Face Off

Seattle Serpents #2

by Teagan Hunter

V tejto sezóne mám dva ciele:
1. Zostať nezadaný.
2. Dosiahnuť, aby ma Rory Sinclairová prestala nenávidieť.

Keď som v jednej zašitej uličke našiel na Vianoce zatúlané šteniatko, ani som netušil, že v ten večer skončím na klinike tej najprotivnejšej veterinárky v celom Seattli – jedinej ženskej, ktorá dokáže odolať môjmu šarmu. Volá sa Rory a je dvojčaťom frajerky môjho spoluhráča. Pluje okolo seba oheň, ale ja sa jej plameňov nebojím. Ani neviem ako, a zrazu s ňou chcem tráviť všetok svoj čas. Hoci sa snažím najviac, ako viem, Rory ma stále považuje za playboya a odmieta ma brať vážne.

Po jednom víkende strávenom na mojej chate v horách si myslím, že ju mám konečne v hrsti… Teda ak, samozrejme, prizná, že jej city ku mne sa začínajú meniť. Tento súboj môže mať len jedného víťaza. A ja urobím všetko pre to, aby som ním bol ja.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Hockey Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, He Falls First

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2024

About the author

TEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels, though not in that order. When not writing, you can find her watching entirely too many hours of Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween and prefers cooler weather. She married her high school sweetheart, and they currently live in the PNW.

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Reviews

[Teagan Hunter]

Available now!

What you can expect...
- Hockey Hero
- Sassy SF Veterinarian Heroine
- Hate-ish to Love
- He Falls First
- Slow-ish burn but SO worth it
- Light angst
- Truly ridiculous group chats
- So. Many. Cameos.
- Lots of L-O-L moments...I mean, it's Lawson!

✦ Grab your copy ➜ https://geni.us/FaceOffSS
✦ Add to TBR ➜ https://bit.ly/FaceOffTBR

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite troupes and Lawson and Rory were the epitome of it! I loved that Lawson was the sunshine and Rory was the grump. For some reason, I love the dynamic of a grumpy heroine and a hero with golden retriever energy.

These two were the best together, even if they seemed like an unlikely pair. Rory is a vet so I loved all the animals in the book, especially Lawson's dog, Daisy, and Rory's cat, Hades. This was such a fun and sweet hockey romance, and after getting that little Hayes bomb dropped at the end, I'm super excited for his book!

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Lawson (26) and Rory (29) met in the first book, but they didn't really hit it off because Rory doesn't like Lawson for being a jock and a playboy, and his cocky personality was annoying her.

One night, Lawson saw a puppy in a dark alley and brought it to the nearest vet clinic, which happens to be owned by Rory. She helped him because it's her job and she really cares for animals. I guess that's when they kind of got along since Lawson kept flirting and annoying Rory. She even stays in his apartment to look after Daisy, the puppy, while he is away playing games. This arrangement happens on multiple occasions, and they eventually become friends. Now that they were on good terms, Lawson wanted to help Rory get some rest because she was so exhausted from her work, so they ended up spending a weekend in his cabin. Of course, things happened as a result of their forced proximity, and that is when their real relationship began.

This was okay, and I did enjoy most of it. Though I have to say I struggled in the beginning because of the constant reminders that Lawson was a player, he doesn't do commitment, and he's the love 'em and leave 'em type. He was unapologetic about his behavior, which kind of pissed me off a little bit. But then, after the 65% mark, I slowly warmed up to him because he was really thoughtful and caring when it came to the people he cared about. I appreciated it as well that he's the first one to confess his feelings to Rory and didn't hesitate to do so. He was an okay guy, imo; he did good things here, but I didn't fully love his character. I can't get past his reputation, but that's on me.

As for Rory, I liked her in the beginning. She's grumpy, straightforward, and never one to hold back her thoughts. However, I'd hoped that she would stand her ground when it came to Lawson and not cave in immediately to his flirtation. But she eventually did around 35%, I think, only for her to backtrack and then give in again. She gave me whiplash, honestly. She's a good sister, and I love her relationship with Auden. I also loved her dedication to her job. Some readers would probably be annoyed and consider it cowardice when she pulled that avoidance act with Lawson. But I appreciated her character even more when she took the time to really think things through and work on her own feelings. She just didn't jump into the love bombing but rather had a reflection about how she sees relationships and emotions.

