The Trophy

Not Your Pucking Bunny #2

by Melissa Adams

Blurb coming soon.
Release date will be brought forward.
Attention: this is the second book of a 𝘸𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 duet and ends in a HEA for the main characters. Thw story of the Star Cove Knights will however continue in another duet, part of the same series. The heroine won’t have to choose between her different love interests. This story has 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴 and scenes and it’s intended for readers 18+.

Genres: Why Choose, Hockey, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Hockey Romance

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Melissa Adams is from the UK but was born in Italy and grew up between the two countries. She’s now UK based and her day job is connected her other huge passion after writing and reading: flying. She lived in the US and got herself a super hot Yankee husband who followed her back to Europe.
Her obsessions: Yorkshire terriers and Norse gods!
She’s often heard saying that she never trusts people who don’t love animals.
Her passions have been reading and writing from an early age and her first adventure in writing was in journalism.
Melissa’s stories focus on the romance, on character development and on the sensual aspect of love. Summer romance is her absolute first love but every story she writes has a mystery twist because life is nothing but a mystery.
Here’s a link to her website for all the latest news about her and her writing: https://melissaadamsr.wixsite.com/web...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHwit...
IG: @melissa.adamsr
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trophy

I just love Lake. This book picks up without missing a beat, and we get to watch the guys come together to protect their girl. From a pyscho ex, a teammate unhinged, and the media. This book will give you a HEA. Loved getting to know more about each of the guys

[Anastasia Beaverhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic As Always! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I try to grab a release from this author as soon
as it drops. Another win to add to her repertoire.
Never a dull plot line moment with a
perfect spice level! This series is a must read.
This author is one of my favorites.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakyn and her guys grow closer in this one but have to deal with a lot of drama. A spicy, emotional read that draws you right in with some added humour. Loved Bay but hated Topher. Looking forward to the next book.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's been a couple of days since I finished this one, so I can't remember why specifically this wasn't one of my favorites. I do remember not really liking the first book in the duet, but still wanting to know how the drama unfolds and hopefully redeem itself in this one. It did not. The vibes are shit and the writing isn't great. The book ends on a semi cliffhanger, though the drama with Lakyn is somewhat resolved. But the book ends by kind of springboards right into Bay's story and the beginning of hers ends in a cliffhanger if that makes sense. The smut DOES NOT get better, which is crazy disappointing for a story where the FMC is getting dicked down by 3 hot hockey guys. Good Lerd ... this had so much potential, and it was wasted. I wouldn't bother or waste my time reading the first in this series or this one.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse my French. I fucking loved this duet so much!!!!! Oh my goodness, to die for!!!!!

The three males have my heart and soul beyond belief. Luca, Chase and Blaze are the ultimate book boyfriends anyone could ask for!!!! I love them!!!!!

This book could not have been more perfect. The plot was juicy. The spice was unbelievable. The writing was wonderful with minimal errors. The character development was superb. Overall this book just did wonders!!!!!

I love that all the males were auctioned by force on behalf of the hockey team. They were bought by Lakyns twin sister Bay. The fact that Bay even knew that her sister would be interested in them astounded me beyond words. Like come on, those lucky guesses had to have been the ESP she was talking about all throughout.

Anyway, they all took Lake out for one singular date each. They became obsessed which is understandable. They all had chemistry on the dates. Each of them asked for a second!!!! They were such gentlemen’s when she couldn’t decide who she liked more and the fact that they came to her with the idea of the dare from Topher (A grade asshole boyfriend of Bays) and didn’t hide it from her, definitely earned brownie points in my book.

