Bossy Devil

Nashville Devils #5

by Melissa Ivers

There’s absolutely no way I’d ever work for my ex-boyfriend. Besides, the only thing he needs help with is pulling the stick from his perfectly sculpted backside.

Gordon Benson is the one man I never wanted to see again. He’s grumpy, antagonistic, and so irritatingly more attractive than he was 12 years ago. Those biceps, that muscular chest, those dark green eyes that still manage to get me all twisted up…it’s not fair.

I broke up with him. He demolished my heart. End of story.

Or at least it was until I ran into him after a figure skating gig. And then his sister offered me a job as their executive assistant —a job I didn’t need until the company I worked for went bankrupt.

So, here I am, selling my soul to the actual Devil to make sure me and my daughter are taken care of. The daughter who shares his DNA and yet he acts like she doesn’t exist. I keep telling myself this job is only temporary, that I’ll find something else, but the more I stay here, the more the Nashville Devils feel like family.

And maybe there’s more to Gordon than insults and a prickly exterior. Maybe he’s not quite the villain I made him out to be but there’s still too much at stake. He could lose his hockey team and I could lose the only thing I have left. My heart.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Second Chance, Sports, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Hockey Romance

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2024

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance, secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

I have to admit up front, the last Melissa Ivers boom I read, did not impress me. I just couldn't connect with the characters and I felt the humor was a bit contrived. But Bossy Devil has my favorite trope (secret baby) and I was willing to give her another try - I'm so glad it did, it was fabulous!

This was a pretty emotionally charged story, A lot of which came from a destructive relationship with a deceased parent. The story was well written and paced well. I definitely felt the pull between the two MCs and loved the interaction with the daughter. Other things that ticked my boxes:

💙 no third act break up
💙 secret tattoo
💙 grumpy hero
💙 pierced for her 💦
💙 secret (older) child

Definitely don't regret giving this author another try and look forward to reading her again in the future!

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

DNF 46%

A simple conversation could have cleared up so much for these two 🤣

- office romance
- second chance
- single mom
- secret baby

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family Obligations

Gordon Benson and Riley Adams have a past full of heartbreak. Despite the ne'er-do-well people who enter their story, let's just say that they both have daddy issues, I love how they eventually get the future they were destined to have, even when they fight it so.

I know she’s in this building—she’s been here for hours—down there on the ice, wearing some frilly princess costume I hate, and singing happy songs, which I also hate. Both the singing and the songs, just in case that was a question.
-- Gordon Benson

There's a lot of predictability in this story, but Gordon's gruff possessiveness outshines nearly everything else. I honestly love that about him. He's 100% caveman when it comes to Riley. The scenes in the... private club are 🔥 🥵 and prove his caveman status.

In addition, his reaction to Max is worth any angst that leads up to that moment. All things considered, he does a good job of prioritizing what's important. I can't blame Riley for what transpired, and I appreciate that she was honest about things.

As for the one that matters most in all of it, Max is a force to be reckoned with, so very typical for her age in my experience. Given some curveballs life has thrown her, she's a bit mature for her age in some situations. She's not a spitfire because of her red hair, but it certainly gives her cred. 🤪

This is the first book by Melissa that I've read. It's possible that I would've enjoyed this even more if I'd read the prior books as well as those from any crossover series, but I was able to follow along well enough. I will say that Gordon's support system is highly entertaining! 😂

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are absolutely lovely and great matches for the characters. I really enjoyed listening to Kristie Lee Walsh and Alan Stone.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.7x

H & h = about 30

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very adorable single mom, spicy romance with a twist. Gordon was definitely a grump like we've seen in the previous books, but once we find out exactly *why* he is the way he is, you can't help but feel for him. And when his long lost love literally runs into him, you see the man underneath. He's convinced himself that he's just fine alone (Outside of his sister, his hockey players and friends) and what he has is just what was always meant to be.. until he realizes what he thought never was, and then he's scrambling with the fact that fate gave him a surprise he never dreamed of having.

I really adored Riley and how protective she was of her daughter, and I just really felt for her past, and why she had to let Gordon go in the first place. She's been so alone since she walked away from him, but will this be there second chance? Or are some things just too much to overcome?

