First love gets a second chance…Norwegian-born professional hockey player Zaan Hagen has only ever loved two things: Hockey and Lexi. He never imagined he’d have to choose, until he was forced to let her go.After beating breast cancer at sixteen, Lexi Rousseau vowed to live her life with no regrets. When her singing career took off with one of the hottest pop groups in the world, her dream came … the world, her dream came true— but it cost her the only man she ever loved.
When an unexpected turn of events brings them back together, Zaan and Lexi will have to learn to balance their demanding careers and irrefutable desires before history starts repeating itself. Have they finally figured out how to play the game without losing everything?
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I really enjoyed Zaan and Lexi’s story. I didn’t realize there was another story about their beginning. Totally did not have to read it to follow this book.
I’m a sucker for second chance love and this one was great. Lexi and Zaan reconnect after a year of being apart. They need to be able to reconnect but have they both changed too much to.make it work?
This was a great read! Look forward to more!
Zaan and Lexi’s story began four years ago. And, though they are still in love, Zaan ended things so that Lexi would be free to follow her dreams.
Lexi is floundering professionally and emotionally, though. She hates the girl group she is fronting as lead singer and is tired of the constant bullying she faces at their hands. When she discovers that her current tour stop is in the same city as the Sidewinders, she turns to Zaan for help.
Still so much in love, it’s easy to fall back in to one another. But, the same problems that existed before their breakup still exist. Professional demands, opposite schedules, Lexi’s fear of being controlled and Zaan’s fear of being left behind are still very much between them and their happy ever after. Can they find their way through the issues that seem to be insurmountable or are they doomed to be off again, but this time permanently?
Zaan was an extremely emotional story. It really tackled some hard hitting issues such as bullying and even couples dealing with work life demands and responsibilities. I appreciated that Kat Mizera made it clear that even though they loved each other deeply, relationships are hard and take a lot of effort to work. It wasn’t just an easy slide back in to each other, but a hard fought battle through a variety of landmines tossed at them.
Fans of Kat Mizera will adore Casey Hart in this book as well as all of the Sidewinders from prior books. And, FYI, this book will set your kindle on fire. This couple is as hot as can be. The scene at Club Inferno . . . have your fan ready because it may be one of the hottest things I have ever read!
4.5 stars for this angsty romance that combines the worlds of pro hockey and rock music, sweet romance and fiery hot passion and explores young love becoming oh so much more now that Zaan and Lexi are all grown up.
Zaan and Lexi met during a tough time in Lexi’s life and fell in love but sometimes love isn’t enough. They were heading in too completely different directions and so decided it was better to split from each other.
Despite this, Lewis knew that when she hit rock bottom she could call Zaan for help.
Great start to the Generations series. Zaan is such a great guy and it was obvious, even from the short story where we first met them, that Zaan and Lexi belong together xx
The wait is over!
Sometimes there are times when reader finds a book and just knows that they are about to embark on an incredible journey. That was the case when we were first introduced to Zaan Hagen and Lexi Rousseau in The Sidewinder’s Siren in Kat Mizera’s Sidewinders: Ever After (Las Vegas Sidewinders Book 12). In Zaan, the next generation of Sidewinders, their story continues. Timing was never on Zaan’s and Lexi’s side and we follow them through their poignant and often heartbreaking journey together and towards their won self-discovery. This book with make you cry, get angry, leave you smiling, feel defeated and overjoyed with love but it is a journey that you want to see until the very end. The characters are sensational and the chemistry between Zaan and Lexi is off-the-charts good! It is also so great to see how/where some of the original characters are and what they are doing. There is something for everyone and an absolute must-read book. Another incredible start to this new spin-off series!!!
So I have to admit I was torn on this book. I absolutely adored Zaan but still on the fence about Lexi. They have an on again, off again relationship and both have careers they are extremely passionate about. Can their love survive?
OMG … You guys are going to have to forgive me for my #oldpeople moment and this book because it released TWO days ago but somehow *blank stare* and it was a damn near perfect read! #JesusSaveMeFromAllTheBooks
Okay, so what first attracted me to this read was of course the cover (it is #winning times 100 for a sports romance) and the fact that it was first in a series. Technically, (author) is not new-to-me but the one and only book I’ve read by her was back in 2017 and over 600 books ago so … plus she’s local to me and I’ve met her at a book convention. When I saw this cover, it was like the piece that put everything together for me and I had to read this book.
Thank God for all those pieces because this is one of the best sport romance stories I have read in quite a while!!
