What do you think?
Rate this book
Blades Hockey #5
Slap Shot
He'll do anything for his best friend . . . even marry her.
I live by two universal truths:
1. When I step onto the ice, I’m a god.
2. Daisy Hall is the other half of my soul.
My teammates joke that I’m too co-dependent with the coach’s daughter, and maybe that’s true. We’ve been thick as thieves since college, and even when I got drafted to the Boston Blades, Daisy followed me across state lines. Which suited me just fine.
If a person can be a home, then Daisy Hall is mine.
Only, I never anticipated that my best friend might be keeping a secret from me, one big enough to rain down Hell from every team in the league. Now they’re all out for blood and I’m Daisy’s only shield.
The home we built together suddenly feels like it’s made of glass.
One wrong move, and it all might shatter.
The smart thing to do would be to focus on my game. We’re coming off a Cup win, and if I want another, I can’t afford any distractions. But there isn’t anything I won’t do to protect my girl…
Even make her my wife.
SLAP SHOT is a friends to lovers/marriage of convenience hockey romance. It is the fifth book in the Blades Hockey series, and can be read as a standalone.
I live by two universal truths:
1. When I step onto the ice, I’m a god.
2. Daisy Hall is the other half of my soul.
My teammates joke that I’m too co-dependent with the coach’s daughter, and maybe that’s true. We’ve been thick as thieves since college, and even when I got drafted to the Boston Blades, Daisy followed me across state lines. Which suited me just fine.
If a person can be a home, then Daisy Hall is mine.
Only, I never anticipated that my best friend might be keeping a secret from me, one big enough to rain down Hell from every team in the league. Now they’re all out for blood and I’m Daisy’s only shield.
The home we built together suddenly feels like it’s made of glass.
One wrong move, and it all might shatter.
The smart thing to do would be to focus on my game. We’re coming off a Cup win, and if I want another, I can’t afford any distractions. But there isn’t anything I won’t do to protect my girl…
Even make her my wife.
SLAP SHOT is a friends to lovers/marriage of convenience hockey romance. It is the fifth book in the Blades Hockey series, and can be read as a standalone.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
172 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Maria Luis
58 books3,071 followersMaria Luis is an Amazon Top 25 Bestselling Author.
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 25, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Slap Shot is book five in the Blades Hockey series by Maria Luis. I read the first four books of this series years ago and recently, by accident, discovered there was a new book added to the series. So I scooped it right up and it was wonderful. This is a friends to lovers/marriage of convenience romance that will make you swoon.
Weston “West” Cain is twenty eight years old and is a professional hockey player for the Boston Blades. He was drafted to the Blades straight out of college. He’s close with his twin brother who I adored but has a very strained relationship with his parents. Playing hockey is West’s life. The only thing that is more important to him besides his brother is his best friend since college, Daisy Hall, who is also his coach’s daughter!
“My Daisy is sunshine personified.”
Daisy Hall is I believe maybe a couple of years younger than West. Ever since they first met in college, they’ve been inseparable, joined at the hip, best friends. What no one else knows is that Daisy is also madly in love with West. But that’s her secret. Daisy also has another secret, one that no one else knows, an alter ego. And when that secret is revealed, everything, and I mean every-thing hits the fan. Now everyone is out to get not only her but her dad and the team.
West will do anything to protect Daisy from the fall out. Even marry her to change the focus of all of the press. So that’s what they do. Only it doesn’t take long for that marriage to start to feel a lot more real. And it doesn’t take long for West to realize that he doesn’t want it to be fake, he wants forever with his Daisy. Because he can’t imagine a future without her in it.
This really was so sweet. So much was raining down on Daisy at once and she felt so alone. But West never faltered. He was by her side no matter what. Little by little she started to hope that he might feel even a little bit for her like she felt for him. Because living with West felt more like home than she ever anticipated. I loved how these two supported each other, never wavering. They talk about everything, discuss everything. I also have to mention one of Wests teammates, Kammer, who constantly made me smile. But who was also surprisingly insightful. I adored him. This was such an enjoyable, swoony read. I’m so glad I found it and highly recommend it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Slap Shot is book five in the Blades Hockey series by Maria Luis. I read the first four books of this series years ago and recently, by accident, discovered there was a new book added to the series. So I scooped it right up and it was wonderful. This is a friends to lovers/marriage of convenience romance that will make you swoon.
Weston “West” Cain is twenty eight years old and is a professional hockey player for the Boston Blades. He was drafted to the Blades straight out of college. He’s close with his twin brother who I adored but has a very strained relationship with his parents. Playing hockey is West’s life. The only thing that is more important to him besides his brother is his best friend since college, Daisy Hall, who is also his coach’s daughter!
“My Daisy is sunshine personified.”
Daisy Hall is I believe maybe a couple of years younger than West. Ever since they first met in college, they’ve been inseparable, joined at the hip, best friends. What no one else knows is that Daisy is also madly in love with West. But that’s her secret. Daisy also has another secret, one that no one else knows, an alter ego. And when that secret is revealed, everything, and I mean every-thing hits the fan. Now everyone is out to get not only her but her dad and the team.
West will do anything to protect Daisy from the fall out. Even marry her to change the focus of all of the press. So that’s what they do. Only it doesn’t take long for that marriage to start to feel a lot more real. And it doesn’t take long for West to realize that he doesn’t want it to be fake, he wants forever with his Daisy. Because he can’t imagine a future without her in it.
This really was so sweet. So much was raining down on Daisy at once and she felt so alone. But West never faltered. He was by her side no matter what. Little by little she started to hope that he might feel even a little bit for her like she felt for him. Because living with West felt more like home than she ever anticipated. I loved how these two supported each other, never wavering. They talk about everything, discuss everything. I also have to mention one of Wests teammates, Kammer, who constantly made me smile. But who was also surprisingly insightful. I adored him. This was such an enjoyable, swoony read. I’m so glad I found it and highly recommend it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 8, 2024
Best friends to marriage of convenience to HEA but where they’re both obsessed with each other, constantly touching, and everyone else knows they’re in love but they don’t know they’re mutually in love. This was so sweet, my heart was constantly bursting over how Daisy (h) and Weston (H) interacted with each other. It was also bursting in emotional pain sometimes because though this is a light story overall, some heavy moments are discussed and processed in these pages. I haven’t read any of the other books and this does standalone fine, I’m sure people who have will love all the side characters who are in their own HEAs and being adorable, while also supporting our main couple.
Daisy and West meet at the start of the book at a charity event and lay the groundwork for their friendship. It’s a fun, snappy meet-cute after Daisy hears West’s college teammates hassling him about being a virgin still. Jump ahead and Daisy is facing the fall-out of a major secret that affects herself, her father, and her relationship with hockey. A secret that her hockey-playing best friend did not know about. So they’re processing the trauma from the fallout, Daisy’s future moves, and somewhat this hit to the openness Weston thought their relationship held. One solution to protect Daisy is to marry her and of course, they’re going to end up for real, for real, with a couple of external forces bumps along the way.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, h was experienced, and honestly it’s not clear about the H (the h even thinks that she’s not sure if he’s still inexperienced and she doesn’t care so I had the feeling that he was inexperienced but it’s not explicitly stated).
I loved them together with all the touching and teasing and how their first thoughts were always for each other. It was precious and swoony. This is also a slow burn, I had the sense that West might be demisexual and/or maybe some neurodivergency as well and he takes his time to process and feel his way through some things. Daisy’s secretly been in love with him for years but this isn’t a fruitless pining situation. He’s all about her and has been since they met, the focus is intense. Even when they start losing some clothes, man the author built up the full act however, teasing not just the characters but the readers! Worth the wait though.
The rest of the team were also so excellent to read about. I would love a book about Joshua btw, he was such a fun character who was also insightful. The other ladies were great. West’s twin was also great and I wish there had been more time of just the two of them. I had really mixed feelings about Daisy’s dad and I never fully understood why he pulls away like he did when he loved her so much. That part was not explained well imo. No mixed feelings about West’s parents though, they were awful. Also, there’s a side character who does get some comeuppance, so that was good.
