Liam Preston is retiring from hockey. Having spent his life after college playing pro hockey in Canada, he’s now ready to call it a day. His reason, however, is nothing to do with hockey and everything to do with his childhood sweetheart, Vicky. He’s always wanted to play a season with his twin brother and their best friend, and this might be the only chance they have. But it involves a move to the UK, and soon there will be no escaping each other, with Vicky being the team photographer and social media manager. It’s not complicated, right?
We were everything, but never just friends. Vicky Koenig has always been in her brother’s shadow. But back when they were teenagers, and she met his best friend, Liam, she felt seen for the first time. There’s no such thing as a happy ending as far as Vicky’s concerned, and her self-sabotage has caused her to push away the person she loves the most. But when Liam reveals that he’s playing his final season alongside her brother at the hockey club she works for, she knows she needs to keep things professional. An easy task, or so she thinks.
Can they find a way forward after all they’ve been through?
I want to firstly give the biggest thank you to Alys for sending me a fantastic pr box in celebration of the release for this stunning book🥰
This book is perfect for those of you looking for..
🏒brother’s best friend 🏒ice hockey romance (done well) 🏒spicy spice 🏒kindle unlimited read 🏒interconnected standalone (series)
I absolutely love the Elite Hockey series for its well written characters, addictive plot and spice which keeps me on my toes🤭 It is a series which will have you become attached to the characters and become inpatient for the next instalments… ROLL ON JOHNNY’s story 😭😭😭🥅🏒
Let me know if you intend to read the series, you will LOVE it 🤭
If you like hockey romance, you really have to read this series. This is now book 2 in it and it's sooo good. I loved it. Liam is such a HUGE golden retriever. Honestly. He is soo sensitive. It's no secret that Vicky broke up with him TWO times in the past and each time it was a HUGE heartbreak for Liam. He would do EVERYTHING for Vicky. So, technically this isn't a second chance, it's a third chance romance 😎 Vicky isn't a bad person. She had her reasons for breaking up with him. Even for canceling their secret wedding. Do we have to understand these reasons? No. Can we understand these reasons? Yes. At least me. And yes, I felt sorry for Vicky, too. Liam never stopped loving Vicky. The latest break-up was the reason for book 1 😉 The reason why Ryan (Liam's twin brother) "had" to go to the UK and had to take his place in the hockey league. It all went perfectly in the end, but you should read "The Import Slot" if you haven't yet. But now Liam is also in the UK and because Vicky works for the same hockey club they have to see each other every day. And I give you a tiny spoiler... I already said, Liam never stopped loving Vicky, but Vicky never stopped loving Liam too. Yes, she still loves him and she isn't happy with the break-ups. But she just can't be with him. That's why I said, I felt sorry with her too. I can't say her reasons, because that's the huge secret 😎
I don't know how many books there will be in this series, but the next will be Johnny's story. Johnny is Vicky's big brother. There are already so many hints in book 2 about Johnny's story that I really can't wait to read it 🤩
I have connected with the author previously but this review is entirely my own opinion of the book!
Book trigger warnings for mention of pregnancy loss, blood, violence, swearing, explicit scenes, divorce, upsetting scenes, death, uncomfortable scenes. Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book in case I have missed any.
I did like The Tape Job - Alys has a way of writing that is so gripping and makes you keep turning the page to see what’s going to happen next!
I personally preferred The Import Slot because friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes ever and I loved following Ryan and Jenna. I did find The Tape Job a little too steamy for my personal preference but I found it interesting following Vicky and Liam, who aren’t perfect characters in their actions etc, and I think this made the book unique as I haven’t really read a book where characters can be frustrating and make mistakes and have to work together to fix them. It added depth to Vicky and Liam as characters which was interesting!
I loved the whole media side of The Tape Job and it gave me a good insight into the behind the scenes of what media can look like in the sports world, e.g. the videos of the player’s favourite pizza toppings etc.
I don’t know if I would have benefited from rereading The Import Slot before starting this as I couldn’t really remember what had happened to cause the tension between Vicky and Liam. But I kept going and don’t think this impacted my reading experience too much!
I did like Vicky and Liam as characters, although they were frustrating at times but this added to their character depth. I loved seeing the snippets into their early relationship - it really helped show how much they both loved each other!
