Derek

Blazers Hockey Romance #3

by Lisa Linwood

A baby on the doorstep, nanny, teammate’s sister, hockey romance.

He’s playing a new game, and she’s his only shot at winning.

When he lost the captaincy of the NHL’s San Jose Blazers, Derek West descended into a haze of booze and puck bunnies. The last position he’s qualified for is father . But when a previous hookup abandons the baby he didn’t know existed, he’s thrust into a role he never wanted. Completely unprepared, he needs all the help he can get.

Avery Lane has career goals that don’t include opening her heart to another baby. But when she’s laid off from her position in graphic design, she falls back on the job that put her through live-in nanny. For the hottest boss in the league.

Derek is tempted by the kissable nanny, but he allows his reputation to come between them. Will he overcome his fears and take a shot at happiness?

Genres: Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports, Sports Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2023

About the author

Lisa Linwood writes hockey romance with heat, heart, and just enough stick-handling to keep things interesting. Her stories feature swoon-worthy players, fierce heroines, and emotional stakes as tense as the Stanley Cup Finals.

A longtime hockey fan and lifelong reader, she believes every shot on goal deserves a happily ever after. While plotting her next romance, she sips iced coffee and pretends it counts as hydration.

See all of Lisa’s social media and links at linktr.ee/lisalinwood

Reviews

[Kristiej · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was about 67% done when I admitted to myself this book wasn't really working and I skim read to the HEA ending. It wasn't a bad book but I have more books to read. While pondering on how to explain the difference between a 4 or 5 star book and I lower graded book, I came up with an answer. The higher graded books make me feel like I'm there in the room, observing. The chapters feel real to me as if they could be real people. I could almost be part of the story. Whereas with the lower graded stories it feels like I'm reading about them and there no level of engagement. It can be a fine book but that's as good as it gets and I know I won't be rereading though I'm satisfied that I read it once. That describes this book.

Derek is a pro hockey player in the NHL. He was captain but lost the captaincy the previous year. I'm not sure why, its explained in a previous book I haven't read but Derek hasn't taken it well. He's taken to drinking too much and carousing with puck bunnies. Of course that comes up to bite him when one turns up in very place stages of pregnancy stating he's the baby daddy and she doesn't want the kid and she takes off from the hospital shortly after giving birth.

Of course this leaves Derek in a quandary. He's out of town a long and doesn't work normal hours. But he's determined to be a good dad as he didn't have one himself. The answer is hiring a teammates younger sister until he can hire a permanent nanny as Avery, the sister and temporary nanny is looking for a job in the field she loves.

Of course this is a romance so you can guess what happens. Big brother warns teammate away from sister because of his current lifestyle but baby bring H/h together but hero doesn't feel worthy and so on. Not a bad book but it just didn't move me or bring me into this make believe world.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek and Avery’s story was lovely. Derek is drawn by Avery’s laugh from the very first sentence, however his life is swiftly thrown off course by baby Xavier’s unexpected and dramatic entry to the world and to Derek’s life. This story was multifaceted with many considerations and road blocks bringing angst and drama, but also romance, sweetness and steam. The inclusion of characters from the previous books in the series make it best read in order, however this story can definitely still be enjoyed as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I was in the right frame of mind when I read this as a couple of things annoyed me and then I found everything was irritating me. I also read it over a longer time than I'd like as I had other things going on so kept getting pulled away. This meant I was dropping in and out which didn't help.

The characters were likeable enough and the story flowed pretty well but I just felt everything was too compressed in the timeline to actually make sense. Avery was telling Derek he was a wonderful father and he'd changed when he'd been a Dad for all of a week. I felt that was really too soon to be making such a sweeping statement. And the bulk of the book took place over a month which I struggled with. I also struggled with how Derek kept saying internally he'd changed but externally was stuck on what Nate had said. In such a short timescale he'd made a change and was sticking to it... not quite there yet to my mind. Then Avery made a very firm statement which she completely went back on. Everything was then just wrapped up so quickly and with minimal fuss or effort so I was a little disappointed.

This is only my second read from the author so I'm chalking it up to my mindset as I definitely enjoyed the other book I read more. I'll try again with another one after a little break I think.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Kozik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Score for Derek!