Lots of hockey on page along with tearful drama. What was done to Daisy was heartbreaking and the backlash against her felt unfair, even not considering the final part that was a whole other animal. No third act breakup. West and Daisy stand by each other and I liked how when the story jumps ahead a few months, Daisy’s been in therapy for a bit, she has some ideas for how she can help her community in a way that can’t get torn down again, and they’re headed into their HEA, along with ending on a banging note (pun intended). I had fun with this read and I’m glad I chose it as my next read by this author I’m still exploring.
Content warnings: the author has a note at the start too, but this does mention past grooming and inappropriate relationship with a minor; discussion of sports injuries, mentions of infidelities by athletes (not the H), and toxic parental relationships
Daisy and West meet at the start of the book at a charity event and lay the groundwork for their friendship. It’s a fun, snappy meet-cute after Daisy hears West’s college teammates hassling him about being a virgin still. Jump ahead and Daisy is facing the fall-out of a major secret that affects herself, her father, and her relationship with hockey. A secret that her hockey-playing best friend did not know about. So they’re processing the trauma from the fallout, Daisy’s future moves, and somewhat this hit to the openness Weston thought their relationship held. One solution to protect Daisy is to marry her and of course, they’re going to end up for real, for real, with a couple of external forces bumps along the way.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, h was experienced, and honestly it’s not clear about the H (the h even thinks that she’s not sure if he’s still inexperienced and she doesn’t care so I had the feeling that he was inexperienced but it’s not explicitly stated).
I loved them together with all the touching and teasing and how their first thoughts were always for each other. It was precious and swoony. This is also a slow burn, I had the sense that West might be demisexual and/or maybe some neurodivergency as well and he takes his time to process and feel his way through some things. Daisy’s secretly been in love with him for years but this isn’t a fruitless pining situation. He’s all about her and has been since they met, the focus is intense. Even when they start losing some clothes, man the author built up the full act however, teasing not just the characters but the readers! Worth the wait though.
The rest of the team were also so excellent to read about. I would love a book about Joshua btw, he was such a fun character who was also insightful. The other ladies were great. West’s twin was also great and I wish there had been more time of just the two of them. I had really mixed feelings about Daisy’s dad and I never fully understood why he pulls away like he did when he loved her so much. That part was not explained well imo. No mixed feelings about West’s parents though, they were awful. Also, there’s a side character who does get some comeuppance, so that was good.
Lots of hockey on page along with tearful drama. What was done to Daisy was heartbreaking and the backlash against her felt unfair, even not considering the final part that was a whole other animal. No third act breakup. West and Daisy stand by each other and I liked how when the story jumps ahead a few months, Daisy’s been in therapy for a bit, she has some ideas for how she can help her community in a way that can’t get torn down again, and they’re headed into their HEA, along with ending on a banging note (pun intended). I had fun with this read and I’m glad I chose it as my next read by this author I’m still exploring.
Content warnings: the author has a note at the start too, but this does mention past grooming and inappropriate relationship with a minor; discussion of sports injuries, mentions of infidelities by athletes (not the H), and toxic parental relationships
May 2, 2025
4.5 stars.
Sigh... that was lovely.
I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience, but one of the things that brought this down for me is how obviously in love the hero is with the heroine but he doesn't know and is so casual about asking her to marry him.
I feel like it ended up helping her get out of her head so that's good.
I LOVED their friendship and how they (especially West) dropped everything to be there for each other. They LOVE each other and have loved each other for the whole time (even if Daisy was a dummy and didn't let it go anywhere... but she had to be ready).
Her trauma is so sad and she's held onto it for so long without sharing the pain. She's taken so much blame for abuse that was done to her. I totally relate and am so glad she started going to therapy.
These two are sweeeet and I loved them together so much.
Safety deets
- I think West is a virgin... which is awesome. I love me a hero that doesn't just sleep with anyone to scratch his itch. It wasn't worth it until Daisy. It's kinda hard to know for certain because they never talk about it after the first intro when we learn he was a virgin when they first meet.
- Because of the above point... and others, they don't have sex until the very end.
- I can't tell how much she's dated around. Thankfully, we don't get details. I'll just believe she didn't sleep with anyone after meeting West.
- The ending is beautiful but I wanted an epilogue farther into the future.
Sigh... that was lovely.
I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience, but one of the things that brought this down for me is how obviously in love the hero is with the heroine but he doesn't know and is so casual about asking her to marry him.
I feel like it ended up helping her get out of her head so that's good.
I LOVED their friendship and how they (especially West) dropped everything to be there for each other. They LOVE each other and have loved each other for the whole time (even if Daisy was a dummy and didn't let it go anywhere... but she had to be ready).
Her trauma is so sad and she's held onto it for so long without sharing the pain. She's taken so much blame for abuse that was done to her. I totally relate and am so glad she started going to therapy.
These two are sweeeet and I loved them together so much.
Safety deets
- I think West is a virgin... which is awesome. I love me a hero that doesn't just sleep with anyone to scratch his itch. It wasn't worth it until Daisy. It's kinda hard to know for certain because they never talk about it after the first intro when we learn he was a virgin when they first meet.
- Because of the above point... and others, they don't have sex until the very end.
- I can't tell how much she's dated around. Thankfully, we don't get details. I'll just believe she didn't sleep with anyone after meeting West.
- The ending is beautiful but I wanted an epilogue farther into the future.
October 6, 2024
I’m so confused, where is the ending? My book just abruptly stopped when they lost like three games in a row and right after a very important convo with Daisy’s dad. Am I missing something?
Edit 10/5: the author posted that Amazon pushed the wrong copy of the book on 10/4. If you remove the download and re-download, it will fix the weird page breaks, highlights, and lack of ending!
Edit 10/5: the author posted that Amazon pushed the wrong copy of the book on 10/4. If you remove the download and re-download, it will fix the weird page breaks, highlights, and lack of ending!
October 6, 2024
It's necessary to address the negative reviews. The wrong file was uploaded to Amazon and the error corrected quickly. However, some of us initially received the incomplete file. If Kindle users will go to Content and Devices, Digital Content, an update is available. It seems highly unfair to base a review on a corrected problem. The file Amazon is sending out is the complete book, so you can buy or borrow this one with full confidence.
It's such a treat to be back in the Boston Blades world and reacquaint with favorite characters we've come to know and love in this series. Catch up with old friends in this friends-to-marriage-of-convenience-to-forever-after romantic comedy.
Daisy and West became BFFs when the both attended University of Connecticut. Her father became the coach for the Boston Blades Hockey team, West got drafted by the Blades, and a strong friendship continued.
That is, until Daisy gets outed as the person behind a Robin Hood-esque website designed to help other women, and it affects not only the Blades but the entire league. The best idea to dust off Daisy's public image is for West to marry her. Except both West and Daisy have been fooling themselves about their true feelings, and fake very soon becomes real.
If you’re at all a hockey romance fan, you’ll love Daisy and West's story. It's charming, fun, and steamy with the deeper layer of emotion. Humorous, hot, and heartfelt, don’t miss this fantastic addition to the Boston Blades series.
It's such a treat to be back in the Boston Blades world and reacquaint with favorite characters we've come to know and love in this series. Catch up with old friends in this friends-to-marriage-of-convenience-to-forever-after romantic comedy.
Daisy and West became BFFs when the both attended University of Connecticut. Her father became the coach for the Boston Blades Hockey team, West got drafted by the Blades, and a strong friendship continued.
That is, until Daisy gets outed as the person behind a Robin Hood-esque website designed to help other women, and it affects not only the Blades but the entire league. The best idea to dust off Daisy's public image is for West to marry her. Except both West and Daisy have been fooling themselves about their true feelings, and fake very soon becomes real.
If you’re at all a hockey romance fan, you’ll love Daisy and West's story. It's charming, fun, and steamy with the deeper layer of emotion. Humorous, hot, and heartfelt, don’t miss this fantastic addition to the Boston Blades series.
October 6, 2024
This is what a friends to lovers romance should be!
