Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
I hadn’t planned to mention this book in this series just yet, but considering how popular the show is it felt like a no brainer to talk about it today. I do have a full review coming next month (I’m super ahead on reviews right now), so I won’t go into too much detail here, but this book was incredible. At least, in my opinion. I know this won’t be for everyone and to be honest, it has so little hockey in it, it’s hardly a sports romance, but I had an insanely great time reading it. Before you think it, I didn’t just love this book because it’s spicy, I actually couldn’t care less about those sections really. Well other than a very specific one that set some things in motion – if you know, you know.
I love a man that yearns and this book has two, so double points! The relationship between Shane and Ilya is very complex and the fact that this book takes place over almost ten years kills me. It’s all worth it for the cottage though.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series yet, Game Changer is on my list to read before the end of the month.
Synopsis: Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.
Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.
Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.
As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…
Surprisingly Us by Erin Hawkins
Some people may not think a book about a ballerina counts as a sports romance but I think it definitely does. If you don’t think ballet, or dance of any kind, is a sport that’s a little crazy. They’re incredibly powerful athletes and I feel like that side of it is shown in this book. I loved all of the ballet scenes and it actually made me grateful that my mom never let me do ballet as a kid.
Like a lot of sports romances, this book is very spicy. It’s pretty much a staple of Erin Hawkins’ books, so if that’s your thing, this is perfect for you. Plus it also has fake dating, childhood friends to lovers and a billionaire romance so it ticks a lot of boxes. You’d think it would get a little messy with so many tropes but I loved every minute. Even though it’s fairly long for a romance at just over 500 pages, it doesn’t seem to drag. I struggle with books with more than 500 pages but they flew by.
Book Review: Surprisingly Us by Erin Hawkins
Synopsis: A fake relationship between childhood friends has a reformed playboy and determined dancer wondering if opposites really do attract.
Colette
I’ve spent the last eighteen years of my life living and breathing dancing, there’s been no time for anything else. Now, as a seasoned member of The City Ballet, my goal of becoming a principal dancer is within reach. But in order to land a pivotal lead role, the choreographer wants more passion and emotion in my dancing. The problem? My lack of experience with relationships and love. The solution? I need to start dating, if only as research for the coveted role.
I’m used to drilling footwork. Repetition. Muscle-memory. But how can I practice dating?
I never imagined Rhys Spencer, my childhood friend and notorious ladies’ man, would be the answer.
Rhys
I’ve only come back to NYC to claim my trust fund, but being faced with losing control of my parents’ legacy foundation to my cousin and rival has me rethinking my plans. Though my reputation as a ladies’ man paints me in an unfavorable light with the foundation board and has me desperate to change my ways, if only temporarily.
My childhood friend, Colette Davenport, is the perfect fake girlfriend. She’s talented, gracious, and stunning. With her on my arm, I’ll have no problem convincing the board I’m the right man for the position. Everyone is shocked by the pairing of the sweet, yet determined ballet dancer and a tattooed bad boy with a BIG reputation.
When the competition intensifies, and I blindside Colette with a new proposal, things start to heat up. Soon, I’m on my knees for a different reason and I’m breaking all our rules.
With every kiss, every touch, I’m even more desperate to have her. To keep her for myself. I never want our arrangement to end, and no one is more surprised than me.
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Review: Unspeakable Magic by Iris Beaglehole