Clusterpuck

Vegas Crush #9

by Brit DeMille, Raine Miller

The granddaughter of the team's owner and a veteran forward in his final season playing in the NHL manage to entangle themselves in a "clusterpuck" neither of them ever saw coming in this age-gap, surprise pregnancy, he falls first, hockey love story.

"I came to Vegas to play a final season of NHL hockey and for one last chance at The Cup."
—Tripp Blackburn, VEGAS CRUSH

I’ve known Lila Marchmont-Terry since she was born—when I was thirteen years old.

Despite decades of our two families being in each other’s lives, I don’t have many memories of Lila until she was older, probably because I was at the very beginning of what would become a long and successful hockey career at the same time she was learning to walk and talk.

A cute little girl with long, dark, hair busy living her very best little-girl-life is what I remember.

A cocky, pro athlete chasing pucks around the NHL is probably what she remembers, if she even noticed me at all.

We last met four years ago when she was heading off for her second year of college and I was heading into my twelfth season in the NHL.

I came to Vegas for one last chance at getting my name engraved on The Cup with a championship team because, after this season, I’ll be hanging up my skates for good.

Lila came to Vegas for a gap year interning with her grandfather because, after this season, she’ll be heading off to grad school for Sports Management.

Note that her grandfather owns The Vegas Crush—the team I’ve just signed a lucrative, one-year contract deal to finish out my NHL playing career.

Lila is Max Terry’s only grandchild and she just turned twenty-three.

I’m the long-time family friend who turned thirty-six seven months ago.

Now that we've crossed paths again, I've discovered that Lila doesn’t really like me very much these days.

But that didn’t matter a bit while we were stranded in a hotel room with only one bed, and we did something we should’ve never done even though the itch was there for both of us.

The same itch we ended up scratching repeatedly after our clothes sort of [shrugs] ...fell off.

And that's how I knocked up Max Terry’s granddaughter...who usually despises me when our clothes are on.

It’s a whole cluster now—one urgent CLUSTERPUCK of a situation.

But I’m sure I've got this one figured out.

First, I'll convince Lila that she doesn’t despise me nearly as much as she once thought, and then I’ll make her understand that there's nobody I'll ever share my pucks with...but her.

**CLUSTERPUCK can be read as a complete standalone sports romance. Each book in the Vegas Crush series is about a different couple.

Genres: Sports, Hockey

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

Brit DeMille is the alter ego of NYT Bestselling author Raine Miller writing something new and different from what she usually writes. Stories about sexy billionaires [millionaires make the cut too] who fall in instalove with young women who may or may not be virgins, and then go on to make adorable babies together. In addition to the billionaires, hot hockey players are at the top of her list of favorite heroes, along with royals and ex-military bodyguards.
Most important when she writes a story is a happily ever after. But during the actual writing of the story, the most important thing is a cup of hot tea with a splash of milk, (and don't forget the stash of cherry Jolly Ranchers). A dog or two will likely be in between her and the chair at any given moment, which is very handy because they are the ones who approve everything she writes.

Reviews

[Addie Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp and Lila, the unlikely couple that were destined to be together. I loved their story and HEA. It was fabulous to visit with the Vegas Crush crew and their families again.

[Luna Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tripp and Lila’s story so much. An unusual pair destined to be together. Nothing like Raine Miller’s words. Lots of laughter, emotions, passion, and sexiness.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE books where the hero and heroine have grown up with each other! This one was a bit different, due to the age gap, as they were in different seasons of their lives, but they both had developed a crush on the other throughout the years!

This was set in the world of hockey so the characters have riches, prestige, fame, and nepotism, but then they find themselves in a situation that falls outside all of this!!

I liked the storyline and how Tripp was used to a certain family environment because of the way he grew up, and how Lila was a very independent, spirited young woman, how she had no problem putting him in his place (I was like “yes, go girl!”, and how eventually they came together to understand each other!!

