Some things are off-limits. My best friend’s little sister has always been one of those things.
Years later, I can still hear his voice in my head telling me not to go there.
The fact those warnings are coming from beyond the grave doesn’t help matters either.
Especially when part of me is hellbent on ignoring him.
The thing is, now that I’ve crossed that line, there’s no going back.
Because Montana Baker is everything I’ve always wanted and can’t have.
Montana
I’m not the same girl he remembers. It’s been three years since I’ve seen him. Since I’ve become a broken shell of the person I once was.
Before my brother died and left me alone in the world… Before I turned to the wrong men for comfort… Before I lost myself…
But when Luke Jameson looks at me, it’s not with pity. It’s not with disgust. It’s like he sees the old me.
I can’t let him get mixed up in the mess that is my life, though. Which is why, despite how good it feels when he touches me, I’m already saying goodbye to the only man I’ve ever loved…
Kylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
SPOILER ALERT: This book gets a “do not recommend” from me.
I really enjoyed the other books in this series and was so looking forward to this one, but it left me highly disappointed.
I understand she wanted to have this boom be a heavy and emotional book, which it had its moments, but there quite a few loose ends and plot holes. There was nowhere near enough information about her mother, her father, her brother, Adam, the cult and the situations regarding each of those.
We find out her brother killed himself, only to find out that he did it to “save her” but have no info other than he must have done it because of the whole cult thing with their mother.
We are told her mother left them for another man, but aren’t given any details really aside from she left, doesn’t want to be found, and they all moved on with life.
Her dad, although mentioned several times, is given bare minimum details regarding him and his life even though you think we will get a redemption arc for him and Montana later on- SPOILER ALERT- we don’t! Not a single morsel of a relationship on the mend.
After Montana gets shot, we find out her abusive boyfriend, whose father was the leader of said cult, was supposed to bring her to the cult for sacrifice but instead kept her hidden away and just regularly beat the daylights out of her. And bonus weird and random addition- he had a twin just as evil as himself.
Once they find her mom and the cult, Luke spots her mom has a quick 30 second chat and then kills her, then Vinny basically says “we got this, head out” and then we never find out what the heck happened to the her husband (a.k.a the cult leader) or the freaking cult.
Then the story skips ahead over a year later without any sort of rekindled father/daughter relationships, any closure about her brother, any closure about her mom and the whole cult situation, we are left wondering if they ever had a do over wedding with their friends and family. The whole story felt very unfinished and like she just wanted to be done and over it.
Also, there was barely any hockey in this “hockey/mafia romance ” after about half way through which was also disappointing.
this might actually be the worst book i’ve ever read. the story just didn’t really make sense. the ending was rushed. the addition of an evil twin and a cult was crazy. i just seriously can’t believe how bad it was
The beginning of this book really had me. I was tearing up and being completely held by the throat by Luke an Montana. Somewhere around the 65% mark and on is where I got lost. A whole random plot was thrown for no reason. While I am happy that Sean didn’t commit suicide, I do feel like it wasn’t needed and instead mental health awareness should’ve been brought into it.
Luke, I loved. Right from the beginning he was perfect. He always loved Montana and he felt that being with her would be betraying Sean so he left her. And when he found her again 4 years later he knew there was no holding back and he was getting his girl. He didn’t waste one minute and married her the minute he could. I loved how caring and considerate he was too her. He put all decisions in her arms and let her lead their relationship. I felt bad for him because he lost his best friend but he also lost Montana and that hurt. Him getting her name tattooed on him because she always had his heart.
Montana, I loved. I do think the author did a great job with her domestic violence story and the aftermath of the PTSD. I do love that there was a therapist in the book because a lot of times you won’t read that. I do however think we should’ve seen more on her healing process. Montana went through the ringer for 3 years and it just ended with no real healing that I read. By the time the last chapter came, she was still apologizing for everything due to her past abuse and then the epilogue happened. I do love how she found happiness with Luke again. Yet there was no closure with her dad? She felt guilt but we got no conversation with them? The mother plot felt thrown in for some drama and didn’t make sense honestly. Instead the father talk should’ve happened and Montana should’ve gained her dad back instead of living with guilt.