I really sped through the first 70ish percent of this book! The re-meet cute, the animosity disguised as foreplay, the emotion, and dominant Gordon checked all my boxes, but it seemed like this book lost its steam once Riley and Gordon finally put all their issues to the side. It's not like the last part isn't well written, but I did find myself skimming to the end. That being said though, Max and Gordon were absolutely adorable! And the group chat with him and his football player friends had me laughing so hard. I definitely can't wait for their books!

I definitely still recommend this book, especially for fans of the series. It's always bittersweet reviewing the last book in a series I've loved so much, and I will definitely be going back to these delicious hockey men over and over again!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Max is the best thing that ever happened to me. But you? Riley, you’re a part of me, you’re the other piece of my soul. You’re the light in all the darkness that surrounds me.”

I loved this book and Gordon & Riley were fire together! Since the beginning itself I could feel the tension between them. They had some unresolved issues but still loved each other the same. Gordon was acting like an asshole but as his POV was explained, I could understand both of them clearly. Neither of them were at fault for what happened but if they would have communicated better, all what happened could've been avoided. But still I loved them together! Their hate chemistry was amazing and I couldn't get enough of it! I really hoped to see more of Max though because I feel like she was sidelined in the last half. Since Gordon was seeing her for the first time after so many years had passed, it would've been good if we got some good and detailed bonding moments between them. That was the only complaint I had with this book, everything else was perfect! Can't wait to read the other books in the series!

[Cassandra Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the names you can pick..Gordon won 🙄

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely binged this one, and I’m not even sorry. I’m so happy to be back in the Nashville Devils world!! Gordon is the most grumpy, and I’ve been so excited to get his story since we saw him in book one, hating on Lincoln. Then after Gordon recognizing Riley at the ice show?! I had to know the history between them. I’m nosy. Gordon & Riley have a world of hurt between the two of them, each thinking the other had rejected them 12 years ago. When Riley gets hired by the Devils, these two can’t avoid each other anymore. Not only that, but the chemistry between these two clearly hasn’t disappeared…they’re fire together. Honorable mention for Gordon being pierced! Gordon & Riley have the sweetest love when they come out on the other side of the pain from the past. And can we talk about how Gordon shows Riley has always been it for him?! I’m not going to spoil anything, but let’s just say I’m a sucker for it. These two are the definition of “it’s always been you.” And Gordon meeting Max for the first time? Getting to know his daughter? Melted my whole dang heart, my lord. I absolutely adore Gordon & Riley, and I’m so happy they found their way back to each other.

[Caitlin ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great end to the series. It’s been a while since I was in the Nashville Devils world and it was nice to be back!

I’m not normally the biggest fan of the second chance trope, but this one was done well. Gordon and Riley had so much chemistry, it was obvious how much they still loved each other even after all those years.  There was so much push and pull between them—they were fire together🔥 They both really are the definition of “it’s always been you”. I also loved the relationship Gordon built with Max, it was so sweet to see.

I don’t know why but I did find myself kinda skim reading the last 20/30%—It’s not that it wasn’t well written, it just wasn’t as interesting to me as the rest of the book. But overall this was a great, fun and spicy read!

[Ayanna S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one too much ! 3.8 stars ✨ single mom
Second chance
Grumpy x sunshine
No third act breakup ✨

[Lu Bielefeld]

DNF 27%

[Tammy - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bossy Devil is an enemies-to-lovers, second chance, secret child, sports romance...and I honestly had my reservations about reading this one. Only because the secret child trope is not among my favorites. Let me just tell you though, this story drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let go.

Gordon and Riley were high school sweethearts until Riley broke Gordon's heart, and then Gordon proved to be nothing like the man that Riley believed him to be. Now, over a decade later, these two come face to face again and Gordon is now Riley's boss. They hate each other for the way that things ended, but at the same time, neither can deny that those old feelings are still buried and attempting to find a way out.

The basis of this story is a lie and a huge miscommunication, and I figured out the twist very early on which made the secret child trope a lot more acceptable to me (again, not my favorite). I actually liked how this storyline played out, and it brought out all the emotions.

