Review ~ Off the Ice (Breakaway Novel) by L.P. Dover

Title: Off the Ice

Series: Breakaway Novel

Author: L.P. Dover

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 16, 2018 Cover Designer: RBA Designs Cover Model: Jack Storer Photographer: FuriousFotog

My Opinion

This is the first book I've read in months. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a funk with books and haven't had the desire to read anything. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read a new L.P Dover book.

I will admit, the last few books by LP haven't been my favourite. There felt like there was something missing from them and so I was worried in case the trend continued with Off the Ice. However, not only did this book bring me out of my funk, but it felt more like LP's old style which I had grown to love and miss.

I flew through this book in under a day. Meghan and Justin's story captured my attention ad I couldn't put it down. This is by far my favourite book in the series. There were sparks between the characters, and it was cute watching their feelings develop. I especially like the softer side to Justin.

Overall, I feel this book is my representative of the LP books I class as my favourites. It mimics her style and shows of her talent. Off the Ice was an enjoyable read that I found hard to put down

4

“PHENOMENAL!! LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!! This is an awesome sports romance! A very happy lifting story!” ~ Amazon Review

“Full of both heartwarming sweetness and the perfect amount of steam Off The Ice is an addictive read that will steal your heart!” ~ The Red Hatter Book Blog

“I loved this book! I really feel like it was the best one of the series. L.P. Dover has never disappointed me with any of her stories and with each book I see her grow as a writer.” ~ Amazon Review

He’s always made the scoring plays, both on and off the ice, but this time he has a new goal … the one for Meghan’s heart.

I’m Justin Davis, all-star center for the Charlotte Strikers. For years, I chased the spotlight, not only with hockey, but through television as well. That’s why I decided to play the bachelor on Rich and Single. Unfortunately, I was stuck with a fake fiancée from hell who I couldn’t stand to be around. Now that our contract is up, I’m allowed to do whatever I want, with whoever I want. I plan to take full advantage of my newfound freedom.

After being on the show, people don’t recognize me for hockey anymore, even with just winning the Stanley Cup for my team. That’s why I’m spending the off season in a remote cabin in Wyoming where the chances of people knowing me are slim. Space is what I need, but when a down to earth beauty needs help on her ranch, I can’t resist. Meghan Taylor is exactly what I’ve been looking for, even though I’m not the kind of man she wants.

Getting her to see the real me has its challenges, but the more time I spend with her, the easier it is for her to see that I’m not the same guy she knows from TV. Being away from the media is one thing, but as soon as I’m back in the spotlight, I’m afraid it’ll change what we have. I don’t want to lose her, but I also can’t hide away in Wyoming forever. It’s a choice I’m not ready to make.

Review ~ Against the Odds by N.L. Taylor

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 7th 2018

Description:
Nikki Elliot is running out of time. After a season and a half of struggling to rebuild her racing career thanks to a near-fatal accident, she is faced with the ugly truth: it’s going to take a miracle for her to make her lifelong dream of racing in Formula 1 a reality. The trouble is, Nikki doesn't believe in miracles. When Fate sends her help in the form of a quiet, sexy mechanic, Nikki realizes that miracles do happen: the ones you hope for and the ones you least expect. But just as things look like they’re falling into place, Nikki discovers that miracles come at a steep price.
Luck has never been on Jake Masercotti’s side. That is until a chance encounter reunites him with his angel—the woman who unknowingly saved his life years earlier. And now that he’s found her, he’ll do whatever it takes to repay her for that gift, even it means risking his life--or worse, his heart--in the process.
Brought together by tragedy years before, and reunited under dangerous circumstances, will Jake and Nikki find love and happiness, even when a danger they never see coming reaches the-redline?

My Opinion

It seem forever ago I started this book. When I requested it, the racing element caught my attention. I was slightly sceptical about the female lead being the driver based on how tough racing is to get into as a woman, especially F1, but I was intrigued to see what the author did with it.

In the end, Against the Odds has split my opinion. On one hand, I liked the idea and the overall plot. There was a bit of sport, danger, suspense, and romance all tied up in this story and it did hold my interest as I wanted to know how things played out. Nevertheless, it wasn't perfect. Personally, I thought this book needed to be condensed more. Although wanting to know what happened next kept me reading, I frequently found myself wishing the pace would increase and I did skim. At times it felt like I was reading a lot of unnecessary details or filler scenes which slowed the pace. Part 3 was definitely the best and showed the full potential, but I almost didn't make it to the part with all of the action. I will be honest and say I did consider giving up because of the slow pace, since it hindered the flow and the intensity of the relationships. 


Overall though, it was an interesting read. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but not in a bad way. I do think it needs cutting down, but it did pick up towards the end. It had a little of everything. 