“What if what I want isn’t available when I think I’m ready to grab hold of it?” she says, looking across at me. “Tanna, I’ve waited ten years for you. I’m always going to be here when you decide you’re ready. Hell, I’ll wait a lifetime if I have to, because there will never be anyone else for me but you.” I can only hope we’re talking about the same thing here. Montana smiles. “Ten years ago, I was thirteen.” “I know.” “I never knew that you noticed me.” “I’ve always noticed you.”
4⭐️ 2🌶️ This is book 4 in the Vancouver Knights hockey series.
Luke has loved Montana since he was 16 but never acted on it because of a promise to her brother. Luke hasn’t seen her since her brother’s funeral 4 years ago. She needs to escape her abusive boyfriend, so Luke brings her home to his house. He calms her when she has a panic attack, he holds her when she has a nightmare, he remembers her favorite tea and pizza, he is so kind, loving, and patient.
"I think you need to heal. I think you need to find yourself again. For you. Not for me.”
“You love me even when I don't feel worthy of that love.”
"I'm sorry that I'm so broken.” "There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You are not broken, Montana. You are the beautiful soul I've known and loved forever. This, us, it's real, Tanna.”
“This life and the next, right?" "This life and the next," Montana repeats.
Read this if you like: *Hockey romance *Friends to lovers *Brother’s best friend *It’s always been you *Forced proximity *Mafia *She wears his jersey *He gets a tattoo for her *Therapy rep
Unfortunately 3.5⭐️ again. But a fun series to read. I feel like if the character had more development and each book was longer, it would be better. The plot is spot on. I mean she definitely tugs on my heart strings. This was hockey, mafia, cult, suicide, and she was running from an abusive Ass hole. Like she got all the right stuff to make me cry. This was the last one and it did have all 4 couples in it so it was nice to get that closer. I hope Kent comes out with more books in the future!!
I was surprised by the amount of detailed trauma in this story. Say some moments, I cried, others, i was so happy that Tanna and Luke found each other again. The circumstances of their separation and reunion was heartbreaking and all you wanted to to was root for them and their relationship. Kylie does it again, a great storyline and a HEA.
1,5⭐️ Only good thing in this book is the guy other than that it’s a mess. There were som many times I thought my dyslexia kicked in and thought I missed stuff but no the book was just empty and a mess
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The author did a good job at making me feel emotional for Montana and what she’s been through but it just wasn’t enough to keep me going.
This is the only book in the Vancouver Knights series I’ve tried. I had no idea what I was getting into before starting this. Mixing mafia and professional hockey together is such an odd choice to me and I was willing to look over it, but it did make me lose some interest. I love a good mafia romance and a good hockey romance, but separately. It’s so strange that a professional hockey player has the mafia on call like that, and that there are mafia members as professional hockey players.
My main gripe is with the MMC, Luke. This man left Montana four years prior (after getting her name tattooed on himself) because he didn’t want to be with her out of respect for his dead best friend. Zero contact for four years. Then his mom, a nurse, gives out confidential patient information and tells him when Montana was attacked by her abusive boyfriend. Suddenly, he’s swooping in and taking her home. AND VICTIM BLAMING!!! He says ‘I know it’s not her fault’ but then just a few sentences later pretty much blames her and is like why would she stay why wouldn’t she call me? Um, because you abandoned her on the day of her brother’s funeral and went NC for four years???? That rubbed me the wrong way.