They were good together, sure, but there's just something missing in them. I'm not sure what it was, but I didn't sense any spark between them, and it seemed like their relationship progressed quickly. Yes, the actual deed didn't happen until the last 60%ish mark, but a lot had already progressed between them before that event. The timeline wasn't clear as well; I'm not sure how long they were doing this sort of friendship that turned into benefits. Had it been weeks, months, or longer?

Anyway, I love the writing style, and the flow was easy to follow. I was never bored reading the story, and I flipped through the pages so quickly. It was engaging, and like I said, I did enjoy most of it. It was still a decent read, and I appreciated that there wasn't a breakup. Overall, this was a good story; the plot wasn't particularly original but was still enjoyable one.


Book info:
- Sports romance (Hockey)
- Forced proximity
- Cute animals
- Reverse grumpy-sunshine
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- Non-virgin MCs (h - celibate 1 yr, H - 3 mos)
- No protection 😐 (h's on bc)
- HFN (in a relationship 🤷‍♀️)

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

WOW. Teagan really outdid herself with this book. I truly didn’t think any book of hers could top Blind Pass, it’s always been my favorite. & while I loved Body Check (book 1), this book just really did it for me. Definitely my new favorite book by this author.

Face Off is book 2 in the Seattle Serpents series following Lucas Lawson & Rory Sinclair. We met these two in book one as Lawson is one of Hutch’s teammates on the Seattle Serpents NHL team & Rory is Auden’s twin sister. Lawson is known as a huge playboy, he’s the life of the party, always joking around, etc. & Rory couldn’t stand him from the moment she met him. But when Lawson finds a lost puppy in an alley on Christmas Eve, he takes her into the closest vet clinic, which just so happens to be owned by Rory. From that moment forward, they start to see each other in a whole new light. Neither of them is looking for a relationship though. Lawson, despite being a playboy, made a commitment to himself that he would stay single & focused on hockey. Meanwhile, the last thing Rory wants is to get involved with a professional hockey player who thinks he’s God’s gift to women. But what happens when they unexpectedly start spending more time together & can’t seem to get enough…

I LOVED these two together! Lawson is one of my new top book boyfriends. I’m a sucker for the funny, reformed playboy & he absolutely delivered. He was so good with Rory, no matter how mean she was to him, he never shied away from her or how he felt about her.

I’m loving this series so far & the friend group is my favorite. The banter in this book was top notch. I was basically crying laughing at their group texts. I’m looking forward to continuing this series & seeing who will get their happily ever after next💙

Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Opposites Attract
- Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
- He Falls First
- Slow Burn
- Found Family

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 💌⛸️🏒🍦🩺

This man was quite literally a walking green flag and I loved him, a cinnamon roll mmc through and through. He was the misunderstood guy that does so much good because he has a good heart but doesn't want his random (almost all the time) acts of kindness to be hyped, he does them silently and within his very busy hockey schedule. Now that we have my love for the mmc out the way, we can talk this book. I loved it. Probably up there for one of my favourite Teagan Hunter books. The inclusion of Owen as coach. The ups and downs.

Daisy! The choc lab that they do have shared custody over, let's be real. I loved them. He was an acts of service girlie. This book as some of my favourite micro-tropes. Mainly taking care of her she's unwell and just when he realises she can't reach the plates in his cabin and genuinely considers ripping out the kitchen to re-do it just for her. When he gets her a tub of ice-cream because he had a rough day. Brings her food because he knows she gets distracted at work at forgets to eat sometimes.

