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Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey #1
Beauty and the Bruiser
Nanny for a professional hockey player? Please. More like beauty for the beast.
The job is straightforward. Single dad Duke York needs a caretaker for his seven-year-old daughter during the hockey season, bonus if that person can help her with her school work. His team is rebuilding, and he plans to retire at the end of the year. This is his last chance to make a run at the cup. Right now, I have the time and the education to do this work.
Except there should be a disclaimer in the job description about Duke. He’s hot as sin, and the grizzled hockey veteran takes brooding to the next level. I need the cash, though, and the job offers housing as part of its compensation. Since I have nowhere to live—again—it’s the perfect situation. But I didn’t expect to find such a fascinating man under Duke’s gruff exterior, and the more I get to know the father and daughter duo, the more I risk losing my heart to them both.
My real life has never included any fairy-tale endings. But maybe this temporary job could be the beginning of all of our happily ever afters…
BEAUTY AND THE BRUISER is a full-length, sexy hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like Beauty and the Beast vibes, a grumpy cinnamon roll single dad hero, and slow burn chemistry, you should try this first book in the Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey series!
The job is straightforward. Single dad Duke York needs a caretaker for his seven-year-old daughter during the hockey season, bonus if that person can help her with her school work. His team is rebuilding, and he plans to retire at the end of the year. This is his last chance to make a run at the cup. Right now, I have the time and the education to do this work.
Except there should be a disclaimer in the job description about Duke. He’s hot as sin, and the grizzled hockey veteran takes brooding to the next level. I need the cash, though, and the job offers housing as part of its compensation. Since I have nowhere to live—again—it’s the perfect situation. But I didn’t expect to find such a fascinating man under Duke’s gruff exterior, and the more I get to know the father and daughter duo, the more I risk losing my heart to them both.
My real life has never included any fairy-tale endings. But maybe this temporary job could be the beginning of all of our happily ever afters…
BEAUTY AND THE BRUISER is a full-length, sexy hockey romance with a happily ever after. If you like Beauty and the Beast vibes, a grumpy cinnamon roll single dad hero, and slow burn chemistry, you should try this first book in the Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey series!
248 pages, ebook
Published April 27, 2023
362 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Josie Blake
11 books204 followersJosie Blake writes feel-good contemporary romance with heat and emotion. Originally from a small town in western Pennsylvania, she now battles traffic in southern New Jersey where she lives with her hero husband and their happily-ever-after: two very energetic sons. When she isn't writing, she can be found next to a hockey rink or swimming pool, cooking up something sweet, or hiding from encroaching dust bunnies with a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 26, 2023
If you want me to read a book just tell me there’s hockey and a single dad. This book was so cute, I read it in a day I couldn’t put it down. Duke is absolutely swoon worthy. Talk about opposites attract, Duke and June as different as they are fit together perfectly like puzzle pieces. I love their dynamic and how much they love Tabby. Tabby is such a spitfire too. I love June and Tabby’s relationship it brings things full circle for June which I think is really special.
August 13, 2023
- I'll give this book 3,5/5 Stars
- Positive Things:
> It was nice. But it was just that. Nothing more or nothing less. It wasn't life changing. But it was nice.
> I liked June.
> I liked Emmet and was really disappointed to him being called Duke the hole book :(
But other than that (😂) he was a good male main character. He's charismatic, attractive, fit, calming and warm (like a cozy blanked on a cold fall day). He had dimensions and was interesting enough.
- I liked Lily. I loves her when June described how much she ment to her. I almost teared up. Seeing how someone can be so loving and caring of someone else was just heartwarming!
- Negative Things:
> The story was overall pretty... boring in a way. Like it felt kind of lazy written. (Not in a bad way necessarily). But more like: They have a problem and 2 pages later there's a perfect solution. And after a while it felt... lame. A few examples:
1. She doesn't have a job. She gets hired as the nanny
2. She doesn't have a place to stay. Oh here's a job wich includes free housing.
3. He doesn't cook, here's a nanny with perfect cooking skills.
4. He's an ass. And the next day they make up and everythings good.
5. Tabby's shy and has problems. June's there and helps her and everything's great.
6. Her mother needs a new kidney and she's the perfect match
.... do I need to go on?