SWOON! Maria Luis brought so many emotions into this book that you can't help but fall for Daisy and West! They are truly the embodiment of soulmates and their connection jumps off the page. It's a testament to the author's writing that she can make you feel so much for these beautifully flawed characters. Truly, perfectly imperfect characters. Laughing with them, crying with them, aching for them...Daisy and West will stay with me for a long time, I truly loved them so much!
Swoon, spice (get the fans now!) and everything nice...if you have best friends to lovers, soulmates, marriage of convenience and hockey romances, do yourself a favor and pick this one up immediately!
5 delicious M&M cookies!
SWOON! Maria Luis brought so many emotions into this book that you can't help but fall for Daisy and West! They are truly the embodiment of soulmates and their connection jumps off the page. It's a testament to the author's writing that she can make you feel so much for these beautifully flawed characters. Truly, perfectly imperfect characters. Laughing with them, crying with them, aching for them...Daisy and West will stay with me for a long time, I truly loved them so much!
Swoon, spice (get the fans now!) and everything nice...if you have best friends to lovers, soulmates, marriage of convenience and hockey romances, do yourself a favor and pick this one up immediately!
5 delicious M&M cookies!
October 16, 2024
I binged this so fast. Best friends? Marriage of convenience? Hockey? Yep, yep, yep!
This is book five of the Blades Hockey series but can be read as a stand-alone. West and Daisy have been best friends for years. They've gone through college, jobs, moving around, together. They are each other's person. No secrets. Well, so West thought.
When it's revealed that Daisy has been keeping a secret for years, West is pretty hurt. This secret, though, affects the entire hockey world. A world that West and Daisy's dad live in. Because Daisy's dad is also West's coach.
West will do anything for Daisy. She's in trouble and has lost a lot. And by doing anything, I mean he'll marry her to help keep her safe.
But how will best friends move from being best friends to being married? I kid you not, I loved it. These two love each other so much, and of course, it bleeds into this new situation. Well, WE know this.
There's also how to navigate this new relationship when a lot of people are... not happy. But the longing! I love friends to lovers. This one was so great that the relationship between the two of them grew and changed so beautifully.
This is book five of the Blades Hockey series but can be read as a stand-alone. West and Daisy have been best friends for years. They've gone through college, jobs, moving around, together. They are each other's person. No secrets. Well, so West thought.
When it's revealed that Daisy has been keeping a secret for years, West is pretty hurt. This secret, though, affects the entire hockey world. A world that West and Daisy's dad live in. Because Daisy's dad is also West's coach.
West will do anything for Daisy. She's in trouble and has lost a lot. And by doing anything, I mean he'll marry her to help keep her safe.
But how will best friends move from being best friends to being married? I kid you not, I loved it. These two love each other so much, and of course, it bleeds into this new situation. Well, WE know this.
There's also how to navigate this new relationship when a lot of people are... not happy. But the longing! I love friends to lovers. This one was so great that the relationship between the two of them grew and changed so beautifully.
May 1, 2025
Maria Luis is my go-to author when I need something sweet, humorous and safe and she didn't disappoint here but I wish we had clarification about whether or not Hero was a virgin or not. I can forgive most anything, but MCs staying true to one another once they meet and develop feelings is a nonstarter.
October 8, 2024
This is the fifth book in this incredible series, and this is Daisy and West’s story.
This is a well written easy to read story, which is emotionally charged, with family, friendships, secrets, marriage of convenience, soulmates, friends / lovers, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet, hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written easy to read story, which is emotionally charged, with family, friendships, secrets, marriage of convenience, soulmates, friends / lovers, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet, hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 13, 2024
This was my first Maria Luis book, but it definitely won’t be my last! Even though I started with the fifth book in this series, I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of it.
Daisy and West have been best friends since college, but when Daisy’s biggest secret is revealed, West steps right in, willing to do whatever it takes to help her out—even if that means marrying his best friend. As with most friends-to-lovers stories, literally everyone knew they were in love with each other, except for them.
The chemistry between them was great! I loved how West took care of Daisy. But this leads me to the part I didn’t quite like… I found it hard to believe that West was still a virgin—it felt a bit far-fetched. Also, the way Daisy’s dad reacted to her secret was pretty wild and didn’t sit well with me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I know the author had some challenges with the book’s release, and I hated that for her because it was completely out of her control.
Daisy and West have been best friends since college, but when Daisy’s biggest secret is revealed, West steps right in, willing to do whatever it takes to help her out—even if that means marrying his best friend. As with most friends-to-lovers stories, literally everyone knew they were in love with each other, except for them.
The chemistry between them was great! I loved how West took care of Daisy. But this leads me to the part I didn’t quite like… I found it hard to believe that West was still a virgin—it felt a bit far-fetched. Also, the way Daisy’s dad reacted to her secret was pretty wild and didn’t sit well with me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I know the author had some challenges with the book’s release, and I hated that for her because it was completely out of her control.
December 21, 2024
This had the potential for an actual plot. And then just skipped right on over it…
July 2, 2025
- Both 28 years old
- Hockey player
- Best friends (10 years) to lovers
- Marriage of convenience
- Coach’s daughter
- No owd/omd
- V hero!!!!
They have been friends forever but when her hobby is exposed, she’s in a bad situation with the press, West (H) suggest that they get married.
She’s been in love with him for many years, but he’s kind of an introvert so he doesn’t understands his feelings before they get married. Would have loved it if he had discovered this earlier.
It’s a cute book, but would liked a better explanation to why her father mostly ghosted her when shit hit the fan, if he loves her so much. I felt like his reasons wasn’t good enough.
Safety:
- h has been celibate, but no info about more. Just that she’s been with a man who she later discovered was married, and that’s the reason why she started her “hobby” to expose hockey players
- H is a V!! ❣️ It wasn’t easy to understand in the book, but the author confirmed that he’s a virgin (but didn’t want that to be the focus in the book) **happy dance**
“There was the constant pressure to fit in; to say or do the right thing so my new teammates didn’t think that I was completely awkward; to work up the interest to casually flirt with someone even though all I wanted was to go back to the hotel and give Daisy a call. The harder I tried to be like everyone else, the worse I felt”
- But towards the end he says that they both got tested? He wouldn’t do that if he was a V?
Loved that there wasn’t any third act breakup, he supported her when she again had to face some media-shit, and it’s quickly resolved.
- Hockey player
- Best friends (10 years) to lovers
- Marriage of convenience
- Coach’s daughter
- No owd/omd
- V hero!!!!
They have been friends forever but when her hobby is exposed, she’s in a bad situation with the press, West (H) suggest that they get married.
She’s been in love with him for many years, but he’s kind of an introvert so he doesn’t understands his feelings before they get married. Would have loved it if he had discovered this earlier.
It’s a cute book, but would liked a better explanation to why her father mostly ghosted her when shit hit the fan, if he loves her so much. I felt like his reasons wasn’t good enough.
Safety:
- h has been celibate, but no info about more. Just that she’s been with a man who she later discovered was married, and that’s the reason why she started her “hobby” to expose hockey players
- H is a V!! ❣️ It wasn’t easy to understand in the book, but the author confirmed that he’s a virgin (but didn’t want that to be the focus in the book) **happy dance**
“There was the constant pressure to fit in; to say or do the right thing so my new teammates didn’t think that I was completely awkward; to work up the interest to casually flirt with someone even though all I wanted was to go back to the hotel and give Daisy a call. The harder I tried to be like everyone else, the worse I felt”
- But towards the end he says that they both got tested? He wouldn’t do that if he was a V?
Loved that there wasn’t any third act breakup, he supported her when she again had to face some media-shit, and it’s quickly resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
#FriendsToLovers #MoC #Sports
Written in first person from ana alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Daisy and Weston are the perfect couple in a return to the Blades series. It was like coming home to me. Weston is such a good guy. He is focused on hockey and maybe a bit on proving his parents wrong with his success. Daisy becomes his best friend in college and remains so even almost ten years later. West would do anything for her. He sees her as “sunshine, strawberries, and hope.” Though she is his coach’s daughter, that never stands in the way of their friendship. I adore the banter and sarcasm between them. I love that they are comfortable enough together to give each other grief and tease each other unmercifully.