I liked that after secretly crushing on each other from afar, they were able to get up close and personal and discover who they really were with each other! Although they had NO problem with sexy times ;), they needed to come to an understanding about how they were going to move forward! Lots of push and pull, a step forward and two steps backwards, which I felt was SO true to their situation!

I LOVED the glimpses of past characters, and I especially LOVED Max’s role in this one!!! And….Evan….LOVED!

I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!

Thank you to Raine Miller/Brit DeMille for an ARC in exchange for an honest review & another great read!!!

FAV QUOTE:
“Well, having kids doesn’t ruin lives,” he says. “Sometimes it enhances them. Sometimes it makes them temporarily more stressful. Sometimes somewhere in between…”. Max

[Miria Ardizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just when you think you can't love another one of Raine Miller's hockey heartthrobs, she comes out with another winner with Clusterpuck. This is the story of Tripp and Lila and let me tell you it is one you do not want to miss as Tripp will steal your heart!!  He had me "tripping" over him along with the fiesty and strong willed Lila.  This is another amazing story in the Vegas Crush series but they could all be read as standalones.

This story starts off strong with sparks flying right from the start with Tripp and Lila and it continues throughout. You can feel the chemistry between them just oozing off the pages and yes lots of built up tension and I loved all of it!!

Tripp is in his final year playing with The Crush hoping to win a Stanley Cup and Lila being the granddaughter of The Crush's owner Max Terry secured an internship in the organization. They have known each other basically their whole lives and had a "crush" on each other since Lila was 16 and Tripp was 29, yes this is an age gap romance now that Lila is 23 and Tripp is 36. Tripp thinks he is too old for her but Lila argues that she is all grown up now and this is where this story takes off. You will enjoy all the bickering between them, the lust and chemistry between them and the love that evolves between them even if they keep denying themselves of this. They are faced with an unexpected, unplanned circumstance and have to decide if their long life crush is worth fighting for.

This story was so heartwarming and so different from Raine's other hockey stories and I loved every minute of it. Raine's magical words once again created a beautiful read with two magical characters. You will absolutely fall in love with Tripp and Lila in Clusterpuck!!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely REMARKABLE!
This scored with me! Tripp and Lila story is everything I enjoy in a hockey romance.
Every moment of their story had me captivated and interested.
Tripp has been attracted to Lila since she was sixteen and Lila has had a crush on Tripp even longer. The problem, a 13 year age difference with his bosses granddaughter.
Tripp is a NHL pro hickey player is getting ready for retirement after this season with the Vegas Crush and Lila is a young woman interning for her grandfather’s NHL team before returning to business school. She’s smart, sassy and decides to take what she’s wanted and desired, Tripp. Just one heated kiss and Tripp’s willpower to stay away is shattered.
One thing leads to another when Tripp and Lila share a room when their flight is delayed. Things get very naughty, sexy and HOT.
A one night stand that has a life long commitment.
Neither wants to be tied down or a relationship, but Tripp isn’t sure that’s what’s he thinks or wants anymore.
The chemistry is undeniable and the feels are definitely on the rise.
Escaping into Tripp and Lila’s age-gap, grumpy sunshine romance was positively FASCINATING, ENTICING and ENTERTAINING.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, emotionally charged addition to the Vegas Crush series. Tripp Blackburn, a veteran NHL player in his final season, unexpectedly reconnects with Lila, the granddaughter of the team's owner. Their age gap, 13 years, creates tension, especially after a snowed-in night leads to a surprise pregnancy. Lila and Tripp’s chemistry is undeniable, but they struggle to get on the same page as they navigate family ties, professional obligations, and personal desires. The push-and-pull dynamic between them keeps the story engaging. Watching Tripp evolve from a cocky athlete to a dedicated partner made it a good story to read. The rollercoaster emotions and happy ending make this a good sports romance.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Clusterpuck (Vegas Crush #9) by Raine Miller writing as Brit DeMille

Raine Miller certainly has an affinity for hockey stories. Having read numerous books by Raine Miller, I know that I am in for a well written, entertaining story with characters who are engaging.

