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St. Cloud Hockey #2
Overtime
He’s the grumpy hockey captain with a bad boy reputation, and now I’ve been assigned as his tutor for the rest of the semester.
ARAN
The pressure is on in my senior year to wow hockey recruiters no matter what. My only outlet was casual dating until the latest fling makes a scene in the middle of my team’s locker room, and gets me in trouble with the coach. And that’s without him even knowing I’m about to flunk an elective.
So I have a Step one, swear off girls for the rest of the season. Step two, do some overtime school work with the help of a tutor.
Except said tutor is about to ruin the whole plan.
MADDIE
Just a few months left of college and I’ll officially start my career as an author. But before that, I’m in desperate need of more income to move away from my fatphobic roommates. So I ramp up my tutoring gig, and start working on a hockey romance idea that I can self-publish quickly. There’s only one I know nothing about hockey—or real life romance.
Insert Aran. Not only I’ll get paid for tutoring him, but maybe he can also teach me about the sport. All I have to do is remember that a real-life romance is off the table.
The overtime tutoring sessions start getting less academic, but can we beat the ticking clock?
Overtime is a dual POV, closed door hockey college romance with mild language, and heat without spice. It’s the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey trilogy, set six years after book one, and can also be read as a standalone.
Grumpy x sunshine.Reformed bad boy hero.Chubby book-lover heroine.Forced proximity.He conforts her.Grand gesture.Closed Door.
ARAN
The pressure is on in my senior year to wow hockey recruiters no matter what. My only outlet was casual dating until the latest fling makes a scene in the middle of my team’s locker room, and gets me in trouble with the coach. And that’s without him even knowing I’m about to flunk an elective.
So I have a Step one, swear off girls for the rest of the season. Step two, do some overtime school work with the help of a tutor.
Except said tutor is about to ruin the whole plan.
MADDIE
Just a few months left of college and I’ll officially start my career as an author. But before that, I’m in desperate need of more income to move away from my fatphobic roommates. So I ramp up my tutoring gig, and start working on a hockey romance idea that I can self-publish quickly. There’s only one I know nothing about hockey—or real life romance.
Insert Aran. Not only I’ll get paid for tutoring him, but maybe he can also teach me about the sport. All I have to do is remember that a real-life romance is off the table.
The overtime tutoring sessions start getting less academic, but can we beat the ticking clock?
Overtime is a dual POV, closed door hockey college romance with mild language, and heat without spice. It’s the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey trilogy, set six years after book one, and can also be read as a standalone.
Grumpy x sunshine.Reformed bad boy hero.Chubby book-lover heroine.Forced proximity.He conforts her.Grand gesture.Closed Door.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2024
29 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 8, 2024
4.5 stars!
June 17, 2024
im a sucker for classic tutor trope with grumpy/sunshine - bad boy/good girl dynamic and this book delivered it so well! the book is SO SWOONY AND CUTE, i was smiling and giggling so much!!!
aran is a big grumpy guy, a hockey player and a freaking captain (i always have a thing for captain). i love how protective he is towards people he cares especially to maddie. i adore maddie so much! she's so smart, pretty and talented, i also loves how she is so honest and confident. there are so many things that i can relate to her, so there are a lot of things i can learn from her too<3
🏒 student athlete x tutor
🏒 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 (reformed) bad boy x good girl
🏒 college hockey romance
🏒 plus size girl
🏒 cute nickname
🏒 he takes care of her when she got hurt and when she is in period!!!
🏒 teammates, friends and family banter
🏒 closed door but damn the tension is fire🔥🔥
p.s. i can see you by taylor swift reminds me of the library-slash-bookshelf scene😏 (iykyk)
aran is a big grumpy guy, a hockey player and a freaking captain (i always have a thing for captain). i love how protective he is towards people he cares especially to maddie. i adore maddie so much! she's so smart, pretty and talented, i also loves how she is so honest and confident. there are so many things that i can relate to her, so there are a lot of things i can learn from her too<3
🏒 student athlete x tutor
🏒 grumpy x sunshine
🏒 (reformed) bad boy x good girl
🏒 college hockey romance
🏒 plus size girl
🏒 cute nickname
🏒 he takes care of her when she got hurt and when she is in period!!!