> Even though I liked Jane as the female main character she felt sometimes just one dimensional. She didn't seem like a really thought through character. Like her Backstory was just explained and she doesn't have any real emotional connection to it. At least it didn't feel like it to me.
> The ending was in a way horrible. It was a happy end and all that.
But it felt sooooo rushed. Like the author was super tired and wrote the ending in a few minutes and was just: bahhhh, don't know what else to write: "Happy end with marriage and forster care placement in 1 page." Wrap up.
- I would have love for more of the side characters. More interactions, more everything.
- Positive Things:
> It was nice. But it was just that. Nothing more or nothing less. It wasn't life changing. But it was nice.
> I liked June.
> I liked Emmet and was really disappointed to him being called Duke the hole book :(
But other than that (😂) he was a good male main character. He's charismatic, attractive, fit, calming and warm (like a cozy blanked on a cold fall day). He had dimensions and was interesting enough.
- I liked Lily. I loves her when June described how much she ment to her. I almost teared up. Seeing how someone can be so loving and caring of someone else was just heartwarming!
- Negative Things:
> The story was overall pretty... boring in a way. Like it felt kind of lazy written. (Not in a bad way necessarily). But more like: They have a problem and 2 pages later there's a perfect solution. And after a while it felt... lame. A few examples:
1. She doesn't have a job. She gets hired as the nanny
2. She doesn't have a place to stay. Oh here's a job wich includes free housing.
3. He doesn't cook, here's a nanny with perfect cooking skills.
4. He's an ass. And the next day they make up and everythings good.
5. Tabby's shy and has problems. June's there and helps her and everything's great.
6. Her mother needs a new kidney and she's the perfect match
.... do I need to go on?
> Even though I liked Jane as the female main character she felt sometimes just one dimensional. She didn't seem like a really thought through character. Like her Backstory was just explained and she doesn't have any real emotional connection to it. At least it didn't feel like it to me.
> The ending was in a way horrible. It was a happy end and all that.
But it felt sooooo rushed. Like the author was super tired and wrote the ending in a few minutes and was just: bahhhh, don't know what else to write: "Happy end with marriage and forster care placement in 1 page." Wrap up.
- I would have love for more of the side characters. More interactions, more everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶
HEA
❗️Small Spoilers & Safety Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Child Abandonment (Mentioned) Foster Child (mentioned, FMC) Death of a loved one/Parent (off page) Sick loved one (on-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD/OMD
📌 No Third Act breakup (Technically, MCs aren't together during their falling out)
📌 Seperation: MCs have a disagreement/ fall out at about 85% of the way in the book. The FMC pushes the MMC away, and they 'separate' for a few weeks. There are no other partners during the break.
📌Side Note: I didn't have a connection with this book & the only reason I finished it was because it was short.
Spice Rating: 🌶
HEA
❗️Small Spoilers & Safety Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Child Abandonment (Mentioned) Foster Child (mentioned, FMC) Death of a loved one/Parent (off page) Sick loved one (on-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD/OMD
📌 No Third Act breakup (Technically, MCs aren't together during their falling out)
📌 Seperation: MCs have a disagreement/ fall out at about 85% of the way in the book. The FMC pushes the MMC away, and they 'separate' for a few weeks. There are no other partners during the break.
📌Side Note: I didn't have a connection with this book & the only reason I finished it was because it was short.
May 27, 2023
Grumpy sunshine for the win!
This sweet story has allllll the tropes and I love it!! Single dad. Sports romance. Grumpy sunshine. Forbidden love/forced proximity. The more the merrier and they don't feel forced, which is the icing on the cake for me.
This sweet story is slow burn read with an HEA. June is a certified teacher looking for a temporary position that will enable her to help her foster mother through some medical issues A little tight on funds and without a permanent home, she commits to a position as a live in nanny for a professional hockey player.
Duke (of York!! lol!) is a widower/single dad to Tabby, a 7 year old girl. Duke has a lot of pressure on him as the captain of the team, especially after some scandals that hit the team hard the prior season. As he heads into the season, Duke realizes he needs help caring for his daughter while his former MIL is stuck in Switzerland with a broken leg.