It was fun following the other characters and seeing how they were doing, e.g. Jenna and Ryan, Danny, Johnny, Bettsy etc. I would have loved to have seen more of Becca but I understand that she is Jenna’s friend and didn’t feature much in Vicky’s story.
Overall, I did enjoy The Tape Job - I couldn’t put it down and kept turning the page to see what would happen next! Despite there being tension between the characters, I could really feel their love for each other and wanted to see how things would turn out in the end! I just personally found The Tape Job a bit too steamy for my personal liking but I enjoyed following the characters and being back in the hockey world again! Looking forward to reading Johnny’s book next ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Alys has done it again! I really wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book because I didn’t love Vicky and Liam’s storyline as much as I did the two characters (Ryan and Jen) from the first book. However, they had so much history and chemistry that you could feel throughout the entirety of the book.
This is the second book in an interconnected standalone hockey romance series. It’s a second chance romance between a hockey player and photographer for the hockey team. In the first book The Import Slot, we follow Jen and Ryan and we find out that Ryan has a brother Liam who also plays hockey and he is the reason that Ryan came out to play for this team in the first place. We get little bread crumbs of Liam and his kind of childhood friend turned lover (very quickly), Vicky. They went from knowing each other because of Vicky’s brother Johnny, to both crushing on and eventually dating one another on and off for years. When the story starts, their past is so complicated that they are currently not together and are trying to keep their distance.
Ryan and Vicky’s brother, Johnny do share their opinions a lot with both our main characters, and I didn’t always love that because I think that played into why they take so long to really communicate their thoughts and feelings together. Of course they both are just looking out for them, but I think at points it wasn’t always necessary.
Vicky and Liam have known each other since they were kids and have always had a thing, whether it be sneaking around, dating, or taking a break and wishing they were together. At first, I didn’t know how I felt about their love story because it felt like they were off again on again. However, once you start diving into the book, you realize why they’ve had their rocky moments, it makes so much sense and just builds even more on how much they care for and love one another. We get to see and learn more about Liam and Ryan’s mother and how that played a role in their relationship as well, which I absolutely love that aspect. There is so much I could say about this book, but I don’t want to give anything away because it’s a book you need to just experience for yourself.
If you’re looking for a book with more depth and emotion as well as one where you can feel the chemistry and bond they share, I highly recommend this. Please check trigger warnings, it doesn’t go too in depth, but some themes could be triggering to some audiences. Overall, I loved how we get to learn about the significance of his jersey number and why Vicky called it off and has had a hard time committing for various reasons. The depth of this book is so much more than just a hockey romance.
Another phenomenal read if you’re looking for a sweet romance with some spice! We also learn more about Johnny, Vicky’s brother which I think they did a good job of setting us up for the next book, and I’m stoked to read the 3rd one and all it entails!
✨𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨ 📚 The Tape Job Format: Paperback Pages: 376 Genre: Romance Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Spice: 🌶️ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 𝕊𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤 This is an ice hockey series and this book follows Ryans twin brother Liam, who is retiring from hockey after spending all his life playing in Canada but it doesn’t have much to do with hockey and a lot to do with his childhood love Vicky, who broke his heart. Vicky works for the UK ice hockey team as a social media manager and although she has loved Liam her whole life, there is no happy ending for Vicky and with Liam moving back and being on the team they will be spending a lot of time together. But with feelings still involved can they keep it professional, and uncomplicated?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 💭
The tape job was a bit different than the first book, I jumped straight in hoping to love it after already meeting the characters in book 1 however it took me a bit longer to get into the book but I still ended up enjoying the book and the series as a whole. For me even in book 1 you can see Vicky has some issues, she insecure, she has trust issues and can come across a bit crazy but she isn’t a bad person. However she did annoy me at times and I found it really hard to always connect and love her. This is partly due to Liam being a massive golden retriever, he is so sensitive, patient and he really loves her but it to the point where it’s not healthy in some places and I struggled a bit with the back and forth of their relationship and Liam being in limbo trying to get her back and her not letting him go but not fully committing to him either. I also think I wanted more of a character development from Vicky as she was the one with the issues I wanted her to put the work in and show us she was all in for Liam and at points I just didn’t feel that. However with all this it is so clear that they love each other, they truly care for each other despite all the issues and heartbreaks they can’t stay away, even with warnings from those closest to them. Liam is always there helping Vicky and eventually she does stop putting those walls up and you see a more softer side to her. But the end I was happy and really did enjoy the book although it was a journey for me. I mean we all love love and a happily ever after 🥰 I gave this book 3.5 ⭐️