🏒 teammates, friends and family banter
🏒 closed door but damn the tension is fire🔥🔥
p.s. i can see you by taylor swift reminds me of the library-slash-bookshelf scene😏 (iykyk)
June 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙 Closed door
💙 Plus size FMC
💙 Student/tutor
💙 Grumpy/sunshine
I wasn't prepared for how adorable these two would be.
Maddie is a charismatic character that you instantly like. Aran comes off as grumpy at first, but with Maddie, he turns into a sweetheart, showing a protective and jealous side.
They get close when she becomes his tutor, but soon, a friendship forms, and he ends up helping her with the hockey romance book she's writing.
The romance is closed-door, but it has all the perfect moments that make you smile and tap your foot.
I had a lot of fun with this book and think it's a great recommendation for fans of closed-door romance.
Thank you so much, Mari Loyal, for sending me this ARC.
💙 Closed door
💙 Plus size FMC
💙 Student/tutor
💙 Grumpy/sunshine
I wasn't prepared for how adorable these two would be.
Maddie is a charismatic character that you instantly like. Aran comes off as grumpy at first, but with Maddie, he turns into a sweetheart, showing a protective and jealous side.
They get close when she becomes his tutor, but soon, a friendship forms, and he ends up helping her with the hockey romance book she's writing.
The romance is closed-door, but it has all the perfect moments that make you smile and tap your foot.
I had a lot of fun with this book and think it's a great recommendation for fans of closed-door romance.
Thank you so much, Mari Loyal, for sending me this ARC.
July 2, 2024
Aran is the goalie and captain for the St. Cloud Bolts hockey team and he's aiming for NHL. But an ex puts him in trouble with the coach and his also close to failing an elective.
Maddie is in great need of money so she can move from her bully roommates. She increases her tutoring gigs and starts writing on a hockey romance she intends to self-publish. The problem is that Maddie knows nothing about hockey. Or real life romance.
It's been an utter pleasure to read this book! I've been laughing out loud several times, or else had a smile on my face during reading. Aran's grumpy attitude clashes against Maddie's sunny one and I love their banter! I also love the friendly rivalry between the Bolts and the Strikes, the female hockey team, and how the girls in the team embrace Maddie when their captain becomes her new roommate.
This book does have some heavy subjects as well. Maddie gets bullied by her roommates about her weight, although they try to mask it as concern. It's so satisfying to see them get put in place! Maddie also suffers from severe period pains, and it's so cute when Aran takes care of her during that. I think the dedication in the book explains the feel of this story:
"This one is for all the girlies who don’t fit in, so they go and create new spaces for themselves."
You also get:
- dual POV
- grumpy/sunshine
- chubby FMC
- latino MMC
- ace/aro side character
- closed door romance (heat, but no spice)
- cute nicknames
Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone, since it's set 6 years after the first book and has other main characters. This is my first meeting with Mari Loyal, but certainly not my last!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Maddie is in great need of money so she can move from her bully roommates. She increases her tutoring gigs and starts writing on a hockey romance she intends to self-publish. The problem is that Maddie knows nothing about hockey. Or real life romance.
It's been an utter pleasure to read this book! I've been laughing out loud several times, or else had a smile on my face during reading. Aran's grumpy attitude clashes against Maddie's sunny one and I love their banter! I also love the friendly rivalry between the Bolts and the Strikes, the female hockey team, and how the girls in the team embrace Maddie when their captain becomes her new roommate.
This book does have some heavy subjects as well. Maddie gets bullied by her roommates about her weight, although they try to mask it as concern. It's so satisfying to see them get put in place! Maddie also suffers from severe period pains, and it's so cute when Aran takes care of her during that. I think the dedication in the book explains the feel of this story:
"This one is for all the girlies who don’t fit in, so they go and create new spaces for themselves."