June is sweet, kind, and ready to step in and help those in need. When she starts caring for Tabby, she begins to realize how much caring the young girl needs. Duke realizes pretty quickly that he needs to put distance between himself and the nanny to avoid any potential scandals this season. His mode is putting distance, which also makes him the grumpy to June's sunshine.
As we see more dimension to the relationship, we get more and more details about both June and Duke's past that cause a little tension. A little heartbreak and a little healing bring a quick ending to this cute story. I wish this story has a little more to the ending, but I think that is just a part of the slow burn style. Lots of build-up for a quick ending, leaving me wanting a little bit more.
I know this is book one in the series, so I will just hope for some highlights of this couple to pop up in the following books. 4 star read for me!
This sweet story has allllll the tropes and I love it!! Single dad. Sports romance. Grumpy sunshine. Forbidden love/forced proximity. The more the merrier and they don't feel forced, which is the icing on the cake for me.
This sweet story is slow burn read with an HEA. June is a certified teacher looking for a temporary position that will enable her to help her foster mother through some medical issues A little tight on funds and without a permanent home, she commits to a position as a live in nanny for a professional hockey player.
Duke (of York!! lol!) is a widower/single dad to Tabby, a 7 year old girl. Duke has a lot of pressure on him as the captain of the team, especially after some scandals that hit the team hard the prior season. As he heads into the season, Duke realizes he needs help caring for his daughter while his former MIL is stuck in Switzerland with a broken leg.
June is sweet, kind, and ready to step in and help those in need. When she starts caring for Tabby, she begins to realize how much caring the young girl needs. Duke realizes pretty quickly that he needs to put distance between himself and the nanny to avoid any potential scandals this season. His mode is putting distance, which also makes him the grumpy to June's sunshine.
As we see more dimension to the relationship, we get more and more details about both June and Duke's past that cause a little tension. A little heartbreak and a little healing bring a quick ending to this cute story. I wish this story has a little more to the ending, but I think that is just a part of the slow burn style. Lots of build-up for a quick ending, leaving me wanting a little bit more.
I know this is book one in the series, so I will just hope for some highlights of this couple to pop up in the following books. 4 star read for me!
June 6, 2023
i get the mmc has trauma but the fmc is still a person and has a right to her own life
June 20, 2023
2.5⭐️
December 3, 2023
Loved this book. I'm a teacher, and I loved how Josie wrote about learning struggles.
May 30, 2024
Good story for 75% of the book. Three stars because the last 25% felt lazy and fell flat for me.
May 23, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful story about a single dad finding love with his nanny. It's really a different story in that Duke and June form a family as she helps his daughter out. By the time they get together she works it out, so she isn't the nanny anymore. So they really fall for each other and get to know each other while she works for him.
Tabby is Duke's daughter and she is seven. She lost her mother when she was an infant. Duke is 29 and a hockey player in his last year and raising his seven year old daughter, Tabby as a single, widowed dad. He needs a nanny and June who is 24, has graduated college and needs a job, so he hires her as his daughter's nanny during the hockey season.
June is a really different character. She is very sunshiney compared to Duke who is more on the grumpier side unless he is hanging out with his daughter. Tabby. Tabby is a shy kid that is struggling in school until June enters her life. I loved how much better June makes Tabby's life.
June is a foster kid and she loves the woman that ended up raising her, Lily. But Lily is very sick and has kidney disease. This is a side plot in the story and it brings up issues with Duke because he lost the woman he loved. This part of the story was so well written that it brought tears to my eyes.
This is a wonderful story about a single dad finding love with his nanny. It's really a different story in that Duke and June form a family as she helps his daughter out. By the time they get together she works it out, so she isn't the nanny anymore. So they really fall for each other and get to know each other while she works for him.
Tabby is Duke's daughter and she is seven. She lost her mother when she was an infant. Duke is 29 and a hockey player in his last year and raising his seven year old daughter, Tabby as a single, widowed dad. He needs a nanny and June who is 24, has graduated college and needs a job, so he hires her as his daughter's nanny during the hockey season.
June is a really different character. She is very sunshiney compared to Duke who is more on the grumpier side unless he is hanging out with his daughter. Tabby. Tabby is a shy kid that is struggling in school until June enters her life. I loved how much better June makes Tabby's life.