I really wanted to dislike Liam…& Vicky drove me a bit crazy…but by the end of the book you can’t help but love them both
By the end of The Import Slot we have found out Ryan has a twin brother Liam…Liam was supposed to go to the UK to play hockey with his BFF Johnny but talks Ryan into going instead….favor owed favor paid…we just don’t know why…well I do now
Liam & Ryan played hockey together with their best friend Johnny…well guess what??? That best friend has a younger sister…& you probably already guessed it…it’s Vicky…due to bro code (is that really ever a thing) Liam has a crush on Vicky in high school but puts her in the friend zone…that never works…eventually feelings are felt & lines are blurred…well until hearts get broken not once but twice & Liam was on the receiving end of the broken heart both times…he’s finally decided once & for all he needs answers…the perk is getting to also play hockey with his twin & his best friend
Like Ryan’s story, Liam & Vicky’s story is also messy…this time Ryan & Johnny were sticking their noses & opinions in where they didn’t belong…I get it…they were looking out for their siblings & friends but sometimes that does more harm than good
If you love a second/third chance brothers best friend force proximity hockey romance give The Tape Job a read…the title is explained along the way & makes perfect sense…I also love how Liam’s jersey number came to be 🥰 Oh & speaking of said brother Johnny, he was all over the place in this book…it was a great set up for book 3…by the end of this book we figure out why but I need to see how it all plays out
Do check the trigger warnings…there are only a few but one is pretty big…nothing to over the top but inappropriate male behavior can be triggering to some
before we get into this review, i want to say a huge thank you to alys for having me be a part of her arc team for the second time now! i have absolutely enjoyed being a part of it! the tape job released TODAY so run and grab a copy! 💚
i first arc read for alys for book number 1 in the elite hockey series, the import slot, back in september! i feel honoured to be a part of the team again🤍
i honestly really, really loved vicky. i can understand why readers could have conflicting opinions about her but i feel like she just needs to be understood. as someone who often self sabotages, i completely understand why she acts the way she does and does the things she does🥹
however, my heart did break for liam. liam getting his heart broken not just once but twice made me want to give him a massive hug. we all need a liam in our life, someone that will fight for you until the end🥺
i loved seeing old characters pop up again and see where they are now in life! but more than that, i am SO excited to see how johnnys story goes! i just have a feeling he’s going to be one of my favs🙈
if you enjoy brothers best friend, forced proximity, hockey romance, second/ third chance romance, golden retriever energy from the MMC then you’ll love this book! 🫶🏽🏒
Thank you for giving me an arc in exchange for a honest review.
“Told you, you’re like a fucking drug baby girl”
This book was everything I could’ve wished for and more. I absolutely adored the import slot, and the tape job definitely lived up to all my expectations!
It felt really good to see the characters we already knew, and the relationship they have with the characters we got to meet a lot better in this book. I loved seeing how Liam and Vicky worked things out between them, but also seeing more of the history between them.
All in all, I loved the book and absolutely flew through it. Looking forward to the next one already!
*this arc was sent in exchange for an honest review*
I LOVED the import slot.. the tape job had such an amazing plot to make a fantastic book but some bits just fell a little bit short for me.
I’m intrigued for johnnys book - it made the story quite confusing until you find out why he’s being so secretive but I look forward to reading it when it comes out!
Thank you Alys for letting me read this book early!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book follows the story of Liam and vicky, and what a story it is, I absolutely loved it, it was so amazing. I am intrigued on to what Johnny was up to and I’m excited for his book which is next. 4 stars such a great book 🩵
Wow, this book had me crying, squealing and sweating! It really packed in a lot of different emotions and I loved it. I could help but fly through this book.
I really enjoyed seeing Liam and Vicky's story play out and I just had that great feeling throughout of being frustrated that they wont just tell eachother how they are really feeling. The spicy scenes were just the cherry on top of a sweet romance.
I love the characters in this series as they just feel so much like real people and the banter between the teammates just always has me laughing.
The only problem is that I now need the next book like tomorrow to find out what was going with Johnny!