You also get:
- dual POV
- grumpy/sunshine
- chubby FMC
- latino MMC
- ace/aro side character
- closed door romance (heat, but no spice)
- cute nicknames
Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone, since it's set 6 years after the first book and has other main characters. This is my first meeting with Mari Loyal, but certainly not my last!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
July 8, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up — I absolutely adored this book!! When I read Faceoff (the first in the series), I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed it (it’s rough out there for indie authors) — but Mari’s made a real fan out of me!! This series is just SO good!! And this second book was even better than the first! 👏
Overtime is a college, grumpy X sunshine romance between plus-sized, strawberry-obsessed Maddie Berkley, and tall-dark-and-handsome star goalie, Aran Rodriguez. He needs to pass a class, and she becomes his tutor (a sprinkle of forced proximity 🤭) It’s closed door, but hot 🥵 and it’s also told in dual POV — which is 🤌 chef’s kiss!
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥.”
I DEVOURED this!! If it weren’t for having to go into work, I would’ve finished it in less than 24 hours — I couldn’t put it down!! 🙌
I loved the angst, the build-up, the banter, their chemistry!! And the fat rep was EVERYTHING!! 😩❤️ I related so so hard to Maddie!! There were also snippets of Luz and Max (from the first), which I loved 🥹
Okay so the ending was a touch cheesy?.. I also felt like a few characters kind of got an easy pass. BUT we got a HEA plus a great epilogue, and that’s what mattered in the end! Maddie and Aran have my whole heart! Loved this book so much!! Highly highly recommend!!
So excited to read Olivia and Brooklyn’s story (the last in the series) next — but I’m going to be SO SAD when it’s all over 😭💙
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC of this book!
*𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯!
Overtime is a college, grumpy X sunshine romance between plus-sized, strawberry-obsessed Maddie Berkley, and tall-dark-and-handsome star goalie, Aran Rodriguez. He needs to pass a class, and she becomes his tutor (a sprinkle of forced proximity 🤭) It’s closed door, but hot 🥵 and it’s also told in dual POV — which is 🤌 chef’s kiss!
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥.”
I DEVOURED this!! If it weren’t for having to go into work, I would’ve finished it in less than 24 hours — I couldn’t put it down!! 🙌
I loved the angst, the build-up, the banter, their chemistry!! And the fat rep was EVERYTHING!! 😩❤️ I related so so hard to Maddie!! There were also snippets of Luz and Max (from the first), which I loved 🥹
Okay so the ending was a touch cheesy?.. I also felt like a few characters kind of got an easy pass. BUT we got a HEA plus a great epilogue, and that’s what mattered in the end! Maddie and Aran have my whole heart! Loved this book so much!! Highly highly recommend!!
So excited to read Olivia and Brooklyn’s story (the last in the series) next — but I’m going to be SO SAD when it’s all over 😭💙
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC of this book!
*𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯!
June 16, 2024
*Thank you to the author for sending me an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own :)*
Overtime is the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey Series, and is a closed door hockey romance.
Aran is captain of the St. Cloud Bolts Hockey team, and Maddie is an aspiring author who doubles as a tutor in her free time.
Here is my little summary/blurb of what this book entails —
Maddie is trying her hand at writing a hockey romance. She knows basically nothing about hockey and has almost no experiential knowledge of romance, making this book extremely difficult to write. She is exhausting all her avenues of research but nothing seems to be working. If only she had someone who could help with both of those things…
Aran has sworn off girls, after his disaster of an ex almost ruined his hockey career, and is focusing on keeping his grades up so he can keep his role as team captain. As the resident player, on and off the ice, this will be no small feat, but with his ex off his back it seems doable. He comes up with a plan and is ready to focus on only hockey (and schoolwork) for the rest of the semester. There is one thing his foolproof plan didn’t account for though - his new tutor, Maddie.
What a good book. I am a huge fan of closed door hockey romance so I was super excited for this one, and it didn’t disappoint! It was written so well. Mari did a phenomenal job on this book! It made me smile, giggle, and feel all the emotions. I connected with the characters and loved the character development! I really feel like the dual pov added a lot to the story as well, as we were able to really experience the internal conflicts they both had as the story went on.