June is a foster kid and she loves the woman that ended up raising her, Lily. But Lily is very sick and has kidney disease. This is a side plot in the story and it brings up issues with Duke because he lost the woman he loved. This part of the story was so well written that it brought tears to my eyes.
May 24, 2023
This is such a sweet story. It is slow burn but hard to put down(stayed up until 4 am reading). June and Duke both try to fight their attraction to each other due to Duke being her boss. I absolutely loved seeing Duke with his daughter Tabby and how much he is willing to do to make sure she is happy and loved. Which is when we meet June. She takes the job as a live-in nanny to help care for Tabby while Duke is busy with his hockey season. June is so sweet and kind. She will do anything to help those in need, including her foster mom, who is sick and needs extra money to pay for medical bills. Duke and June began by trying to be friends and work together for Tabby, which they definitely aren't at the beginning despite June's best efforts. Duke is the grumpy to her sunshine. I really enjoyed that their relationship didn't feel forced. Duke beings to open up to June, and things just seem to fall naturally into place even though they both know that a relationship definitely shouldn't happen. Both Duke and June have things in their past that also play a part in their relationship. Hearing their past will definitely bring out some emotions. But this is such a cute, heartwarming love story between a single dad and nanny. I hope that we get more in this Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey world.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2023
This is the 1st book in the Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey series featuring the slow-burn single dad grumpy/sunshine forced proximity forbidden love sports romance between Duke and June. Duke is the captain of his hockey team which is looking to go to the Stanley Cup which is very demanding for a widowed single dad. His daughter Tabby is 7yrs old and she's troubled and his mother-in-law usually watches her while he's busy with hockey but when she breaks her leg it throws a wrench into his childcare routine. Duke decides that a live-in nanny would be more suitable for his situation going forward. June has only just recently graduated with her degree in education when she goes for the job with Duke and she decides to take the job while he's busy with hockey. June is so sweet and kind and they both have to fight their attraction to each other it's not easy though when she's cooking dinner for him,caring for his daughter, she cares how his day went. How is he not supposed to fall in love with her? You really need to read this slow-burn single dad grumpy/sunshine forced proximity forbidden love sports romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2024
Sports romance. Single dad. Nanny. This was a mediocre book. Like the story was ok but it wasn't anything special. I liked June. She was adorable. She was so strong, independent, and she was just overall amazing. She had a background in education, special education to be precise, which was very helpful when it came to be Tabby. I wish we saw a bit of that more. How Tabby had to work on her writing disability. June was also great at cooking, connecting with people and she was extremely selfless to donate one of her kidneys to her foster mom. I liked her. Duke was ok. He was a bit of an ass at the beginning but he became tolerable. Tbh there wasn't anything explosive between the two. They were just meh. The smut was also lacking. I feel like I have a standard on what the average is. Some books are above it but this one was below average. It was giving YA a little bit. But yeah there wasn't anything too special. I also feel like the ending was very disappointing. They got engaged so quick??? I feel like it didn't give us much to work with.
Overall, the book was okay. It wasn't anything special. The plot had potential but it just wasn't executed well. It felt a bit messy and just wasn't it.
Overall, the book was okay. It wasn't anything special. The plot had potential but it just wasn't executed well. It felt a bit messy and just wasn't it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2023
great start to a new series.
Oh this book pulled my emotional heart strings. Duke is a single dad who lost his wife just a couple months after the birth of their daughter.
8 years later, and he is handling parenthood the best that he can along side his mother in law. Unfortunately his MIL was in a skiing accident which means he needs assistance while she recovers.
June hasn’t had an easily life after her mother gave her up and she was put into the foster system. Luckily she was fostered by a woman that later on became her only mother figure.
These two are the definition of grumpy Vs sunshine. Duke has a chip on his shoulder and he is a little obsessive with his daughter, Tabby’s, schedule. He doesn’t know how to take to June’s kindness and to be honest it makes him a little uncomfortable.
Watching these two tip toe around each others personality was so great. While it was on the slow burn side, the story line and banter kept you so engaged.
I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team.
Oh this book pulled my emotional heart strings. Duke is a single dad who lost his wife just a couple months after the birth of their daughter.
8 years later, and he is handling parenthood the best that he can along side his mother in law. Unfortunately his MIL was in a skiing accident which means he needs assistance while she recovers.