Daisy has experienced a few life-changing events in her short life. She is strong, resilient, and fierce. I absolutely adored her. I loved how she managed so successfully in survival mode until she didn’t. I understood her character and some of her trauma much too well. I appreciated how Weston treats her when everything is exposed. “It is okay to not be okay.” I love that he gives her all the space she needs.
Two friends that are incredibly close without revealing that they each love the other until well into their marriage of convenience; this was a fantastic read. I loved that they take their time with a l-o-o-o-o-n-g extended foreplay before moving their relationship forward physically. I love the romantic ways they care for and communicate with each other. I loved how supportive they were of each other. They were truly made to complete each other.
The author has had a personally tough few years and I am beyond happy to see this book as her reentry to publication. I understand trauma., I am thrilled she took a time out she needed. I am beyond ecstatic that she is back. This was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a swoony, romantic, emotional friends-to-lover, marriage of convenience, hockey romance. I have a ton of highlighted passages that made me swoon and I am sure you will too.
(I feel like I need to address some of the early negative reviews. Amazon initially published the incorrect file of this book, and the error was corrected quickly. However, some readers initially received the incomplete file. If Kindle users go to Content and Devices, Digital Content, an update is available. It seems highly unfair to base a review on a corrected problem. The file Amazon is now sending out is the complete book, so you can buy or borrow this one with full confidence.)
Written in first person from ana alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Daisy and Weston are the perfect couple in a return to the Blades series. It was like coming home to me. Weston is such a good guy. He is focused on hockey and maybe a bit on proving his parents wrong with his success. Daisy becomes his best friend in college and remains so even almost ten years later. West would do anything for her. He sees her as “sunshine, strawberries, and hope.” Though she is his coach’s daughter, that never stands in the way of their friendship. I adore the banter and sarcasm between them. I love that they are comfortable enough together to give each other grief and tease each other unmercifully.
Daisy has experienced a few life-changing events in her short life. She is strong, resilient, and fierce. I absolutely adored her. I loved how she managed so successfully in survival mode until she didn’t. I understood her character and some of her trauma much too well. I appreciated how Weston treats her when everything is exposed. “It is okay to not be okay.” I love that he gives her all the space she needs.
Two friends that are incredibly close without revealing that they each love the other until well into their marriage of convenience; this was a fantastic read. I loved that they take their time with a l-o-o-o-o-n-g extended foreplay before moving their relationship forward physically. I love the romantic ways they care for and communicate with each other. I loved how supportive they were of each other. They were truly made to complete each other.
The author has had a personally tough few years and I am beyond happy to see this book as her reentry to publication. I understand trauma., I am thrilled she took a time out she needed. I am beyond ecstatic that she is back. This was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a swoony, romantic, emotional friends-to-lover, marriage of convenience, hockey romance. I have a ton of highlighted passages that made me swoon and I am sure you will too.
(I feel like I need to address some of the early negative reviews. Amazon initially published the incorrect file of this book, and the error was corrected quickly. However, some readers initially received the incomplete file. If Kindle users go to Content and Devices, Digital Content, an update is available. It seems highly unfair to base a review on a corrected problem. The file Amazon is now sending out is the complete book, so you can buy or borrow this one with full confidence.)
January 29, 2025
Loved!
These two are seriously adorable! They meet in college and become fast friends.
They stay friends and become SUPER close and call each other their best friend. Somewhere along the way they fell in love with each other.
The shenanigans that ensue as they walk their path together are so fun and unique and emotional but they don’t let each other fall or walk the path alone.
I really really enjoyed their story 🥰
These two are seriously adorable! They meet in college and become fast friends.
They stay friends and become SUPER close and call each other their best friend. Somewhere along the way they fell in love with each other.
The shenanigans that ensue as they walk their path together are so fun and unique and emotional but they don’t let each other fall or walk the path alone.
I really really enjoyed their story 🥰
October 27, 2024
I'd like to know where I can find my own Weston Cain please.
I loved this book. This has to be one of my top ten friends to lovers reads. Let alone a marriage of convenience trope. West and Daisy are just top tier.
The plot seems so simple on the outside.
Best Friends.
She has a secret online identity that is hacked and it blows up.
Her secret identity could potentially blow back at her dad, his job, and her friends.
Best friend to the rescue and they get married to take the heat off and make it less of story.
But what this story really is, is about two people realize what love truly is and recognizing that they have been experiencing it with each other for years.
Reading the love, trust, and depth of adoration these two have for each other was just breath stealing. As the rest of their world is peeled back and exposed to you as the reader, you can sort of begin to understand how West and Daisy cling to this ideal that what they have is just friendship.
They come from worlds where love has been used to hurt. Or love has so many conditions and strings that it could tie you up into knots and steal your soul.
So the idea of being able to be your truest self with someone seems like an unwavering gift of a friend and not something that comes from love.
As the newest addition to the Blades series this actually takes the franchise back a little in time. Sam Hall, Daisy's father, is still at the helm of the team and hasn't handed the coaching reins over to Jackson yet.
We get to see the start of the West and Daisy friendship one fateful night in Hartford while they are still students at UConn.
The book takes up to the point where Sam retires and turns the team over to Jackson to coach.
The story in that time is just utter gut spilling emotion.
From the team.
From Sam.
From West and Daisy.
They all hit rock bottom.
This is not a book where there is a third act break up. This is a book where the first act is the break down and you slide down a little further and then you crawl out on the third act with tears in your eyes hoping against hope that you've gone through it and it's getting better.
You open with Daisy's life being blown wide open. Her secret life is exposed.
Then you live through what it's like to be the daughter of a working NHL coach when you have been running a secret tell all expose online account and ..... well. Dad can't really say much about it or to you.
Then we watch as West works through just how the world sees his precious Daisy and how he rushes in all knight in shining amour.
If I had a best friend who offered to shove a hockey stick up a reporter's unmentionable area over going off script and making sure that splinters would be tasted for eternity - I'd marry them too. Because I'm pretty sure that's a sign of more than platonic friendship in the male/female world.
West is just......he is just one swoon after another as he tries to protect Daisy and save his own heart. The way that man can tell a person he misses them without actually saying "I miss you" is Darcy hand flex worthy.
Daisy....Daisy is Steel Magnolia level strength. This is not a female character who rolls over when the world is burning around her. Nor is she a character who runs from her issues. She is the girl who gets up every morning looking to fight her battles, conquer them, and go to bed to do it all over the next day. Getting her to accept help is like getting a dog to willing take a bath. She is so strong willed that when she does finally break - I broke. Sobs. I didn't cry over West. I cried over Daisy. Over this super strong, super confident woman finally hitting her wall and admitting she wasn't okay. That's what slayed me in this book.
There's so much in this book that could have been just another sports best friends to lovers marriage of convenience book. But no. This author wouldn't settle for that. This author had to give us complex characters that she peeled back layers on the further into the book you get. What opens as a simple story becomes a layered mass of emotions, choices, and wanting to reach into the book and shake the characters to just get them to SEE EACH OTHER. It's a phenomenal writing.
And that's just the core characters. The secondary characters are just as strong. What makes it slightly better is knowing that this book is part of an established series. So some of them have books out already. So you can go backwards in the series and read the stories of all of the characters in this one that steal your hearts too.
I loved this book. This has to be one of my top ten friends to lovers reads. Let alone a marriage of convenience trope. West and Daisy are just top tier.
The plot seems so simple on the outside.
Best Friends.
She has a secret online identity that is hacked and it blows up.
Her secret identity could potentially blow back at her dad, his job, and her friends.
Best friend to the rescue and they get married to take the heat off and make it less of story.
But what this story really is, is about two people realize what love truly is and recognizing that they have been experiencing it with each other for years.
Reading the love, trust, and depth of adoration these two have for each other was just breath stealing. As the rest of their world is peeled back and exposed to you as the reader, you can sort of begin to understand how West and Daisy cling to this ideal that what they have is just friendship.
They come from worlds where love has been used to hurt. Or love has so many conditions and strings that it could tie you up into knots and steal your soul.