They have had two sexual encounters up to this point, which is totally fine but now he’s asking her to marry him in Vegas???? It’s been maybe two months since she was beaten severely by another man and now you’re like ‘I’ve always loved you let’s have a shotgun wedding’. I don’t like it. It feels so rushed, especially when there is a victim of domestic violence involved. Like yes, they knew each other for years before this but they also hadn’t talked for four. She resigned herself to staying in a toxic relationship because everyone left her, including Luke. Suddenly, they’re talking about marriage? PUMP THE MF BRAKES PLEASE????
My last issue is minor but I got so annoyed with chapters ending on “…”. I get the point is to show a lingering thought but please, end the thought.
Overall, this one just isn’t my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Triggers if you have suffered any kind of domestic abuse. Also if you have lost a loved one to suicide. A good story line of getting out of a toxic situation and having someone build back your confidence as a woman, to love you as you should be. The mother in this book is a total nut job, loved how she was delt with at the end. Another great story from Kylie.
I was expecting another great read from Kylie and she did not disappoint. I was not expecting Luke to deliver in such a big way though. Holy hot hockey alpha male. Not one to let the other guys take all the praise Luke comes in with one hell of a story and scores big.
Luke has been a part of the team for a long time and has popped in and out of the other's stories. He's Gray's best friend and they have a fun little bromance going on. Luke is sweet and caring off the ice but fierce and determined on it. When he finds out about Montanna all that determination and fierceness now have a whole new outlet.
Montanna is Luke's childhood best friend's little sister. She's been off-limits to Luke as soon as her brother Sean said so. She's been through a lot, first losing Sean, then Luke walking away trying to make sure he didn't break his promise, and then she met the wrong guy altogether who put her through the wringer.
I particularly liked how the story jumped in two feet first and in my opinion, it didn't really slow down. It kept a great pace that had me flying through the chapters and falling for Luke quickly and wanting some vengeance for Montanna.
Then Kylie threw in a wicked twist that I could not have seen coming. It worked really well to fit the story and I thought it was a great conflict. It did leave me wondering if there might be more to come from it though. Vinny was there and I hope we get his story eventually and maybe it will loop into that somehow. Either it was certainly a surprise and not expected.
I really loved this series (much like the rest of Kylie's work) and I can't wait for more of her writing. . . . It's happened again and this time Montanna knows that it's bad. She doesn't have to look at herself to realize how close she's come to the edge. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, she could be with Sean again and everything else just wouldn't matter anymore. She's a bit broken, but since losing her brother nothing in her world has been right. 'What I need is a different life. Can you give me that? No one answers because I can't bring myself to say the words aloud...
When Luke receives a call from his mother it wouldn't usually alert him, but three in a row and he knows something is wrong. He's not at all prepared for the news his mother gives him and he and Gray are on the road in a matter of minutes. When Sean died he walked away from Montanna determined not to break the promise he made to him, but now it seems like he might have made the biggest mistake ever. 'I haven't been back home, because I know the moment I cross those city lines, I'm heading straight for her. And that's something I can't do.'
She's sure he's come for her and the instant panic sets in. Will this be the last time? But when she opened her eyes it was another man standing in front of her and he is every bit the boy she fell in love with all grown up. Montanna can't understand why he's here now when he left her so long ago to end up in hell. 'I'm being a bitch, but I need him to leave. I can't have him here. I don't want him to see me like this.'
One look at her and every promise Luke ever made has been wiped. Now the only thing he promises is to find whoever hurt Montanna and make them pay. Once she's safe at home in Vancouver with him, he'll get the answers and he'll get her better. After that, he's never letting her go again. 'Montanna is coming home with me today. Kicking and screaming if need be. I'm not taking no for an answer. Fuck that. I'll never let anyone lay a single finger on her again.'
Thankful to have such amazing friends they work to track down the man who hurt Montanna and Luke's friends help her heal in more ways than one. Finding the truth isn't as easy as they thought and they'll end up discovering a truth none of them could have seen coming.
