Marika Ray

Ray and Stewart are each an amazing author in their own right, but when you put these two together you are sure to have a Slap Shot Goal! And that is something that this book proves page after steamy and laugh out loud page. This is the third volume in their Hot Flash Hookups Series and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think Niko and Chloe are my new favorite couple. But, to be honest, they do have a home court advantage with the Niko's adorable little girl and her equally adorable little pup. These two side character are are total scene steallers and before the tension and banter between Nicko and Chloe fully ignite, this pair keeps pushing them together with an innocence and wonder that is just too sweet. But this book is Niko and Chloe's and this is more than just a great Single Dad and Nanny Romance. This is one of the flirtiest, hottest, and funniest romances I have read. Every time Niko and Chloe are together, the tension between them just singes the corners of the page and leave me in equal turns blushing or fanning myself. Built around a wonderfully paced and nauanced Grump meets Sunshine pairing, NS&HN blends Niko - the growliest, gumpiest grump - with Chloe whose power comes not just from her sunshine but from her desire to define herself, help Kill and his daughter, and take charge of her own future. This is where she finds her confidence and sets the stage for so much of this book's humor and electricity- the fact that she does not cower under Niko's grumpy glare and returns it.

This book, and this whose series, just proves why love knows no arge and why later in life love stores just pull me in and hold me.… (more)

Kenna gets the shock of her life after discovering her husband is not only cheating on her but that this person is a colleague. Soon after, she comes to find out that her aunt has passed away and left Kenna with her estate if she stays for a year. When she meets her surly neighbor, Dec, things start to look up for Kenna. This book was a lot of fun to read and makes me want to reread it on a beach somewhere. I love the way the story is told from duel perspectives and really dives deep into the characters. This was the first book I've read by this author, and it's definitely going to be labeled as one of my top favorites!… (more)

Olivia hasn't given much thought to her ex's love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter's life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate - or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children - Olivia and Roman's worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I've read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!

Merged review:

Olivia hasn't given much thought to her ex's love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter's life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate - or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children - Olivia and Roman's worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I've read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!… (more)

Olivia has no intention of attending her ex-husband's destination wedding in Belize until her kids basically guilt her into going and her daughter Holly and her college roommate Hannah tell her they will make sure she has a date to the event. She tells them she doesn't need a date, but the girls don't listen and set her up with Hannah's single dad who happens to be an older professional hockey player who makes it his mission to be the best fake date ever for Olivia and give her a needed boost to her self-esteem.

I've been on the lookout for romances with older characters. Both Olivia and Roman are in their forties and they are both dealing with issues related to aging. Roman is looking retirement from hockey in the face and Olivia is dealing with perimenopause. I don't normally go for such a quick connection in romance books. The bulk of this story takes place over one week in Belize. That being said, for some reason I have an easier time believing an almost instant connection when the characters are older. I really enjoyed Roman and how he really gave his job of dating Olivia his all. I also loved his effort to get spend quality time and get to know his daughter better. This is open door and once the characters cross that line, they aren't shy about their physical connection. I am not one that needs steam in a romance. I didn't mind this.

One of the better romances I've read through KU. I plan to check out the next book in the series.… (more)