So the idea of being able to be your truest self with someone seems like an unwavering gift of a friend and not something that comes from love.
As the newest addition to the Blades series this actually takes the franchise back a little in time. Sam Hall, Daisy's father, is still at the helm of the team and hasn't handed the coaching reins over to Jackson yet.
We get to see the start of the West and Daisy friendship one fateful night in Hartford while they are still students at UConn.
The book takes up to the point where Sam retires and turns the team over to Jackson to coach.
The story in that time is just utter gut spilling emotion.
From the team.
From Sam.
From West and Daisy.
They all hit rock bottom.
This is not a book where there is a third act break up. This is a book where the first act is the break down and you slide down a little further and then you crawl out on the third act with tears in your eyes hoping against hope that you've gone through it and it's getting better.
You open with Daisy's life being blown wide open. Her secret life is exposed.
Then you live through what it's like to be the daughter of a working NHL coach when you have been running a secret tell all expose online account and ..... well. Dad can't really say much about it or to you.
Then we watch as West works through just how the world sees his precious Daisy and how he rushes in all knight in shining amour.
If I had a best friend who offered to shove a hockey stick up a reporter's unmentionable area over going off script and making sure that splinters would be tasted for eternity - I'd marry them too. Because I'm pretty sure that's a sign of more than platonic friendship in the male/female world.
West is just......he is just one swoon after another as he tries to protect Daisy and save his own heart. The way that man can tell a person he misses them without actually saying "I miss you" is Darcy hand flex worthy.
Daisy....Daisy is Steel Magnolia level strength. This is not a female character who rolls over when the world is burning around her. Nor is she a character who runs from her issues. She is the girl who gets up every morning looking to fight her battles, conquer them, and go to bed to do it all over the next day. Getting her to accept help is like getting a dog to willing take a bath. She is so strong willed that when she does finally break - I broke. Sobs. I didn't cry over West. I cried over Daisy. Over this super strong, super confident woman finally hitting her wall and admitting she wasn't okay. That's what slayed me in this book.
There's so much in this book that could have been just another sports best friends to lovers marriage of convenience book. But no. This author wouldn't settle for that. This author had to give us complex characters that she peeled back layers on the further into the book you get. What opens as a simple story becomes a layered mass of emotions, choices, and wanting to reach into the book and shake the characters to just get them to SEE EACH OTHER. It's a phenomenal writing.
And that's just the core characters. The secondary characters are just as strong. What makes it slightly better is knowing that this book is part of an established series. So some of them have books out already. So you can go backwards in the series and read the stories of all of the characters in this one that steal your hearts too.
October 8, 2024
💫Possible spoilers💫
Maria has outdone herself!
Slap Shot a gorgeous friends to lovers story.
The 5th in the Blades Hockey series, if this is the last, it finishes it off perfectly.
🤳 Read on Kindle
5/5 ⭐️ This book had me laughing, kicking my feet, crying happy tears and just downright feeling happy.
🌶🌶 There actually isn't a whole lot of spice in this particular book. BUT what is there is 🔥🥵
It's tasteful and makes sense for the story. It's not spicy for the sake of being spicy. But it is hottogo
📚 Tropes 📚
🏒 Hockey Romance
👫 Forced proximity
👨 Coaches daughter
👰♀Marriage of convenience
🫶 Best friends to lovers
💔 No 3rd act breakup.
👨👩👧👦 Chosen Family
💙West and Daisy have been best friends for 10 years. They are each other's home. But when a secret is revealed that could bring the rain down on the Boston Blades, that home starts to feel like glass. One wrong move and it all could break.💙
I really love a romance with a grumpy mmc.
You won't find that here in Slap Shot.
West is hands down, the sweetest bookfriend.
He will do anything for Daisy and his team. But don't let that fool you, he'll stand his ground when the going gets tough.
Daisy is a little bit neurotic, hilarious and an absolute sweet heart. She can give as good as she gets.
If you love rom coms with all the laughs, love and banter (omg THE BANTER 😍) then this book is for you.
I genuinely laugh out loud with the banter in Maria's books and Slap Shot is no exception. It's light and funny, and gives a wonderful insight to West and daisy's relationship and its growth over the years.
You could easily read this book as a stand alone. But if you haven't already, I encourage you to go back to the beginning with Power Play and read all 5. There's lots of familiar faces from past books. As a self confessed nostalgia hunter (if that's even a thing 😅) I loved seeing the likes of Jackson, Hunt, Gwen, Andre, Holly and all the usual suspects, pop up and be part of this chosen family. I certainly don't think it would be confusing seeing these relationships on the pages as a stand-alone. But you'll appreciate them so much more if you've read the series.
This story is beautiful, light, funny, and charming. All the things I love about a rom com 💙
Maria has outdone herself!
Slap Shot a gorgeous friends to lovers story.
The 5th in the Blades Hockey series, if this is the last, it finishes it off perfectly.
🤳 Read on Kindle
5/5 ⭐️ This book had me laughing, kicking my feet, crying happy tears and just downright feeling happy.
🌶🌶 There actually isn't a whole lot of spice in this particular book. BUT what is there is 🔥🥵
It's tasteful and makes sense for the story. It's not spicy for the sake of being spicy. But it is hottogo
📚 Tropes 📚
🏒 Hockey Romance
👫 Forced proximity
👨 Coaches daughter
👰♀Marriage of convenience
🫶 Best friends to lovers
💔 No 3rd act breakup.
👨👩👧👦 Chosen Family
💙West and Daisy have been best friends for 10 years. They are each other's home. But when a secret is revealed that could bring the rain down on the Boston Blades, that home starts to feel like glass. One wrong move and it all could break.💙
I really love a romance with a grumpy mmc.
You won't find that here in Slap Shot.
West is hands down, the sweetest bookfriend.
He will do anything for Daisy and his team. But don't let that fool you, he'll stand his ground when the going gets tough.
Daisy is a little bit neurotic, hilarious and an absolute sweet heart. She can give as good as she gets.
If you love rom coms with all the laughs, love and banter (omg THE BANTER 😍) then this book is for you.
I genuinely laugh out loud with the banter in Maria's books and Slap Shot is no exception. It's light and funny, and gives a wonderful insight to West and daisy's relationship and its growth over the years.
You could easily read this book as a stand alone. But if you haven't already, I encourage you to go back to the beginning with Power Play and read all 5. There's lots of familiar faces from past books. As a self confessed nostalgia hunter (if that's even a thing 😅) I loved seeing the likes of Jackson, Hunt, Gwen, Andre, Holly and all the usual suspects, pop up and be part of this chosen family. I certainly don't think it would be confusing seeing these relationships on the pages as a stand-alone. But you'll appreciate them so much more if you've read the series.
This story is beautiful, light, funny, and charming. All the things I love about a rom com 💙
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Book Title->Slap Shot
Author->Maria luis
Tropes-> Hockey Romance, Marriage of Convenience, Friends to Lovers,
IF you like books with Sports Romance + Marriage of Convenience + Friends to Lovers tropes, then you should definitely read this book.
Weston and Daisy just became my favourite couple right from the first few chapters. They are so adorable that I can't stop adoring them. The plot, backstory, scenes, chemistry, cameos are all amazing.
I would definitely recommend this book to every one who love sports romance and friends to lovers tropes. Even if you don't very much enjoy those tropes, you will still enjoy reading the book because this book has got more than those. I am sure you'll like it.
I can't stop admiring Weston. He is just so special because he is just not like most of the MMC's who fight all the battles to protect the FMC by keeping her in dark. He let Daisy solve her own problems and supported her through thick and thin, he didn't say it but he proved he'll do anything for her. He doesn't backdown or hesitate to express and show his love and I loved that. The only thing I am sad about after reading this book is WESTON IS FICTIONAL.
Daisy is so real like she is everyone of us. Her insecurities, the spirit to fight back, the urge to help others resembles all of us at on point.
There's absolutely nothing for me to complain about this book. Like there's not even a second where I felt the story is lagging or lacking something.
Dear Author,
The story is just amazing and I absolutely loved the book. I really hope this book will become a huge hit and bring you more success. I've waited to read this book since the blurb release and the book is more than what I expected. And thank you for the cameos of Jackson and Holly.