From the first chapter I was invested in the story that Ms. Miller wove about Tripp Blackburn and Lila Marchmont-Terry in this age gap romance.

I fell hard and fast for our couple,. The connection that exists between them is strong and unbreakable, even when put to the test.

I loved their journey as they fell in love, it was heartwarming and left me with a smile on my face. This was a good addition to what has quickly become one of my favourite hockey series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila is the granddaughter of the owner of the Vegas Crush. Tripp is on a one year contract with the Vegas Crush before retirement with hopes to retire with winning the cup! They have known each other for years as their families are great friends. Now that they are in the same place, it’s hard to deny the attraction. Tripp thinks their ages are a problem. After a trip home where they are both with their families, circumstances beyond their control has them stranded for a time, and they give in to the attraction. Now they have decisions to make, and they have to find a way to communicate better. The future depends on this.

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 5⭐️
Clusterpuck is book #9 in the Vegas Crush series.
• Long time family friendship
• Age-gap

This was a fun, enjoyable return to this world. Tripp is an NHL veteran who, at 36, is at the swan song of his career. He signs up for a one-year contract with the VC to hopefully end his hockey life on a high note🏒 .

Enter Lila, granddaughter of the owner, who at 23, is on an internship there, prior to going on to her Masters degree.

So basically; his career is ending as hers is just about to start.

Tripp has been secretly lusting after Lila since she was 16, and kudos to him for rightly feeling guilty! Lila, too, as an impressionable young girl harboured a crush for the older, hot hockey player.

What happens when they are forced to share a room during a snowstorm? Go ahead and read this - all will be revealed 😉

[Heather Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

QueenZany 3.5 Star Review
Clusterpuck
by Raine Miller




I've said this before, I'm a huge Raine Miller fan.
I own all of the books and have listened to all of them.
Plus, the VEGAS CRUSH series is also one of my favorite hockey series.
It was awesome diving back into this series and reading about all my favorite hockey men again.
Clusterpuck was a good read. It is super spicy and full of emotions. I loved Tripp.
But this book had way too much drama for me. To be drawn out and I hate to say this but Lila got on my last nerve. Plus I wish these characters would have gotten their acts together sooner.
I can say that I'm excited for the next book in this series.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was perfection. I loved Tripp and Lila. These two are something special. I liked the connection between them, their banter, and the way they were with one another. I also liked seeing how things progressed over the course of the story. This is an engaging read, a page turner at that. Plus all them easter eggs in this, gah couldn't get enough of them. I was invested in this book from page one. It is an absolute must read.

[Beth Burkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but I didn't think I would at first! I have read each of the Vegas Crush books and absolutely adored them, but this time Tripp and Lila made my heart hurt and I just wanted them to see each other and as always Raine Miller gave me an awesome read! I look so forward to the last Vegas Crush and to revisit all the characters and swoon all over again!

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read as always by this author I very much enjoyed this story

[Thaimelly Rigobello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this. Even though the lack of communication is clear and in the way, Lila and Tripp have great chemistry. Their age gap is also an issue but they’ve been in love for a long time, just not admitting it to themselves and one another.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great return to the Vegas Crush with two very stubborn characters who feel deeply despite their age gap and family ties.