Also. His nickname for Maddie??! I’m obsessed. For the sake of spoilers, I won’t say it, but will tell you it is absolutely adorable. Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out ;)
Oh, and the epilogue was perfection. Complete, utter, perfection. I loved every second of it!!
Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend to anyone who likes closed door hockey romances with all the steam but no spice!
I will definitely be reading again, and can’t wait to read more of Mari’s books!
Romantic Content -
Closed Door
Very Descriptive Kisses Only
Sexual References / Innuendos
Occasional Swearing
Overtime is the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey Series, and is a closed door hockey romance.
Aran is captain of the St. Cloud Bolts Hockey team, and Maddie is an aspiring author who doubles as a tutor in her free time.
Here is my little summary/blurb of what this book entails —
Maddie is trying her hand at writing a hockey romance. She knows basically nothing about hockey and has almost no experiential knowledge of romance, making this book extremely difficult to write. She is exhausting all her avenues of research but nothing seems to be working. If only she had someone who could help with both of those things…
Aran has sworn off girls, after his disaster of an ex almost ruined his hockey career, and is focusing on keeping his grades up so he can keep his role as team captain. As the resident player, on and off the ice, this will be no small feat, but with his ex off his back it seems doable. He comes up with a plan and is ready to focus on only hockey (and schoolwork) for the rest of the semester. There is one thing his foolproof plan didn’t account for though - his new tutor, Maddie.
What a good book. I am a huge fan of closed door hockey romance so I was super excited for this one, and it didn’t disappoint! It was written so well. Mari did a phenomenal job on this book! It made me smile, giggle, and feel all the emotions. I connected with the characters and loved the character development! I really feel like the dual pov added a lot to the story as well, as we were able to really experience the internal conflicts they both had as the story went on.
Also. His nickname for Maddie??! I’m obsessed. For the sake of spoilers, I won’t say it, but will tell you it is absolutely adorable. Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out ;)
Oh, and the epilogue was perfection. Complete, utter, perfection. I loved every second of it!!
Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend to anyone who likes closed door hockey romances with all the steam but no spice!
I will definitely be reading again, and can’t wait to read more of Mari’s books!
Romantic Content -
Closed Door
Very Descriptive Kisses Only
Sexual References / Innuendos
Occasional Swearing
June 26, 2024
I’m a sucker for grumpy x sunshine books, especially ones written by indie authors and especially written by Mari Loyal. I literally rate the book as a 5 star read before I even start the book. I just have blind trust in this woman! AND she doesn’t disappoint
If there’s one thing I hate more than anything else in this life, it would be bullies. I hate bullies. Specifically those who point fingers without looking themselves in the mirror first. I was a victim of bullying back in school so I could kind of relate to Maddie, even though they weren’t revolving the same topic. I liked though how she stood up for herself (even though she would cry when she’s alone) time and time again
This book was so adorable. Spice wise, it’s closed doors but the steam and the tension is palpable. I like that Aran is so grumpy and that his reputation precedes him but he was just done with it. Though the main reason was to focus on hockey and the games and getting the eyes of scouts and school work, he was actually falling for Maddie bit by bit and I loved every second of it
Maddie is an English major who helps students by tutoring them which will get her some money to pay her bills. She’s also an indie author and her first book is going to be published at the end of the year with the theme of hockey - since it’s a popular genre; meaning it will get her good money. The only problem is she knows nothing about hockey or anything in that vicinity
Aran is the caption of the hockey team and he’s being scouted for the NHL as he’s the best goalie in the league. However, his issue is that his couch put rules on his dating life so that he could focus this season. As if he needed more to worry about, he flunk his essays and he needed urgent help to be able to pass before Coach Green benches him
It was a very fluffy book - like all her books actually 😭 The way he couldn’t stop eye ogling her and thinking about her and the way he’d get jealous instantly and that would butcher his day and throw him off his game. The way she was getting less and less insecure around him and he was helping her break down her walls and how he was very supportive with her career choices. How they are both respectful and kind and fun with each other…