I was so excited to read this book after loving The Import Slot.
Things I loved about the Tape Job: 🏒 Seeing Liam and Vicky love the equipment cupboard as much as Jenna and Ryan.
🏒I think I actually heard Vicky’s heart break 💔
🏒I was sold at “Bettsy in his boxers.” Really need Bettsy’s story
🏒Liam’s number!
🏒So much angst
Things I would have liked to have seen: 🏒 I feel that it could have been set anywhere. The main characters are Canadian so I get the use of American English being used I would have liked to have seen more references to the fact that they are in the UK
🏒I wanted to see more banter between the players. More interaction between Johnny, Liam and Ryan.
Can’t wait to find out what is going on with Johnny.
Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am of Alys J. Clarke for how far she has come in a short space of time.
This book is a 4.5 star for me.
I was so excited to hear Liam and Vickys story. Once again, Alys brings the hockey to life in her books. You can really tell she has a passion for hockey.
This book put me through so many emotions, I was frustrated with Vicky at times and also with Ryan and Johnny for always being so negative towards Liam and Vickys relationship but at the same time I know it came from a good place and they just wanted their siblings to be happy.
Moments in this book really touched my heart, especially the moment between Liam and his mum 🫶🏼 I love how Liam got his Jersey number 🥰
Johnny's behaviour definitely kept me guessing through this book, and I look forward to reading his story.
“Heartbreak: Something else of mine reserved just for Vicky. Because there’s no one else I’d ever let in enough to break my heart and I’d let Vicky break my heart a million times over if necessary.”
Vicky and Liam have known each other for what feels like forever, they met when they were younger, Liam being one of her brother’s best friends, and they were together for a very long time too, before Vicky decided to let him go, thinking it was the best for his future, even if that meant breaking his heart now.
The thing is, Liam is in the same team she works for as a photographer and they can’t escape anymore. He wants to talk, he wants to understand, and he also wants her back, but he’s scared, neither of them is sure if they will ever be able to be the same, to fix things up, or if there’s any real chances for their love to survive.
I’ve been waiting to read this book for months 👀, ever since I read The Import Slot, the first book from the Elite Hockey series. Back then I met Ryan and Jen, which are the cutest, most rational couple lol, so when I got a glimpse of Ryan’s twin brother, Liam, and Vicky, and being the nosey person I am, I wanted to know! 😂
Vicky and Liam have a long history, she has broken his heart twice, the second time by canceling their wedding, they are both stubborn, and one of them refuses to have healthy communication, which honestly drove me crazy, and for a few chapters I was scared I wouldn’t understand either and I would be annoyed by the characters, but I fell in love with them. Liam is protective, caring and sweet, and sometimes, he does try to act like a tough guy, but he’s also not scared of showing his emotions.
Vicky can seem difficult, but I felt she was just a little lost, when you don’t get love and attention from the people that is supposed to love you the most, your parents, it is kind of hard to navigate relationships and understand the best way to love someone is to care for them and let them care for you. At the end, she did her best to grow and connect with the person she loved the most.
They were definitely a case, but I’m happy I got to read their story, they even made me cry a few times. 🥹
Also, when I tell you that this book is HOT, like really 🥵. The sexual tension between them was an important part of the story, and not gonna lie, that was the cherry on the top for me, lol.
Thank you Alys for providing this ARC, I told you I was really enjoying it at the beginning, but ended up loving them both. 💖
Second time I read a sports romance and the sports part it’s actually really interesting and fun! Alys is an expert in hockey but she also has a way of making those scenes seem simple for someone who knows nothing (aka me lol). If you love sports romance, give this one a chance, you won’t regret it!
The Tape Job is out today! 🥳 Available in KU or paperback. 🏒📸👠
- I am an e-ARC reader, these are my original thoughts –
This is book 2 of the Elite Hockey series!! Liam Preston and Vicky Koenig were everything, but never just friends. I had some doubts about how I would feel about this book initially because I didn't enjoy Vicky and Liam's storyline as much as I did Ryan and Jen's in the first book. Nevertheless, Vicky and Liam had such a rich history and undeniable chemistry that permeated the entire book.
