those easily hurt player egos.
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, great player newly traded to Brooklyn bruisers and in the process of getting divorced.
Bess and Tank have a history, a lil affair back when they were both young and starting out in their respective careers. Now its 9 years later, they have been through stuff, lived in different places and lived a little more.
Sure Shot brings us a second chance at love trope, with additional angst of wanting the one you cant have, because an agent dating an athlete is a NO NO with additional baggage of being recently out of a relationship and a woman wanting to follow her 5 year plan.
Bess and Tank had such great chemistry, their connection to each other was lovely. Both couldn’t resist each other not that Tank tired to but…Bess and Tank have a way to go before they can get their HEA with the Tank having a hard time making friends with the team seeing as he used to play for their nemesis and Bess wanting a serious relationship and baby. And those are just the beginning of their obstacles.
I dont know how Sarina Bowen does it but her characters and the storylines are just so likeable and easy to slip into? They feel like comfort blanket. Make you feel all snug, warm and happy. I think part of the reason I like Sarina Bowens characters is that how mature they act, there is drama and angst but it feels organic to the story.
Also here Sarina Bowen does a great job tackling a sensitive topic, its very difficult not to mention how vulnerable and insecure it makes you feel as a human especially because how our society views it, makes it difficult for people to open up because they might exploit it to hurt. We as the reader already get an idea of why Tank is acting the way he is, you want him to tell her but at the same time you understand why he can’t do it. It made my connection to his character a lot stronger. Also I loved the what if bits like you can’t help but think maybe maybe it might happen. Its very human, again it made me like them more as a couple.
This had all the elements for a great read, great characters, fab chemistry, humour, heart tugging emotions and sweetness mixed with steamy.
Overall another great read by Sarina Bowen! Really looking forward to what Sarina Bowen brings us next.
P.S Also really nice to include a bit about the women athletes (they really get shitty pay and treatment compared to their make counterparts) and if that was a hint of us getting women hockey player books then I’m all for it.
I love a good 10 years later, reunion story. As with all of these books in the series, it’s fantastic to see how a character can be developed. I really liked what we saw of Bess in Bountiful. She is quirky, head strong, intelligent and a romantic at heart. I was happy to see how her character came to light in Sure Shot. A woman working hard to make a name for herself, in a purely man driven career. She’s been at for 10 years now, and she’s finally to a point, where she’s ready to take some time to work on your five year plan. Enter, Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz, a man from her past, she cared deeply for, but had to give up for the sake of her career and reputation. I loved their dynamic. To see Bess happy, and conflicted, added the perfect amount of angst to this story. Tank has his own set of baggage, that comes with it’s own set of issues. The path that they choose to take, brings a fresh perspective to this story. I generally like all of these books, and this one was no exception. I held off on five stars, because for me what happened in the end was predictable. Not unpleasant, though. Readers will be pleased with the outcome. As I say after every one of these books,more please?
I loved it and couldn’t put it down!
Sarina Bowen is on a winning streak with Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4). In this story, Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers. He runs into the woman he has not seen in nine years, sports agent Bess Beringer, the sister of Dave Beringer (Bountiful, True North #4/Brooklyn Bruisers #3.5). This story is suitable for adult readers.
Sure Shot is the perfect addition to the Brooklyn series. Sarina Bowen does a fantastic job with this story. Bess Beringer has a great reputation as a sports agent. She prides herself with not getting involved with athletes; her one exception, Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz. She will not make that mistake again. Mark is going through a rough time. Top that off by being traded to the rival of the team he previously played for. The only light, he bumps into Bess. He is persistent on pursuing her, having no idea why she originally dumped him.
Sure Shot is full of challenges. I loved the women’s hockey aspect in the story. I appreciate that Bess was flexible with her five-year plan. My heart went out to both characters and what they went through in the past. I love that they were given a second chance. Sure Shot was skillfully-written and entertaining throughout. I recommend Sure Shot to people who enjoy second chance sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Sarina Bowen has always been a sure shot for a good book and her newest release is no exception! Tank and Bess have a brief past, back when he was a young hockey player and she was starting her career as a sports agent. However, the threat of what dating a player would do to her reputation caused them to break up. Now, years later, they’re both back in Brooklyn and reuniting. Bess is the type of heroine I enjoy reading about. She’s confident and determined. She’s in the process of working out a five year plan for her future. Tank coming back into her life messes with that plan. He is fresh off a divorce and a trade to Brooklyn. It seems as though they want different things in life but the attraction between them is pulling them together. As they give in to that chemistry, love grows out of it and they both reevaluate their futures and what they really want.
Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bruisers are two of my favorite hockey romance book series and Sure Shot is the perfect second chance romance addition that I couldn’t put down!
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz hasn’t been having a great, few months. His team lost in the playoffs, he got traded to a new team and his wife just served him divorce papers. The one upside? Now in Brooklyn trying to mingle with his new team, he comes face to face with a former flame – Bess Berringer.
Bess has worked her tail off for the past 9 years to get her sports agency off the ground, but now it’s time to focus more on her personal life. She has a bit of baby fever going on so now that she’s turned 30, she’s ready to put her personal 5-year plan into action. Only she didn’t anticipate running into Tank again – the man she hasn’t forgotten.