Thank you wildfire marketing solutions for the book arc.
Book Title->Slap Shot
Author->Maria luis
Tropes-> Hockey Romance, Marriage of Convenience, Friends to Lovers,
IF you like books with Sports Romance + Marriage of Convenience + Friends to Lovers tropes, then you should definitely read this book.
Weston and Daisy just became my favourite couple right from the first few chapters. They are so adorable that I can't stop adoring them. The plot, backstory, scenes, chemistry, cameos are all amazing.
I would definitely recommend this book to every one who love sports romance and friends to lovers tropes. Even if you don't very much enjoy those tropes, you will still enjoy reading the book because this book has got more than those. I am sure you'll like it.
I can't stop admiring Weston. He is just so special because he is just not like most of the MMC's who fight all the battles to protect the FMC by keeping her in dark. He let Daisy solve her own problems and supported her through thick and thin, he didn't say it but he proved he'll do anything for her. He doesn't backdown or hesitate to express and show his love and I loved that. The only thing I am sad about after reading this book is WESTON IS FICTIONAL.
Daisy is so real like she is everyone of us. Her insecurities, the spirit to fight back, the urge to help others resembles all of us at on point.
There's absolutely nothing for me to complain about this book. Like there's not even a second where I felt the story is lagging or lacking something.
Dear Author,
The story is just amazing and I absolutely loved the book. I really hope this book will become a huge hit and bring you more success. I've waited to read this book since the blurb release and the book is more than what I expected. And thank you for the cameos of Jackson and Holly.
Thank you wildfire marketing solutions for the book arc.
October 19, 2024
I just finished Slap Shot by Maria Luis, and I was thoroughly entertained! This book is a fun and steamy romance that perfectly captures the excitement of love in the world of sports.
The story centers around a professional hockey player, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a strong-willed woman who challenges his laid-back lifestyle. The chemistry between them is electric, and their banter adds a delightful layer to the narrative. I loved how the plot weaves in elements of sports culture while exploring themes of commitment and personal growth. The pacing kept me hooked, with just the right balance of tension and romance.
Maria Luis has done an excellent job creating relatable characters. The protagonist’s journey from a carefree athlete to someone who learns the value of love and responsibility is compelling. His love interest is equally well-developed, showcasing strength and vulnerability that made her feel real. Their interactions felt authentic, and I appreciated how they both grew throughout the story, learning to navigate their feelings and priorities.
Luis’s writing is engaging and flows smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the story. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the playful dynamic between the characters. I particularly enjoyed how she balanced lighthearted moments with deeper emotional scenes, which added depth to their relationship.
Overall, Slap Shot is a delightful read that combines romance, humor, and sports in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I would rate this book four stars for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and entertaining writing style. If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with a sporty twist, this book is definitely worth checking out!
The story centers around a professional hockey player, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a strong-willed woman who challenges his laid-back lifestyle. The chemistry between them is electric, and their banter adds a delightful layer to the narrative. I loved how the plot weaves in elements of sports culture while exploring themes of commitment and personal growth. The pacing kept me hooked, with just the right balance of tension and romance.
Maria Luis has done an excellent job creating relatable characters. The protagonist’s journey from a carefree athlete to someone who learns the value of love and responsibility is compelling. His love interest is equally well-developed, showcasing strength and vulnerability that made her feel real. Their interactions felt authentic, and I appreciated how they both grew throughout the story, learning to navigate their feelings and priorities.
Luis’s writing is engaging and flows smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the story. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the playful dynamic between the characters. I particularly enjoyed how she balanced lighthearted moments with deeper emotional scenes, which added depth to their relationship.
Overall, Slap Shot is a delightful read that combines romance, humor, and sports in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I would rate this book four stars for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and entertaining writing style. If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with a sporty twist, this book is definitely worth checking out!
October 9, 2024
West and Daisy pack so much into their story.
Slap Shot is the first Maria Luis book I’ve read. and I loved it so much!!! **runs to search backlist**. There was so much more than a friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, hockey romance that I just couldn’t put this down. It is a standalone, but I must go back and read the first four books in this series because I want to know all these men and their women! Daisy and West met in college when he played hockey with her father as coach, and she was recovering from a bad experience. Daisy needs a friend, and West promises to be one for her.
As I said this is my first Maria Luis book and I loved it! She puts so much heart and emotion into these characters you can’t help but fall for them. I melted each time West was there for Daisy and vice versa. I enjoyed the banter throughout this book. Whether it was with the H and h or between the players. The team, West’s found family, was big and boisterous and supported each other. West is the type of man every woman wants. He’s supportive, protective, warm, kind, and will do anything to make her happy. He was there for years for Daisy as a friend and when she needed more, he gave more. I loved their relationship from friends to more, the slow burn and anticipation of what was to come. I like the way Ms. Luis handled some pretty sensitive subjects and there is a content warning at the beginning. However, nothing is on the page, only discussed as part of the development of the characters. There is so much happening in the book, it is truly unputdownable.
Slap Shot is the first Maria Luis book I’ve read. and I loved it so much!!! **runs to search backlist**. There was so much more than a friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, hockey romance that I just couldn’t put this down. It is a standalone, but I must go back and read the first four books in this series because I want to know all these men and their women! Daisy and West met in college when he played hockey with her father as coach, and she was recovering from a bad experience. Daisy needs a friend, and West promises to be one for her.
As I said this is my first Maria Luis book and I loved it! She puts so much heart and emotion into these characters you can’t help but fall for them. I melted each time West was there for Daisy and vice versa. I enjoyed the banter throughout this book. Whether it was with the H and h or between the players. The team, West’s found family, was big and boisterous and supported each other. West is the type of man every woman wants. He’s supportive, protective, warm, kind, and will do anything to make her happy. He was there for years for Daisy as a friend and when she needed more, he gave more. I loved their relationship from friends to more, the slow burn and anticipation of what was to come. I like the way Ms. Luis handled some pretty sensitive subjects and there is a content warning at the beginning. However, nothing is on the page, only discussed as part of the development of the characters. There is so much happening in the book, it is truly unputdownable.
October 18, 2024
Weston f-ing Cain just stole my heart! How can this gentle giant of a hockey player make me swoon so hard? For starters, he is respectful, caring, and not a "player" off the ice. It was fate that made him run into the coach's daughter, Daisy, at a gala back in his college days, and they became instant best friends. He cares about her with his whole heart and LISTENS. He doesn't jump to conclusions or make assumptions - he trusts his friend and all he wants is for her to be happy. SWOON!!
Daisy Hall is a strong-willed badass. Even through the adversity of being revealed as Bunny, she holds her head up high. While there are glimpses of her falling apart during weak moments, she was unapologetically herself to the public. She is at a crossroads and trying to figure out who she wants to be.
How they support each other is the absolute best thing about Daisy and West's friendship (in my opinion)! There is give and take. When one of them is down, the other is there holding them up.
It was fun being back in the Boston Blades world and getting to see a few familiar faces. The rookie, Kammer, cracked me up with his antics (pizza anyone?). I also love the glimpses of West's twin brother, Tory. The banter between Tory, West, and Daisy was superb! Every character, main or otherwise, had depth.
This friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience slow burn is the perfect comfort read. It is sweet with a hint of steam, and you won't be able to stop yourself from falling in love with Weston Cain.
Daisy Hall is a strong-willed badass. Even through the adversity of being revealed as Bunny, she holds her head up high. While there are glimpses of her falling apart during weak moments, she was unapologetically herself to the public. She is at a crossroads and trying to figure out who she wants to be.
How they support each other is the absolute best thing about Daisy and West's friendship (in my opinion)! There is give and take. When one of them is down, the other is there holding them up.
It was fun being back in the Boston Blades world and getting to see a few familiar faces. The rookie, Kammer, cracked me up with his antics (pizza anyone?). I also love the glimpses of West's twin brother, Tory. The banter between Tory, West, and Daisy was superb! Every character, main or otherwise, had depth.
This friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience slow burn is the perfect comfort read. It is sweet with a hint of steam, and you won't be able to stop yourself from falling in love with Weston Cain.
October 28, 2024
This was a beautiful story full of heart in every page!
So when I first started reading Maria Luis, I instantly knew I was going to loved every book by her because in every page she writes you can feel the love and dedication she puts into her stories. Now Slap Shot is a new addition into the Blades Hockey series and for me this was a bit different that the rest of the books because while you get all the hockey sports action and thrill, I think this story focus more of the mentally struggles that both the main characters face.
Daisy and West have been best friends for a very long time. They have been there for each others in their ups and downs and their connection is so beautiful. When Daisy's secret gossip column is reveal a lot of people are angry with her specially around the hockey world. She is forced to put this column down but this not only affects her, it also affect her dad which is the currently coach for the Blades.
Everything is out of control and West wants to protect Daisy at all cost because they are each others person. So when a fake marriage is suggested by him, they find each other living under one roof and with a marriage that doesn't feel fake at all.
I loved how Daisy and West's relationship progresses because every single look, touch and incredible swoon moment makes this couple so perfect.
-Slow Burn
-Hockey Romance
-Angst
-Friends to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Marriage of Convenience
October 30, 2024
I am OBSESSED!! I love me some Weston and Daisy. This friends to lovers, marriage of convenience story was top tier, and I was hooked from beginning to end. This story follows Daisy Hall, an accountant and daughter to the coach of the Boston Blades hockey team, and Weston Cain, Daisy's bestie and player for said team. I loved Daisy and Weston together. Their mutual pining and their unbreakable friendship bond had my heart a-flutter. I loved how supportive Weston and Daisy were of each other, and how despite the distance, their decade’s long friendship never faltered.
Daisy Hall was not someone to be messed with, and my heart broke for her when she had to stand down to protect those she loved. One could only admire her perseverance in the face of adversity. I admired how she outwardly held her head high and only broke down in the shelter of her home or the shelter of Weston’s arms.
Weston MUTHAF’N Cain!! This man put the “OO” in SWOON. I am completely enamored of this character. The way he came out to stand by and stand up for Daisy had me swooning my little heart out. Weston was aggressive but not in such a way that was intrusive. He knew just the right amount to use to get Daisy out of her head. His loyalty was admirable, and I will just be singing his praises for a long time to come.
Slap Shot is one of those reads that will have a lasting effect. Maria Luis did a wonderful job of portraying the unbreakable bond between Weston and Daisy and unconditional love they shared for one another. Their romance was sweet with a hint of steam. I want me a friendship like that.
Daisy Hall was not someone to be messed with, and my heart broke for her when she had to stand down to protect those she loved. One could only admire her perseverance in the face of adversity. I admired how she outwardly held her head high and only broke down in the shelter of her home or the shelter of Weston’s arms.
Weston MUTHAF’N Cain!! This man put the “OO” in SWOON. I am completely enamored of this character. The way he came out to stand by and stand up for Daisy had me swooning my little heart out. Weston was aggressive but not in such a way that was intrusive. He knew just the right amount to use to get Daisy out of her head. His loyalty was admirable, and I will just be singing his praises for a long time to come.
Slap Shot is one of those reads that will have a lasting effect. Maria Luis did a wonderful job of portraying the unbreakable bond between Weston and Daisy and unconditional love they shared for one another. Their romance was sweet with a hint of steam. I want me a friendship like that.
November 12, 2024
Slap Shot is the fifth book in the Blades Hockey series from Maria Luis, and I was eager to dive into this story as it has been a while since I have read anything from the author. Although I have only read two prior books in this series, it was possible to enjoy Slap Shot without any prior knowledge. The knowledge of the other characters is simply a bonus, and it has highlighted that I should go back and read them for more bonuses as the series continues.
For me, Slap Shot was a wonderful light read that had me devouring it in no time. While a part of me would have liked more depth and exploration of certain elements contained within the story, it did work well as an extremely light read. The fact that it grabbed me so easily, ensuring I could not put it down, meant I was mostly able to overlook my desire for a deeper insight into some of the elements within the story. From the start, I was pulled into the relationship between the characters and had a lot of fun watching it play out. It was without drama between them, which made it the perfect easy read between more intense stories. Although not perfect (see my desire for more exploration of certain elements), it was a sweet and addictive read that I could not get enough of. Because of that, it was perfect easy reading.
All in all, Slap Shot was another addictive read from the author. I cannot wait to read more in this series, and to see what comes next.
For me, Slap Shot was a wonderful light read that had me devouring it in no time. While a part of me would have liked more depth and exploration of certain elements contained within the story, it did work well as an extremely light read. The fact that it grabbed me so easily, ensuring I could not put it down, meant I was mostly able to overlook my desire for a deeper insight into some of the elements within the story. From the start, I was pulled into the relationship between the characters and had a lot of fun watching it play out. It was without drama between them, which made it the perfect easy read between more intense stories. Although not perfect (see my desire for more exploration of certain elements), it was a sweet and addictive read that I could not get enough of. Because of that, it was perfect easy reading.
All in all, Slap Shot was another addictive read from the author. I cannot wait to read more in this series, and to see what comes next.
October 8, 2024
Oh my God, Weston Cain, and Daisy Hall were absolute fire on the page. Maria Luis you have done it again. This is my first story in the Blades universe and I absolutely love it there banter and one-liners are amazing. They are both so witty and they can sling lines back to the other without thinking. They truly are best friends, and they have such a beautiful relationship that is enviable. Daisy is such a firecracker. She is a go-getter knows what she wants and doesn’t put up with too much garbage from anyone. West is a charming hockey player, but he is such an amazing human, who apparently is a closet romantic. And they will do anything for the other one so when Daisy comes on hard times, he will be her night in shining armor. Watching them navigate this new chapter in their life is fantastic. The acknowledgement of their true feelings absolute chefs kiss. His teammates are an absolute riot and a half. It is never a dull moment with all those hockey players. I got to give a shout out to my favorite rookie Kammer. He absolutely makes every scene and he’s in absolute riot without trying too hard. But nothing in West and Daisy’s relationship is easy. There’s so many curveballs and issues that they have to deal with but as long as they’re dealing with it together, nothing is going to stop them.I am so glad that they got their happily ever after because it is beautiful.
October 9, 2024
Blades Hockey #5
For those that had the issues of a non completed book, be sure and get the updated version. I have followed Maria for some time and it's been her Blades series that got me into loving sports romance. I'm so happy she finally brought them back! Thank you!!!!
Weston Cain and Daisy Hall have been besties since college. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her including marrying her. "She feels like home"
Both have issues they are dealing with including the online blog, Confessions of a Puck Bunny that Daisy was writing about hockey players when she was exposed as the author of that blog. Doesn't help that her father is the coach of the Blades hockey team, the very one that Weston plays for.
This blog has created problems for Daisy that she quits her accounting job and problems for her dad with the team. It has also turned fans against her. But most of the Blades players have her back. An idea was brought up about Daisy and West getting married and that hopefully the fans would back off. A marriage of convenience. "She's special. Don't let her go."
But it ends up being so much more.
5 stars
I loved this story. It's emotional, but also has funny bantering. The epilogue and then Maria's "Dear Reader" will grab you!
For those that had the issues of a non completed book, be sure and get the updated version. I have followed Maria for some time and it's been her Blades series that got me into loving sports romance. I'm so happy she finally brought them back! Thank you!!!!
Weston Cain and Daisy Hall have been besties since college. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her including marrying her. "She feels like home"
Both have issues they are dealing with including the online blog, Confessions of a Puck Bunny that Daisy was writing about hockey players when she was exposed as the author of that blog. Doesn't help that her father is the coach of the Blades hockey team, the very one that Weston plays for.
This blog has created problems for Daisy that she quits her accounting job and problems for her dad with the team. It has also turned fans against her. But most of the Blades players have her back. An idea was brought up about Daisy and West getting married and that hopefully the fans would back off. A marriage of convenience. "She's special. Don't let her go."
But it ends up being so much more.