Vicky and Liam have known each other since they were kids and have always had a thing, whether it be engaging in activities such as secret meetings, romantic relationships, and longing for one another while apart. Initially, I was uncertain about their relationship dynamics as it seemed like they were constantly breaking up and getting back together. However, as you explore further into their story, you begin to understand the reasons behind their tumultuous moments, which sheds light on the depth of their feelings and affection for each other. The narrative also provides insights into Liam and Ryan's mother, revealing how she influenced their relationship.
Quotes “See, even now I want to push you away, but I can’t. You’re like a fucking drug, Vic. I can’t get enough, but I can’t let you do that to me again. One minute you want to get married, the next, it’s off. Then, you’re calling me for phone sex. It’s messed up.”
“Nothing’s the same when you do it yourself.”
“But as a general fact, Liam always seems to know what I like, what I need, and when I seem to need it. Just like I know exactly what he wants and likes too.”
“I felt like a spare part or an unwanted puppy that someone had been gifted for Christmas but didn’t really want.”
“Something’s not right if you rely on a guy to make you happy. You need to be happy for you. Completely. And the rest will follow.”
Tropes - Brother’s Best Friend - Hockey Romance - Spicy - Forced Proximity - Second Chance - Dual POV
🏒 Second Chance / Last Chance 🏒 Forced Proximity 🏒 Brothers Best Friend 🏒 Good Girl Vibes
I was anticipating this book because i enjoyed the first one so much, if you haven't read that yet its called The Import Slot and will need to be read before this one but you won't be disappointed i assure you. The Tape Job follows the rocky relationship of Vicky and Liam, they have been infatuated with each other since they met when they were teenagers but it has never been smooth sailing for the pair of them, when Liam comes to play for the hockey team that Vic works for they have to work closer than they anticipated which causes some buried feelings to start resurfacing, but can they work through those to get the work done or are they just making life harder for themselves?
Vic is fragile from the neglect she feels from her parents and the relationship she grew up seeing her parents having, she doesn't want to be like that and also feels like she is not good enough due to the lack of attention from both her parents, her mother being a surgeon working all the time and her father then feeling neglected and seeking comfort elsewhere. But she doesn't allow Liam to prove it's not always like that so will she let him go or will she keeps holding on hoping that she can grow and get through this emotional turmoil?
Liam is as infatuated with Vic as he was the first day he met her yet he can't stand the idea of getting his heart broken yet again, he tries so hard to stay away but being the person who knows her best and still caring for her comes with its problems when he can see that she needs someone to lean on. He desperately wants to try being her friend and to be there and help her when she needs it, but can they be just friends? or are they all or nothing?
I was very excited to read this book after reading the import slot. I thought that there was excellent timeline continuation from the first book to the second. All of the supporting characters remained which really rounded out the storyline; plus a few additions to ready future books.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was the flashback chapters which allowed us to see into the earlier aspects of Liam and Vic’s relationship.
Throughout the book it was clear to me the love that Liam had for Vic. He was portrayed as angry when the season first started but that was because he couldn’t be with the one person he’s always loved. Whereas Vic was a bid all of the place with her emotions. She was the one who broke his heart multiple times time but couldn’t be the one to tell him why she called of their wedding. It was good once they started to be “true friends” because it allowed them to air out all the secrets that were keeping them apart. There were not many spicy scenes in the beginning but the teasing comments back and forth from Liam and Vic lead to great spicy scenes in the second half on the book!
The teasers about Jonny’s book were so good, they had me guessing what he could have been up to throughout the book! I am really looking forward to the next book to see where that leads us. I am also looking forward to the next book because there are few plot points left unfinished. The first I wanted to know was about Liam’s hockey career. Did he decide to stay with the team as was indicated by comments earlier in the book? How was his knee? I also wanted to know what happened with Matt after his suspension. I was curious also why there was no mention of Liam’s father in this book. He had a lot of options on Ryan’s life but was not included in Liam’s big life decisions.
This book stayed true to a sports romance and I am looking forward to reading how their life plays out next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I found Vicky a difficult character to like but more in the sense of she was immature in her materialistic ways and I don’t feel she took that much responsibility for ‘living beyond her means’ she was too easily accepting to be bailed out etc However… I enjoyed that relationships take hard work and not everything is always perfect. With that being a consistent theme of all vickys relationships.. I could understand and appreciate her character for the way she handled or didn’t handle her emotions/problems.