There is a lot of emotion wrapped up in this story. This is not a fluff story. It’s quite the opposite, but it is also not dark and/or heavy. There’s a ton of history between our leads and some of it is not so great but above all, the story always had a twinge of hope for me. I won’t lie, I cried a lot thru this story but that’s probably mostly on me lol I had a really devastating loss early last year and emotions now (good or bad) all seem to go to the extreme with me. When I feel, I feel deeper than I used to, especially any kind of loss and or trouble. So I shed a lot of tears for Lexi’s personal struggles and for them as a couple as well. I don’t want it to sound like I only felt this emotion because of the place I am at in my own life, because this journey is emotional and also uplifting and really well written! I think you guys are really going to enjoy Lexi and Zaan navigating their way to getting right. #TRUST!
I have been waiting for Zaan and Lexie’s story since getting a taste of their story in Sidewinders Ever After. Zaan Hagen is a star hockey player for the Las Vegas Sidewinders. Zaan is extremely good looking, loyal, great teammate, better friend, and lost his heart to his soul mate, Lexie Rousseau, at first sight. Lexie Rousseu is a strong, intelligent, and very stubborn girl who beat breast cancer as a teenager whose singer career exploded with one of the hottest pop groups in the world. Lexie reaches out to Zaan when she can’t take touring with the other girls in her group anymore. Zaan and Lexie still love each other and jump back into their relationship while Lexie deals with the fallout from walking away from the music tour. Will Lexie have to go back out on tour? Can Lexie learn to let Zaan in and trust that he has her best interests at heart? Will Lexie and Zaan be able to compromise when it comes to their careers and their relationship? Will Lexie and Zaan let old insecurities and miscommunication end their time together? I love Kat Mizera. Zaan is a great book with fantastic characters who make you laugh, swoon, and scream in frustration. Zaan is great start to the Sidewinders: Generations series. I would highly recommend getting Zaan and the books in her Las Vegas Sidewinders series. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
I’ve enjoyed Ms. Mizera’s previous Sidewinders stories and looked forward to this second chance romance of former young loves, especially after seeing the groundwork laid between these two in a previously published novella. Despite some issues with the heroine I found this a satisfying read with yet another delectable hero…in a long line of other wonderful heroes. It’s a nice start that has me counting down the days until we revisit this second generation of players.
Zaan Hagen’s been making a name for himself in the hockey world, sacrificing his love for a young woman with her own dreams, to get where he is today. Though he’s tried to keep their romance going, the long weeks on the road have kept them apart and has left their HEA in doubt. Despite whatever rockiness their relationship is going through Zaan would still do anything she asked of him and that is what fuels this story and kept me on edge every step of the way. Zaan’s a wonderful hero, sweet, sexy, and he’s matured since he and Lexi first came together all those years ago. He seems self-assured when it comes to being on the ice, but in matters of the heart he’s called on past players for their help. He endeared himself to me from the start, wrapped me up in his good guy haze as he was supportive of Lexi and always put her first in acts both subtle and overt.
Lexi Rousseau had dreams of her own when she and Zaan got together, big dreams that came true for better or worst. While her singing career has taken her to the top it’s also jeopardized her HEA with Zaan. Long weeks on the road and a traumatic past has left her with scars both inside and out, scars that have tainted her view of love and put her future with Zaan on thin ice. Another health scare, bullying from her band, and frustration over her music future clearly weigh on her and it has her reaching out to the man who’s always been there for her in hopes that he can make everything right. This is part of what frustrated me about her, she tended to think of herself first and counted on Zaan’s love to get his help when she needed it. Throughout this story the focus was on her and I was left wanting to see more of Zaan as he was an all-around good guy. That’s not to say that I wasn’t impressed by her place in the rock world because I was. She overcame a lot to get where she is, overcame less than perfect parents, as well as overcoming cancer, and I ached for her dreams becoming toxic because of the power of others. Through it all I was rooting for her and Zaan to find their way back to each other and cheered them on through each high and low.
Though this wasn’t a perfect series starter it was a satisfying one thanks to a delicious hero with a heart of gold. The heroine was tough, put through the emotional wringer quite often, but always had a strong support with the dependable Zaan by her side and it was a solid foundation that kept this story going. I enjoyed Ms. Mizera’s balance of hockey, with the rockstar world, as it kept me glued to the action and it has me looking forward to what comes next!
Kat Mizera is my go-to author when it comes to hockey romance, and I’m beyond thrilled that she decided to do this spin-off series with the Sidewinders.