[Lúthien Númenessë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanish:
Me divertí mucho con Tripp, su actitud de ser el rey del mundo y después caer de su propio pedestal a cada rato era muy divertido. Lo vas a odiar o lo vas a amar, con el no hay términos medios. Este libro, a pesar de ser algo diferente al resto de la serie de Vegas Crush, está increíblemente genial, ya que Raine Miller tiene esta habilidad de crear personajes que se sienten completamente reales, fui capaz de entender el predicamento en el que se encontraba Tripp y comprender el por qué actuaba de tal o cual manera, (eso no quita que quisiera pegarle en la cabeza con un garrote) y comprender la desesperación de Lila. En muchas ocasiones llegué a sentir una impotencia tan grande por que estos dos no podían entenderse, pero eso fue lo que hizo que la historia fuera tan entretenida que no podía apartar mis manos de ella. NECESITABA saber que era lo que iba a pasar, ya que llegó un momento en el que quedaban muy pocas páginas y todavía no le encontraba salida a todos los problemas que ellos dos tenían encima
El personaje de Tripp es muy complejo, al tiempo que bastante simple, tiene muchos prejuicios y la mayoría son autoimpuestos y, a pesar de que es un gran jugador de hockey, de una familia acaudalada y que parece tenerlo todo, siente que no merece lo que quiere y no se atreve a dar ese paso para tomarlo, por otra parte Lila es bien consciente de lo que tiene, lo que quiere y lo que necesita, el único obstáculo es… Tripp, y los prejuicios que lo rodean, y a pesar de los muchos (muchos) obstáculos que ese hombre le pone, ella encuentra la manera de hacerle ver lo que es mejor para ambos.
Tripp te volverá loca y querrás ahorcarlo, pero sin duda lo amarás (u odiarás) lo que es seguro es que vivirás emociones intensas!
Como plus, sabes sobre el resto de los Vegas Crush, algo que me encanta en las series, que se sepa que es lo que han estado haciendo y que pasa en sus vidas.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

English:
I had a lot of fun with Tripp, his attitude of being the king of the world and then falling off his own pedestal at every turn was very funny. You're either going to hate him or you're going to love him, with him there is no middle ground. This book, despite being somewhat different from the rest of the Vegas Crush series, is incredibly great, Raine Miller has this ability to create characters that feel completely real, I was able to understand the predicament Tripp was in and understand why he was acting this or that way, (that doesn't take away from wanting to hit him over the head with a stick) and understand Lila's desperation. At many times I came to feel such helplessness that these two couldn't understand each other, but that's what made the story so entertaining that I couldn't keep my hands off it. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen, because there was a point where there were very few pages left and I still couldn't find a way out of all the problems that the two of them had on top of it.
Tripp's character is very complex, at the same time quite simple, he has many prejudices and most of them are self imposed and even though he is a great hockey player, from a rich family and seems to have it all, he feels he doesn't deserve what he wants and doesn't dare to take that step to take it, on the other hand Lila is well aware of what she has, what she wants and what she needs, the only obstacle is.... Tripp, and the prejudices that surround him, and despite the many (many) obstacles that this man puts in her way, she finds a way to make him see what is best for both of them.
Tripp will drive you crazy and you will want to hang him, but no doubt you will love him (or hate him) what is for sure is that you will live intense emotions!
As a plus, you know about the rest of the Vegas Crush, something I love in series, that you know what they've been up to and what's going on in their lives.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strap in tight for the emotionally charged, “clusterpuck” of epic proportions story of Tripp Blackburn and Lila Marchmont-Terry in Raine’s ninth installment in the Vegas Crush series!

Tripp and Lila have known each other for most of their lives, their families being longtime friends. Tripp is thirteen years older than Lila and who she’s had a crush on since she was a young teenager, but it was obviously never going to go anywhere, right? What happens now that Lila is all grown up and interning for the Vegas Crush, the team her grandfather owns, and the team that Tripp Blackburn just came out of retirement to play for?

Watching the back and forth between Lila and Tripp was like watching an intense hockey game, with the puck changing hands every few seconds. They obviously have intense chemistry, but they just can’t seem to get on the same page in any other area. Tripp comes across as misogynistic and archaic, and Lila is very much a progressive young woman. Everything that comes out of his mouth irritates and offends her, but dang, that chemistry between them just isn’t going away. They know they shouldn’t want to have anything to do with each other, after all there are so many obstacles: that pesky no-fraternization policy the team has, that thirteen-year age difference, the close family connections. They should be all wrong for each other, but that doesn’t stop them from giving in to that combustive lust they both have when they are snowed in together. And boy, do they combust! Talk about putting the puck in the net!

Even after the shock of a surprise pregnancy, these two just can’t seem to get on the same page, and it was a rollercoaster ride, watching these two try to come to terms with their situation, what they were going to do, and how they were going to move forward. It was quite a bumpy ride there, almost to the very end, but Tripp really stepped up and made my heart swoon with his dedication and commitment to Lila.