This is a slower burn as Gordon and Riley try and try to deny their feelings for each other, but boy, once that fire ignites...it burns hot! (Check out Chapter 19!)

This is the last book in the Nashville Devils series, and as much as I hate for it to end, I look forward to maybe seeing some of these characters in other upcoming books by this author. If you're in your hockey era, this is one book (and one series) that you don't want to miss!

[Jetscarbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over 450 pages for a romance book is way too long.
(Possible spoilers ahead)

There is very little drama in this book. The biggest plot is the secret 11 year old kid.

H and h were college sweethearts. H’s a-hole dad was controlling. h had found out her mom was sick and didn’t have much time left. H and h had planned to be together when he was drafted to the NHL. She broke up with him one week before because she knew he would give up his dream to help her. 🙃 H lost his phone at his dad’s house (dun dun dun)

h found out she was pregnant. She sends H texts. The phone texts back he wants nothing to do with the baby. (Not sure why she thought texting him was the way to go?) Naturally, it wasn’t H texting, it was his dad.

12 years later they are reunited. There’s a few chapters about her ice skating, but it’s useless info because it’s never mentioned again. 🤷‍♀️ Then there is useless stuff about her job going bankrupt. (It’s mostly info that could have been summed up in a paragraph instead of a whole chapter)
Then there’s a whole chapter where H is playing poker with the boys.

Basically, h ends up as H’s PA. They go back and forth for a few chapters. H acts all caveman and they end up at a smex club (I rolled my eyes so hard) There’s some finger action. 😩
She still never brings up the 11 years later old kid they have.

(Neither MCs have been celibate during their years apart. H was part of the smex club, and h’s POV mentions one not-good-at-smex guy she was with before)

At around 50%, the kid has a seizure. H finds out about h having a kid at this point. He thinks it’s somebody else’s kid. 🤨 (sigh! Another guy who doesn’t know how to do timelines)
Thankfully, he is enlightened quickly and they have an actual conversation where they figure everything out.

It’s all love and HEA with the MCs after that.

They also go back to the smex club again. I’m not sure why because all he did was insert a plug and they had very basic vanilla smex. 🤷‍♀️ I was laughing, though.

The rest of the book deals with the kid meeting everybody else. There’s also a little drama about the hockey team that’s OTT to me (they have to make it to the playoffs or the team will be bought by some scummy guy) but there was never any doubt the team wouldn’t make it.

The epilogue was a few months later and the MCs were already engaged.

I thought the book was dull and too long

[Tampatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book right from the get go! Melissa's writing just sucks you into the story from the first few words and I was not letting go until I finished this book. I loved Gordon (a former hockey player and owner of the Nashville Devils) and Riley (a former figure skater) - their second chance at love. They don't just jump right into that second chance, there is a lot of angst, snark, push and pull before they get there....my favorite parts in a book!

Once high school sweethearts and deeply in love, these two parted ways not on the best terms for either, each for different reasons though. Meeting again after 12 years when Riley ends up being hired as Gordon's assistant, these two are just snarky at each other which I absolutely loved. There is a lot of hurt and resentment between them from their past and neither wants to be in the same room with the other let alone work together however, they are forced to accept that this is the way things are going to be. There is a lot of enemies to lovers vibes in this (my favorite trope) even though they were once sweethearts...time and a big lie that changed their lives forever, definitely did a number on them! It was so entertaining to read their banter and watch their relationship change as I got further into the book.

Despite all that happened in the past, these two cannot deny that the fire between them still burns and now that they are adults, it burns hotter than ever! As much as they don't want to have anything to do with each other, they absolutely cannot help themselves...every thing that they had when they were younger is still there and much, much more intense. The sexy scenes between these two ignite HAWT. And OMG! ONYX! wow..just holy crap!

This book was fantastic! I loved the layers of these characters and how their dynamic changed...I loved their stories both apart and together. Gordon was so grumpy but as soon as Riley hits the scene he changes and becomes more alpha, sweet, possessive, loving and definitely book boyfriend material. His heart has always belonged to Riley and now that they are forced to be together, that cold wall around it starts to thaw from the fire between them and remembers how much it beat for her.