Liam - absolutely loved that he came in as a fighter and came out as a lover so to speak! I liked the fact he was genuinely nice and didn’t expect anything in return. He held similar qualities to Ryan which I thought was good to keep the twin thing and their upbringings as a feature.
What happened to Matt?!! Even though we don’t like him, I still want to know what happened!
As a British hockey fan I love that I can relate to this boon series more and as with the first book, it a really fun way to read the book when you can imagine your team, city, arena etc!
Only thing missing for me was I’d have liked to have known how the team got on for the season I feel that was lost after the first few games…. How are they getting on in the league? Is this childhood dream team all it was hoped to be…. How’s liams knee holding up…. There were glimpses but I’d have liked just a bit more like in the first book!
Bettsy and Danny are my absolute faves though and I really hope they have their own books in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was counting down the days to read this after I read Alys first book " The Import Slot' in record time. Luckily for my it was only about 8 weeks to wait till The Tape Job came, thank god!
Firstly Vicky isn't your run of the mill main character, in all honestly I struggled to like her but also couldn't put this book down to see what she was going to do next. Liam had me captivated from the get go, his soft fighter but lover character really tied in with Ryan in Import Slot and I loved that Ryan and Jen were mentioned a few times in this too.
I also really liked that there's alot more hockey team chat in this series than the first book. However I wish we found out how the team got on , how Liams knee was and did they win the challenge Cup!? Is he hanging up his skates? And more about the marriage I feel the last few chapters were a little rushed in that sense.
The romance wasnt as heavy as it is in the Import Slot but I found myself unable to put the book down to see if Liam was going to give her another chance.
The book gives you alot of teasers that Johnny was the next book coming, I like his character progression and can't wait to read it but hoping to god there's going to be a Betsy and Danny book real soon too!
I love that I found these books and that they are based on my hockey league and the team doesn't have a name I can imagine it being my team and it adds to the excitement of reading it.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend to my hockey romance lovers out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Tape Job is book 2 in the Elite Hockey Series. In Book 1 - Ryan takes his brothers place in England and meet the love of his life, but now in book 2, we meet Liam, Ryans twin, and we get to hear why Ryan came to England, and why Liam is there now.
Liam and Vicky has a LOT of history and Vicky has left Liam twice and broken his heart really bad. But they are like magnets to each other. No matter the trouble, the heartbreak, or the love and the lust. They are drawn to each other for better or for worse.
This book is filled with the battle of their relationship. They have to work together, try to be civil and be friends, while everyone say they should stay friends because they broke each others hearts. But their connection is undeniable. It’s will they/won’t they most of the book and it’s so freaking nerve wracking and hot. I have never had a love/hate with a character as much as with Vicky. We have this amazing man in Liam, and she wants him, but tell him that she won’t and i just wanna shake some sense into her. Because HELLO!!! Its Liam Preston!! And the dirty mouth on this man is 🔥
I just love Alys’ writing and her books suck me into the world like no other. Big Fat Yes to the book ♥️
Tropes in this book: Hockey romance Good girl Possesive/protective MMC Brothers best friend British hockey Second chance/ LAST chance One bed
After reading the Import Slot last year I was excited to dive into The Tape Job after we got to see the tension and drama that is Liam and Vicky’s relationship, that was plotted so nicely in the first book.
The Tape Job follows Liam, twin brother to Ryan, and the newbie on the block, aka the newest Canadian hockey player in the British Ice Hockey League. However, Liam is already well acquainted with some of the team and staff. Especially Vicky, his on and off again girlfriend since they were teenagers. Now they’re reunited and having to face each other everyday, will old feelings return? Or did they never leave?
I enjoyed this book, the tension between Liam and Vicky was everything. There was so much back and forth between them with a lot of history that needed to be aired. I thought that was written really well. Although, second chance books (especially when it’s more like 4th chance) aren’t my favourite, I did like that we got to see character growth throughout this book.
Overall, I loved how spicy the spice was and as always there was drama galore! Is it bad to have a favourite twin?! Although I’m already saying this now, Johnny will be my favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Tropes include: * Second Chance * Brother’s Best Friend * Workplace Romance * Close Proximity * One Bed
After reading 'The Import Slot' last year I was so excited to read about Liam and Vicky and this book did NOT disappoint!
