She’s always been off limits, but when she shows up with my baby, it’s a game changer.
I’m the only son of one of the best forwards in the history of hockey. I play for a team on the brink of winning the Cup, and I’m about to break one of my dad’s league records. Life is absolutely golden.
Until Mallory Echolls comes to my game in Los Angeles with a baby. She says the little guy is mine, and as soon as I see his green eyes and the dimple in his pudgy chin I know she’s not lying.
The tragic twist? He’s not Mallory’s baby. An awful accident on the other side of the world took his birth mom, and now I’m all he’s got. Well, me and my ninety-seven relatives… once I find the guts to tell them.
Mallory offers to stay in L.A. and help with the baby until I can wrap my head, and my life, around him. She’s amazing with my son. She always knows what to do and what to say and… was she always this gorgeous?
Our families back home hate each other so just being friends with her was always a risk. Now the stakes are higher than ever. My son needs her. And I can’t stop the feelings I have from growing stronger.
I always take my shot on the ice, but do I dare take this one?
Tate is a standalone single dad, enemies-to-lovers, hockey romance by award-winning author Victoria Denault.
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
Tate Garrison is nicknamed Tater Tot by his family but “Golden Boy” by the media, the fans and everyone else because he is the second generation of all star hockey players. He has always had so much pressure on him by everyone, especially this season as he could be breaking his father’s long standing record, which can sometimes be overwhelming. This causes him to not always respond to the 2 million texts in the family group chat but also never have a committed relationship. What he wasn’t expecting though was that bff/go-to-girl growing up (the one that had ghosted him last season after they were in an awkward situation) texts him out of the blue, shows up at a game and was carrying a 9 month old baby boy. A baby that without a doubt was his….but it wasn’t Mallory’s. She was just the nanny. But could they work through everything and make it work? Or would the pressure on him as well as his insecurity cause him to do things that would drive her away again?
Mallory Echols has had a crush on since she was a teenager but she never let it show, she couldn’t because their families were rivals for some petty reason. A year early one night when drunk with Tate and Diane something had happened and she ran, across the pond. But now she was back in Los Angeles because she had to be. While Diane was never going to tell Tate that he had a son, now there wasn’t a choice after a tragic car accident. The truth was coming out quickly and she was in the middle of it all. She was hiding from her family and hiding her feelings that were still there from Tate. Until this little bundle of slobbering joy started to play matchmaker without even knowing about it.
Wowza this was hot and steamy right from the start. There was awkward situations, lies, tragedy, secrets, love, insecurity and so much more all woven together in this novel. The way Victoria was able to put it all together and wrap it nicely with a bow was amazing!! This is a book that you will not be able to put down until the end, so make sure you have everything prepared for when you start it. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!!
I am so invested in this next gen of hockey stars and Tate did NOT disappoint.
This is a friends to nanny situation, with some family rivalry thrown in. And if that's not enough to pique your interest, I don't know what to tell ya!
But, I mean, I'll try.
Tate Garrison is the "Golden Boy" in this second generation of all star hockey players. He's great at avoiding attachment. Not because he's wafty, no. Never. I mean, he calls it "dedicated to the sport" but I mean... okay fine. He's a bit wafty in regards to relationships. Which is why his friendship with Mallory Echols is so important to him; it's proof he can manage when he wants to, that he's still in charge. And that's also why it hurts when she ghosts him following their "once in a lifetime" encounter after a bout of day drinking.
Somehow this is a slow burn but there's spicy-spice on the first few pages. How? How does Denault make it feel like I've weathered the storms with these two while I'm comfortably situated in my bed?
How is it that I feel conflicted on behalf of Tate... and Mal... and Diana? Why can I see both sides of their coin? Why can I see how Tate's actions hurt those around him and still not be irritated by those same actions?
It's because Denault is the Queen of (adult) conflict. I swear. She's got this way of giving us plot and conflict without emo-angst or fluff.