Teagan Hunter worked her magic with this hockey romance again. I cannot for Hayes story (I'm so excited given the ending of Face Off). I want my own Lucas Lawson immediately. Also this book has no 3rd act break-up which I absolutely loved.

tropes
💌 found family
⛸️ hockey romance
🍦 black cat x golden retriever
📖 he falls first & hard
☕️ no 3rd act break-up
🩺 cinnamon roll mmc

[The Love Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Omg Rory and Lawson were so cute! Both Rory and Lawson swore off love, with Rory burying her head in her veterinary practice and Lawson living the single hockey player life. But when Lawson laid eyes on Rory, and she was not impressed, it just made Lawson step his game up

I love when the woman is the grump! Rory had her reasons for being afraid of personal attachments and assuming that Lawson was like every other hockey player out there. I love that Lawson didn’t let that deter him, and he showed Rory his true colors and broke down her walls to show both of them what healthy love could look like. And don’t even get me started on how adorable Daisy the puppy was! She was one of my favorite parts outside of the romance.

This was another successful cozy sports read from this author, and I am ready for Hayes’ book next!!

TROPES: hockey; grumpy/sunshine; veterinarian heroine; found family; he falls first and hard; cinnamon roll hero; buys her snacks during her period; no third act break up

[cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESYESYES IM BACK!

i loved it! they were really funny and cute and i love the veterinarian trope

[Sofiia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Той випадок, коли починала книгу не знаючи ні сюжету, ні тропів, не маючи жодних очікувань.
І от, що я скажу: книга виявилась неймовірною. Чудові герої, які протягом всієї книги не розчаровували і не дратували. Здорові стосунки двох дорослих людей, які розуміють та підтримують один одного.
Ще мені сподобався раціональний підхід героя щодо його майбутнього, усвідомлення, що хокей не на все життя і треба планувати подальше життя після закінчення кар'єри.
Любов до тварин у героїв просто неймовірна. Якщо чесно, я й сама встигла полюбити Дейзі, така вже вона хорошенька😍
Ще з приємних моментів - це герої з попередньої серії, вже якісь рідні вони стали

[AboutEstelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ✨
C’était mimi, il y avait un petit chien, le mec était complètement in love, ça se lit bien.

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop what you are doing and read this book IMMEDIATELY! No seriously, this book was amazing and I knew it would be when we first met Lucas Lawson and Rory Sinclair in the first book of the Seattle Serpent Series.

You first meet Lawson and Rory at the end of the first book and right away I knew I would love these two. Rory, who is Auden's twin sister, has the personality of a grumpy black cat which the total opposite of Lawson, who is the teammate of Hutch, has the personality of a golden retriever. Right off the bat, you sense Rory's dislike for Lawson. Lawson being the flirt he is, is immediately shut down with Rory's witty disinterested comments. But that doesn't stop Lawson from breaking down Rory's walls.

Both Rory and Lawson are so misunderstood. They both have a wall up to the world and only show one side of themselves. Rory is so much more than her grump black cat exterior. She "hates" feelings and doesn't smile but that is so far from the truth. And Lawson, he is seen as the jokester, the one who is just having a good time and rarely serious but this man, he has such an amazing heart who helps out so many people in his life without ANY ONE knowing. And when they two come together, they bring out a side of each other that the world doesn't get to see which is truly an amazing thing to see.

Another added bonus, is the addition of Daisy, the chocolate lab. Rory is a veterinarian and Lawson stumbles his was into being a dog dad, and let's face it, Daisy gives off main character energy and I'm here for it. It's also a microtrope that I absolutely love!

Book Tropes:
- Opposites Attract
- Golden Retriever/Cinnamon Roll MMC
- SASSY Black Cat FMC
- One Sided Dislike to Love
- He Falls First and HARD
- Found Family
- Hockey Romance
- Close Proximity

I truly love Teagan Hunter's writing and have fallen in love with the Seattle Serpents series. It's such a fun interconnected standalone hockey romance series that I literally can't put down. So if you are looking for a new hockey romance I highly suggest this series and book. I hope you fall in love with Lawson as much as I did!

* Thank you to Teagan Hunter and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book. I am truly appreciative to have had the opportunity to read and review Face Off. All thoughts and opinions are my own *

[Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

Not just 5 stars, 5 shooting stars!

