Plumber

by Colleen Charles

I'm on the verge of scoring the most critical goal of my life, and it has nothing to do with the ice.As a power forward for the Las Vegas Venom, and I've tackled challenges on and off the rink. But when my SUV crashes into Sage's van—her home—life throws me a curveball I never saw coming.Our accidental roommates situation should be a simple fix—a few repairs, a few laughs, and she'll be on her way. Easy, right? Wrong. Every shared TikTok dance and Tic Tac mishap makes me realize this isn't just a game.With each stolen moment under the desert sky with my mysterious Montana wildflower, our fake cohabitation starts to feel dangerously real. And as Sage helps me navigate the minefield of love, I begin to wonder—could she be the one?The clock's ticking, and I'm going all-in. I'm not just fighting for the Stanley Cup…I'm fighting for forever.

Genres: Hockey

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2024

About the author

After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

Reviews

[Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

I love the way the guys started reading romance book for their women, Cash is such a fucking icon for that. I do wish that we would get a boss x assistant romance because I'd love to see a softer side of Dante/watch him get bossed around. In general it might not have been my favorite couple but it was definitely one of my favorite books in the series as a whole.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage catches her fake fiance,Trevor, cheating on her with her rodeo enemy. They were marrying so that she could save her family ranch and so he could show his dad an improved image for his family's business. Images of his cheating were captured on live social media. The van,she had fixed as a home on wheels, had been her dad's before he died. Sage leaves taking Annie, her Serval cat, with her on a trip to find herself. Bash aka Sebastian is a pro-hockey player and single;he just hasn't found a girl right for him as what his parents have plus he is Canadian so the language is not always the same.Sage needs supplies;stopping at Walmart and leaving Annie in the van.Snacks include TicTacs and ends up bumping into someone,Bash who is wanting orange TicTacs. They mildly flirt. Bash starts his SUV while Sage is putting her supplies in her van while keeping Annie inside. He comes over to help Sage get her things into the van. Suddenly Bash's SUV starts driving without a driver towards Sage's van; it hits the van once, backs up and hit the van again. So starts Sage and Bash's journey as she stays with him since Annie as an exotic animal that will not be welcomed at hotels. Bash first thought that Annie was Sage's baby until he sees it. Dante, the hockey team owner, steps in to arrange for the van repair, Sage's stay at Bash's house.What happens when Trevor shows in Vegas to get Sage to return to Montana while Bash playing an away game? Will Sage be able to save the ranch? Will Bash want to convince Sage that he is the one for her? Will something else give an option to save herself from Trevor?.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 10th book in the Vegas Venom series featuring the wonderful page-turning conclusion to this great hockey series. With this being the last story we get to revisit all of our favorite Venom couples here in Bash and Sage's story. Bash and Sage have the best meet-cute they literally crashed right into each other's lives along with Annie Oakpaw a serval cat. Bash is a power forward on the Venom and he wants to find love and settle down like his teammates have done but he keeps finding the fame chasing women. Sage only got on the road after she found her fiance for her business marriage cheating on her so she ends up in Vegas crashed into Bash. Dante has assured Sage that she has nothing to worry about her van will be fixed but she has no place to stay now that her van needs repairs. Then Dante suggests that she could stay with Bash totally looking out for his teammate so after their meet-cute they end up being roommates. Bash expects that their living situation will be temporary until he gets her van fixed then she'll be gone just as quickly as she crashed into his life. Bash hopes that Sage won't just disappear from his life since he feels like they're more than roommates. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this wonderful page-turning conclusion to this great hockey series to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been so much fun to read and these characters feel like beloved friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Bash find love and the meet cute in Walmart was hilarious, especially when Annie Oakpaw/‘my baby’ made her appearance. Even Dante tries his hand at matching for Bash.

Sage grabbed my heartstrings in the very beginning with her situation and even more so when she discovers the guy she was planning to have a business arrangement ‘marriage’ with was a slime ball.

Bash is adorably Canadian. He wants a relationship like the rest of the guys have found with their wives, but he keeps finding super shallow attention seekers.

I was curious how Colleen was going to have Sage able to stay in Vegas with Bash with a struggling Montana ranch, but I loved the path she took and how it all came together.

I highly recommend this book, but for the best enjoyment make sure to read all the previous Vegas Venom books in order to get to know all the guys and their families.