Review: If Kylie Kent writes it I will read it 🫶🏼 this is the last book in the Vancouver Knights and OMG it was AHMAZING!! Kylie went out with a bang. I loved how all of the characters have a special friendship/bond and have made their own family 🥹❤️
Luke Jameson the way he loved Montana 😊 he was soo protective/possesive of Montana especially with what’s happened with her but the way he dotes on her is SWOON 🥰🥰 he made her feel so loved and special and made her understand that he will be with her forever and that he will always love her and never leave her again. She was his forever person 😘
Montana this brave brave girl!!! All she ever wanted was for someone to love her and never leave!! 🥹 she broke my heart with what she’s been through but I’m soo glad she found her way back to Luke and got the love she deserved from him. I loved Montana’s friendship with Lia/Liliana she needs her girlfriends to always be by her side and support her 😊
What I especially loved was how everyone was so hands in and willing to help Montana even Enzo and Dante ❤️❤️ they all formed a beautiful family that would do anything to protect one of their own 🥹🥰 LOVED AND LOVED 🫶🏼 Can’t wait to read more from Kylie and see the next series she’s planning on writing.
What I loved: * Luke getting Montana’s name tattooed on himself ❤️ * Liam with his wife comment 🤭 and then getting a smack on the head by Gray 😂 * LOVE PROTECTIVE LUKE 😮💨 * Aliyah and Montana 😘 she needs some girlfriends 😊 * Luke trying his best to get through to Montana 🥹 * Six is the number of Luke’s jersey and the number Montana associates to keep her calm 😭😭 these two are killing me with emotions 🥹 * Montana seeing her name tattoo on Luke’s ribs 🥰🥰 * She’s the only girl he’s given his heart too 😭🥹❤️ * Luke building a blanket fort 😘 * Montana opening up to Luke and telling him about Andrew!! * Luke buying Montana a MacBook so she can resume her studies 🥹🥰 * 🤭🤭Gray’s conversation with Lia over the phone was laughs 😂😂 Liam is such a child love him ❤️❤️ * Awwwie he gave her his jersey to wear ☺️ * 🥵🥵🥵 * Luke just being there for Montana when she needs him 🥹 * Montana’s letters to her brother 🫶🏼 * Ahhhh she went to her first game sooo proud 😊 * Montana initiating the kiss with * Luke and wanting more 🥰🥵 * Lia is such a good friend to Montana 🥹 * Luke asking Montana to marry him in Vegas ahhhhhhhh 🥰🥰 * Their vows ❤️😭😭 * Them consummating their marriage 🥵🥵 * I love this group and their friendship ❤️ * Ohhh my heart 😭😭😭 Montana’s conversation with her brother she needed that!! * Everyone helping Montana 🥰🥰 * Uncle Liam is Graycee’s favourite ❤️ Gray loves that 😂😂 * Love that they’re working on making Montana’s dream come true 🥰❤️
brothers bff 💚 hockey 🖤 mafia themes 💚 second chance 🖤 hurt and comfort 💚
review: Was it the best book I've ever read? uh no but did it weirdly keep me entertained? yes. yes it did. I've seem some negative reviews so I wanted to try it out for myself and finished it within two days. it has lots of drama and trauma they are definitely tag teams partners in this story. mainly through the fmc I was hoping to see her reconnect with her father or maybe tell him that her and Luke where married but ok? the ending was completely rushed bringing on surprises like "your mom actually in a cult and wants to sacrifice you" I really needed luke to communicate with her mother when they found her not just be like "hey I actually married your daughter and you suck so I'm gonna just shoot you now ok?" montanas mom was a whack. also from this story I would have loved some flash backs maybe one-two about the brother sean and see what kinda of connection the characters had to him even though it was explained. the book starts off with the funeral of montanas brother and luke being by her side. they she just never see's him again for four years? like come on man your being a low blow abandoning her not even checking up on her? half the plot was just "oh I'm so scared hold me I'm also talking to myself because of my trauma and abuse from my ex boyfriend but I'm kinda scared of you" he truly cared for her in the end and loved her. it was cute how when she got shot and was in a dream of her in the afterlife with sean she pictured having a daughter named aubrey and she named her daughter that at the end. kinda like a foreshadowing in my opinion I liked how I could pick that out. I read this book first in the series because I seen it recommended on tiktok. if you're reading this yes it's a standalone and yeah I do think you should read the other books that come first because it would make the name and who's married to who less confusing but apparently I love to make it hard for myself LOL. and little to no spice.