I love a good second chance romance and this was GOOD! Liam's and Vicky story was written so perfectly I sat at the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat just waiting for them to finally stay together. The love they have for each other and their chemistry is so palpable you can't do anything else except fall in love with and root for them!
And the ANGST!!!! goodness gracious, I could barely breath reading this book. I was screaming kicking my feet in the air giggling crying banging my head in the wall the entire way through. I read it almost in one sitting it was THAT good.
Sure they each had their bs to work through but don't we all? They truly and deeply belonged together. And I know Liam doesn't believe in soul mates but that's what they are.
And I'm not giving away anything but THAT ENDING? THAT VIDEO? I WAS IN TEARS, HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME ALYS???????
If you wanna know what I'm talking about, guess you're gonna have to read it. Trust me tho, you'll love it.
Thank you so much for letting me fall in love with Liam & Vicky prior to everyone else, Alys (bar the other ARC readers ofc). It truly means a lot to me that you trust me with your babies 🥹💜
Let me start this by saying my feelings haven't changed about wanting to live in their world. I said it after reading The Import Slot by Alys J Clarke when we were first introduced into the world with Ryan, Johnny & Co, but it was cemented after reading The Tape Job. Boy, oh boy what a treat we got in this book. If you want fireworks and angst, grab this book and get reading, you won't be disappointed. Liam & Vicky have it all: History ✔️ Chemistry ✔️ Angst ✔️ And a whole lot more... In this book we're treat to flashbacks of young Liam and Vicky where I feel you really get to understand the characters and what makes them tick the way they do. Young Liam and Vicky had it all, until they didn't. But can they find their way back together after suffering trauma and heartache? This book broke my heart and sewed it back together with hockey skate laces. Vicky is a complicated girl with real and honest emotions which are so relatable you just want to reach inside and hug her. Then we have Liam Preston, twin brother of Ryan and definitely the cheeky twin. Both characters love hard with all they have but will they get their happily ever after with this second chance romance... Read it and find out 🙊💚
I loved The Import Slot so much, and its sequel doesn’t disappoint. Whilst Liam and Vicky are flawed and make some frustrating choices, at the core of their on/off relationship is a love that has existed since they were teenagers. It’s difficult to turn one’s back on something like that.
TTJ was somehow even spicier than TIS (IYKYK) so the chemistry amidst such a range of heavy emotions was almost palpable. At first I wanted to dislike Liam, but my opinion changed throughout the book. The meddling of their siblings didn’t help, but I understand the instinct to protect your loved ones.
Seeing Liam get the opportunity to play professional hockey with his twin brother and their best friend was a lovely touch. Honing in on the complexities of relationships and how they can make or break a team was drama that conveys the author’s true passion for hockey. The sport is at the heart of the novel, which continues the depth created in book 1 of the series.
In terms of trigger warnings, be wary of a male character who behaves inappropriately. I thought this was handled quite well.
I’m now going to be curious about what Johnny’s been up to…bring on book 3! For now, I’ll enjoy the playlist that’s been curated for The Tape Job. It’s such a good mix of songs.
any book that starts with a warning that people may not like or understand the fmc has automatically got me hooked 👀
the tape job is a second chance romance on steroids. Vicky and Liam have been on and off again since they were teens and have recently found themselves living in the UK and working on the same hockey team…skip to some v v v high sexual tension !!! 🏒
I loved the back and forth between Vicky and Liam and their love for each other felt so real to me. The way they always knew what the other needed really helped me feel like I understood the foundations of their relationship 😭🫶🏻
The one thing I wish there was more of, and is the reason it’s only a 3.5 for me, was I wanted a more satisfying completion for both of their journeys to healing their wounds from the previous iterations of their relationship … I’m not entirely convinced that either of them did much to make this newer version of their relationship any healthier and less codependent than the last 🫢
All that being said, this is a really good read. the spice was spicing, the drama was dramaing and the plot was plotting. for any girlies who want to have a British twist on their hockey romances, I’d defo give it a go! 🇬🇧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was super lucky when I discovered AJC’s debut novel because I loved it. By the end of it I was already desperate for this second book in the series, and boy it was worth the wait. One of my most favourite things in a romance is angst. It gives me all the pining and tension whilst sending me on an emotional roller coaster. Liam and Vicky did not disappoint. I already knew there was so much history between them, but now we get to see it fleshed out and come to understand why they’re reluctant to take that leap of faith again. Liam, aww I loved Liam🥰🥰 The way that he loved Vicky with his whole heart, I was dying inside for him. Not since(this is a big opinion here) Grip and Bristol, iykyk, have I read a couple who are the true definition of meant-to-be. The emotional connection, the real friendship and the horniness these two had for each other made for a very late night, and a helluva satisfying read. Jenna and Ryan in The Import slot had my heart but Liam and Vicky have my soul.