Sometimes I find second chance romances a tad depressing if there is a lot of baggage and hurt for the hero and heroine to work through. That angst can sometimes overshadow the love and joy I feel when a couple can’t deny their attraction. Yet, Sure Shot was the best kind of second chance romance.
Bess and Tank had a hot fling many moons ago when both were just starting out in their respective careers so the ending didn’t’ cause undo drama. Flash forward 9 years and just from locking eyes, the heat and chemistry came back between these two!
I loved how Sarina Bowen didn’t drag their reunion out. It’d been years but neither denied their lust and it was on for these two. That’s not to say however that their current circumstances weren’t going to impact their potential reunion! Could they have more than just a fling this time?
Strong women always appeal to me in romance books so I loved how Bess never lost sight of what she truly wanted and deserved. She (shocker!) actually communicates with Tank and expresses what she wants in her heart even though it may risk everything.
Tank was a man who took what he wanted and there was no denying he wanted Bess. I loved how he was no nonsense and yet had a slight alpha streak to him that completely turned Bess on. He just seemed like a really great guy that I’d totally want to hang around with too. Yet we also come to find out that emotions run deep with Tank and for good reason.
I thought Sarina Bowen did a great job exploring an important topic that effects many couples in this book, but she did so from the male POV which is often not seen or discussed. Sorry- not giving any spoilers but she approached the topic in a really great way that didn’t drag the story down but elevated it.
Every time Sarina Bowen comes out with a new Brooklyn Bruisers book it’s a must read for me because I love every character that she brings to this team. If you love hockey romances or are just a fan of second chance love stories, then look no further and read this book!
*Thank you to Sarina Bowen for this advanced reader copy.
Check out this review and all my romance book reviews and romance book lists on my book blog, She Reads Romance Books: http://www.shereadsromancebooks.com
I was excited when I heard we were going to be back with The Brooklyn Bruisers and Sure Shot was everything I expected and more, it was a fantastic read with wonderful characters and a storyline that drew me in and captivated from the first page to the last line.
This is Bess Beringer and Mark Tank Tankiewicz second change at love, having had a fling a few years ago it was Bess who walked away from Mark but now they find themselves coming face to face again will the attraction still be there, will the timing be right this time around or will the baggage they both have collected along the way be too much to put behind them…..
I fell hook line and sinker for this couple, I loved the chemistry they shared and the banter that flowed so naturally but it was the heartfelt emotions that touched me on so many levels that turned this from a great read to a fantastic read. I loved catching up with characters from previous books and true be told I love every about Sure Shot so please one click this gem of a read.
I’ve really enjoyed the Brooklyn Bruisers books, each one with a unique story and strong but sometimes vulnerable couples. A lot of social issues have been tackled in this series in what I feel is a praise-worthy manner. The latest couple, Tank and Bess, are both very strong characters who have a history from 10 years prior, but are given a second chance.
Tank is a hockey player who is going through a lot of change. Bess is a sports agent at a cross-roads in her life who wants to make a change. Each has their own secrets they are hiding. I’m not divulging the secrets but I do want to offer up praise to Sarina Bowen for discussing these issues.
The entire series is great and I recommend reading these books. This has been one of my favorite books in the series.
Even though I’m not a big late winter/early spring sports fan, I’ve been missing sports something fierce this year. So much so that *if* hockey or basketball was on, I’d probably watch it at this point. Even if it’s not my favorite. (Football forever!) I hadn’t thought to try a sports romance and see how if it would fit. Until, that is, Sure Shot landed on my Kindle. Then I wasted no time. There are some authors I can count on to snap me out of a reading funk or slump. Sarina Bowen is absolutely one of them. That’s been the case since I discovered her books years ago. Sure Shot was no exception, but it was indeed exceptional. Bess and Tank gave me all the feels and heat I want when I read.
There’s a reason — well, many — that second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. Sarina nailed all of them with Bess and Tank’s story. No matter how things went down between them in the past or what challenges arose for them, it was impossible NOT to root for them. It was obvious from the start just how smitten they were with each other, which made me all the more smitten in return. There were some hurdles they needed to get over and I admired how they did it together.
I loved all the glimpses we got into the lives of some of my Brooklyn favorites from other books. Getting a chance to find out what’s happening in their lives was the icing on an already delicious cake. Things might’ve been a little rocky at first when Tank arrived in Brooklyn, but the team — and their ladies — didn’t waste *that much* time before welcoming him into the fold. Both Tank and Bess found where they belong and it made my heart so, so happy.
I hope Sure Shot isn’t the last of the Brooklyn series. And maybe more than anything, I hope Sarina decides to write a spinoff series that follows the female hockey team that was mentioned towards the end of the book. You have no idea how here I am for that concept.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Favorite Quotes:
He ruined me for other men, I think. Maybe that’s why I’m still single.
I’m starting to view single men like the NHL draft. All the best players get snapped up when they’re really young.
“When a grumpy man smiles at you, it’s like watching the sun come out.”