3.5

Review ~ Rush (Gods #2) by Samantha Towle

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 7th 2018

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Description:
It’s been three years since quarterback Ares Kincaid’s NFL dream came true, and he’s living the high life. The days of cleaning up after his drunk of a father are long gone, and he has no intention of going back.

A car crash and DUI charge meant a lengthy stint in rehab for Arianna Petrelli, and her dream of being a professional artist slips further away when she’s sacked from her position at a gallery. Her need for a job stronger even than her dislike of football, Ari goes to work for her father, the head coach of the New York Giants.

Ares hates alcoholics, which is fine with Ari because she thinks he’s a brainless jock. Yet when Ares rescues Ari from a situation with her ex-boyfriend, an unlikely friendship begins – one that quickly becomes more.

But messing around with the coach’s daughter can only lead to one thing…trouble.

My Opinion

I've been dying to get my hands to this book. To be honest, I'm dying to get my hands on any Samantha Towle book. Her writing never fails to grip me and pull me into her worlds, and Rush was no exception. 

I've been in a bit of a reading funk lately, but this book managed to pull me out of it. From the first page it hooked me and I couldn't put it down. How Ares and Ari met made me chuckle and I felt the spark as their relationship developed. I thought as a couple they worked together and there was just the right amount of drama and chemistry to keep things interesting.


Overall, another really enjoyable read I'd definitely recommend. To be honest, I'd recommend any of Samantha's work and I can't wait to see what she releases next.

4

Review ~ Envy (Eagle Elite) by Rachel Van Dyken

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, comes ENVY, a new novella in her Eagle Elite Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Eagle Elite series…

Every family has rules, the mafia just has more…. Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to. Do not make eye contact unless you want to die. And above all else, do not fall in love. Renee Cassani’s future is set. Her betrothal is set. Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that. He’s a man who doesn’t take no for an answer. And he only wants one thing. Her. Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying. Good thing Vic has a firm hand.

My Opinion

I love this world. I've said it before but I'll say it again, Rachel Van Dyken books are some of my favourites, and the Eagle Elite series is in my opinion the best mafia series out there. I have yet to read a series that beats this one in terms of story and the connections between the characters. Saying that, it'll come as no surprise that I couldn't wait to get my hands on this.

Envy lived up to all the previous books in this series. It had it's intense moments, familiar faces, dark sense of humour, and everything else I've come to expect. I felt the connection between Vic and Renee and thought things were paced and developed well considering the novella length. 

My only complaint is because it's part of the 1001 Dark Nights set it is a novella. There's nothing wrong with that, and Rachel did a great job of fitting everything into a satisfying package that felt complete, but I'm greedy. And since this is one of my favourite series I wanted more. I always want more from the Eagle Elite world no matter how long a book is.

Overall, this was an enjoyable addition to the series and I hope there will be another book soon!

5

 

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Review ~ Going for the Hole by L.P. Dover

Title: Going for the Hole

Author: L.P. Dover

Genre: Sports Rom/Com

Release Date: June 25, 2018
Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser @ RBA Designs

My Opinion

As anyone who follows my blog regularly, I can't get enough of LP's work. As one of my favourite authors, I was excited to read Going for the Hole. The fact that it was a romantic comedy made it all the more appealing since I needed a light-hearted read after uni exams. 

However, despite all of that, it pains me to say this book didn't live up to what I've come to expect from this author. I'm not sure why, but I struggled to connect with the Ashley and Lucas. I wanted to like them, but it felt like the spark usually present in L.P's couples was missing. Things between them happened too quickly as well. I wasn't sure I believed it. 

As for the plot, it was a light, easy read. I don't think it lined up with my sense of humour, but that's not to say others won't laugh at it. 

Overall, it's not my favourite book by this author. However, she has some exceptional reads so it's inevitable there is going to be one book at some point I don't connect with. Despite that I'm still looking forward to what she comes up with next!

3

Grip it softly.

Stroke it smooth.

And you’ll sink right into the hole. That’s my motto both on and off the golf course. The women come in full supply everywhere I go and there are no complaints. Maybe it’s the size of my driver that gets them going. 

I’m Lucas “Ace” Montgomery, professional golfer and world record holder for the longest drive in golf history. The PGA Tour has been my life, but it’s time for a break. A few relaxing weeks of drinking and golf with friends in Myrtle Beach is what I need. However, when a bright pink ball knocks me out on the course, and a blonde beauty comes to my aid, I expect to see a gallery girl, a.k.a a member of the Party Groupie Association. Trust me, those girls know how to have fun. Although, to my surprise, it’s not what I get at all. 

Dr. Ashley Locke is beautiful and everything I’d want if I was ever to get serious about someone. Unfortunately, she has no interest in me whatsoever which only makes me want her more. All she wants is to get through her friend’s bachelorette weekend and go back to her life. But after injuring me on the course, I’m not letting her run away so easily. When I want something, I get it. 

I’m not competing for money this time. All I want is to win her heart.