I beg you, if you like hockey romance, give this British hockey series a go. It’s beautiful.
I did receive an arc from Alys J Clarke, and I thank you for the honour. It was fantastic.
And just like that, we’re back to the UK with our hockey boys! This second (third?) chance romance doesn’t skimp on the drama, the mess, or the spice!
In this book, we follow Liam and Vicky. Liam has joined Ryan, his twin, and Johnny, his lifelong best friend, in the UK to play his final season of hockey before retiring. Vicky is Johnny’s younger sister and the photographer for their hockey team. But after self-sabotaging, will Vicky be able to keep things professional around her on/off again boyfriend?
I loved Vicky in The Import Slot and after diving deeper into her story, I can see why she may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, I think she’s real. She’s scared and confused, and her life circumstances didn’t set her up with the best role models. Girlie just needs a hug and maybe some therapy. Honestly, she reminded me of a friend of mine and I think that all attachment styles deserve a place in romance books. I wish we had seen a little more of the inner workings of Vicky’s growth, but I can’t complain because I was just so happy that she got there.
I think I’ll always be a Ryan girl, but I still really enjoyed reading about Vicky and Liam!
Thank you to Alys J. Clark for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have been waiting for the next chapter in your Ice hockey romance story since The import slot my first venture into sports romance 💕 and you did not disappoint !
The long awaited story of Vicky and Liam and my god did you give it us ! Now I’m not going to give much away as you just need to read it But We get to learn about A young Vicky and Liam who seemingly had everything and then it was gone , Liams broken heart trodden on by Vicky over and over and over again a called off wedding … Vickys seemingly wreck less attitude to everything !
Liqm should walk away right … yet these two are like magnets to each other and they keep on coming back - the sexual attraction and tension built and built until ….
I just loved it , all this was going on with reappearances of characters learning more about Johnny all whilst staying true to your love of ice hockey !
I again laughed , got angry especially at Vicky who I should hate but oddly don’t , I cried you know how to captivate an emotionally move your readers !!
Run don’t walk go get this book you will not be disappointed 💕
I have been waiting for this book since reading the import slot! So glad I was able to get this book early!
- Bestfriends sister - Second/third chance - Praise - UK Ice hockey
I was so happy we got to hear Vicky and Liams story. Liam is just perfect.
I loved L & Vs history, how they came together and their college days, both their family history, the breakups and make ups. Learning more about Vicky's upbringing also gave some clarity on her character and I really liked her in the end!
The side characters are everything in this series! The different personalities that shine through each team mate, I can't wait to see more of them. Johnny and Ryan were a bit hard to like at times in this one , I wasn't the biggest fan of them at certain points but by the end I loved them both again.
Alys writing is so nice to read, she makes it easy and fun and that's exactly what I want from a sports romance and I really love the different POVs. There was spice but it was also super sweet at times and they spoke about some tougher subjects too
I need more! I need to know more about Johnny and the others!
Second chance (technically third) Sports romance (British Ice Hockey) Forced proximity Workplace romance Best friend’s sister Secrets
Another great read, I loved the Import Slot and this book grabbed my attention from the beginning. We met Liam and Vicky in the previous book and I suggest that book is read before diving into this one.
Emotions run high in this book for a few characters, especially Liam where he has been heartbroken twice by Vicky without ever knowing the reasons behind her decisions. This time he wants answers.
I don’t mind angst as long as the mcs get their happy ending, they had to work for it but we got there in the end!
Some of my favourite tropes are in this book and that always gives me great joy as a reader and makes me invested in the storyline. This is only the second book by this author and already I can see how much her writing has developed.
If you love sports romance, I highly recommend reading. It’s refreshing reading about ice hockey in the UK for a change.