Face Off is my first top read of 2024!  I have been a longtime fan of Hunter’s, but there’s something beyond extraordinary about her sports romance series. The banter between the characters is pure magic, and when you add in the scorching connection between Lawson and Rory, you get everything I love about Hunter's books to the utmost degree.


Rory is my spirit character. Animals over humans, feelings are gross, and talking about feelings is what nightmares are made of. She was grumpy and snarky, but never more so than when she was around Lawson. She wasn’t looking for love, and if she was, Lawson would have been the very last place she would expect to find it. Yet, neither of them seemed to have a choice; there was a magnetic pull between them the moment they met.

Lawson was so much more than what I expected. He jumped right up to the top of the swooniest book boyfriends’ list. I can’t even count the number of times he made me smile throughout the book. He was all heart and happiness, and it is statistically impossible not to fall in love with him. Don’t let that lead you to believe he doesn’t have a growly alpha side; he definitely does. Lucas Lawson is the whole damn book boyfriend package. I’m making an official declaration that Lucas Lawson is now Loveable Lawson. The way this fictional character stole my heart and then continuously turned it into a mushy pile of happy feels was downright offensive. Because emotions are gross. I had no choice in the matter.

Rory and Lawson’s connection was sparked the moment their eyes met. I loved feeling like I was right beside Rory and Lawson, go from strangers to being one another’s heart. They were opposites in almost every way, and it made them perfect for one another. Rory was snarky and grumpy, while Lawson sometimes resembled a hyped-up golden retriever. He brought her more laughs and a reminder to look up at the stars.

As soon as Face Off landed on my kindle, I dove in, and within a few pages, the weight of reality fell away. Rory and Lawson’s story is a slow burn; he falls first (and hard), laugh out loud, the most epic banter to ever banter, and SO much swoon, and a sassy Wednesday... I mean, heroine.

Face Off, book 2 in the Seattle Serpents, is proof that a world without Hunter’s hockey romance series would be a travesty. I’ve read Hunter’s books for years, and I’ve loved them all, but I feel like her real-life passion for hockey adds to the magic of her hockey series.


I’m convinced Hunter’s author senses start tingling, her fingers twitch, and she knows that it means there’s a reader out there that needs a Tegan Hunter brand of escape from reality. It’s not just the tension-filled slow burn; it’s the dynamics she creates; she makes you feel like you’re one of them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a group of college students, people working in a small town pizza shop, or neighbors in a zany apartment complex; you feel like you’re right there. The first book in her series is like meeting people you’ve known your whole life, and the last is like saying goodbye to characters that have become embedded in your heart. It’s the love they share and the families they create. The jokes, the laughter, and sometimes the tears. Every book Hunter writes surpasses any of my expectations, and every series she writes becomes more deeply embedded in my soul. The banter and dialogue she writes make her work shine in a way I’ve found to be rare.




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[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm certain there is no way there's another person out there as good at kissing as Lawson is because he doesn't just kiss me--he claims me, marks me as his and his alone.

4.25 stars

Okay, I did not expect to love Lawsy and Rory as much as I did, but as Lawsy said, chicks just dig him! Lawson was the perfect definition of a golden retriever hero; he was persistent and impossible not to love in the face of Rory's black cat vibes, and I loved seeing how they interacted with each other. Rory was skeptical about love and people (which I totally relate to), while Lawson was so freaking hilarious and seriously swoony. From afar they seemed like complete opposites, but they complimented and understood each other so well. I absolutely LOVED all of the Carolina Comets cameos we get in this book (especially Greer and Miller), and I look forward to Hayes' book next🖤