I really really liked this one! I really hope you guys give this book a chance. It’s book 2 of the St. Cloud Hockey Series
If there’s one thing I hate more than anything else in this life, it would be bullies. I hate bullies. Specifically those who point fingers without looking themselves in the mirror first. I was a victim of bullying back in school so I could kind of relate to Maddie, even though they weren’t revolving the same topic. I liked though how she stood up for herself (even though she would cry when she’s alone) time and time again
This book was so adorable. Spice wise, it’s closed doors but the steam and the tension is palpable. I like that Aran is so grumpy and that his reputation precedes him but he was just done with it. Though the main reason was to focus on hockey and the games and getting the eyes of scouts and school work, he was actually falling for Maddie bit by bit and I loved every second of it
Maddie is an English major who helps students by tutoring them which will get her some money to pay her bills. She’s also an indie author and her first book is going to be published at the end of the year with the theme of hockey - since it’s a popular genre; meaning it will get her good money. The only problem is she knows nothing about hockey or anything in that vicinity
Aran is the caption of the hockey team and he’s being scouted for the NHL as he’s the best goalie in the league. However, his issue is that his couch put rules on his dating life so that he could focus this season. As if he needed more to worry about, he flunk his essays and he needed urgent help to be able to pass before Coach Green benches him
It was a very fluffy book - like all her books actually 😭 The way he couldn’t stop eye ogling her and thinking about her and the way he’d get jealous instantly and that would butcher his day and throw him off his game. The way she was getting less and less insecure around him and he was helping her break down her walls and how he was very supportive with her career choices. How they are both respectful and kind and fun with each other…
I really really liked this one! I really hope you guys give this book a chance. It’s book 2 of the St. Cloud Hockey Series
June 25, 2024
3.5 Stars
🏒 The vibes:
- college hockey romance
- Grumpy sunshine
- Forced proximity
- Closed door
🏒 My thoughts:
Bad boy, hockey goalie Aran has sworn off dating after having scorned one too many ladies with his casual dating lifestyle. Aran not only needs to needs stay away from girls but also needs to improve his grades.
🏒 When sweet tutor Maddie is pulled into his orbit, they form an unlikely friendship. Maddie is an author writing a hockey romance who is in desperate need of inspiration- both in hockey and in romance…
🏒 Aran needs a tutor in essay writing, and Maddie needs a tutor in hockey and romance. So I’m sure you can guess how this story goes. 😏
🥅 I think Mari loyal did a great job on this book. I enjoy the writing style and the way that she writes a lot of physical connection while still being closed door.
🥅 I loved the way that Aran just connected with Maddie unlike anyone else. He was so closed off to the world but somehow he just opened up to her in a vulnerable and sweet way. I liked their friendship and how they both started liking eachother while both trying to fight those feelings.
🥅 I liked the conflict and how it took time to be resolved. I liked the hockey and the found friendships.
🥅 Which leads me to say - the former roommates were the absolute worst. There are mean girls in this book. At moments, the depths of their awfulness didn’t feel real and felt one dimensional-but unfortunately I’m sure this does happen.
🥅 While I enjoyed a lot about this book, I think it’s important to mention that one of the main plot points involves Maddie’s weight. Comments to her, experiences that she has, and just her everyday life moments are very saturated with her weight. So go into this one knowing that the plot heavily revolves around this topic.
Note- closed door; language
Release date: June 27, 2024.
Thank you so much to Mari Loyal for the gifted copy.
🏒 The vibes:
- college hockey romance
- Grumpy sunshine
- Forced proximity
- Closed door
🏒 My thoughts:
Bad boy, hockey goalie Aran has sworn off dating after having scorned one too many ladies with his casual dating lifestyle. Aran not only needs to needs stay away from girls but also needs to improve his grades.
🏒 When sweet tutor Maddie is pulled into his orbit, they form an unlikely friendship. Maddie is an author writing a hockey romance who is in desperate need of inspiration- both in hockey and in romance…
🏒 Aran needs a tutor in essay writing, and Maddie needs a tutor in hockey and romance. So I’m sure you can guess how this story goes. 😏
🥅 I think Mari loyal did a great job on this book. I enjoy the writing style and the way that she writes a lot of physical connection while still being closed door.