I was so happy to see Derek get his own book. When I read about him in Beck, he’d been on the downslide from a bad relationship, scandal, and losing the captaincy. I got a better peek at him in Chase and was even more intrigued. For a man who was on the path to self-destruction, his advice to Chase gave me a glimpse of the caring man under his wounded exterior. There was just something about him that made me want to know his story. Call me a sucker for a broken hero.

Leave it to fate and an unexpected baby to bring him around, shaking up his world and changing it forever. Each book is better than the last and Linwood’s easy storytelling style rises to new heights.

Linwood creates compassionate, likeable characters you root for, and Derek and Avery are no exceptions. Add to that an adorable baby named Xavier and what more could you want? Familiar faces from the other books, you say? That, too! In a natural style, Linwood deftly weaves in characters and storylines from other books, making us feel like we’re having a reunion with old friends without them overtaking the spotlight from the main couple.

Love scenes are steamy but also emotional. I love how Linwood shows us that connection between the characters. And the “big gesture” as Derek calls it? Swoon-worthy, for certain. An overall great read.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. Derek meets Avery on the night he becomes a single father unexpectedly. It was a total shocker. Derek needs a nanny to take care of his baby because he had to return to work. They agree on a temporary arrangement until Derek can hire a nanny. Avery has dreams of being a graphic designer. Derek and Avery are attracted to each other. They began a secret affair that is so much more. Nate, Avery’s brother and Derek’s teammate, warns him away. Nate’s warning makes Derek question whether he is worthy of Avery. He puts Nate’s concerns over Avery’s feelings which really hurt her. Can Derek win Avery back? Can Avery forgive him for not fighting for her? Can Nate accept their relationship? I’m not telling. Read the book!
4.5 stars⭐️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek’s career has been on a downward spiral ever since he moved from captain to the fourth line. His drinking and womanizing days over, when a girl he barely remembers shows up at a bar claiming the baby she’s carrying is his. She goes into labor and once the baby is born abandons it at the hospital. Derek takes his responsibility as a father seriously. Avery knows Derek needs help and she offers to be his nanny for a month to give him time to find a permanent nanny. As time goes on Derek and Avery get close. At the end of the month, Derek ends the relationship. Nate, Avery’s brother, had threatened him to stay away from her and Derek doesn’t want to anger Nate and upset the team. Will Derek, Avery and Xavier become a family? Read this wonderful story to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek has been spiraling since he lost the "C" on her jersey. Puck bunnies and alcohol has been his go to. While out with his team, his world crashes around him when a lady expecting walks up to him and lets him know the surprise.

Avery is the sister of Nash, Derek's teammate and is there when things go down for Derek. Although she does not know him well, she understands he need a friend, especially when the lady goes into labor.

This was a good story - unexpected baby, Derek having to make choices to change his life, Avery wanting a career for her, but falls for the baby and the dad. Hot moments, miscommunication and fear drive Avery and Derek as the navigate their hearts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot happens for Derek in one night, he stops drinking, meets the women he wants to know more about, becomes a baby daddy and reassess what he wants in life. The push pull between Derek and Avery who are the perfect couple, but also feel for how so much is going on in Derek's life so the fact he still stays away from getting boozed shows how serious he is about moving forward and being the best dad he can. A great mix of all sorts of emotions to go through from both Derek and Avery as they both deal with situations and feelings they weren't expecting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek was celebrating with his team when he heard her laugh and angelic voice. Only he didn't realize it was his teammates sister until he went to talk to her and make her his. Avery knew she needed to avoid Derek because he was a professional hockey player like Brother. But when he gets the surprise of a newborn, he needs a nanny right away. Avery decides to help but know it will be hard for them to stay away from each other. Will they be able to find a way to stay together and have a happily ever after?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek is at the bar when one of his one-night stands informs him he is going to be a father and she can care for the baby. Derek is a hockey player and now he is a father, her water breaks and she gives birth to his son. The minutes she could get out of there she gone. Avery is Nate little sister, and she has been a nanny before and offers to help hi for a month until she has a nanny full time. What happens when the mother comes back and tries to take the baby back and can Avery keep her away from Xavier. How will everything work out?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek is a professional hockey player who is going through a difficult time professionally which has led to some self-destructive behavior personally. He never expected that the night he met Avery would end with him becoming a single father and her agreeing to be his nanny.

Avery is going through a difficult time professionally as well so becoming Derek’s temporary nanny is exactly what she needs. As she helps him adapt to becoming a father the sparks fly but will his teammate and her brother be the one thing they can’t overcome?