Throughout the duet, the character development of each of them slowly unraveled into this perfect harmony between each of them. I can’t explain it. Everything just came together so perfectly. Lake wasn’t shallow and didn’t care about the stereotypical things that the girls in the past cared about of the guys. She was happy with them. Just them. Not the perks of luxury. Not the status quo of being the it girl getting to date the hockey player. Not the way that Cash was in a rough financial spot trying to support his mum and siblings. Nothing mattered to this girl and I absolutely loved it about her. She was so kind and thoughtful to them. They all deserved the happy ending they sort of ended up with. I got worried with the blog article that was posted about them and the chances they might miss out on because of it. But I loved that she accepted their proposal. That was just the icing on the cake for me. It was the cutest. It definitely had me giggling and kicking my feet. Especially when they were ribbing each other.

I hope they find out ratted them out. My definitive guess would be Topher and Bianca were working together because they were jealous of Lake. I think Topher secretly likes Lake and his ego was wounded when she rejected him multiple times. Bianca was just jealous because she didn’t get picked by Luca and gain a title like she thought she would through the royal family.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot:📈📈📈📈📈
Writing:✍️✍️✍️✍️
Characters:🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now I really wanna read Bays story. I hope she breaks up with Topher after finding him in her bed with Bianca. The sly snake even finished in Bianca out of spite!!!!!!!

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up where The Auction left off, this fast paced why choose concludes Lakyn, Luca, Cash and Blaze's story. I loved how the guys were honest with Lake after the ending of book one and how Blaze explained what a third act break up was to put his point across. I am so glad the author didn't go down that route! Instead we spend a lot more time with the guys as they navigate not only their relationship with Lake but also how their dynamic with each other evolves as they are all in. There are a few twists and turns in this but the communication in the group is so refreshing with everyone being honest with their feelings from day one. There are a few new characters one of whom is King Gilberto who I adore. He has hands down the funniest line in the whole book.

My favourite thing about this series so far though is the relationship between Lake and Bay. I love when secrets are revealed how they have each other's backs with no questions asked. I'm really looking forward to Bay's story in book three after the disaster that is Topher; he is just vile and is due one massive dose of karma. Bay can do so much better; I stand by my comment from The Auction and want Cole to come and get his girl!

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the first one I was iffy about Lakyn. Now I know I really don't like her. The guys are great but she isn't a likeable FMC which makes it hard to get into the story. Which made it hard to like the story as a whole. But one character does not a whole story make.
The plot works but the resolution to the major drama in act 3 leaves a lot to be desired. This huge issue happens then everyone acts like it just didn't and we carry on. Less than a whole chapter deals with the fallout of the problem.
I was really disappointed with the ending. It seemed dragged out in the beginning then rushed in the end.
And yes, there is a whole lot of room left to further resolve the issue but this groups story is finished so I feel like this issue should be finished with it.
Parts were cringey and just seemed like it was trying too hard to be relevant.
There's a lot to like, the spice is good, there's romance throughout, drama, humor etc... but everything else it lacks or didn't do well isn't enough to make up the difference unfortunately.

[jennifer morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trophy had everything you could ever want to read in a book. Ex boyfriends who don't know when to take a hint.
protective boyfriends Luca, Blaze, and Cash, who will do anything to keep Lakyn safe and even share if they have to.
I loved how they all got closer with one another while there's a hockey tournament and of course secrets that are just waiting to come out but as the story grows thing's definitely start to heat up especially with Topher causing trouble and I never thought he would stoop so low but I guess i was wrong. This was so emotional, and at one point, my Jaw nearly hit the floor with how what happened to Lakyn and her guys, but I'm glad things turned out ok. And i loved tnat ending with Lakyn and her guys that was so swoon worth But it's not over there's something going on with Topher and Bianca which I can't quite figure out and it's up to Bay woods Lakyn sister to put him in his place and I can't wait to see what she does if its anything like that ending.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Star Cove!

This book picks up right where the last one ended and we find out what kind of fall out the guys will have to deal with. Lake is not happy about what happened and someone from her past makes an appearance.

Lake has grown so much and I love that she continues to get more and more confident! She is willing to fight for what she wants snd isn’t willing to settle. She has such a special relationship with her sister but she is put in a tough spot.