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

[Jemt0t · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that this book is the end of the series but I have to say, i’m also glad it ended on this note. Bash and Sage were too cute and too perfect for each other. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in how stubborn Sage was, all I wanted was for her to let go & lovvvve. Bash was too cute, totally clueless, yet they were absolutely perfect for each other. I went through all the emotions with this book. The banter between the men was amazing & the found family between the wives made my heart swell… it also made me so sad that this was the end of their stories. Plumber also gave a deeper glimpse into Dante’s personality & it made me want more of him & his story!! I highly recommend this book but fair warning, try to have some orange tictacs on hand while reading! 🤣

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 10 of Charles' Vegas Venom series and a great addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. This is the last book in the series and while I have not read all, each one I've read I'm so enjoyed! A wonderfully well written romance that is captivating from the very start. Our main characters in this book are Bash and Sage and I found them to just be perfect for one another. I love the humor Charles brought to this read and the balance of sweet and steamy was perfect. I'll definitely have to find time to go back and read the ones I've missed in this series and will be on the lookout for what Charles will be writing next!

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

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could there possibly be a more appropriate meet cute than at the Vegas Walmart? Next time I go shopping, I'm going to the Tic Tac aisle! Sage and Bash are smitten from the start and the progression of their roommate situation to the real thing is both touching and believable. Plumber had me hooked from the first chapter. The story is compelling, and all of the characters are well-crafted, both mains and secondary. The writing style is easy to follow, making it a breeze to get through. A great choice for anyone who loves to dive deeply into a good story. Plumber is the perfect book for the ending of the Vegas Venom series. Of Ms. Charles' three hockey romance series, this has to be my favorite!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect ending to the series

You know a book or series is good when you are sad it is ending. That is how I feel.
Bash is such a sweet character. He loves his family, us loyal to his newfound family of hockey brothers and wants what they want - a wife and a happily ever after. The way he and Sage meet is funny, in fact there are so many funny parts of this book along with a good amount of angst and wanting. Ever the gentleman, Bash takes it slow as he navigates love for the first time.
Dante is funny in this book along with Julie who is more like a handler than an assistant.
The last chapter was a perfect wrap-up for the series and the epilogue was beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Thank you, Colleen Charles, for a fantastic series.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved Bash and Sage’s story! When Bash’s SUV crashes into Sage’s van their journey on the way to their relationship. Sage took off on a road trip before she had to make a decision about the family horse ranch. She didn’t think it would it would stand her in Las Vegas staying with Bash, a gorgeous pro hockey player. They grow closer the longer they stay together, but both of them are afraid to get attached because there is an end when Sage would go back home. Will Sage go back home to Montana, or will she decide her place is with Bash? I loved Plumber so much! Colleen has outdone herself with this addition to the Vegas Venom series! I can’t wait for her next book!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Vegas Venom guys never get old and this read is definitely not an exception! Bash is utterly charming, Sage gets your whole heart, and the rest of these outrageous characters keep up the antics with unwanted advice, lots of meddling, and the whole dirty book thing, freaking priceless!
I absolutely adore the meet cute in this thing, anything that starts with a Walmart parking lot is going to be great, love how herself Sage is no matter the situation and how she puts the guys to shame with her handy man skills, and can't get enough of the chemistry, respect, and fun Sage and Bash have with each other. Just an excellent read that warms your heart and keeps you laughing.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage wanted to protect her family’s ranch and was prepared to enter a marriage of convenience to ensure that happened. When she realizes the type of man she is she needs to distance herself from the situation and finds herself in Vegas staying with Bash.

Bash is a successful hockey player who hasn’t had the same luck when it comes to finding a woman to share his life with. An accident may have brought them together but as he spends time with her, he only wants to convince her to stay.

Bash and Sage are delightful together even if they had some challenges to overcome. It was great to catch up with the characters we know and love and see the camaraderie they all share.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 10 in the Vegas Venom Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a heartfelt romance between Sage and professional hockey player Bash. These two likeable souls and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. What starts out as a temporary roommate situation turns into something more. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A romantic adventure.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending for the series. Kind of a burn story, but then it shoots right to hot. Both Bash and Safe have crushes on each other, but avoid saying anything for a while for different reasons, but it boils down to that she is leaving. There are some seriously funny moments between the guys. I didn’t love how Sage tries to leave things. I love the guys working together all the time. Just anoverall good story and the ending ties everything up really well.

I received a free copy of this book.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage was planning to marry a man to save her family's ranch until she found out he was sleeping with her nemesis. She takes a road trip in her dad's restored van with her per serval, Annie Oakpaw. When she ends up in Vegas, her van is smashed by a hot hockey player's runaway SUV.

Bash is an adorable Canadian, he is so sweet, looking for Miss Right and not having much luck until he is offering his home to Sage and Annie. This is a slow burn, Bash is shy and takes his time shooting his shot with the lovely Sage.