5 stars
I loved this story. It's emotional, but also has funny bantering. The epilogue and then Maria's "Dear Reader" will grab you!
October 11, 2024
Best friends to lovers and marriage of convenience. What’s not to love in the next Blades Hockey book. These two are major swoon. Their banter and chemistry lifts right off the page.
West and Daisy met in college where she impulsively friend zoned him in their first meeting. They’ve been best friends ever since. They’ve been there for each other in every way possible.
West is a pro hockey player but he’s not a player. Daisy is an accountant with a secret born from a bad experience. Daisy’s dad also happens to be West’s coach which makes for an interesting dynamic between them all. When Daisy’s secret is revealed, West offers to marry her as a way to help with her reputation.
Daisy and West are those friends who everyone knows are in love except for Daisy and West. And watching the two of them figure it out was such a delight. West is the swooniest book boyfriend. His loyalty to Daisy is unmatched. They are the definition of true soulmates with the deepest connection. And the way they each defended the other at various points in the book made me feel all the emotions.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series as well.
Thanks to Maria Luis & Wildfire Marketing for the ARC opportunity.
West and Daisy met in college where she impulsively friend zoned him in their first meeting. They’ve been best friends ever since. They’ve been there for each other in every way possible.
West is a pro hockey player but he’s not a player. Daisy is an accountant with a secret born from a bad experience. Daisy’s dad also happens to be West’s coach which makes for an interesting dynamic between them all. When Daisy’s secret is revealed, West offers to marry her as a way to help with her reputation.
Daisy and West are those friends who everyone knows are in love except for Daisy and West. And watching the two of them figure it out was such a delight. West is the swooniest book boyfriend. His loyalty to Daisy is unmatched. They are the definition of true soulmates with the deepest connection. And the way they each defended the other at various points in the book made me feel all the emotions.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series as well.
Thanks to Maria Luis & Wildfire Marketing for the ARC opportunity.
October 12, 2024
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Weston, but I love him so much 😫 This book was so incredible. And not just about these friends falling for each other, but also figuring out how to support each other and stand up for each other, and truly grow together.
We’ve gotten to meet West a few times throughout the series, and meet his family real quick in Body Check, but I don’t think I was expecting West to be such a softie when it comes to Daisy. I was expecting more of a spoiled rich-boy type, and I am so happy to say I am wrong.
And Daisy is such a strong woman, who is obviously dealing with some stuff. Seeing her be there for others, and not realizing that maybe she needs that support as well, was something I think a lot of us can resonate with.
Their relationship is so special. 🥹 The truly compliment each other in so many ways. And I love that it’s obvious to everyone around them that they love each other. I think their friendship was always meant to be more, and I’m so glad they realized it too.
Maria hits it out of the park yet again with this one. Even her “Dear Fabulous Readers” at the end really touched my heart. Thank you Maria for giving us a piece of your heart.
We’ve gotten to meet West a few times throughout the series, and meet his family real quick in Body Check, but I don’t think I was expecting West to be such a softie when it comes to Daisy. I was expecting more of a spoiled rich-boy type, and I am so happy to say I am wrong.
And Daisy is such a strong woman, who is obviously dealing with some stuff. Seeing her be there for others, and not realizing that maybe she needs that support as well, was something I think a lot of us can resonate with.
Their relationship is so special. 🥹 The truly compliment each other in so many ways. And I love that it’s obvious to everyone around them that they love each other. I think their friendship was always meant to be more, and I’m so glad they realized it too.
Maria hits it out of the park yet again with this one. Even her “Dear Fabulous Readers” at the end really touched my heart. Thank you Maria for giving us a piece of your heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
This was an enjoyable read we loved that previous characters grace the page and loved Daisy and West characters they were characters easy to fall in love with.
We love a good hockey romance a slow-burn one where their long-lasting friendship turns into something more. We loved how in sync they were and supportive of each other. The witty banter between them was fantastic and we loved it. For us, this story has it all full of emotions some would even say gives you all those feelings.
The romance stories where friends become more is one of our favorite reads as you never know how to make your move or how that transition is made West stepped in when Daisy needed him the most and showed patience and kindness not pushing her as she would share her story when she was ready to spill it all giving the time she needed. We loved being on the journey to finding love such a beautiful wonderful story as these are some memorable characters for sure. They were explosive together and the chemistry was beautiful.
We love this hockey series and can't wait for more to come the characters in this series are fantastic and the friendships in this series are just as awesome.
We love a good hockey romance a slow-burn one where their long-lasting friendship turns into something more. We loved how in sync they were and supportive of each other. The witty banter between them was fantastic and we loved it. For us, this story has it all full of emotions some would even say gives you all those feelings.
The romance stories where friends become more is one of our favorite reads as you never know how to make your move or how that transition is made West stepped in when Daisy needed him the most and showed patience and kindness not pushing her as she would share her story when she was ready to spill it all giving the time she needed. We loved being on the journey to finding love such a beautiful wonderful story as these are some memorable characters for sure. They were explosive together and the chemistry was beautiful.
We love this hockey series and can't wait for more to come the characters in this series are fantastic and the friendships in this series are just as awesome.
September 16, 2025
2.5 and rounding up
This was cute and sweet though there were a couple loose threads and things that didn't make sense to include that kept me from giving a true 3 star endorsement.
The MCs were both likable. The MMC was just a big cinnamon roll and, while the FMC was fairly unremarkable, she was likable. We did get a good sense of them being friends for years and the level of closeness they shared did come across to the reader. The plot was just so flimsy.
The Puck Bunny exposure thing was the catalyst but there was basically no detail about it, even though it played a large part regarding the 'villain' and the climax in the story. Also, the dad/coach thing was very poorly written. We needed either more detail, or less. As it was, we just got enough to be irritating and not quite enough to make it work as part of the tale.
I see several review remarking about the ambiguity of the MMC being a virgin or not. While not directly stated, we get a big context clue at the end - the MMC does say that they were both tested and clean before they had sex. If he was a virgin, would he be getting tested? Probably not.
This was cute and sweet though there were a couple loose threads and things that didn't make sense to include that kept me from giving a true 3 star endorsement.
The MCs were both likable. The MMC was just a big cinnamon roll and, while the FMC was fairly unremarkable, she was likable. We did get a good sense of them being friends for years and the level of closeness they shared did come across to the reader. The plot was just so flimsy.
The Puck Bunny exposure thing was the catalyst but there was basically no detail about it, even though it played a large part regarding the 'villain' and the climax in the story. Also, the dad/coach thing was very poorly written. We needed either more detail, or less. As it was, we just got enough to be irritating and not quite enough to make it work as part of the tale.
I see several review remarking about the ambiguity of the MMC being a virgin or not. While not directly stated, we get a big context clue at the end - the MMC does say that they were both tested and clean before they had sex. If he was a virgin, would he be getting tested? Probably not.
October 6, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
I was so ecstatic when I found out that this series is about to have another book. I patiently waited and when I got it, I instantly devoured it. I can’t explain how much this masterpiece affected me. I was going through something, and West & Daisy got me through it.
West and Daisy have the perfect friendship. They know each other for a long time, was there for each other every time they needed one another. So when Daisy gets injured and needs an insurance, West, being the stand up guy that he is, offers to marry her.
But Daisy didn’t anticipate how it would feel like living with the hottest hockey player. They had a beautiful relationship and story progressed perfectly. They were made for each other. And of course I was so glad to read about the previous characters and the banter between them was magnificent.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, hockey romance then you’re going to love it.
I was so ecstatic when I found out that this series is about to have another book. I patiently waited and when I got it, I instantly devoured it. I can’t explain how much this masterpiece affected me. I was going through something, and West & Daisy got me through it.
West and Daisy have the perfect friendship. They know each other for a long time, was there for each other every time they needed one another. So when Daisy gets injured and needs an insurance, West, being the stand up guy that he is, offers to marry her.
But Daisy didn’t anticipate how it would feel like living with the hottest hockey player. They had a beautiful relationship and story progressed perfectly. They were made for each other. And of course I was so glad to read about the previous characters and the banter between them was magnificent.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, hockey romance then you’re going to love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews