Pro hockey player T.J. Shanstrom is no stranger to controversy.Labeled a goon by his many critics, he’s the guy every team hates to play against but every team wants on their side–the goal scorer with an edge as deadly as a newly sharpened skate blade. T.J. plays the only way he can, laying everything on the line, game in, game out. But when it’s time to step away from the rink, T.J. leaves his … the rink, T.J. leaves his fire on the ice. Relationships? He tried that once. Friends with benefits is as close as he’s planning to get to a woman again.
Until he meets Natalie Foster.
Smart and independent, no-nonsense Natalie’s rebuilding her life her way after her high-powered career and her engagement go off the rails. Besides trying out new lines of work, she’s also dipping her toe in the dating pool with pro hockey player Kevin May. The relationship is new, it’s fun, but it’s barely off the ground when Kevin’s career comes to a screeching halt thanks to a T.J. Shanstrom cheapshot.
When Natalie and T.J.’s paths accidentally cross, sparks fly. Natalie has no idea who this handsome hunk is, but when T.J. discovers who she is, he’s determined to become her knight in shining armor while safeguarding his identity–and his heart.
What could possibly go wrong?
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This is the 2nd book in this awesome series and is TJ and Natalie’s story. TJ is a pro hockey play who is the goal scorer in the team, and he gives his all to each game, and he has no time for relationships. Natalie is rebuilding her life after her career and engagement as off the rails, and when she changes her career path, she tries dipping her toes back into the dating pool. When TJ and Natalie cross paths the sparks fly, and they compliment and complete each other perfectly. This is a well written story which is endearing, entertaining, humorous, and with witty banter, and love, which leads to a heartwarming and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Soul wrenching! A story of one life changing moment and how fate is a challenging task master. Honestly one of the best books I have ever read! Definitely does no disappoint!
One bad decision in the heat of a moment, has disastrous, life-changing results. The book blurb pretty much sums up the story. The characters are complex and likable and I really cared about them. TJ and Natalie have genuine chemistry and the major love scene in the book is steamy and affecting. It felt like a natural progression of the strong feelings TJ and Natalie developed for each other over the course of the story, not rushed or insta-love. Emotional and well-written, this romantic drama easily pulled me in from page one. I loved it.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
Intense storyline, realistic characters with charisma, and writing that sizzles
This book has a believable storyline with twists you won’t see coming… a chance meeting with instant attraction … and later discovery that has TJ and Natalie in each other’s orbits.
As far as emotions go, this book is intense … as in I.N.T.E.N.S.E. the steamy love scenes had my kindle app on fire. I’ve re-read the ending about 15 times, so I’m glad I didn’t read a paper version because I would have worn the print right off the pages.
So… if you’re looking for a great sports romance, choose this one and download immediately. You’re going to want to download the rest of the series too!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.G.K. Brady
3.5 stars.
Story was easy to read.
Some parts I struggled with. Natalie at the beginning fighting to keep her business going…… her accounting side could have been done in the afternoon, she was only at the hospital in the mornings. I understand the difficulty with the dog walking. I liked her interactions with TJ before she knew who he was. Loved the animals. The ending….. major grovelling for walking away and a proposal… difficult to believe.
The longer the truth is hidden, the harder the truth hurts.
Meeting the right person at the wrong time can be so disheartening. Especially if that person is the girlfriend of a fellow hockey player that you put in the hospital after a bad hit during a game.
Little white lies, unknown identity, and a bit of meddling are bound to hit the fan eventually. TJ & Natalie are getting closer and closer every time they hang out. He’s dreading when he needs to reveal who he really is because he knows she’ll hate him and he doesn’t want to be without her.
This was such a sweet story! Two good hearts and a really cute dog picking each other up from hard times. It was such a fast read. Great writing, great characters, and a great plot. I couldn’t put it down! I’m looking forward to the next book on this series.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)