montana: buddy just needs to slow down and take a breather. I get it you had the hot's for him at thirteen and couldn't wait any longer to be with each other and she was mindful of her trauma but I feel like she should have worked with it more while they where together with the doctor because at the end of the book she seemed all fine and dandy not a worry in the world or acknowledging that she is working through it. she seemed defenceless. (still like her tho and wish her the best)
luke: had a hard time picturing what he looked like as the author gave no description of them both or what where age was. his friends seemed cool and I may one day go back and read those books but not right now. that pretty much sums him up.
I will forever read anything this author releases, and often find myself rereading my faves as a palate cleanse or just a comfort read. They’re definitely my guilty pleasure reads.
I’ll admit that this had so many reasons for me to hate it- and I’m a salty salty bish most of the time. But I didn’t hate it. Maybe the fact it’s my guilty pleasure author gave me a little leeway, but I’m not sure that’s it. I’m usually still salty. I think it’s because there was enough consequences for the parts that made me mad. I’ll explain…
Four years ago, Montana’s brother and Luke’s best friend is buried after taking his life unexpectedly. It’s also the last time Montana sees Luke. He just… disappeared. She’s loved him forever, and he claims to have loved her,but her brother had always warned him away. So he left “out of respect” for the dead brother. 🙄🙄 cue eye roll. This is where I could have DNF’d but didn’t. She winds up in a 3 year long abusive relationship, and is hospitalized after the latest of many brutal beatings. Luke’s mother breaks hospital protocol and privacy laws and calls him to tell him to come home because Montana is admitted. He goes alpha, declares he’s taking her to Vancouver with him and that’s that.
I had feelings - not always good ones. He abandoned her. He never looked back or checked on her, yet tattooed her name on his chest, and tells his close friends and teammates about her. I rolled my eyes when he told her she was his best friend- you abandoned her. 🙄🙄
Buuuuuuuttttt…. She willingly went with him. And tbh while I think he was a total douche for abandoning her, which also led her right into the clutches of the abusive boyfriend (“at least he never left me”), he suffered for it. He was amazing with her as she worked through her trauma- and there was plenty. He had to witness her nightmares, her panic attacks, her moment of considering unaliving herself. It was a brutal consequence of his stupid action years ago, and it’s clear he wholeheartedly regrets walking away from her. The way he is perfect for her reminded me so much of Dean and Ella’s relationship ❤️💔 so so good. Her emotional pain was visceral, she feels so broken. But he is right there every moment, being whatever she needs, reminding her she is not broken and she is worthy of being loved. ❤️
We get to see a number of the other awesome characters (always a treat), a bit of mafia action, and a twist I did not see coming. As per usual, it was exactly the read I needed.
"Puck Blocked" by Kylie Kent, readers are immersed in a poignant and heartfelt romance that navigates the delicate terrain of forbidden love and personal redemption. The story revolves around Luke Jameson and Montana Baker, whose connection transcends the boundaries of friendship and family loyalty.
Luke, grappling with the memory of his best friend and Montana's deceased brother, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Montana despite the internal warnings echoing from the past. Montana, haunted by grief and her own personal struggles, sees in Luke a chance to reconnect with the person she once was before tragedy struck.
Kylie Kent skillfully portrays the emotional complexity of their relationship, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the healing power of acceptance. Luke's internal conflict between honoring his friend's memory and following his heart adds depth to his character, while Montana's journey of self-discovery and resilience resonates with authenticity.