Cash, Blaze and Luca are all so different but also are good for Lake in different ways. I love how they have to work together to figure out how to make it work and protect her. I have to laugh when Blaze mentions his romance novels. Cash has some family secrets that come out and my heart broke for him.

There are some spicy scenes! I love how Lake’s first date with Cash and the fortune teller finally make sense to them.

While this book does wrap up Lake’s story it ends and sets up Bay’s story!

Tropes
Why Choose
Hockey Romance
College Romance
Found Family

[KassiKayC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off. I really feel like the guys aren't in on the bet. It's just been thrust upon them. I felt that way from book one. All Topher's doing and I really don't care for him.  There are bumps along the way but I love that all come together to protect Lake. I liked how Luca's family though political approached their relationship and supported them. I loved their relationship seemed more natural and "real life" then some harem books you read so well done to Mellissa for that! Did we ever learn who wrote the blog post? I do not like them.... There is a very small moment where speculations and not communicating threaten to tear them apart. Do they come together or go their separate ways for good? 
I know the next book is supposed to be about Lake's sister Bay. If Topher is in on this harem it will need some MAJOR redemption because currently he has way too many red flags to make him likeable. 

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️

The Trophy picks up directly where The Auction ended, and I loved the immediate continuity of the storyline. Adams definitely packs a lot into this book - angst and misunderstanding, forgiveness and relationship building, and greater insight into all the characters.

I loved watching Lake continue to grow into herself through the book, and that she made the men work for their places at her side. I also continued to love the uniqueness of all the men in her sights, and how they worked together to win her over. And I still have that sneaky love for Blaze and his romance books.

Overall this was a great end to the duet, and I love the teasing that we have for Bay's upcoming book, too. If Topher is to become more of a character in that one, man, he needs to take one major look at himself - I still really dislike him and it'll be one heck of a redemption arc before I do.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trophy is the second book in the Not Your Pucking Bunny by Melissa Adams.

💜 college
💜hockey
💜 fraternity and sorority
💜 why choose
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice

This book picks right up where the last book left off. Cash, Blaze, and Luca have to figure out what they are going to do. Forced into a situation that puts them in a precarious spot, they need to figure out the best way forward. Can they continue to all three date Lakyn? Will they have to have her choose just one? Will any of them be ok giving up their relationship with her?

This was such a great second book that completely pulled me in. There were times when I was reading when I though one thing would happen, but a different scenario played out. This isn’t your typical hockey romance and that is so refreshing. This does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait until the next book is out so I can see what happens next.

[Katelyn D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake and her hockey players are definitely going to hold a special place in my heart for a long time to come. These 4 really show true love and devotion toward each other, no matter their stations in life. Yes, like any couple there are some fears and miscommunications, but ultimately what makes me love them is that they work to be on the same page and that they talk things out when needed. Although this looks to be the end of Lake’s story, this book did end on a cliffhanger that I think leads into Bay’s story. I hope that we can eventually get some closure for Lake and her guys though! I want to know what teams they ended up with, and if they were able to go where they wanted to. Overall, this books was really enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Yari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trophy is Book 2 in the Not Your Pucking Bunny series and it concludes Lakyn's story.

This book picks up right where the last book left off. Cash, Blaze and Luca are forced into a situation by their Fraternity President Topher and they need to figure out the best way forward. The guys finally decide to work together instead of trying to make Lake choose which ultimately leads to their HEA.

I will say that LOATHE Topher and I am praying for him to get his comeuppance in the next book. This book had me screaming at my iPad on a few occasions, wishing I could get into the storyline and 🤚🏼him myself. UGH Karma, if you hear me...you missed one.

Luca's parents were AH-MAZING and I want to dine with them daily. I love their love.

I can't wait to dive into Bay's story next.