Tropes: opposites attract, secret relationship, no-strings attached, golden retriever/black cat energy, charming hero, cynical heroine, hockey romance, praise kink, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by Valentine PR, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson knows that Rory is going to be a challenge the first time he meets her. She's prickly and definitely doesn't want anything to do with him, but when he brings in a stray puppy he found to her clinic on Christmas Eve, she has to admit he's more than she thought he would be.
Lawson is all jokes and deflection. He's never really wanted to be tied down to anyone but each day that he spends trying to get Rory to admit she doesn't hate him, brings him a little closer to the realization that he loves this woman.
Rory is not against love, per say, but she doesn't think it will last. She wants to save herself the heartbreak she had to witness growing up. With the help of her sister, and the love of a good man, it's possible that she will see that not every relationship is the same and that love can be something good.
These two were magnetic. I loved their push and pull and her grumpy to his sunshine. Lawson was so much more than meets the eye and I am absolutely loving this new series, especially when there are cameos of my boyfriend in them. The tie between the Comets and Serpents series is flawless.

[Velarisbooks(rhys’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face off
🏒dislike to lovers
🏒opposites attract
🏒hockey romance
🏒grumpy(fmc) sunshine(mmc)

Spicy; 🌶️🌶️/5
10/10
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Erkek karakterimiz pro hokey oyuncusu Lucas, kadın karakterimiz ise veteriner ve aynı zamanda huysuz Rory 😅😅 Kitap Lucas’ın bir köpek yavrusunu çöpte bulmasıyla başlıyor. Ve haliyle orada bırakıp gidemiyor. Veterinere götürüyor. Bir bakıyoruz ki veteriner kliniğinin sahibi yakın arkadaşımızın bizden nefret eden kız kardeşi qğsşwğwlslslsl (ikizi d olabilir emin olamadım epdkwkek) Rory Lucasdan nefret ediyoe çünkü her zaman çevresindeki tüm kadınaleı kendi yörüngesine çeken çapkın bir bebek. Köpüşü bile kendine bağladı tek bir sarılmada epdmwpwkesj Her neyse Lucas köpeği evine götürmek zorunda kalıyor ve illegal yollarla Rory’bin numarasını alarak onu köpek bahanesiyle rahatsız ediyor sürekli🤩🙈

Kitabı bu kadar seveceğimi düşünmemiştim açıkçası. Çerezlik bir hokey romantizmi okuyayım diye başladığım kitap beni ele geçirdi. Lucas.. Bebek gibi seven karakterler listesine öyle bir yerleştin ki. Kitapta gereksiz ayrılıklar kavgalar dramalar yok. Her şey öyle kusursuz aşk dolu ilerliyor ki. Resmen yazar arlarındaki o yavaş gelişen aşkı yazarken içimizin ısınmasını sağlamaya başarmış. İlk başta her şey sadece çekim olarak ilerliyor evet ama devamında aşık olan taraf işleri haliyle karmaşıklaştırıyor. Ben de burada biraz bi drama bekledim. Ama öyle güzel bağlandı ki. Daisy(minik köpüşümüz) bile kitabın starı oldu resmen 💞💞💞💞💞 Kitap 10 lık bir kitap olmayabilir. Kurgu olarak işleyiş olarak vs. Ama bana hissettirdiği duygu 9,5-10 du. Ben de gönül rahatlığıyla 10 vermek istiyorum 💞💞🥹

“I wish I could see this every night. If I had a balcony, I’d be out here every night looking up.”
“Use mine.”
Her gaze snaps back to me. “What?”
“Use mine.”
“What are you…”
“I’ll make you a key. You can use mine.”
“Lucas…That’s insane. You’re…”
“For you, Rory, I’d gather every star in this sky and string them high somewhere only for you, just to see you smile like that again.” Her breath stutters. “Making you a key is the best I can do until then.”


“I love you, Aurora Sinclair.”
“Lawson…” She drops her head. “I can’t. I just…can’t.”
“That’s okay, Rory. Really. You know why?”
“Because, baby…Even if you’re not ready to say it, I am, and I can’t go another minute without telling you. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to say it back—or if you never do—it’s okay. I’m still going to be loving you.”
“That’s so stupid,”
“It may be stupid, but it’s true.”

[megan ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

lucas fucking lawson the man that you are jfc 😩

i did not expect him to be my favorite of these guys (hayes was my guess) but here we are, everyone go read this rn ?!