June hasn’t had an easily life after her mother gave her up and she was put into the foster system. Luckily she was fostered by a woman that later on became her only mother figure.
These two are the definition of grumpy Vs sunshine. Duke has a chip on his shoulder and he is a little obsessive with his daughter, Tabby’s, schedule. He doesn’t know how to take to June’s kindness and to be honest it makes him a little uncomfortable.
Watching these two tip toe around each others personality was so great. While it was on the slow burn side, the story line and banter kept you so engaged.
I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team.
June 1, 2023
June, a former foster child, takes a position as a nanny for the daughter of widowed professional hockey player, Duke. They both find themselves attracted to each other, and over some time, those feelings become more. There are, of course, bumps in the road for them. I found both June and Duke to be interesting characters and I liked them. The story held many moments of chemistry as the couple felt more and more for each other. The hockey and team were background players without much stage time, which was okay with me…I’m here for the romance after all. The book took a glancing look at learning disabilities, and a bit more substantial of a look at the lingering affects of a disruptive childhood and growing up in foster care. It wasn’t by any means a deep dive, but I thought it was pretty well done. Overall, I liked the story. This is an open-door romance with a few fairly detailed scenes and harsh language throughout, mainly concentrated in chapters from Duke’s POV.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2023
Title: Beauty and the Bruiser
Author: Josie Blake
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance, Sports (Hockey), Single Dad, Nanny, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 1 of Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey
POV: June, Duke
Steam Level: Slow Burn to Steamy
4/5
Beauty and the Bruiser is the first book I've read by Josie Blake. June and Duke come from two totally different worlds and butt heads from the start. Duke is looking for a live-in nanny to help with his daughter during the hockey season. June knows nothing about hockey but accepts the position for the flexibility to allow her to help her foster mom. Being a former foster kid, June really doesn't like that Duke doesn't want to be friends. She needs people to like her. But June is also smart, independent and doesn't ask for help very well. While this book could have gone in a different direction of making June closed-off and living in the past it doesn't, which I liked a lot. I like how June and Duke found their stride living together and focusing on his daughter. I enjoyed the route that this story took, not too dramatic but emotional. I found myself smiling throughout and rotting for June and Duke.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review..
Author: Josie Blake
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance, Sports (Hockey), Single Dad, Nanny, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 1 of Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey
POV: June, Duke
Steam Level: Slow Burn to Steamy
4/5
Beauty and the Bruiser is the first book I've read by Josie Blake. June and Duke come from two totally different worlds and butt heads from the start. Duke is looking for a live-in nanny to help with his daughter during the hockey season. June knows nothing about hockey but accepts the position for the flexibility to allow her to help her foster mom. Being a former foster kid, June really doesn't like that Duke doesn't want to be friends. She needs people to like her. But June is also smart, independent and doesn't ask for help very well. While this book could have gone in a different direction of making June closed-off and living in the past it doesn't, which I liked a lot. I like how June and Duke found their stride living together and focusing on his daughter. I enjoyed the route that this story took, not too dramatic but emotional. I found myself smiling throughout and rotting for June and Duke.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review..
May 24, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Josie Blake but it certainly won’t be the last because I loved everything about NHL single dad Duke York and the nanny June Harlow’s journey. If single dads are your jam or if you love hockey romances look no further than Beauty and the Bruiser. This is book one in the Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey Series and if this book is anything to go by I’m sure Ms Blake will have a hit series on her hands.
June really needs this job as the nanny for the sweet and adorable Tabby but what she can’t get past is the attraction she feels for the broody hockey playing father…..
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Duke, I adored June but it was a little girl named Tabby who stole my heart. This story has the perfect mix of witty banter, steamy chemistry, love and tension but it was the relationship Duke had with his daughter that took this book to another level. I’m very excited for what’s to come from the Philadelphia Tyrants.
June really needs this job as the nanny for the sweet and adorable Tabby but what she can’t get past is the attraction she feels for the broody hockey playing father…..
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Duke, I adored June but it was a little girl named Tabby who stole my heart. This story has the perfect mix of witty banter, steamy chemistry, love and tension but it was the relationship Duke had with his daughter that took this book to another level. I’m very excited for what’s to come from the Philadelphia Tyrants.