🥅 I loved the way that Aran just connected with Maddie unlike anyone else. He was so closed off to the world but somehow he just opened up to her in a vulnerable and sweet way. I liked their friendship and how they both started liking eachother while both trying to fight those feelings.
🥅 I liked the conflict and how it took time to be resolved. I liked the hockey and the found friendships.
🥅 Which leads me to say - the former roommates were the absolute worst. There are mean girls in this book. At moments, the depths of their awfulness didn’t feel real and felt one dimensional-but unfortunately I’m sure this does happen.
🥅 While I enjoyed a lot about this book, I think it’s important to mention that one of the main plot points involves Maddie’s weight. Comments to her, experiences that she has, and just her everyday life moments are very saturated with her weight. So go into this one knowing that the plot heavily revolves around this topic.
Note- closed door; language
Release date: June 27, 2024.
Thank you so much to Mari Loyal for the gifted copy.
June 23, 2024
First thought: I enjoyed this book! Having been plus size a large portion of my life I really related to how the FMC was treated and how she approached life. This is a really cute story that I loved and even though it is closed door there is definitely steam between the characters. If you’re looking for a romance that has some layers a d good discussion points this one is for you!
Maddie is an English major who tutors students to help pay her bills. She’s an indie author and her first book is going to be published at the end of the year. She just decided her next book needs to be a hockey romance but the only issue is she knows nothing about hockey or much more outside of kissing, so that may be a challenge.
Aran is the caption of the hockey team and he’s being scouted for the NHL as he’s the best goalie in the league. But his couch just banned him from dating this season so he can focus on his game. To make things worse he just failed his term paper and now he needs help ASAP to turn things around before the coach finds out and bench he’s him.
Aran meets Maddie when he arrives for his first tutor session. The two have interesting chemistry it’s like opposites attract. The only issue is Maddie’s keeps showing Aran the most embarrassing things about her and for some reason it just makes him want to be her friend. These two will navigate quite a bit this school season and go from friends to maybe something more and definitely fight some stigmas along the way.
Disclaimer this book talks about the FMC being fat shamed as well as the MMC having racial slurs used against him.
Make sure to pick this up when it launches on June 27th, 2024.
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Grumpy vs Sunshine
* College Setting
* English Tutor to Star Hockey Goalie
* Forced Proximity
* Cute Nickname 🍓
* Plus Size FMC
* Latino MMC
* PCOS Rep
* Dual POV
* Closed Door
🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8kWs9-Pk...
Maddie is an English major who tutors students to help pay her bills. She’s an indie author and her first book is going to be published at the end of the year. She just decided her next book needs to be a hockey romance but the only issue is she knows nothing about hockey or much more outside of kissing, so that may be a challenge.
Aran is the caption of the hockey team and he’s being scouted for the NHL as he’s the best goalie in the league. But his couch just banned him from dating this season so he can focus on his game. To make things worse he just failed his term paper and now he needs help ASAP to turn things around before the coach finds out and bench he’s him.
Aran meets Maddie when he arrives for his first tutor session. The two have interesting chemistry it’s like opposites attract. The only issue is Maddie’s keeps showing Aran the most embarrassing things about her and for some reason it just makes him want to be her friend. These two will navigate quite a bit this school season and go from friends to maybe something more and definitely fight some stigmas along the way.
Disclaimer this book talks about the FMC being fat shamed as well as the MMC having racial slurs used against him.
Make sure to pick this up when it launches on June 27th, 2024.
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Grumpy vs Sunshine
* College Setting
* English Tutor to Star Hockey Goalie
* Forced Proximity
* Cute Nickname 🍓
* Plus Size FMC
* Latino MMC
* PCOS Rep
* Dual POV
* Closed Door
🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓🏒🎯🍓
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8kWs9-Pk...