The chemistry between Luke and Montana is palpable, igniting sparks that leap off the pages. Their interactions are tender, passionate, and filled with a longing that underscores the intensity of their feelings for each other. As they navigate the challenges and obstacles in their path, readers are drawn into their emotional journey, rooting for them to find happiness and healing together.
Kylie Kent's writing is emotive and evocative, capturing the emotional turbulence of grief and the transformative power of love. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection contrasting with scenes of intense emotional confrontation. Each character is crafted with care, their vulnerabilities and strengths portrayed with sensitivity and depth.
Overall, "Puck Blocked" is a compelling romance that delves into themes of overcoming loss, embracing second chances, and finding hope amidst adversity. Kylie Kent delivers a touching and memorable story that will resonate with readers who enjoy emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling. "Puck Blocked" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance seeking a poignant and uplifting narrative.
Tropes/Themes: Sports romance (hockey), dark, brother’s best friend, protective MMC, FMC in hiding, it’s always been you, friends to lovers, great friendships/family elements
My Review: This has been such an addictive series and I’m sad that it’s come to an end already. I’ve loved experiencing the joys, feeling the deep sorrows and finding the hope in the darkness alongside these incredible characters. The lengths that these friends went to for one another was incredible. They literally did anything for one another and always had each other’s backs, on and off the ice.
Montana and Luke had the most emotionally beautiful love story. I was definitely not prepared for how heartbreaking and deep this story was going to be. Montana sure went through it. But I’m so glad that Luke was there for her, helping her find herself again, giving her the love and strength that she was not always able to give herself. Luke never saw Montana as something broken, needing to be fixed. He only saw the things that he loved about her, the things that made her who she was. He never pushed her to share more than she was willing, Luke was the ultimate supporter through her healing process. No matter what Montana endured she never lost the hope of something better. She had the courage to go for the future she deserved and used her strength to find happiness again. I admired the amount of inner strength she had, even if she didn’t feel it, it was always there.
My only complaint was that there were a few loose ends that I wish had been tied up. I’m really hoping that these characters pop up in the future!
Montana is in an abusive relationship that lands her in the hospital under the excuse of a car accident. The nurse on hand is none other than the mother of the boy she’s always loved.
Luke is living his new life, in a different town, away from all the memories of his late best friend Sean, the older brother of Montana. Every day he’s haunted by the memories of them both, grieving them everyday. That is until a phone call from his mother telling him Montana is in the hospital has him racing to his home town.
Like brings Montana to Vancouver to slowly nurture her back to health, all while trying to keep his distance from her. Naturally, being in close proximity over time, they can’t deny their feelings any longer. Along the way, they get married in Vegas without telling anyone
Like convinced Montana to talk to a therapist, while also introducing her to all of his friends. Everything changes when Montana gets shot while they visit Sean’s grave together. Gray and the Valentino’s help to find Andrew, only to realise it’s his twin brother.
The Valentino’s find Montana’s mother at the cult and break the news to her, resulting in them taking a trip to visit her, when they arrive, Luke kills her mother. In the epilogue, we see them with their daughter.
Review: I fucking LOVED this book. My heart was broke for Montana the entire time, and the love I have for Luke for always being so patient with her is unbelievable. The character development we see for the other MMC’s (especially Gray) in this book was insane, and made me love them all the more for it. The twist with her mother at the end was a bit random, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 4 of the Vancouver Knights series. Can be read as a standalone.
Kylie writes such addictive stories, and this was no exception. As soon as this dropped into my library I started reading, and I read it all in one day! I will never understand how she can write such great stories that fly by but always leaving you wanting more!
The story is about Luke, a professional hockey player, and his childhood friend, Montana, who he hasn’t seen for four years. After a tragedy they went their separate ways. There was always something there between them but Luke promised her brother he would never go there with her. But when Luke’s mom calls to say Montana is in the hospital he drops everything to get to her and he’ll do everything to protect her.