The Generations Series starts out with Lexi and Zaan’s story and what an amazing couple they are. Having previously read about them in Ever After, the story centers around them reuniting. Both have been through a lot and you have to wonder what will come of them now that they’re older and gone their separate ways. Lexi has overcome so much but there’s still that bit of chemistry between them that neither can ignore. Not to mention, they both have their own careers and that in itself is a major factor.
I love how Kat always brings previous characters back into her stories–these guys are like family and reconnecting them just feels right. Lexi and Zaan will certainly pull at your heartstrings and I just love them so much. Kat’s stories are always entertaining and I often find myself enjoying them in one sitting She just has that way of sucking you in and you can’t stop until you know how it’s all going to end.
Zaan was a perfect start to the Generations Series and I’m looking forward to the next story. Great read that I think fans will enjoy!
5 Stars
Zaan and Lexi’ story has been a long time coming! Fans of the Sidewinders series got a taste of these teenagers through previous stories and talk about some serious topics! We now get to know Zaan and Lexi after they have grown into their paths in life and must figure out a way to navigate careers that take time away from their homes, money, outsiders. One thing is for sure, their intense love and attraction has not faded one bit, it has only matured as the two of them have as well. This is a book you need to clear your schedule for because once you start it you will NOT want to stop! The depth of love and character development in this story is going to give the reader the perfectly satisfying love story these young adults have deserved since we first met them as teens!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Zaan is a fantastic read. You will be pulled in from the start and just love Zaan and Lexi. They have this bond that you will just be sucked in by. Lexi is a survivor and so strong. You feel for everything she goes through. Zaan is a sweetheart and will make you swoon. He is just incredible. Both are stubborn and their communication skills will just drive you a little crazy. You can feel the love between them. I love the Sidewinder generation books and cannot wait for more to come. We get more amazing hockey players and still have our favorite Sidewinders too. I loved every moment of Zaan and Lexi’s second chance.
Who is Special Kay? Who are Annie, Bernie, Lexie, Tayla, Marj, Pam, Klaus, and Karin? Oh goodness, once I got going on this story, I could not put it down. There were a few times several of the characters tried my patience with their behavior!!! Some things definitely happened that had my jaw dropping with regards to Pam and Lexie. Zaan drove me to want to drink a few times in the story. When he finally came to his senses, I relaxed and did a fist pump for him. Read and see why!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
What can I say about Zaan and Lexi? Lexi is a girl after my own heart…due to my own history I felt a very tight bond to her. Zaan he is just a girl’s dream. He is supportive and a great shoulder to lean on. The love that they have for each other is real and how a relationship is meant to be. No relationship is ever rainbows and no trouble. I loved seeing them overcome the obstacles that were constantly thrown at them. I also loved seeing the other characters so involved in the story. I love all these books and can not wait to see what comes next.
This is the first book in the next generation of Sidewinders. I’m so glad we get more hockey hunks. This is a good second chance romance. Zaan and Lexi get a second chance at the future they always wanted. Though the way things are playing out will history repeat itself? Right off the bat you can tell the feelings between Zaan and Lexi are still strong as ever. They are going to have their ups and downs, but will love win this time? They have a ton of chemistry. It burns off the pages and you have to fan yourself a bit. It’s a great story and you’re rooting for Zaan and Lexi to get their HEA. I will admit I wanted to knock some common decency in Lexi’s bandmates. They are a piece of work. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I have always loved the Sidewinders hockey series and I am so excited that we have a whole new group of hot hockey players in the new Sidewinders Generations series and Zaan has definitely started of this series with a bang!
He and Lexi are so easy to like. They have history, they have chemistry but most importantly they have love. The also have compromises to make, decisions to overcome and understanding to find. It is and always has been their demanding careers that seem to be their biggest hurdle. I just want them to find a way to enjoy their mutual love they share and have the happily ever after they both deserve.
Kat Mizera is a new author to me. I love sports romances, particularly ones based around hockey. I liked Kat’s writing style and the plot had a good base, but it fell a bit flat for me.
The story has a great premise. Lexi and Zaan meet in a prior book as part of the Sidewinders series. You don’t need to read the older books, as Zaan gives you a brief intro to their relationship in the opening chapters.
Lexi is a tough girl. The story starts when she is in her late teens. She’s already beaten breast cancer, but finds herself on tour with a toxic group of girls. She and Zaan are in a long distance relationship as he’s an NHL player for Lexi’s Dad’s old team. The prologue takes us up to a traumatic event for Lexi’s pop band. The book then really takes off as the story picks up three years later. Lexi is still on tour with the toxic girl band, but their antics are getting unbelievably worse. Lexi happens to see a notification that Zaan’s team is in the same city as they are, and she makes a split second decision to get off the tour bus and go back home with Zaan. (Trust me, this was a good decision)
During this time Zaan has been playing hockey for the Sidewinders this whole time. Zaan has a huge heart and really seems to really love Lexi.