[Theresa Sit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the conclusion to Lakyn's story. Firstly I love her FMC name, Im not sure if I've ever hated a name MA came up with but I do love this one. This is a great conclusion to the guys and Lakyn's college experience as they embark on further life. There is a time jump but I liked it because it was necessary to the story so the reader wasnt bogged down with the teams journey and wining the Frozen Four.

For me the person who was responsible for the (spoiler alert) gossip leak was obvious but never found out. However, I feel like that person got theirs in the end bc Bay went boss b on her and her douchecanoe now ex.

Good job Mel on keeping the story flowing, full of love for Lakey Lake and the guys true to their characters. However, if I have to choose - I'm going with the Prince!

[Booksfordays40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The HEA we were looking for

I feel like we get a little bit of everything- some angst, some misunderstanding, some understanding, some insight into the guys families… I liked that this story was more than one book so that we were able to get a bit more back ground around all of them. I appreciated that the guys decided to come clean immediately about the locker conversation… usually that’s a trope in the books….That being said, my only critique is that I felt like Lake moved really fast- from naive to goddess… maybe it was guys that brought it out in her? Overall, I enjoyed her story with the hockey guys.

[Miss E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakeyn's story picks up again just where book 1 left us hanging.
So much happens and so much trouble to navigate. What an epic ride!
Especially Cash has his initial doubts about how their future should look, but he comes around, choosing to share rather than go without. Trust is tested and earned, while others are fighting to hold on when it might have been better to leg go already.
I'm looking SO much forward to Bay's duet - her story. There is one certain hockey player I want to see put in his place, that's for sure.
I can only recommend this to all lovers of hockey- and WhyChoose romance. An epic read!

[Amanda Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I wrote my review for book 1 in this series I said Topher was the douchiest of douche bags. Amazon proceeded to ban my account. So since I don’t have to worry about getting banned anymore I will reiterate Topher is a douche bag! I was super pleased that Luca, Blaze and Cash decided to communicate with Lake and be totally honest with her. They made tough choices and put the relationship first. Lake brought them all together by just loving them all equally. There is a tiny third act misunderstanding but it get resolved and everyone gets a HFN ending. The steam is spicy and spread throughout with some excellent group action. I am looking forward getting the rest of Bay’s story!!

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world so much!!!!

The Trophy is book #2 in the Not Your Pucking Bunny duet. This is a why choose romance.

Melissa never disappoints!!!

We pick up where we left off with Lake, Luca, Cash and Blaze and I can't even describe how perfect this story is!!! We get to be in the guys heads more and you will fall even more in love with them. And the way they all get closer and their relationships with Lakyn all strengthen made my heart so happy!!! I adore Lake's sister Bay too and I can't wait for her story.

Everything from this author is amazing and this is another amazing read to add to your TBR!!!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why it took me SO LONG to finish this book but it really has nothing to do with the author or her writing. I think I just kept getting distracted by other things (books AND life). This was the 4th book of hers I'd read and enjoyed!

Laykn and her guys have to figure out their relationship all while her sister's awful boyfriend, Topher, is determined to make trouble both Laykn and her boyfriends - who happen to be his teammates. Topher really is the worst.

There are a couple of small twists at the end (no spoilers here!) which makes things interesting and lead up to the next set of books in the series, which focus on Bay. I've got those on my tbr now!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heart wants what the heart wants, and for Lake it’s her three men.

Between hockey, course work, and each other these four will have to figure out a way to make this unique relationship work. Lake knows she wants Luca, Blaze, and Cash but will they each be okay to share her.

Over the course of the book we get to see Lake step into a strong woman whom like her sister Bay fights for what she wants. These three don’t know what hit them when those dates were won at the auction. Yet they each know that Lake is going to be their end goal.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Not Your Pucking Bunny and it picks up right where book 1 ended.

I wasn't really sure how it would go, since it seemed like none of the guys wanted to share Lake. But then the story started to get going and i was all in! just like the guys seemed to be!!

Some twists and turns, nothing dark. The whole scene with Lake's ex had me laughing!