[staci ❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

reverse grumpy/sunshine, reformed playboy, hockey romance. sign me up. 🥹

lawson is ADORABLE. i love this series so so so so much omg

[Cassies.EndlessReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas Lawson is our Golden Retriever, Founder of the Serpent Singles Club, literally rescued a puppy in an alley, paid off Veterinarian medical debt, bought his struggling neighbor a car. Like he is legit Good Boy vibes.
Rory Sinclair's nickname is literally Wednesday (Addams). She loves animals, but people? Not so much. She hates all feelings especially if they make her feel vulnerable.
I loved this reverse grumpy/sunshine. What turned into fun flirty banter turned into Lawson wanting to be there for Rory, in all the ways, to include buying her all the snacks while she was on her period. Things really come to a head when Rory is finally burnt out at work and Lawson takes her away for the weekend to his cabin, no strings, no expectations, just relax for the weekend... Until Rory catches Lawson masturbating while saying her name, and that's when things take a spicy turn.
Hockey is present obviously, but it is not front and center to the story, we get so much good banter between all the guys, especially in their text chain, and I love how we discover that some of the events in Face Off are happening at the same time as the events in Body Check and not months later.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Absolute FAVORITE quote of the whole book, Rory is on Lawsons balcony looking at the stars and he says:
" For you, Rory, I'd gather every star in this sky and string the high somewhere only for you, just to see you smile like that again." OH, MY GAH!!!!!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas Lawson ladies and gentlemen! After all the Comets men we've met so far I think Serpents men are throwing their hat in the ring and Lucas might be a favorite hockey man so far. And if you've read the Comets series you know what a statement that is.

When Rory meets Lawson she dislikes him on the spot. His playboy ways are not for her and she doesn't give him the time of day. Lawson was attracted toRory the moment he sees her. But he keeps his distance and admires from a far. That all changes when a Christmas gift is left in a dark alley and he turns to her for help. Seeing how sweet he is with the puppy and getting to know him better, she realizes quickly there is more to the player. Time spent together turns to real and deep feelings and the strength to keep fighting them soon leave her realizing that she will not be happy if he's not at her side.

This story is filled with a golden retriever MC who is annoying and cute all in one, and a heroine who doesn't want to love him but can helped herself in doing so.

With this series and I'm all in because Teagan Hunter just keeps on delivering and I'm here for it.

[MaKayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas Lawson!! The man that you are!!😩🥰🫠🥹

[niki_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters, I am a huge fan of this author and am convinced she cannot write a bad story.
Rory and Lawson seem like such opposites, but they match so perfectly. Rory is so serious and Lawsey hardly takes anything seriously, these two completely consumed my thoughts. I read the story quickly, unable to set it aside for any length of time. And that tease for Hayes… WHAAAT!

[Claire Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, saw a blurb on tik tok and didn’t wanna have to put a lot of brain effort into it. However, this one was better than the last. No third act breakup, thank god. I love the whole dog plot to it, and I do love a good rivals to lovers, so not too shabby

[Megan Linscott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

LUCAS LAWSON 😍

This is the second book in the Seattle Serpents and follows Rory & Lawson. Rory is a black cat and Lawson is a golden retriever. I loved Lawson from the very beginning and he just got better and better! An easy 5 stars from me.

“For you, Rory, I’d gather every star in this sky and string them high somewhere only for you, just to see you smile like that again.” 😩🥹

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️// 🌶️ 🌶️

What happens when two people, determined to not have relationships or fall in love meet?!

Lucas + Rory + their little pup Daisy 🫶🏼

Lucas Lawson is a hockey player and is focused on his hockey season, the team hasn’t been doing well as an expansion team and he’s determined this season they’ll shake thing up.
Rory is a workaholic, a veterinarian who runs 2 successful vet clinic in seattle. She didn’t have the greatest role models for successful relationships, so she stays away from them and any feelings as a general rule.

These two have a surprise encounter over Christmas and spark a friendship and things progress from there.