May 26, 2023
Duke is a hockey player and a single dad. He has been raising his little girl by himself since her mother passed away. This is his last year as a hockey player and he needs to focus, so he hires a nanny, hoping she will be able to help Tabby.
June is a delight, she is sweet and happy and just a nice person all around. She needs a job where she has some freedom to help her foster mother get around. The moment she meets Tabby she knows she can help this little girl. But getting the dad on board might prove a bit harder than she thought…
This was such an adorable story. I fell in love with little Tabby from the start. And I loved that June was able to get her to a normal carefree little girl. Duke was such a cool hero, grumpy and aggro but he loved his little girl so much and that’s what made him such a softie. I loved that Duke and June overcame their differences and past hurts. This is such a feel good happy single parent romance 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
June is a delight, she is sweet and happy and just a nice person all around. She needs a job where she has some freedom to help her foster mother get around. The moment she meets Tabby she knows she can help this little girl. But getting the dad on board might prove a bit harder than she thought…
This was such an adorable story. I fell in love with little Tabby from the start. And I loved that June was able to get her to a normal carefree little girl. Duke was such a cool hero, grumpy and aggro but he loved his little girl so much and that’s what made him such a softie. I loved that Duke and June overcame their differences and past hurts. This is such a feel good happy single parent romance 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
May 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
I had to read this one because it has most of my favorite tropes. It has single dad, nanny, sports romance and grumpy/sunshine. I loved June. She is exactly what this father/daughter duo needs in their lives. She brings her cheery sunshine personality to her new nanny job. June has such a kind caring heart. I was rooting for her to her a HEA. Her childhood wasn't easy, but she loves her foster mom to pieces. Duke really loves his daughter. That comes right off the pages. He will do anything to protect her and do anything to make sure she succeeds in life. I love the bond June and Tabby create. It made my heart so happy. These two have their ups and downs. Duke doesn't need distractions during hockey season. His chances of winning the cup are getting slimmer. It's hard to not have June on his mind. the epilogue of this one made my day. It was so perfect for this little family. I really loved this book!
I had to read this one because it has most of my favorite tropes. It has single dad, nanny, sports romance and grumpy/sunshine. I loved June. She is exactly what this father/daughter duo needs in their lives. She brings her cheery sunshine personality to her new nanny job. June has such a kind caring heart. I was rooting for her to her a HEA. Her childhood wasn't easy, but she loves her foster mom to pieces. Duke really loves his daughter. That comes right off the pages. He will do anything to protect her and do anything to make sure she succeeds in life. I love the bond June and Tabby create. It made my heart so happy. These two have their ups and downs. Duke doesn't need distractions during hockey season. His chances of winning the cup are getting slimmer. It's hard to not have June on his mind. the epilogue of this one made my day. It was so perfect for this little family. I really loved this book!
May 31, 2023
It was just supposed to be a temporary arrangement, just long enough for Duke to get his team to the Stanley Cup. After his mother-in-law breaks her leg, disrupting the shaky situation of a single father with a demanding hockey career in need of child care he decides a live in nanny would provide a more stable situation for his shy and troubled seven year old daughter Tabby. He is the perfect solution and the more time she spends in his house, the more it feels like home. She's cooking his dinner, asking about his day, and falling in love with his daughter... if only he could keep himself from falling in love with her!
This was such a sweet story with so many of my favorite tropes: single father, forced proximity, boss/nanny, hockey. Duke was such a grump at first until June realizes it's a cover for such deep emotions. He truly was a cinnamon roll hero. I loved this book and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This was such a sweet story with so many of my favorite tropes: single father, forced proximity, boss/nanny, hockey. Duke was such a grump at first until June realizes it's a cover for such deep emotions. He truly was a cinnamon roll hero. I loved this book and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
May 22, 2023
5 Star review Beauty and the Bruiser (Philadelphia Tyrant Hockey #1) by Josie Blake
Over the last few years I have found myself gravitating towards single parent and stories set in small towns. Beauty and the Bruiser was a win/win for me since it is both. I fell hard and fast for professional hockey player and single dad, Duke York, such a swoon worthy man.
June Harlow needs a job and as a nanny to adorable Tabby she will not only have a job but somewhere to live. What she didn’t count on was the magnetic attraction she has for Duke. He may be broody but there is something about him that calls to her.