Derek and Avery take us on a journey filled with humor, heat and all the feels as they fight for their love and each other.

[Destany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick read in the Blazers Hockeyverse, this one featuring resident hothead grump, Derek West, as he gets a newborn dumped in his lap. Having zero idea how to take care of his son when the mother takes off, Derek decides to hire a nanny - but his teammate's sister comes to the rescue to help him out.

I love the characters in this series, and this one was no exception. Derek and Avery are a sweet couple, and it's nice to have appearances by all my other favorite couples. My only issue, I think, is how everyone tiptoed around Em with the baby, but never said why. They could have clued Avery into what was happening or at the very least have Em and Avery have a heart to heart about it.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not your typical nanny/ boss falling in love book. Avery is the sister of Derek's teammate, and only offers to be the nanny for a month until he can find someone else. She is looking for a new job in graphic design so she can't be the nanny indefinitely. On top of that, her brother has warned Derek away from her, saying he isn't good enough for her and he believes that he isn't. With so many strikes against them, will they find a way to be together?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bay boy does good. Derek has lost a lot of his credibility, the captaincy of the team, his spiraling into drink and women, but it all changes when a baby is dumped on him. Avery agreeing to be the child's nanny for a month is his saviour in more ways than one. Their relationship moves from friends to lovers, but is unstable and unlikely at times. Some food for thought, grovelling and gestures save the moment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and this is Derek and Avery’s story. Derek becomes a single dad when a hookup leaves him with a baby that he did not know about, and he is ill prepared for this, he needs help. Avery is Derek’s teammates sister, and she becomes the nanny.
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with a tad angst, humor, witty banter, insecurities, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy hockey romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fast paced beginning of this book left me able to predict a good portion of what would happen between Derek and Avery. It was still a good book and I enjoyed the romance and the drama alike.
There’s good chemistry and sizzling scenes while also having those loving moments with Xavier that make you melt and your ovaries explode.

hockey, sports, nanny, baby on doorstep, single dad, teammate’s sister, ARC for Honest voluntary Review, Booksprout, forbidden

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Absolutely loved Derek & Avery's story. I was completely hooked from the very first page & had to keep reading until I had finished. The sparks flying between them is undeniable but will those sparks continue to burn bright or will Derek allow them to turn to ash when past fears cloud his head?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book and I enjoyed the romance and the drama alike. There are wonderful sizzling scenes while also having those loving moments with Xavier that make you melt and your ovaries explode. The characters are great, well-developed, well-rounded secondary characters, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining short sweet page-turning romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Derek and Avery are characterized. The emotions run deep. The circumstances are fraught with feelings of insecurity and with low self worth and with reasons why a relationship would not work. I love the way they are together. I love the way they love Xavier. I love their friends and family. I love their journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Derek and Avery.. She's a young woman looking for a better job.. He's a hockey player that has a little too much fun. Now leaving him as a single dad. Avery is going to be his saving grace. But she's a temptation to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a low angst, light read that took just a few hours. The bulk is set over one month, so it is fast paced, the epilogue looks ahead. I would have liked to know more about Avery's previous nanny position as it seemed like there was a but left unsaid.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I’ve read of Lisas and I wasn’t overly impressed but can’t say it’s a fair shot with just the one book so I’ll have to give another one or two a go

A big portion of the book is based over only a short month, the fast paced nature to it all makes it a quite simple to predict the outcome of scenarios etc but it is a light read

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about it!!

Absolutely brilliant. I read this book in one go as it isn't overly long (just a couple of hours) but it was perfect. I loved everything about it. I enjoyed the characters immensely. It’s a thoroughly entertaining book. Just an amazing story. An absolute must read. Loved it. Happy reading everyone

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story, great characters , backgrounds solid . I love hockey so I wasn’t disappointed in that respect . My mind may have wandered….The bad boy is tamed. The chemistry great and well described. Great friends to lovers romance.
I read an arc and my review is my own words voluntary

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series. The characters were endearing while the story line was engaging and kept me reading in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Derek and Avery’s book. It was an entertaining read. Very enjoyable. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lisa Linwood]

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[sandra silliman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

The s. Com was just to get a little e and they didn't have a nice time I would pretend

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A single dad, nanny, teammate's sister, hockey romance.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it