This has a bit of a slow start, but picks up rather quickly and then you’re hooked. I enjoyed the natural progression of the story between them. I loved that they were both successful and driven in their chosen careers. The banter was top notch as always with a Teagan Hunter book! The text exchanges between the guys was ridiculous as expected! I loved the hockey bits and the spice was perfection.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unprepared for how much I would love Lucas Lawson. The man is the definition of golden retriever and he pretty much immediately won my heart, even if it was a lot harder for him to win over Rory’s.

Neither Lucas nor Rory “do” love. But when Lucas finds an abandoned puppy on Christmas Eve and ends up at Rory’s clinic, it starts a relationship neither of them saw coming.

When Rory first met Lucas months prior, he wrote him off as a cocky, hockey hotshot, but she slowly learns he is not at all what she expected. From taking care of his new puppy, to taking care of his friends and neighbors, to taking care of her when no one else ever has, Rory realizes Lucas is nothing like the persona he portrays to the world.

This book was a true delight start to finish. No third act breakup because Lucas just won’t let it happen and it’s adorable. Loved seeing some of my favorite Carolina Comets, too! And there’s a bomb drop at the end that has me dying for book 3 already!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Face Off is a captivating and steamy romantic comedy that is definitely worth reading. The book features a golden retriever hockey player and a strong female lead, Rory Sinclair. The author's writing style is full of sass, sarcasm, and humor, making the story even more enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the plot is well-developed. Overall, I highly recommend Face Off.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a sweet, fun hockey romance! I LOVED Face Off so much, what could be better than the most endearing golden retriever of a hockey player, the serious and driven vet who falls for him, and an adorable little puppy? This one is a bit more of a slow burn, but the building tension was just so delicious and the payoff is so worth it. I literally read this entire book on a flight because I couldn't put it down, I'm loving this series so much!

I love a reformed playboy, though in Lawson's case I think he was really just looking for the right girl. He's also so sweet, goofy, and bouncy - the epitome of a golden retriever. And I just couldn't get over him trying to deal with the adorable puppy he finds at the beginning. Y'all, I automatically add a start to any book with a cute pet, and Daisy is like a MAJOR part of this book. I don't think I've ever made so many "awwww" faces while reading. I LOVE a FMC who is devoted to her career, and though Rory gets stressed over some aspects of being a vet, it's clearly a calling for her. Face Off is a bit of a reverse grumpy/sunshine situation as Rory is initially SO against getting involved with Lawson, but I love that he wears her down by showing rather than telling her that he's so much more than his reputation. My only gripe about this story is that oblivious Lawson keeps getting his very busy vet friend to dogsit his puppy when he could easily hire someone - but I think this gets resolved as he learns exactly what's involved in taking care of a little puppy with separation anxiety.

I loved how low angst this story was, it's really just straightforward, sweet, and swoony. I mean, Lawson walks around with heart eyes from the very beginning, spouting off Hallmark movie-level lines. There's no third act breakup, and the only real conflict is that Lawson and Rory have to hide their relationship from Lawson's teammate and Rory's sister for most of the book. However, by the time that even comes up, it's so obvious they are meant for each other it's a non-issue.

Face Off is an excellent read for anyone looking for a story will never get you down, definitely a pick-me-up. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this one, I'm so grateful to Valentine PR and Teagan! Face Off is out on January 17, make sure to add to your hockey romance TBR.

[Zaji-Kali (ZajiKaliReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Face Off is a grumpy sunshine hockey romance story with swoon and spice! 🥰 Lucas Lawson finds a puppy in an alley and ends up in a Vet’s office. Not just any vet office but the office owned by Rory Sinclair, his teammate’s girlfriend’s twin sister who hates him! These two bump heads as they keep running into each other and the tension builds between them. Rory wants Lucas to just let her be but he’s not doing that lol

Lucas Lawson is my MAN!!! Omgoodness! I cannot get over this MMC. I have been thinking about him still, long after I finished reading. He is so sweet and good and just perfect! 🥹🥰🫶🏽 Like… I don’t even like golden retriever type MMCs like that but for Lucas, I will always make an exception! The way to loved and accepted Rory made me swoon but the way care for everyone around him really solidified my obsession with this man!