Riley is strong, sassy and of course, ever protective of her daughter Max, (who by the way is just so great in this book. She is driven and funny and so full of love) and knows she absolutely hates Gordon...until she doesn't. She has this slow burn for Gordon as he is integrating himself back into her life and she's so torn between the hurt from the past and the growing need for this new, more intense man who once held her heart.

These two can only hold out for so long and when a past lie comes to light to change their lives forever and Gordon finds out that Max is his daughter....game over. I loved Gordon and Max's relationship and watching him react to becoming an instant father when he never thought that was going to be in his future was just so swoony! GO DADDY GORDON!

I am a big fan of fun, supporting characters and this one is chalk full of them. The friends and family that these two have are hilarious and they just help make this story so much more enjoyable. I absolutely loved the texting between Gordon and his friends...they made me crack up so hard.

I'm coming in at the end of this series, as this is the first book of Melissa's that I have read, but you can rest assured I'm going back to read the whole series from the beginning. I highly recommend this book and (and if this is any indication) this series to anyone who wants a great sports romance to read. You won't be disappointed!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bossy Devil is the 5th and final book in the Nashville Devils series. It's a second chance, single mom with a secret child trope. This book is well written with wonderful characters, enough angst and drama to make it interesting, steamy with a pierced MMC and a satisfying HEA.


Gordon and Riley were high school sweethearts and each thought the other just walked away 12 years ago. Gordon has never stopped loving her and has a little reminder of her on his body but his personality changed because of the breakup. He's now a grump with a dark dominant side to him.

Riley couldn't get over that he just walked away from her and his child. She thought she would never see him again. But the Nashville Devils have offered her a job and Gordon is now the team's owner. She can do her job and keep her personal life private so, she thought.

Until a couple of the hockey players take her to a club then Gordon puts out vibes of touch her and die. It's apparent they are still attracted to each other and their chemistry is on fire with one touch and his dirty talk.

Brakes are about to be pressed when Riley gets a call to get to the hospital and Gordon finds out she has a daughter and he's floored to find out he's the father.

Now the truth is out and Gordon's deceased father is at fault. Nothing will keep him from his family and he will stop at nothing to have them both in his life, he will not take NO for an answer and Riley is just fine taking certain orders from the Bossy Devil.

[Jamie Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Nashville Devil Series and they can all be read as standalones. I adore this series so much. They are quick, fun, easy reads and never disappoint.

This one follows Gordon and Riley. Gordon is the grumpy owner of the Devils. Riley is a single mom. They definitely have some history but they have not seen each other for 12 years. Due to some of circumstances, Riley ends up having to work for Gordon and the Devils. And let’s just say that fire they had for each other all those years ago…never really went away.

AH! This book!! I had so much fun reading it. Everyone knows I love a grumpy MMC, they are literally my fave, and Gordon was the grumpiest. But Gordon was also a secret softy and honestly those are the best kind of MMCs. I mean the sex club scene…the tattoo…meeting Max…ugh I melted into a puddle. He is by far my favorite Devil now, I just loved how much he changed throughout the story.
I could definitely feel the chemistry and the pull Gordon and Riley had for each other. This definitely has a slower burn to it but man…once it starts it was hot!!
And I can’t forget to bring up Max. Max was such a spitfire and I loved her sass and he love of hockey. Riley and Gordon’s interactions with Max were done so well…I loved it so much.

This was such a good end to the series. I am sad to see it end but love how Melissa added in some teasers on what is to come next.

Overall: 4
Spice: 2

Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Hate to Love
Second Chance
Single Mom
Secret Baby
Forced Proximity
Workplace
It’s Always Been You.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Nashville Devils series, and can be read as a standalone. This is a cute story. I really enjoyed the premise and the easy friendship among characters. I don’t typically wish stories were *longer,* but I could have benefited from a bit more with this one. I would have loved to see the characters fall in love with each other more; not just Gordon and Riley, but Gordon and Max and Riley and Jazz.

The MMC and FMC were established as such believable enemies throughout the first part of the book that the instant lovers afterward was made less believable. I needed a slow burn and some heavy character development.