Heads Up: we get to revisit some favorite couples! So even though this can totally be read (and enjoyed) as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading Conor's story--and the entire Hometown Players Series. Doing so will add another layer of depth that enriches the moments sprinkled throughout. Kind of like: Apple Pie from the oven is amazing. But when you add some Ice cream and caramel drizzle? 🤤🤤 That's what it's like when you've read One More Shot + Making A Play + The Final Move + Winning It All + On The Line + Game On... and then Conor.
I love a good sports romance and this book did not disappoint. I have read both books in the series and both are very well done and I would highly recommend. I love the whole aspect of the second generation of hockey royalty and following their stories. And Denault has a great writing style.
This book follows Tate and Mallory who knew each other growing up. Tate is a rising hockey star and wants zero attachments so he can focus on his career. He only does bed buddies which is why Mallory is never an option even though he is wildly attracted to her...she is a marriage type of girl. What Tate doesn't know, is that he fathered a son with Mallory's best friend and didn't know about it. So when Mallory shows up on his doorstep with a 9 month old (after a tragedy), his whole world is upended. He doesn't know how to cope and he convinces Mallory to stay and help him navigate everything. She agrees but has to work at protecting her heart as she has always had a crush on Tate. As the two navigate this new arrangement, feeling get involved and the situation gets more complicated.
Tate is the second book in the Hockey Royalty series by Victoria Denault. I loved the first book in this series and I was hoping this one would rise to the same level and it most certainly did!
Tate, Diana and Mallory have been friends since high school and Tate and Diana have been in a no-strings relationship. Mallory always had feelings for Tate, and she ended up acting on that crush one night just before she and Diana moved to London.
Not long after moving to London, Mallory finds herself back in the U.S. with little Dylan in tow. She arrives at Tate's home and while he is stunned to see her ends welcoming both she and Dylan into his home.
Both Mallory and Tate have had their share of hurt, heartache and they harbor secrets that they wish they didn't. The two of them seem to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Victoria Denault's "Tate (Hockey Royalty Book 2)" is a captivating addition to the Hockey Royalty series and once again this author seamlessly blends the adrenaline rush of hockey genre with intense, heartfelt emotions and compelling characters. This time is it Tate’s and Mallory’s story and it is an amazing story that navigates the turbulent waters of second chances and forbidden attraction. The chemistry between Tate and Mallory crackles with intensity from the beginning, drawing readers into their emotional journey from the first page to the last. Denault excels in creating characters who are both relatable and complex, allowing their vulnerabilities and strengths to shine through. Above everything their story explores deeper themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery. "Tate" is an absolutely engaging and immensely satisfying read that will remain with you until the final page and well after.
Denault is pouring on the angst with her Hockey Royalty series and I'm loving every minute of it! Strong minded characters are front and center as we delve into a life turned upside down and how the pieces are assembled to put it back together again, better than ever. The storyline is well developed, the main couple is super easy to like and sincere in their connection and the feels are all I needed and more!
Tate is a really great character. He's a young hockey playing playboy, but he has been raised well to be kindhearted and honest in his relationships. I loved seeing him bond with his kiddo and watching him find that forever love was heartwarming.
I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance revolving around close knit families of blood and of hockey as each leading man meets the one that knocks him off his skates.
I’m absolutely blown away by this story!! And the beginning was like a bomb drop! I didn’t expect that and I just knew that this story was going to be epic!
Single Dad Trope is just asking for everyone to just swoon at their feet but throw that single dad title on Tate Garrison and you’re practically a puddle! Bachelor turned dad is the icing on the cake in this story! I love that you have Mallory and Tate, Friends to enemies to lovers, and such a complicated situation! All revolving around a little bundle of joy!
I couldn’t get enough of Tate and Mal! They overcome some insane complications and with a little groveling they end up with their HEA!
I’m loving this series and I can’t wait for more from Victoria!