June 23, 2024
After reading ‘Faceoff’ earlier this year, I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of ‘Overtime’, the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey series. I loved the first book so much, but this one definitely didn’t disappoint in comparison. Mari Loyal has THE knack when it comes to writing cutesy closed-door romances, which is such a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little spice as much as the next person, but sometimes finishing a romance book feels that much more rewarding when we spend more time watching the connection between the two main characters strengthen, and we witness more of that emotional chemistry. I loved both Maddie and Aran, one of my favourite aspects of this book was their character development, and of course, the romance, this author does wholesome like no other.
Aran's senior year is all about impressing hockey recruiters, but locker room drama and failing grades force him to focus on studies and avoid dating. Maddie, aiming to escape her toxic roommates and finish college, picks up tutoring to fund her dreams. When their paths cross, tutoring sessions quickly shift from academics to undeniable chemistry. "Overtime" is a delightful dual POV college romance, blending sports and slow-burn love with just the right amount of heat.
I absolutely adored this book, and I can’t wait to read book three later this year, thanks again to Mari Loyal for sending me an E-ARC of ‘Overtime!’
Check this one out if you’re a fan of the following:
・❥・Student Athlete x Tutor
・❥・College Romance
・❥・Grumpy x Sunshine
・❥・Cute Nicknames <3
・❥・Plus Size FMC
・❥・Closed Door Romance
・❥・Reformed Bad Boy MMC
Aran's senior year is all about impressing hockey recruiters, but locker room drama and failing grades force him to focus on studies and avoid dating. Maddie, aiming to escape her toxic roommates and finish college, picks up tutoring to fund her dreams. When their paths cross, tutoring sessions quickly shift from academics to undeniable chemistry. "Overtime" is a delightful dual POV college romance, blending sports and slow-burn love with just the right amount of heat.
I absolutely adored this book, and I can’t wait to read book three later this year, thanks again to Mari Loyal for sending me an E-ARC of ‘Overtime!’
Check this one out if you’re a fan of the following:
・❥・Student Athlete x Tutor
・❥・College Romance
・❥・Grumpy x Sunshine
・❥・Cute Nicknames <3
・❥・Plus Size FMC
・❥・Closed Door Romance
・❥・Reformed Bad Boy MMC
June 12, 2024
*spoiler free*
So i love this book. I found the first one maybe a month or 2 ago and i loved that one so much so i was waiting for this one.
It's a friends too lovers with curvy girl as our main girl. And their are alot of very relatable aspects.
*So spoilers*
I love the PCOS in the books i myself have it but knew from a younger age. So i like find it in a book. So i could understand the struggle.
The mothers and friends comment on her weight isn't something supricing. Because judgement on wieght is shitty but i loved when the mom knew about het PCOS that they kinda made up and started all over again in the relationship they have.
The chemistry between the character was lovely too read. And i love the no judgement between the characters.
I was laughing my ass of about the comment on mispronouncing his name. I myself have a really dificult name too pronounce. And LOVED too read about it in a book. I will have to admit that i also settled on my boyfriend kinda pronouncing my name right and we've been together for almost 4 years so i get it. And i was also happy that he atleast tried.
Too the writer if you read this i love your work and hope you keep it up!
CAN'T WAIT TO BUY IT IN PAPERBACK!
So i love this book. I found the first one maybe a month or 2 ago and i loved that one so much so i was waiting for this one.
It's a friends too lovers with curvy girl as our main girl. And their are alot of very relatable aspects.
*So spoilers*
I love the PCOS in the books i myself have it but knew from a younger age. So i like find it in a book. So i could understand the struggle.
The mothers and friends comment on her weight isn't something supricing. Because judgement on wieght is shitty but i loved when the mom knew about het PCOS that they kinda made up and started all over again in the relationship they have.
The chemistry between the character was lovely too read. And i love the no judgement between the characters.
I was laughing my ass of about the comment on mispronouncing his name. I myself have a really dificult name too pronounce. And LOVED too read about it in a book. I will have to admit that i also settled on my boyfriend kinda pronouncing my name right and we've been together for almost 4 years so i get it. And i was also happy that he atleast tried.
Too the writer if you read this i love your work and hope you keep it up!
CAN'T WAIT TO BUY IT IN PAPERBACK!
