January 26, 2023

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Defending by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #2
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on January 24, 2023
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Goodreads

Much to my utter dismay, the Portland Icehawks chose me in the expansion draft, and now my estranged father is my hockey coach. No one on the team knows he's my dad. They think he’s a distant relative I don't get along with. They’re right about that last part. We hate each other. He blames me for the death of my sister, and I blame myself, too. He's unfairly targeted me, and his constant criticism is destroying my confidence and my game.

The only thing I look forward to is my time working with the underprivileged, especially with one feisty, attractive female, but neither of us do relationships because those require trust and commitment, and we're too scarred to take the risk.

Can we conquer our demons so I can rescue her from the streets, and she can rescue me from my past before we're beyond saving?

Grady and Aspen light up the pages in book two of the Portland Icehawks series by Jami Davenport. The characters were quick to hook me, and I loved their story overall with the exception of a very abrupt ending and a couple of plot holes that I would have liked to see wrapped up a bit more. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Grady is a good guy, but his past haunts him on a daily basis and leaves him always wondering “what if”. I enjoyed seeing him let his guard down and heal with Aspen by his side.

Aspen is haunted and living life on the edge as she searches for a missing part of herself. I liked the side of her that Grady brought out.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with a group of guys who play hard and love even harder.

* Review * THE DANGEROUS ONE by Lori Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Dangerous One by Lori Foster
Series: Osborn Brothers #1
Published by HQN Books Buy on Amazon
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Being alone is what he wanted… All he needed was her.

Hunter Osborn left his family, his friends and his job as a park ranger after uncovering a disturbing crime scene. Haunted by nightmares and harrowing memories, Hunter relocated to an isolated property near Triple Creek, Colorado, where he lives alone and keeps his interactions with people to a minimum.

Still, Hunter can spot trouble from a mile away, and when he encounters Jodi Bentley, he knows she’s trouble of the most tempting kind—even more tempting when she moves into the run-down cabin next door. Jodi is tough as nails, sexy as hell—and clearly struggles with her own traumatic past. Hunter tries to keep his distance, but when Jodi’s life is threatened, he can’t help being drawn out of his own darkness and into hers.

Fans of Foster’s McKenzies of Ridge Trail series are in for a huge treat when they discover this is Jodi’s story with McKenzie cameos around every corner! I was hooked from the first chapter when witty sass, a hunky hero and the hint of discord in this town showed it’s face right from the start. The characters are strong-willed and attention grabbing with secrets galore and their camaraderie and attraction right off the bat sells the connection immediately. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Jodi is head-strong and determined to stand tall as the survivor that she is. I adored her spunk and watching her learn to let love in is super heartwarming.

Hunter is just the sweetest! He’s tough and distant, but stumbling across Jodi changes him in an instant. She is his kryptonite. I adored the connection they shared, and his dog is adorable!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a story revolving around characters who have overcome adversity and aren’t willing to let their past define them anymore. There is danger, there is love and most of all there is so much heart. Loved the kickoff to this series!