I love a second-chance romance. I love the build up of
it, I love knowing that these two people loved each other
before I met them and that now I get to watch them re-
learn each other and decide if they can work in this new
version of themselves. It's easily my favorite trope and I am
damn picky about its execution.
Bowen has been dropping hints at this pairing for the
previous
two books in the series, so I was ready for
Lauren and Mike's puzzle to be solved. The previous
installment even had the first chapter of this book and I
was so angry at Bowen for making me wait! Well, dear
readers, I am happy to report the wait was worth it.
I loved this story. I loved watching the two of them
learn to trust each other again, I loved reading about
Mike's deep need to be a better father, and I so
appreciated the exploration of how love looks different
at different parts of our lives. Just wonderful. Oh, and
full of great hockey, fun team dynamic stuff, and super
sexy times. Honestly, this series is a win-win-win.
A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a
shot to the heart…
Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the
ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s
never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the
best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers
office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make
things right.
Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she
used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s
still undeniable sexual tension running between her and
Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused
on her plans for the future—she doesn’t need a man to make
her dreams of motherhood come true.
Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for
the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to
Florida, things heat up on the beach.
One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve—his teenage
daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the
perfect shot at love.