I really loved the ending, the thrill and intensity of the Crush’s Stanley Cup playoffs, and ultimately Lila and Tripp’s happily ever after. I wasn’t sure they were ever going to get there, but they did! I wish we had seen more of them “together” leading up to their HEA, but nonetheless, they figured it all out and they are now living their dream!

As always, Raine hid a whole slew of easter eggs in her story, and it was such a blast finding them along the way. I’m not sure I found them all, I’m anxious to find out! I’m looking forward to the next book, which will be the last book in the series and catches us up on what all the couples are doing now. That one is the only book you truly need to read last, all the other books in the series are all standalone and can be read in any order. All I can say is, read them all!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I absolutely loved Clusterpuck! What a great addition to the Vegas Crush series. Tripp Blackburn is such a pain in the butt, but he is such a loveable pain in the butt that you automatically forgive him for all the insanity, and because he truly is a real gentleman! Lily Marchmont-Terry, who is a rising star in the world of hockey management and who just so happens to be the granddaughter of Max Terry, owner of the Vegas Crush, is an absolute spite-fire. I absolutely loved them.

Lily and Tripp have known each other for a very long time and although Tripp is older than Lily, Lily comes across in the story as knowing exactly who she is, what she has, and what she wants. Whereas Tripp has a much more complicated relationship with who is and what he has and wants; and as a result, he puts a lot of roadblocks and obstacles in their way. All the while you are reading, you are yelling at him...let it go...you love her, she loves you...just go for it! These two definitely had a whole lot of miscommunication happening between them for two folks who have known each other for so long, but with the chemistry between the two of them, and Lily not letting anything get in the way of what she wants, you know it is only a matter of time before Tripp has to just let it go! I loved every single minute of their ride getting towards their happily ever after.

If you are looking for a fun, age gap romance with a thinks he knows-it-all hero, a heroine who takes no mess, and a great team knowns as the Vegas Crush, then you need to grab Clusterpuck right now! Well done, Raine Miller! Well done!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clusterpuck is such a great Hockey Romance and I loved reading it...Hockey romances are one of my favourite tropes and Raine Miller writes some of the best.
This is an age gap story between Tripp and Lila and I loved their journey to their HEA..But it takes some soul searching before they get there.
Because the thing is Tripp and Lila have known eachother for a long time,as their families are friendly with one another...But an even bigger complication is that Lila is the grandaughter of the owner of The Vegas Crush Hockey team..The team Tripp is playing his last year of hockey with,before he retires.
Tripp has loved Lila from afar and Lila has crushed on Tripp for a long time since she was in her teens and now they are in eachothers lives.
They have a beautiful connection and an undeniable attraction to one another I enjoyed their banter,but Tripp worries about the 13 year age gap.
Being stuck over night in a hotel room together is when their passion ignites and they are an explosion of hotness,want and need..They no longer can fight their feelings for one another.
This is a story that will give you some emotion some angst and a romance that will make you swoon.
I really loved Lila and her sassiness she complimented Tripp perfectly and together they are just wonderful...Raine Miller knows how to write a page turning hockey romance.
It is a fabulous read.
loved it
5 Stars.

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally really like this series, but this one was so hard to read. I started it on a Friday, I should have been able to read it in one sitting, like the others. However, I only made it 2 chapters before flipping to another book. Tripp really turned me off. I couldn't stand him. I picked the book back up Saturday, when I was stuck for an hour, thought it would be a good time to work on it. About 30 minutes in, I gave up again. Tripp again, couldn't stand him, how he thought about woman, how he felt like he was better than the rest of the team, only there for that last money grab, but didn't want to have to deal with his teammates or what the team wanted for their players to be better. This time Lila, also started to annoy me. I can deal with the whole nepo-baby job/internship, it's Lila's inner monologue of always fawning over Tripp, despite being annoyed with what he says to her and his awful comments about women in general. I picked up the book again today, after giving myself a day off from it, made it 5 minutes before deciding I'm done with it. The whole bathroom scene where Lila was aware that Tripp had fun with a woman was too much for me. Maybe it wouldn't have been if I liked Tripp, but knowing what's coming in the book, a one night with a baby, I can't handle the rest. I can't stand Tripp and loosing all respect for Lila. In the end, this one isn't for me.