HowEVER. That being said, the banter was bantering and the smut was smutting, mkay. The characters were likable, and I’m interested in reading more from Melissa!

Thank you for this ARC!

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Melissa’s books- this was perfectly written!

I’ve been a huge fan of this series from book one and all throughout Jazz and Gordon have been my favorites, so I was beyond ecstatic when I saw that Gordon was getting his own story… and boy did it deliver 💯

Gordon and Riley were high school Sweet hearts and when they split it was really hard on both of them for completely different reasons. Gordon was off to make it big time playing Hockey 🥅 🏒 and Riley had other things she needed to tend to.

Fast forward 12 years later when these ex’a have an unexpected run in and then Riley ends up in a forced proximity workplace situation with Gordon… this is where it starts to get tricky, complicated and swoon worthy all together.

Fantastic characters, loved Max so much! The banter was great, the angst & everything about it was chefs kiss.

💋

[Danni-Elle Maddison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bossy Devil follows the story of Riley (ex figure skater) and Gordon (ex hockey player) . The two dated in high school and meet again 12 years later. The two both hold grudges from the past and the hurt they caused each other. They reconnect due to personal circumstances. 


The main characters in this book were well written and the character development was very noticeable. Gordon going from a Grump to big happy marshmallow was just mwah 😘 The side characters were also hilarious and kept the book interesting. Spice level wise it was light but the story stood in its own without relying on spicy scenes. 


I would have really loved to see the two main characters have a bit more one on one time together instead of someone always being present. Asides from that I smashed through this book so fast and it was an enjoyable read.

[thenerdybookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bossy Devil is a second chance, single mother romance.

Gordon and Riley have history. Twelve years ago things went south, each thinking the other rejected them.

Now, a second chance looms overhead, as Riley takes a job with the Devils and they’re forced to face each other.

As the hurt and secrets from the past resurface, can these two overcome the feelings of the past?

The chemistry between these two is electric. I loved seeing Gordon show Riley, how she’s always been the one for him. Not to mention how heart melting it was to see Gordon interact with his daughter. Overall, a great read and ending to this series.

[Bookishandbrewsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what it is about Melissa’s writing but I devour every word.

Bossy devil is a second chance romance about Gordon and Riley. After a rough break up when they were 18 they went their separate ways but never really moved on.

After an unfortunate turn of events Riley ends up having to work for Gordon’s hockey team. And well once Gordon sees Riley he just can’t seem to get her off of his mind. Even if he does hate her. Or does he?

This book is spicy, sweet and delicious. Definitely recommend.

[KayTheBookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how easy and quickly I can read these hockey books by Melissa Ivers.

If I am being really honest, though, I wanted to throat punch Gordon a bit at first! I was happy when he pulled his head out and owned his stuff!

This book was great, but a few minor parts felt a little rushed.

Overall, I still enjoyed it. (Foster is still my favorite, though)

Overall ☆☆☆☆/5
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 /5

[Rebecca S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I was so excited to read Gordon's book and it was absolutely amazing! I loved the emotion that it pulled out and how it made me feel for them! This was the last book in the series and I loved seeing the players still interacting and the witty banter between them. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Cokiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bossy Devil

Second chance romance with some boss/secretary, secret kid, and forced proximity. Also, maybe some grumpy/Sunshine mixed in?

It's enjoyable. Gordon was just so frustrating sometimes but in a good way. And it's pretty spicy, too.

[Madison Glynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These last two books in this series have for sure been my favourite! Such a classic case of miscommunication and so sad that Gordon and Riley and Max could’ve been together the whole time but everything happens for a reason. What a huge dick Gordon’s dad was I can’t believe he knew and lied about everything. Also what is it with Foster and now Gordon with the piercings?!

[Monique Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piercings

[Laura Plamondon-Dufour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my my… so hot 🥵 I really enjoyed the book, the whole series to be honest. I have to say, I’m usually not a big fan of the « second chance » trope. But i have to say WELL DONE Melissa!!! I laughed, I cried, I had to practice my poker face (🍆🍑😏) if you know what I mean. Gordon met all my expectations and beyond. It took me a day to go through the book. I just loved it.