I loved this book, it is everything I am looking for in a romance. There is love, passion, romance, banter and tension and it ticked all the boxes for me.
This may have been my first read from Josie Blake but it will not be my last.
Over the last few years I have found myself gravitating towards single parent and stories set in small towns. Beauty and the Bruiser was a win/win for me since it is both. I fell hard and fast for professional hockey player and single dad, Duke York, such a swoon worthy man.
June Harlow needs a job and as a nanny to adorable Tabby she will not only have a job but somewhere to live. What she didn’t count on was the magnetic attraction she has for Duke. He may be broody but there is something about him that calls to her.
I loved this book, it is everything I am looking for in a romance. There is love, passion, romance, banter and tension and it ticked all the boxes for me.
This may have been my first read from Josie Blake but it will not be my last.
May 26, 2023
I am a sucker for single dad romances, and Josie Blake produced an exceptionally good one, this delivered on everything, the perfect dad, the hot tough hockey player on the ice and the swoon guy off, a slow build yet tantalising hot romance between himself and June the new Nanny and lots of heart-wrenching moments too, this couple fight their growing attraction as Duke is June's boss and line's have been drawn but there is no stopping the inevitable, you can't help but fall in love with sweet June with the big heart who not only makes Taddy come out of her shell but also is doing all she can for the ill foster mother who raised her, Beauty and the Bruiser is one story that just grew and grew with depth with each page I turned, a couple of bumps in the read were inevitable which just made this a book you could read again and again.
May 26, 2023
3.75/5 stars (rounded for review ♡)
I really enjoyed this book (especially cause it’s a hockey romance) but I felt like there was lot of potential to go a bit deeper. The ending also felt a bit rushed to me and there were a few plot holes that needed filling. I would’ve also liked to see a bit more of a connection build with Tabby & June as well as some other side characters with the FMC/MMC. However, I really loved the way the author built the relationship between June & Duke. They actually got to know each other’s quirks and it wasn’t ONLY lust based which definitely made me love them.
Overall, this is an easy read and I cannot wait to find out about Violet & Hunter!! Thank you for this ARC, this is my honest review <3
I really enjoyed this book (especially cause it’s a hockey romance) but I felt like there was lot of potential to go a bit deeper. The ending also felt a bit rushed to me and there were a few plot holes that needed filling. I would’ve also liked to see a bit more of a connection build with Tabby & June as well as some other side characters with the FMC/MMC. However, I really loved the way the author built the relationship between June & Duke. They actually got to know each other’s quirks and it wasn’t ONLY lust based which definitely made me love them.
Overall, this is an easy read and I cannot wait to find out about Violet & Hunter!! Thank you for this ARC, this is my honest review <3
May 27, 2023
The opportunity to work for Duke and look after his daughter Tabby is exactly what June needs as it will allow her to help out her foster mother while giving her a place to stay as well. June and Tabby share a special connection and it isn’t long before June starts to develop feelings for Duke as well.
Duke is a professional hockey player who has been a single father for most of Tabby’s life however he is finding it difficult to balance his career and his daughter. He thought that the only woman he needed in his life with Tabby, but he couldn’t have been more wrong.
I enjoyed the relationship not only between Duke and June but the relationship that they both had with Tabby as well. What started out as arrangement turned into the family they all deserve.
Duke is a professional hockey player who has been a single father for most of Tabby’s life however he is finding it difficult to balance his career and his daughter. He thought that the only woman he needed in his life with Tabby, but he couldn’t have been more wrong.
I enjoyed the relationship not only between Duke and June but the relationship that they both had with Tabby as well. What started out as arrangement turned into the family they all deserve.
May 28, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Duke and June’s journey. Duke is a hockey player who is a grumpy single dad to a 7-year-old little girl, and he needs a nanny for during the hockey season, who can live-in, and help with homework, which is the position June applies for. This is a well written slow burn storyline, with fun, angst, humor, witty banter, emotions, tragedy, heartbreak, drama, passion, family, friendship, sports romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 30, 2023
5 stars
What’s not to love? A sometimes grumpy, always serious, hockey playing dad who has hired a nanny for his daughter, will have readers’ hearts melting. Duke is a bit rough at first, but underneath that tough exterior is a man with heart so big and caring it is impossible to not fall in love with him…which is just what June does! She is young, full of sunshine and cares so much about Tabby, Duke’s daughter, from the moment she meets her. Readers can prepare for a feel good story with some stumbles as the characters reflect on themselves, their futures and whether they can have one together!