Luke is a doting protective MMC and is constantly empowering Montana to be her own person.
Montana is slightly broken after years of domestic abuse, she slowly finds her confidence again and realises she can be whoever she wants to be. Not who she’s told to be.
Yes there’s mentions and flashback of domestic abuse but the way Kylie writes it and the recovery from it is a credit. It’s not something Montana just ‘gets over’ she works hard with therapy and surrounding her self with people that love her, and finds her true worth.
As always, it wouldn’t be a KK book without a bit of Mafia, ☠️ and twists you didn’t see coming! And getting glimpses of the Monroe and Valentino families is what I live for.
I love Kylie Kent, and everything she writes, however this one just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
I enjoyed the overall story and loved Luke and Montana but there are two areas that bring it down for me.
1. Luke leaves without a word to her, though he tattoos her name on him the night he leaves. Four years later, Luke's mom calls him that Montana is in the hospital and tells him her injuries are not from what she says they are from. He then comes in and swoops her away and though there are references of him leaving and not saying a word, it doesn't really seem to be a huge problem for Montana and she gets over it fairly quickly. Luke is extremely protective of Montana which I love but I still find it strange how protective he is now but chose to stay away for 4 years and never once check-in on her to see how she is doing at the very least.
2. I felt the ending was rushed. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the results but it felt so rushed and technically there was an epilogue but it fell very flat. I was really hoping there would be some sort of reconnecting with her father too. Whether they kept a relationship or not, at least something about having a conversation with him on why he stayed away. He was brought up a handful of times in the story and Luke even contacted him but nothing more than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5 stars because I didn’t like what Luke did after Sean’s death 😤
Since the beginning of the series, Luke has been a solid secondary character. He was quiet but observant. I’m so glad he finally got his girl back.
I am kind of pissed at him after Sean’s death. He held on to his promise without thinking about what Tanna might have felt. And after hearing about her being in the hospital, he suddenly felt guilty of what he did and just swooped in to rescue Tanna. He didn’t even bother to check in on Tanna the past four years. Ugh. I didn’t like what he did but I think I understand him to some extent. Grief is the driving force for his actions and everyone deals with grief differently.
I feel for Tanna. Being with someone who won’t abandon her is what kept her in the relationship. It was something she was holding on to despite being abused.
This book is so good! I admire Luke’s patience and all his efforts just to make up for the 4 years he left Tanna. And I was happy to see Tanna trying her best for Luke as well. I’m glad she found a friend in Aliyah. Aliyah and Liam still cracks me up. 😂 I was kind of expecting someone being shot. I did not think it would be Tanna tho 😅 And a cult? Seriously? I was expecting something like her mom gambles and she’s like a payment 😅😂 That’s the plot twist I was not expecting. Overall, I recommend this book.
The fourth standalone novel in the Vancouver Knights series shifts its focus to Luke Jameson and Montana Baker. The story begins with a powerful prologue, where Luke (Grayson Monroe's best friend) and Montana attend the funeral of Luke's best friend, Sean, who was also Montana's older brother. Before his death, Sean made Luke promise that he would never fall in love with Montana. Determined to keep that promise, Luke resolves to stay away from her, despite the growing attraction he feels.
Fast forward four years, and Montana finds herself trapped in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Andrew. Living in constant fear, Montana is hospitalized after suffering severe injuries during one of Andrew's violent outbursts. When a nurse—Luke’s mother—recognizes her and contacts Luke, he learns that Montana has been badly hurt, with bruising and a broken rib from what was initially described as a car accident. Without knowing all the details, Luke rushes to the hospital, and in that moment, he decides to break his promise to Sean and be there for Montana.
Haunted by nightmares and consumed by fear of Andrew's potential retribution, Montana is unable to escape the grip of her past trauma. Luke becomes her pillar of support, ensuring she has everything she needs to heal. He introduces her to a therapist specializing in abuse recovery, and gradually, Montana begins to make progress.