Rory aka Wednesday was a woman after my own heart! She was resistant to Lucas’s affection and honestly just interactions from anyone and I could respect her cynical view on life. She made me laugh and also earned so many kudos from me as her strength and success. ❤️ I loved how she said exactly how she felt and showed her care in her own way.

The little rescue chocolate Lab puppy, Daisy, stole my heart! I loved her sm! Little cutie was always stealing the show! Well deserved being the cutest pupper ever!

Lemme just say that this book has no third act break up and it’s super spicy! That cabin… 😮‍💨 Take me to the cabin! That hot tub 🥵 woah!

Highly recommend this one to all my hockey romance lovers and opposites attract lovers! A big thank you to the author for an advanced copy! Face Off is book two in the Seattle Serpents series but it can be read as a complete standalone! I recommend the whole series though!

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall there is nothing better than a black cat heroine and a sunshine boy hockey player in my opinion.

Lucas Lawson was a playboy. He is hot, gets what he wants, and that is why Rory Sinclair... hates him. These two are the epitome of enemies to lovers. The banter is impeccable and the story was honestly just amazing.

On the way home from the bar one night. Lawson hears puppy that had been lost by the dumpsters...so obviously he has to help it. He takes her to the nearest vet office and what do you know.... it's owned by the very own, Rory Sinclair.
These two start chatting over the puppy and he starts calling her a little more often to ask questions about his new puppy...but they also sort of form a little friendship along the way. Since he is a professional hockey player... he needs a little help making sure the puppy has someone to stay with so Rory offers to do so. What could go wrong? She doesn't have feelings so she absolutely won't fall in love with Lucas Lawson.... right?

The way that the whole entire book had me swooning and giggling. This was just the perfect amount of banter and angst and I just am in love with Lawson myself honestly.

This one releases on 1/18/24 and you absolutely need to have it on your TBR!

Tropes
-grumpy x sunshine
-veterinarian X NHL player
-forced proximity
-he falls first and harder

5/5 stars
3/5 spice

[Lenny_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pri čítaní tejto hokejovej jednohubky som si uvedomila jednu vec. Toto je už trinásta kniha od Teagan Hunter, ktorá sa mi dostala do ruk a ja dúfam, že sa autorka bude ešte nejakú chvíľu venovať tejto partii nezadaných hokejistov.

Hokejový playboy Lawson sa už od prvého stretnutia zapísal u Rory presne takto… Namyslený, úspešný sukničkár. No nie vždy je všetko tak, ako sme si spočiatku mysleli a Lawson v sebe ukrýva dobré srdce, ktoré je ochotný otvoriť tým, na ktorých mu záleží.

Rory je taký mrzút. Bola mi sympatická, ale to nič nemení na tom, že bola skôr taký mráčik k Lawsonovmu slniečku. Našťastie k zblíženiu dopomohlo jedno malé šteniatko a príjemný príbeh bol na svete. Autorka sa ani teraz nezaprela a označenie 🔞 je na obale oprávnene a milovníčky pikantnejších scén si prídu na svoje.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
-hockey romance
-found family
-golden retriever x black cat
-boy falls first and hard
-no third act breakup
-cinnamon roll MMC

Face Off is book two in the Seattle Serpents series. I’m a sucker for a hockey romance and this did not disappoint!

Lucas Lawson is the definition of a cinnamon roll MMC! I couldn’t wait for his story and I love how he thinks of those around them and is willing to do anything for them.

Rory is the local veterinarian and is certainly a black cat. she is very career focused and driven and works very hard all the time. She is the sister of Lawson’s teammate’s girlfriend.

The banter between them was hands down great and I really enjoyed it. The spice was definitely spicyyyy! They definitely balance each other well. This was a great reverse grumpy x sunshine.

Lawson and Rory are brought together by a puppy he finds on Christmas and at first Rory has her walls up with him. Things definitely blossomed between them and he was so patient with her.

Releasing January 18, 2024.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.