I loved this book so much. Tate had me swooning for him almost from the first page. I loved how open and honest they were with each other for the majority of the book. Seeing Tate come in to his own as a grown up and person with everything he has dealt with was heartwarming. I loved the way Mallory was supportive of him but still careful with her heart because she knew him so well. There were a couple of times when I wanted to just shake Tate and make him see sense, but he got there on his own without my shaking in the end. And I loved him all the more for it. This just hit all the right notes for me.
I'm still processing this as I've only just finished... but I loved Tater Tot in his surprise Dad role. I am so here for this second generation series, it's got proper legs and I really hope it goes on for a while so we get books for everyone in the crazy family group chats!
As engaging and easy to read as ever. Plus nice and steamy. Loved it and its reminded me I need to go back and reread the parents stories again!
Reading a Victoria Denault book is like visiting with an old friend. I've been a fan since her first hockey story and reading about the children of those first few series is like reminiscing and catching up. Book two of the Hockey Royalty series is about Tate Garrison and Mallory Echols. Both children of former hockey rivals who’ve been friends since childhood. Without giving too much away, Tate finds himself a single father unexpectantly. Mallory is there to support him, but as you can imagine, friendship becomes more. One of the things I appreciate the most about Ms. Denault’s stories, besides her writing style and plots, is the maturity of the characters. We don’t lose pages and pages to character angst due to poor communication and sophomoric behaviour. Her stories are full of witty banter, strong characters, real-life struggles, and realistic outcomes. Oh, and of course some pretty hot sexy time. Overall, I’m loving this series and can not wait to see who Crew’s connecting with in book 3.
Family man A beautifully written, sweet, steamy and emotional story. Tate, Mallory and Diana were best friends until a night they couldn’t forget put a strain on their friendship. Tragedy brings Mal and Tate together and his son is her first priority. Check the warnings as a tragic accident is often referenced but this is a heartfelt and heartwarming read, with moments of humour, hockey, a family that takes care of each other and wonderful character growth.
Tate and Mallory's story grabbed me from the first pages and did not let go. I typically read a book quickly, but not this book. It was one to slow down and savor. These two main characters lost a friend and gained a baby and figured out how much their hearts could grow as they became a family. This author does not disappoint. Every one of her books grabs at the heart, and this one perhaps most of all her books I've read.
if anything deserves 5 stars, it’s a book by Victoria Denault…
the emotional rollercoaster i was on from the VERY BEGINNING was incredible and insane at the same time.
i was crying, swooning, and angrily punching the air at Tate’s actions occasionally.
after reading the first book in the Hockey Royalty series (Conner), i didn’t think i could love anyone more than Conner Garrison…but then Tate Garrison came along🥵
Tate and Mallory balance each other out so so well. Mallory is very emotionally and mentally strong. as Tate struggles with letting himself feel big emotions, Mallory is right there to help him through it🥹
daddy Tate is everything. ✨SPOILER:✨ when he finally accepts the ‘Dyllie Bear’ nickname and calls Dylan that when he’s accepting the game puck, surrounded by his family and a whole mass of fans😭
also, Tate pushing Mallory to go back to school and follow her dreams WHILE HE BUILDS THEM A HOUSE TOGETHER??? i died😭❤️
lastly, the steamy scenes are ACTUALLY EVERYTHING!! the first scene in the hotel was incredible, and Tate immediately calling Mallory ‘baby girl’??? yum. then them trying to push down the attraction and not give in when they were living together BUT NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP IT AND GIVING IN??🥵🤤
Tate was a cowardly, egocentric and immature jerk. Half of this book should have consisted of his groveling.
Mallory was a naive girl with some serious self-worth issues if she let people walk all over her and pretended it rained when someone was spitting in her face.
It’s safe to say, I didn’t like either one of the main characters and I was only sorry for the kid.
It was well written, though, and it was definitely an easy read, mostly due to the side characters.