** it was the first time I received an ARC copy

[Courtney | romancereadswithcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC review ✨
Bossy Devil by Melissa Ivers

⭐️4.5 🌶️2.75

This is book 5 in the series and it follows Gordon & Riley.

Gordon is the grumpy, broody owner of the Nashville devils hockey team. He’s only loved one woman in his life, and she’s definitely the one that got away.

Riley is a single mom to an 11 year old hockey obsessed girl, named Maxine. She’s been harboring the secret that Gordon is her dad, because she was afraid of her getting hurt like she did.

They haven’t spoken or seen each other in 12 years… until she starts working on his team. Tension runs HIGH and feelings are everywhere until one night in the voyeur hall of a s3x club. 🤭

This book has so much to enjoy. The push and pull of enemies who clearly still love, swoony-ness over how he interacts with Max. Steam from all the spice!!! My jaw was hanging open a few times! 😮‍💨

PS he calls her firefly and I’m obsessed with that. 🥹 I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this is definitely it!!!

Tropes: second chance • single mom • secret baby • secret tattoos • “it’s always been you” • s3x club • fancy peen • forced proximity • workplace

Thank you Melissa for letting me ARC read! 🧡

[C.L. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and honestly didn’t think anyone could make me hot and bothered the way Foster Craig did, but I was seriously mistaken. Gordon Benson is officially my new king.

Gordon and Riley were high school sweethearts. He was supposed to be off to the NHL with her as his girl, but when she found out she was pregnant, he made it clear that he didn’t want that for his future. At least that’s what she thought…

Fast forward twelve years. Gordon’s hockey career was ended abruptly when he was injured and he is now the owner of the Nashville Devils. When his ex shows up as his new administrative assistant, they both struggle to stay cordial. She’s trying to make money to care for her younger sister and the daughter Gordon doesn’t know is his. Their old flame that never really died sparks back to life. But is their relationship broken beyond repair? And will they be able to get to the bottom of all the secrets and lies that they never even meant to have hanging between them?

This book is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. First of all, Gordon isn’t just a daddy. He’s also a DADDY. Like, *heavy breathing*. And the emotions I felt from the beginning of this book to the very end? It’s everything I hope for when I pick up a second-chance romance.

Melissa knocked it out of the park with this one and I’m so sad that the series is ending. Bossy Devil is out now. Run, don’t walk!!

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️. 25 stars. I love how this story literally started with this man trying not to think about her because they were in the same place, same building for the first time in 12 years. And that’s the most heartbreaking part of the story, how long they were separated for. They spent over a decade pining over each other and living a lie 😢. But the good thing is that this story had a fast pace. Not only that, their chemistry and love for each other snapped back into place the second they were in the same room together, it just took them a little while to stop pulling away from each other, and for everyone to find out the truth. But once the truth was out, it was like all their broken pieces started to come back together and like no time had passed between them. It was so cute to know that they were each others first love, first time, and last love. I loved Gordon and Max’s relationship especially on the day they met since Max had asked Gordon to skate with them but he hadn’t skated since his injury so she offered to hold his hand 😢. In the end, I’m glad they got their happy ending. Like it’s beyond messed up they were separated for 12 years (you’ll found out why), but I’m happy they were able to pick up where they left off.

Favorite quotes/scenes:

Jazz: I bet you’d let Riley check your seatbelt.
Dean: Among other things.
Jazz: He might be a whole lot more pleasant if he had his ‘seatbelt checked’.
Dean: He might even smile.
Jazz: I don’t know if I’d go that far. It’s a bit of a stretch.
Dean: Depends on how long it's been. He might skip up and down the hall outside the office.
Gordon: I don’t skip, and I’ll smile if it gets the two of you to shut the fuck up. My sex life is none of your business—either of you. Some of us are actually trying to work.
Jazz: Dad scolded us. How rude.
Dean: I feel no shame.
Gordon: I hate the both of you.

“I don’t give a flying fuck if I don’t deserve her, if I’m still nursing the hurt from our past. I don’t fucking care. I need to see her. Touch her. I need to feel her against me, and more than anything, I need her to know she’s mine.”

“You’re the only woman who’s ever meant something to me. The only one I’ve ever loved. When I told you I never wanted kids, it was because if they weren’t yours, I couldn’t even imagine them existing.”