[Michele A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all of the other books in this series and have enjoyed most of them. This one was not my cup of tea and I struggled to even finish it to be honest. Lila is 23 and acts like shes 12. Tripp is 36 and acts like he's 16. Their 13 year age gap didn't bother me, except it was made to be such a big deal all of the time. Lila was not likable to me in any way. She acted like a spoiled princess who got whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, including Tripp. Her constantly interrogating him and trying to get her point across was tiresome. She was argumentative, didn't try and discuss things with him, just wanted her point to come across. That all would have been fine to a certain point. Except when stranded she let him go get her clothes, etc. and then complained when some things didn't fit right. If she was broke, I would have understood it. Throughout the book we are told how she has a trust fund and she goes on constant rants about women being able to take care of themselves. When push came to shove, she didn't take any initiative to handle her situation. She basically snapped at him that they were going to share a room and then acted like he owed it to her. He didn't owe her anything. She was the constant agressor in their relationship, yet would rail at him about their relationship. She wasn't exactly communicative with him. I didn't really feel a connection between them and was going to dnf to be honest.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend you while reading to hold on tight because Clusterpuck is one emotional whirlwind of all the feels. It'll break your heart and then will rearrange it. It definitely did a number on me with all the pinning, the angst and the tension ,the constant witty banter and those hate to love you vibes with an age gap on the side. Both Tripp and Lila are strong willed and headstrong, filled with doubts and fears. They both fight their feelings and are full of prejudice and social cliches. And one snowy night they surrender and let me tell you they have an off the charts chemistry and are so steaming hot together. And they have such a strong connection. Their relationship wasn't an easy one but when put through the test it stayed strong and couldn't be broken. Loved them and when they finally got over their fears they found their way to each other. Lila managed to have her plans and her dream combined and to have her family. When faced with losing Lila, Tripp finally comes to his senses and that airport scene was everything . The last few chapters were so heartwarming . Tripp got his dream come true and finally became what he's meant to be - a devoted husband and father . And everything in the Vegas Crush world is looking good and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Jennie Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduction of Tripp Blackburn

Tripp Blackburn is a pro Hockey Player that has just joined The Vegas Crush hockey team for a year before he retires. He knows Vegas Crush Owner Max Terry's granddaughter Lila Marchand Terry since she was kid. He is 15years her senior and is ashamed for feeling an attraction for her since she w as 16th. Tripp is stubborn, headstrong, cold, is content being non social. He's also a chauvinist and old fashioned. Lila is outspoken, strong, and believes in women's rights and future in a man's world. But she has also had a crush on Tripp. She pursues Tripp and even though he tries to resist at first she seduces him. Lila's future has been set for her she has a plan and is surprised when her grandfather Max Terry tells her she will own the Vegas Crush hockey team. When she becomes pregnant Lila and Tripp go through growing pains that lead them to find out their true feelings for one another. And Tripp's involvement with his team members. Who would have imagined seeing Tripp as a husband and father.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine Miller is fast becoming the queen of hockey romance. I have loved every book I have picked up by this very talented author and ClusterPuck is a great addition to the Vegas Crush Series.
From the moment I met Tripp Blackburn and Lila Marchmont-Terry I knew this couple were going to be special but it was only when their story was still with me long after the final word was read did I realise how special this book really is.
Tripp is coming to the end of his career looking to finally retire from hockey while Lila is just starting hers looking for a career in hockey management. So can they make it work……one click this gem to find out.
I was captivated from the first page to the last line, I fell hard and fast for Tripp and I want Lila in my corner. The chemistry is hot, the story is well written and the banter left me smiling and honestly that’s all I want in a great read. I highly recommend this series to all romance lovers.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila and Tripp’s families have been friends forever. Lila has always had a crush on Tripp. Not knowing he also started crushing on her. When she turned 16. Feeling like an old pervert. Since he’s 13 years older than her. He would purposely stay away from her. Over the years. So, when they end up snowed in at a hotel. The temptation is too much for both of them. They cave and then Tripp realizes what he has done. He literally runs away. Then a couple of unforeseen circumstances happen. Making them realize maybe they could be together.
I loved the chemistry between them. When they weren’t in the sheets they were fighting. They both assume things about each other. Without any communicating to each other. They are a few things they don’t have in common. Lila is a planner and Tripp isn’t. And it drives her nuts. He has the hardest time with the age gap between them. But once one of them puts there self out there. It is definitely a great ending!