I'm loving this second generation series so much! It's amazing to see these characters I've grown to love! This book was absolutely amazing. Tate and Mallory had chemistry from the very first page. This was a bit of an emotional book but was so very amazing. I loved it so much! I love the family aspect to this series so so much. I can't wait for the next one. 5 stars
This book had it all! A tragic couple who find each other through a lot of life's ups and downs, a kind of Romeo & Juliet vibe (families don't like each other) and a child thrown in for good measure. This book had me yelling, "Yes!"No!"Are you freakin' kidding me?!" all in the same chapter...multiple times. Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
Spicy and Sweet! A great story with lots of angst and adversity but not too much. As trite as it sounds I seriously couldn’t put this book down. Tate and Mallory’s love story is a perfect addition to the series! Looking forward to reading Crew’s story soon! HEA, part of a series, nice to read in order but can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely loved Tate and Mallory's story. They started as friends but eventually ended up as almost enemies. Then you get sort of a second chance romance as well all tied in with a secret baby. I mean you really have it all in this hockey romance; humor, hockey action, steam, and mutual attraction. Their relationship is extremely complicated but well written. A must read book in my opinion.
Another great read for an amazing series. Love reading about the Garrisons 2nd generation and seeing all of the OGs. Love Mallory and the strength she has. She also has a pretty good read on Tate. I love how much growth Tate has had to live through. Together, they sizzle off the page. Can't wait for the next installment of Hockey Royalty.
Such an enjoyable read. Loved both characters. The start was interesting and I wasn't sure how it might pan our from there but the author did well. I liked Mallory a lot.
I like the story of these second generation hockey stars and how they differentiate themselves and find their own way. The family dynamics are just such a bonus.
Oh Tate, your journey was a special one. You want from living your best bachelor life playing your dream sport. Then your world is turned upside down in the way you would expect the least. But it made you into the man that the world knew you could be. The hockey Royalty series is an absolute treat and I urge you to read them!
Oh my goodness....Mallory and Tate was so perfect escape for a couple hours. Their story turned all my emotion buttons to the perfect temperature. This author has became one of my favorite authors ever...I highly recommend this book or any by her.
I received an ARC of this book for a honest review-
I loved this book! It had some heavier content but never felt overwhelming. I loved reading about Tate and seeing more of the whole Garrison clan! Mallory was sweet and so emotionally mature throughout the book. I also enjoyed seeing Tates friendship with Crew and Nash.
I wish there was a bit more detail surrounding Tate and Mallorys feelings, but overall I truly loved the book and Victoria Denault continues to be a favorite author.
This book was fantastic. The storyline was great and there was just enough spice.!! Tate may be o e of my all time favorite characters. His change was done so well. Highly recommend this book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
J’ai adoré ce livre avec tout ses rebondissements, l’auteur nous fait vivre une toute une gamme d’émotions . Très bien écrit et plaisant de voir des clins d’œil a la série précédente.
Tate is book two in Victoria Denault’s Hockey Royalty series. Tate is the “golden child” of a long line of hockey greats. He doesn’t take life too seriously and refuses to commit to anything other than Hockey. Mallory had a crush on Tate, her former best friend. They had an awkward night and lost touch. She has been living out of the country while being a nanny. When a tragic accident brings them together again, they quickly go back to a great friendship that eventually turns into more. Mallory helps Tate “grow up” and start thinking about more than hockey or breaking family records, the importance of family and friends, and how to move forward with big life changes.
The characters were well written. I loved the story line, even though it had a touch of sadness. I think the author did a great job pulling the emotions out of the reader on this one. It had plenty of spice, great characters, and a happily ever after!
This is a great read. Very emotional and hot too. Tate, Mallory and Diana are friends since high school. Tate and Diana have a no-strings relationship. Mallory has a crush on him but never acted on it until one night. Both girls move to London. Suddenly, Mallory is back in the US with little mr. Dillie Bear. Tate accepts his role but there so much feelings overwhelming them both. So much hurt, insecurities and secrets too. But it is nice reading through and seeing them growing and overcoming it all together. Tks Victoria!! 😘
Tate and Mallory almost everything I was hoping for! I wish we had a little bit more Big Bird and Jessie, and the ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise this was a fantastic entry into the series!