“Riley is kissing me. It’s like a homecoming, like a reawakening, like a cataclysmic event where the past and the present collide and create the perfect moment. My entire body sparks to life, and fuck, I didn’t realize how absolutely fucking numb I’ve been to everything around me.”

“Are you going to skate with us? If you’re nervous, you can hold my hand for a few laps.” (Max)
“I’d like that.” (Gordon)

“I want Riley because I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind—or out of my heart—for twelve damn years. She’s the first person I think of with every high, every low. She’s who I dream about at night. She’s the reason I’ve had a bleeding hole in my heart for over a decade. I’ll never be able to find anyone else, because Riley has always been it for me. I fell in love with her in English class our sophomore year when she gave an impressive analysis of The Great Gatsby, and I’ve never fallen out.”

“Is that…?” I point a shaky finger at his chest, at the black and gray tattoo directly over his heart.
“A firefly.”
“When… when did you get that?”
“Right after I won the Stanley Cup. Well, the first time.”

“I never stopped loving you, Riley, never stopped thinking about you. You were there for all my highs, all my lows. You were my last thought before I went to sleep every night, and my first when I woke up.”

“I’ve loved you for fourteen years, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”
“But, Max?”
“Max is the best thing that ever happened to me. But you? Riley, you’re a part of me, you’re the other piece of my soul. You’re the light in all the darkness that surrounds me. You own me, and you always will. The other night with you was like a reawakening. It cemented how much we belong together.”

“I’m not just her first love, I’ll be her last. Her only.”

“I know what I was missing all those years… love, support. And Riley and Max. Now I have my girls, my team, and my fucking freedom. That’s my legacy.”

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grump and his Firefly

✅ Second Chance Romance
✅ Grumpy Hero
✅ Single Mum
✅Hockey Romance

It was so good to be back in Nashville with the Devils. BOSSY DEVIL is book #5 in the Nashville Devils series. It is a second chance, grumpy hero, single mum romance that also has the inclusion of a secret child (not mum's doing).

Gordon Benson, along with his sister, is the owner of The Nashville Devils NHL team and he's on a deadline to get into the playoffs. We've met Gordon before, and from previous experience he has always appeared to be an extremely grumpy man, now we find out why. At eighteen his heart was shattered, and since then he had always believed he was destined to be alone. Suddenly his world is turned upside down. Riley Adams is a hardworking single mum trying to do her best for her daughter and her younger sister. The last few years have been a struggle, but she's been offered an opportunity that is too good to turn down. The only problem ... her new boss is the man whose heart she broke and who broke hers.

Gordon and Riley's story is heartbreaking, glimpses of their past show just how much they once loved each other. Now their relationship is tumultuous, emotions are thrown into chaos and forgiveness is hard to find. From the moment Gordon sees Riley his possessive nature emerges, it's obvious he still feels something for her, yet he is unwilling to admit it to himself. Riley was no push over though, she stood up to him and I loved that. Even though they were both still hurting from the past, the draw to each other was strong and neither could deny it. The chemistry and heat between them were undeniable, would they be enough to wipe away the past?

When Gordon finally learns about Max, Riley's daughter, his heart is shattered, thinking of everything he lost when he lost Riley. When the truth is revealed, and the maliciousness of how Max was kept a secret, Gordon's reaction is both heartwarming and devastating. (I only wish Gordon's father was still alive.) I loved every minute of watching "Daddy Gordon" in action, he had so much love to share, love he didn't realise he still had. It was wonderful witnessing the way he became more open, the lighthearted Gordon had returned.

If there is one thing I love about Melissa Ivers' books, it is the friendship and the camaraderie that exists between her characters. The group chats between Gordon and his players were hilarious, these men were so much more than 'The Owner' and 'The Players', they had become a found family. I fell for Max, she was cheeky, straight forward, and her love of all things hockey was amusing. Harper, Riley's sister, was a blast, that woman had an answer for everything.

Sadly BOSSY DEVIL is the last book in this series, however Melissa has let her readers know that these characters won't disappear ... thank goodness. This was another thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE SECOND CHANCE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