4.5 Stars
Sure Shot is the fourth title in the Brooklyn series, featuring Bess Beringer and Mark Tankiawicz.
Bess and Mark’s story is emotional, sexy and steamy second chance romance. This pair are not only friends, but also share a deep, passionate connection, with undeniable chemistry.
Bess Beringer is sister to Dave Beringer, who appeared in Bountiful, and is a sassy sports agent. Bess is a planner and when she sets her goals, she’s determined to follow them through.
Outwardly Mark appears to be a cocky, sexy, alpha, but underneath his brash, dirty talking exterior is a sensitive, sweet and vulnerable hero, which makes him all the more irresistible.
Sure shot is an engaging and entertaining title, which cameos from quite a few past characters, as well as a few new faces that I hope to see more of in future additions to this series.
Read: 5/16/2020
Sure Shot was the fourth book in Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn series.
Bess Beringer was a sports agent. She represented several of the Brooklyn Bruisers NHL players and was the sister to retired Bruiser, Dave Beringer (Bountiful, Crossover book in the Brooklyn Bruisers and True North series). She was well respected, had a five year plan and never deviated.
Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz was a veteran NHL defenseman that was traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers. His trade came with a lot of gossip and rumors, none of which were good.
Unknown to the world, Bess and Tank had history. They met nine years earlier when they were both rookies. Bowen unraveled the details as well as catching us up on the last nine years to present. And of course, not everything was as it seemed. Additionally, Bowen didn’t take the normal route. She creatively wove a realistic journey that was fun, emotional, intriguing and heartfelt. I loved both Bess and Tank as well as all of the characters – both old and new, with their fun bantering.
All in all, it was written well, well developed, a quick read and a great balance of humor and life lessons. There are still many Bruiser stories to tell and I can’t wait, but in the meantime, I’ll backtrack to get Eric Bayer’s story (Retired Bruiser and Bess’s business partner) in Moonlighter.
5 Star Review of Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4) by Sarina Bowen
This was a fabulous read. Sarina Bowen had me from the first to the last page hook, line and sinker. This is Bess Beringer and the latest recruit to the Brooklyn Bruisers, Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz story and is a second chance at love story that ticked the boxes for me.
Tank and Bess, are two halves of a whole; having had a fling years ago, Bess left Tank and he moved on. Now they find themselves face to face again. Despite having her life mapped out, Bess is still attracted to Tank, even though they both have baggage.
The friendship and banter between them was realistic; the chemistry intense and absolutely sizzles, it’s just a shame that they continually miss communicate, that got a tad frustrating at times.
There pain of both Bess and Tank’s pasts really got to me, bringing me to tears. On a brighter note it was great to catch up on previous couples and see what is happening with them.
Sure Shot was a well written, fast paced story with characters you cannot help but like and quickly become invested in.
I’ve read all three of the previous books in the series and man, this one’s different! It has different substance compared to the previous books and definitely more meaningful in my opinion. It exceeded all my expectations!
Mark and Bess, both characters are great characters, so real and authentic. And it’s not just their chemistry, but their struggles and issues are beautifully addressed. That’s why in my opinion, this book is so real!
I really loved this emotional side of Sarina’s writing in this one. Definitely looking forward to more of this kind of writing from her! Highly recommended!
It great to see the Brooklyn Bruisers back and meet their new Transfer Tank. Yet again Sarina had me addicted to these Hockey Hotties.
Tank and Bess had a fling years ago but she ended it when she was worried about her reputation as a Sports Agent. Tank never quite why but he moved on. Now they are back reunited and the chemistry between them is off the charts hot!!
I started off wanting to slap Tank upside his head as he was acting like a child at some points. These two just need to actually communicate. Whilst I got frustrated with the both of them for being stupid, as the book went on and I got to know more about each of them I got to understand them and why they were the way they were.
Well done Sarina on another brilliant read <3
4 Stars!
Being a fan of the rest of the Brooklyn Bruisers books I couldn’t wait for this one! I picked it up as soon as I could and I got into it from the start! I had to finish reading it in one sitting. I really enjoyed this story!
Bess and Tank’s journey was one that was filled with heat, humor, and heart! These two made me feel so much throughout reading!
I really liked what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Sure Shot, Ms.Bowen has created another awesome read you won’t want to put down! I can’t wait for more of her words!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
I get giddy everytime a Sarina book lands on my kindle. I am in love with this series and I was really excited to learn more about Bess and meet Tank. I love the immediate energy they have together. I really enjoyed that the story isn’t just their journey as a couple, but their own personal journey as well. I really became invested in Tank’s backstory and his journey to grow and adapt. Of course it was great to see a lot of gang again and see Tank join their family. The story had great pacing and really kept me pulled in the whole time. It’s another wonderful Bruisers addition!
I’ve always liked Bess and hoped she’d get a great story… and of course she did. I love her strength and I love that she has a five year plan and knows what she wants out of life. I love that she fell again with one of her first loves and I loved that Tank had a lot of his own issues to work out. I always love getting to revisit all my Bruiser friends and I enjoy that they’re fast paced. Such a great story in this book!