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp had retired, but accepted a 1 year contract with the LA team in order to try for the main cup with a winning team. His last hurrah. At 36 years of age, his career has been long, his beliefs deep rooted and his demeanor standoffish..struggling to fit in with this team and management styles.
Lila is the owners granddaughter, 23 years of age, fresh from college and doing a 1 year internship. Next intention is to go the further degree and qualification in Ohio. Determined, young woman of means and big plans.
The attraction between this couple is obvious, but he believes she is too young. Has listed after her for years and kept it secret. Keeps opening his mouth and putting his foot in it. Lila has crushed on him for years but is beyond irritated by his thoughts, beliefs, behaviour. There were characteristics of each of them that are irritating.
An unplanned, unwanted pregnancy and unwelcome marriage is to be the making or the breaking of them both.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp is a professional hockey player who is reaching the end of his career. He has been denying his feelings for Lila for a while in part because her grandfather owns the team he plays for and in part because of the difference in their ages. When the chemistry between them finally erupts and he realizes he is going to be a father, choices must be made.

Lila is more than a decade younger than Tripp and has had feelings for him for a while. Her career is just beginning, and she starts working for the team it brings them closer however neither was looking for a relationship let alone to find out they were about to be parents. Now they must decide where they go from here.

Great chemistry, a little turmoil and witty interactions as Tripp and Lila realize that what they did not know they were looking for was in front of them all along.

[Dawn Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this one. I'm all for forbidden romance, I enjoy a good age gap but this borders a line for me. I love the characters, I did enjoy the storyline in general.
It's the age gap that was an issue. As stated, I'm good with an age gap... But, it was borderline cringe to read repeatedly about an almost thirty year old noticing / crushing on a sixteen year old. The character himself references how uncomfortable his interest was(multiple times).
I could've been okay with this-- had it not been mentioned so frequently and been an almost in your face reminder that he was a grown adult fighting off his interest of a child. He references noticing her at age 13(as a 26 year old) but not REALLY taking notice until about the time she turned 16(him being 29!)... I am good with the she's 23 he's almost 40 - had the rest not been so expressed....

[Jenn Pelzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one of my favorites in this series. I adored Tripp and Lila. I enjoyed following their conversations, interactions, and back and forths with each other. Seeing how their relationship unfolded, kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself unable to put the book down. I was looking forward to the next moment. The next conversation. I was hooked from the beginning, and read through to the end.

The surprise pregnancy was the thing that hooked me into this couple. They still had to find their way to each other. Even through that.

The Easter eggs that were hidden were fun to find. They made the story even more fun.

Another fabulous addition to a great series! Raine has done it again!

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tripp and Lila

I just want it to be known that I love this author and this series. I just couldn't get into this story. Here is a guy who acts like he grew up in the olden days that women shouldn't be working, especially in sports that it's a man's world and let's it be known and doesn't realize he is offensive. Then there is Lila who always had a crush on him and has known him all her life because their families are good friends. The age gap didn't bother me. I just couldn't see any connection especially like I said the stuff he would spew and she would try to set him straight but she still wanted him. I don't get it. I did get a bit emotional over the Evan part of the story. I still look forward to more of this series.

I received a copy and read it through BookFunnel.