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

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great series and I’m sorry for it ending. Bass is a player on the Vegas Venom team and his suv totals Sages van . He feels terrible and wants to pay to repair but his boss, Dante discovers the suv was hacked and he will have it taken care of. He does suggest Sage and her cat stay with Bass while repairs are done. They fall for each other over time but when Sage’s ex fiancee comes to get her back she doesn’t think she has a choice. Will Bass’s gesture make her see they are meant to be.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed and savored this series that is well written and has such personable characters. Bass and Sage’s meet-cute is adorable at the Vegas Walmart and when Annie Oakpaw made herself known it was the best. Loved the slow burn as they learned more about each other. As always, the teammates and their wive’s support and meddling was perfect. This story is filled with fun, sizzling steam, humor,heart and that brings us to a wonderful HEA.

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sage finds her fiance cheating, she takes her cat and heads to Vegas in her newly reconditioned van. Where Bash's SUV slams into said van. Now they're reluctant and unexpected roommates. He'd like to solve her problems, but she's far too independent for that to happen. It took her so long to finally admit her feelings, largely because of how recent her love life crashed. He and his teammates are a complete hoot, and I love how welcoming his friends and their wives are toward Sage. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another instalment in the Vegas Venom series, the first one I've read. It was an absolute joy to read this book! The humour and banter show the close friendships between the players and their wives, how they've obviously all grown close together during the series. A romcom with Bash, a loveable accented Canadian hockey player and and Sage, the farm girl from Montana with her exotic pet. I absolutely loved and laughed out loud whilst reading with all of the romance book talk sprinkled throughout!!.

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

[Linda Olinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to complete the Vegas Venom series! The chemistry between Bash and Sage was apparent from their first encounter at the Vegas Walmart! Crazy, right? She’s on a road trip with her pet serval cat Annie Oakpaw to escape a cheating fiancé! And the craziness only amps up from there!
After the initial “meet cute”? I was fully invested in these two and their future!
Great book, and the ending was a real surprise!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps on giving, and keeps on reeling me in, I’m sad this is the series finale.
Bash and Sage are a wonderful pairing, with a smashing meet-cute, forced proximity, sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud humour, they provide an absolute winner of a story. Plus there’s a Serval cat as a pet!
Funny, witty, steamy, heartfelt and romantic with a brilliant HEA.

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

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is clearly some kind of a wizard with words. This is certainly not the first story I read in this series but they just seem to get better with every story published. The storyline is fabulous and the characters are so somehow believable and true.
Overall I would give it nine out of ten stars but as there are only five available it gets five fabulous ones.

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

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bash & Sage: Book 10 of Vegas Venom: Found family/ Vegas/ forced proximity/ hockey RomCom: Amazing ending to this great series. It was funny, entertaining, and addictive. Colleen Charles created such memorable and endearing characters. I will come back to this series and reread it as a whole. Love Bash and his orange Tic Tacs!.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bash. He is so sweet and takes care of Sage. He loves his family and he loves his team. I feel like this is the last book for the team and I will miss them. They are a big family. I want a book for Julie and for Dante. Sage is a sweetheart. I love her drive and her love for her family and her ranch. The writing is nice and easy and smooth.

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

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

opposites and compromise
Both Bash and Sage are at a turning point in their life, when they meet their mutual attraction seems to be another complication they don´t need. I loved how this book depicted that when you meet the right person, you´ll do everything to make the relationship work and fight for a happy future together.

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildly entertaining and an absolute joy to read. I’ve loved every book in this series. This is Bash and Sage’s love journey. When two souls are meant to be, this book is the blueprint. Beautiful, spicy, enchanting, and ever the fairytale. I adored the use of romance tropes, the brotherhood, and the family they have all created. Just a wonderful read!.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s sweet..

She’s a total hot mess. Bash is from Quebec, is looking for the one (like his parents relationship). He doesn’t date much.

Sage just dumped her cheating fake fiancé on TikTok. She ran off in her rusty van and rubs into Bash. Literally. She was gonna fake marry her cheater to save her ranch.
Thankfully Bash is an excellent option instead.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes hockey themed romance better than Colleen Charles. Plumber was another great book in the Vegas Venom Series and one of my favorites of the series. Sage and Bash are definitely my new favorite couple. I loved everything about their story from start to finish. From Sage dumping her fake cheating ex to meeting Bash while shopping with Annie Oakpaw at Walmart. Definitely recommend.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining hockey love story book that grabs your attention and holds it captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and steamy magnetic chemistry. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great conclusion in the "Vegas Venom" series. The story is about Bash and Sage. This can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone one. It of course has connected characters and players. These two are combustible and perfect for each other. I love these two characters and how they story develops. I was completely captivated by this story.

[Rach H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay it's Bash's story and it was well worth the wait.
I loved the storyline, the sizzling instant connection between them and how their relationship develops.
There were a few twists, fantastic characters and loved catching up with everyone from the series, I'm sad the series is over and I can't wait to see what Colleen writes next.