Unlike the previous books in the series, this one takes on a much heavier emotional tone. The story delves deep into themes of healing, fear, and love. Luke’s unwavering commitment to Montana’s well-being is both tender and patient, as he never pressures her but instead gives her the time and space she needs to heal at her own pace. This book is a moving exploration of resilience and unconditional love, and I absolutely adored Luke and Montana’s journey together.
"Puck Blocked" by Kylie Kent delivers a powerful, emotionally charged romance that transcends typical sports romance tropes. Luke, a hockey alpha with a heart of gold, ignites a firestorm of passion with Montanna, his childhood best friend's little sister. Their forbidden connection, fraught with grief and past promises, crackles with undeniable tension from the first page.
Kent masterfully weaves a narrative that plunges you into Montanna's harrowing journey of recovery, tackling the sensitive topic of domestic abuse with raw honesty and profound empathy. Luke's unwavering protectiveness and fierce determination to heal Montanna's wounds are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The story's pacing is relentless, propelling you through a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists. Kent's signature blend of mafia intrigue and intense character development keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the glimpses into the Monroe and Valentino families add a layer of thrilling complexity.
"Puck Blocked" is a must-read for anyone craving a romance that delves deep into the complexities of healing, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. Prepare to be utterly captivated by this raw, emotional, and ultimately triumphant story.
Let me start by saying I flew through this one. Kylie kept me turning those pages but I have noticed, especially in this series, the endings are rushed in my opinion. This book needed so much more explaining and different aspects delved into from Montana's mom, to her brother, to what her mom is involved in, to her ex boyfriends background. I mean there is A LOT thrown at us but it's all just kind of skimmed over and surface level information then the big dramatic scene is coming at the end and it's over in 1 page. I just found it really hard to believe the drama would happen and be wrapped up so easily. It's almost like the author was on a deadline and just needed to hurry and wrap this book up so all the details and information to explain all that was thrown at us was skipped for a simple "problem solved, now we live Happily ever after" and I just wasn't satisfied. There's still a lot of questions I have and that's a pet peeve of mine in books. I know Kylie has multiple series, novellas, and even bonus stuff going on right now so maybe that plays into it because I haven't noticed the same issues with the DE Bellis books.
ehh ok so luke was montanas brothers best friend and they have secretly loved each other since they were 16 but luke didn’t want to risk his friendship with sean. he over sean apparently kills himself so luke leaves for a few years even tho they love each other. a few years later luke’s mom calls him bc montana is in the hospital with injuries from her abusive ex and luke takes her home. they quickly share that they still love each other and get married in vegas during one of his away games. montana has a lot of trauma to work through after being with her ex for three years but she’s slowly getting through it. however when they r home she gets shot and they think it’s her ex but it was actually her exs twin. then the book gets really weird and shit being like it was actually montana’s mother who abandoned her when she was little who wanted her dead in a ritual in this cult she joined. idk the ending was super weird ngl and wasn’t really a fan but luke and montana together is super cute and he’s super patient with her as she gets over her trauma but the whole cult thing was not it tbh
Only Kylie Kent could weave a story involving multiple characters from her storyverse and make it all make sense. I loved seeing the Valentinos, as I always do. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Theo coming to join his off spring on their hunt.
Luke and Montana were just what I needed after being in a bit of a reading slump. I liked that he didn't try to hide his feelings from her. He told her from the get go that he has always loved her and was wrong to push her away for the sake of his friendship with her brother. I loved how everyone bonded together to keep Montana safe. I was surprised at how open Montana was to a sexual relationship so quickly but girl knew what she wanted. Chemistry was good and spice was spicy.
The whole thing with her mother was unexpected to say the least. I was anticipating another crime family but Kylie went in a totally different direction. Fabulous way to end the series!