It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, not for Lake and her guys, but for her sister Bay. Though i hope it gives us some more of Lake and her guys to see where they end up!

story 4.5/5
spice 5/5

I received an ARC copy and this is my honest and true review

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good why choose sports story, Lake, Luca, Blaze and Cash are navigating through their feelings. They each want her but she can’t and doesn’t want to choose leaving to figure out if they can deal with sharing her. Meanwhile Topher is still being a tool and causing more drama than a teen girl who is PMSing. He is an immature asshat. Then throw in an ex and the Dean’s spoiled daughter who can’t take rejection. In the end the foursome get their HEA but Bay gets an unwelcome surprise leading to the next upcoming story.

[Ashley Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this duet starts off right where the first ends. Lake is coming into her own and is going for what she wants... Which is 3 hot as sin hockey players. A few bumps are thrown in way as Topher makes everyone's life that much harder by being a grade a @$$hole. This book was a fun read and enjoyed watching Lake get what she deserves. I am a little disappointed with the ending. It seems like it ended rather abruptly despite her getting a HEA. I understand Bea's duet is coming next but I wasn't fully satisfied with this ending knowing the villain doesn't get some kind of karma for all that he's pulled with Lake and her guys.

[Katy Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would love a Hockey sports series as much as I love this. The story is captivating and entrancing. It’s one that I did not want to put down. There is so much plot in this story and still really spicy. I wasn’t sure how the guys and Lake were going to get past the bet and what they were going to do about Topher. Kept me reading to the wee hours of the night. I can’t wait to get Bays story and find out what happens with her. I always like Melissa Adams writing and her ability to get your attention and keep you wanting more. I am completely invested in these characters.

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trophy is the second book in the Not Your Pucking Bunny by Melissa Adams.

💜 college
💜hockey
💜 fraternity and sorority
💜 why choose
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 🌶️spice

This book picks up right where the first one left off, and I have to say I am so in love with his hockey duet. I loved everything about it, I loved the story, the plot, the characters, the spice was on point. Everything about this book made me fall in love with it. It held my attention and left me craving more and more until the end. Add this to your TBR you won’t be disappointed I promise.

[Andrea Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Adams is a VERY FAVORITE author of mine, and this series is a good example of why! Her characters are so relatable, and I love the way she weaves her stories together. I also like that she never makes her female lead choose between the men she falls into. This book had it all for me. Hockey, why choose, and all the sweet moments between each of the guys she falls for. Chef's kiss. I can't wait for her next book to come out in this same universe (small town). Either way, I totally recommend it to you all!

[BLT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't believe my luck either if I had 3 hot as Hatti's hockey players panting after me. I would wonder if I was being punked or something though.
Lake may not believe her luck but Blaze, Luca and Cash sure do want to prove to her just how lucky she is. Wink Wink..
Unfortunately, there are some crappy people around them who don't see Lake as lucky as much as they see her a gold-digging puck bunny - Jerks...
Great second book to Lake's story and Intro to Bay's.
I want to move to Star Cove and find my harem, just don't tell my husband.

[Kaitie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. I found it pointless to say the least, which is disappointing because of how much I liked the first one.
I just felt like it fell very flat and had no purpose, it couldn’t keep my interest because there wasn’t much going on.
I feel like it might have been better if it would have been in Baes point of view with all this stuff as a side project, we still could have known everything since she’s her sister.
I honestly don’t know if I’ll continue on with the series or not now.

[The Bodacious Bibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a letdown and just beyond disappointing.
This duet was just the waste of my time.
Where was the sex people?
If you’re gonna have a poly relationship that’s in college and the guys were originally manwhores , then there needs to be some hot sex in this book.
But there was just nothing pretty much.
The three small incidences that happened were so lackluster and over so quickly that it didn’t even count in my opinion.
How are you gonna have any DP in a poly relationship and a RH book?!?!
This duet had so much potential, but it just got ruined. It was lacking in a lot of departments.