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
What’s not to love? A sometimes grumpy, always serious, hockey playing dad who has hired a nanny for his daughter, will have readers’ hearts melting. Duke is a bit rough at first, but underneath that tough exterior is a man with heart so big and caring it is impossible to not fall in love with him…which is just what June does! She is young, full of sunshine and cares so much about Tabby, Duke’s daughter, from the moment she meets her. Readers can prepare for a feel good story with some stumbles as the characters reflect on themselves, their futures and whether they can have one together!
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
May 31, 2023
Who doesn’t love a grumpy/sunshine moment like come on!!! I loved this story from beginning to end. It was cute and sweet and oh so sexy. Duke and June are perfection. This was a slow burn but the tension between these two bleeds through the pages like no other. I love the relationship that June has with Duke’s little lady Tabby she is an absolute sweetheart and you cant help but fall in love with her. I loved how we get to see these two character fight their attraction but slowly their walls begin to crumble and they cannot help but be drawn to one another. This was a great start to a new series and I cannot wait to see whose story comes next.
June 5, 2023
Duke is need of a Nanny for his daughter. So when the communications director for the Philadelphia Tyrants asks June questions and explains the rules and she agrees, can she keep them all in place once she lays eyes on Duke? Once Duke hires June, he knows it going to be a problem because she's beautiful and working her way into his daughter and his lives only making him want her more. So when they finally give in he learns she has secrets that bring up old feelings from his past. Can they work through it all and find a happily ever after? Also, can he let go of the past that he couldn't help with?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2024
Yeah. No.
Typically I love a hockey, single dad story. Like, way more than I ever expected.
But, I've dealt with transplant (primary carer ftw). I actually hate books that use it. They gloss over so much. They inaccurately describe so much. They overly simplify so much, making it seem like such a small thing. It's not. The doctors told June she'd be fine during the surgery? Wow, no. Never. Based on Lily's health in the book, the likelihood of her even qualifying for surgery is so low. I get that this is a romance novel, but come on.
I 100% get that this is an extremely biased rating. Take that however you want.
Typically I love a hockey, single dad story. Like, way more than I ever expected.
But, I've dealt with transplant (primary carer ftw). I actually hate books that use it. They gloss over so much. They inaccurately describe so much. They overly simplify so much, making it seem like such a small thing. It's not. The doctors told June she'd be fine during the surgery? Wow, no. Never. Based on Lily's health in the book, the likelihood of her even qualifying for surgery is so low. I get that this is a romance novel, but come on.
I 100% get that this is an extremely biased rating. Take that however you want.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
I discover Josie Blake with Beauty & The Bruiser and wow!
This romance has everything that makes me love a book.
The writing is fluid and addictive.
There are several tropes in this book: field hockey player, single-dad, grumpy/sunshine, nanny ... and everything is extremely well balanced.
But this is not a simple romance, the main characters each have a past that has a strong influence on who they are today and that will play a role in their relationship.
For fans of romance with well built characters and a story full of emotions, go ahead and read this book, it will meet your expectations.
This romance has everything that makes me love a book.
The writing is fluid and addictive.
There are several tropes in this book: field hockey player, single-dad, grumpy/sunshine, nanny ... and everything is extremely well balanced.
But this is not a simple romance, the main characters each have a past that has a strong influence on who they are today and that will play a role in their relationship.
For fans of romance with well built characters and a story full of emotions, go ahead and read this book, it will meet your expectations.
May 25, 2023
I absolutely ADORED this book and I was so excited when I saw the blurb for it because it was like it was tailor made to be read by me. I am such a sucker for single dad romances and throw in a dash of sports and a nanny in there, I am a GONER. It was such a great read that had just the right amount of steam, connection, and heart. I am a HUGE FAN and definitely recommend that you read this book as soon as possible!
PS: Thank you to Josie Blake and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
PS: Thank you to Josie Blake and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
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