The bulk of the plot is the two young lovers trying to figure out how to make two very demanding careers work for them while having a relationship. As I read, things just felt off and a little flat. Zaan and Lexi kept circling around the same issues, which would be normal for a couple, but each time the “tough conversation” came up either one of them would push it off due to career needs or they’d be trying to fit it into small periods of time. When they did discuss it, their point of views never changed and compromises where never offered by either party.
I didn’t like the tone the male side of the story from Zaan or the teammates took. They kept referring to Zaan “letting” Lexi go or “letting” her find her way. Zaan himself even repeatedly says he’s “letting” Lexi have her career. The male characters never took her career seriously and were presented as being focused on Zaan’s career being the more important one.
Additionally, at one point Lexi is accused of “using” Zaan whenever life gets “too hard” for her. While there is brief mention of Zaan’s playing suffering throughout the run of the book, it’s never really dug into, and it seems to end when a coach gives him a better spot on the line with seasoned players? Then it magically dissipates and Zaan is fine. I would have liked equal focus given to both their careers rather than a he vs she plot. Especially as the main idea seems to be about finding balance and respect for each other.
At the climax of the book, after the characters having what appears to be a massive crisis and a tipping point for their relationship, Zaan has a chat with Lexi’s Dad and suddenly does a 180 on how he’s viewing their relationship. Then we lead into this crazy rushed ending with everything being forgiven and big excitement for everyone…
Honestly the way the story ended is what really soured me on this book. I felt that just when the characters were possibly making headway towards communication everything was turned on it’s head. The ending didn’t do the body of the story justice. Honestly, the ending really disappointed and angered me. If the ending was what the author was aiming for all along, the characters should have had more growth. They came off as self involved young kids who didn’t want to work together yet had this big happy ending.
I think this book showed good promise. I believe that the author can write well. This just wasn’t the book for me.
At first I was like a hockey player and a touring musician. This won’t work. But amazingly it was like real life. Yeah, there were road trips and tours and yada yada yada. But it was the everyday issues that got them. The lack of communication. The need to be independent. The need to take care of things. The exhaustion. These are everyday life issues no matter who you are. Did they handle them the right way? Probably not, but then who does.
All in all, I was drawn into this book. I mean, the jock and the diva became real people. Real lives. Real problems. And of course a happily ever after.
I’m so glad we finally get the rest of Zaan and Lexi’s story! I loved it!
It was an emotional journey with twists and turns they took on their way to happiness. They have been through so much during their relationship, they have to find a way to make it work. Will they take advantage of the second chance they were given or will their careers get in the way? I love this new Sidewinders series! It will be great getting stories about the young players! I can’t wait for more books in the Sidewinders: Generations series!
Zaan is the beginning of the next generation of Sidewinders and I am here for it.
Zaan and Lexi loved each other with everything they had but it wasn’t enough. Her music dreams and his hockey got in the way, so they went their separate ways. However, the love they have for each other. Fast forward a bit and Lexi wants to get away from her bandmates and Zaan is back by her side. This is their second chance, can they make it?
I loved Zaan and the way he loved Lexi. I struggled with Lexi at times as she is very stubborn. She has been through a lot so I guess in a way she earned the right to be that way. I wish she had spent more time listening to Zaan instead of reacting. However, that does not take away from the story and the love that I felt between the two of them.
Zaan and Lexi’s story was emotional and I enjoyed the ride. It was also great that some of my favorite Sidewinders showed up in Zaan and Lexi’s story.
A story of young love and growing pains, this story tugged at my heart. Zaan is professional hockey player on the road half the time while Lexi is a musician on a world tour. To say it is hard for them to find time together is an understatement.
I felt Zaan came from a solid family, is centered, and so very in love with Lexi. Lexi comes from a troubled background; she is estranged from her mother, has survived breast cancer, and has a lot of emotional baggage. While Lexi is in love with Zaan, I felt she was too self centered to fully commit to the relationship. Maybe it is because they started out as teenagers and she had so many problems to deal with, while he was in a more supportive environment, but I had problems liking Lexi.
I really enjoyed seeing the older characters and the second generation growing up. I can’t wait to see Anton play hockey with Toli, his father. I’m looking forward to see where Kat Mizera takes this next generation.
I received an ARC of Zaan and this is my honest review.