July 21, 2024
Finally a book with a legit grumpy guy 😂 And super sarcastic which is one of my favorite traits in a guy! Aran was so swoony and I just loved when he started falling for Maddie aka Strawberry. Ugh, the nickname is so cute. I've said it before - I hate nicknames especially when it's overdone. But Aran used it the perfect amount of times!
I was worried I wasn't going to like this book because the characters seemed a little too immature in the beginning but once I caught onto the humor, it became more believable for me. Definitely found myself smiling a lot. The closed door romance was done very well. I had no trouble feeling the heat between Aran and Maddie! Maddie is a plus size FMC and the way her roommates treated her was so awful. I'm still mad thinking about it. But she found a new group of friends who actually accept her and it just warmed my heart. There is also tutoring and hockey so just lots of little things that I loved!
Overtime is book 2 in the St. Cloud Hockey series but each can be read as a standalone because there are years long time gaps in between each one. I will definitely be adding books 1 and 3 to my TBR!
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
I was worried I wasn't going to like this book because the characters seemed a little too immature in the beginning but once I caught onto the humor, it became more believable for me. Definitely found myself smiling a lot. The closed door romance was done very well. I had no trouble feeling the heat between Aran and Maddie! Maddie is a plus size FMC and the way her roommates treated her was so awful. I'm still mad thinking about it. But she found a new group of friends who actually accept her and it just warmed my heart. There is also tutoring and hockey so just lots of little things that I loved!
Overtime is book 2 in the St. Cloud Hockey series but each can be read as a standalone because there are years long time gaps in between each one. I will definitely be adding books 1 and 3 to my TBR!
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 2, 2024
Maddie, a determined tutor and aspiring author, only needs to survive a few more months of college—and her awful roommates. Aran, the grumpy hockey captain, must impress recruiters while juggling a bad-boy reputation and failing grades. As overtime tutoring sessions become more than academic, both must decide if breaking their own rules is worth the risk.
The author describes her books as being like a k-drama—sweet but also hot, swoon-worthy, & so friggin entertaining—I couldn’t agree more! This was bananas but so wholesome. While I think any hockey romance lover will enjoy this book, Aran and Maddie’s story is written especially for the bookish girlies who resonate with painful periods, are a little curvy, and can’t pass up thrifting a marigold cashmere dress. Aran is the storm-cloud to her sunshine, the brawn to her brains, the armor to her vulnerability—the boyfriend for every girl who’s wondered if a guy can lift them up. My favorite thing about Aran though? He takes her skating on Valentine’s Day. I don’t care how grant the gestures are or how slow the burn is, nothing beats the playful, intimate magic gliding hand in hand.
Go grab this ebook on Kindle Unlimited!
Perfect for you if you like:
Opposites attract
College/new adult settings
Curvy FMC
Similar to:
Icebreakers by Hannah Grace (open-door)
The Deal by Elle Kennedy (open-door)
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor (closed door, AHL)
⛔️closed door romance (heat without spice)
⚠️mild language, fatphobia, PCOS, racism towards the MMC, blood & fainting
The author describes her books as being like a k-drama—sweet but also hot, swoon-worthy, & so friggin entertaining—I couldn’t agree more! This was bananas but so wholesome. While I think any hockey romance lover will enjoy this book, Aran and Maddie’s story is written especially for the bookish girlies who resonate with painful periods, are a little curvy, and can’t pass up thrifting a marigold cashmere dress. Aran is the storm-cloud to her sunshine, the brawn to her brains, the armor to her vulnerability—the boyfriend for every girl who’s wondered if a guy can lift them up. My favorite thing about Aran though? He takes her skating on Valentine’s Day. I don’t care how grant the gestures are or how slow the burn is, nothing beats the playful, intimate magic gliding hand in hand.
Go grab this ebook on Kindle Unlimited!
Perfect for you if you like:
Opposites attract
College/new adult settings
Curvy FMC
Similar to:
Icebreakers by Hannah Grace (open-door)
The Deal by Elle Kennedy (open-door)
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor (closed door, AHL)
⛔️closed door romance (heat without spice)
⚠️mild language, fatphobia, PCOS, racism towards the MMC, blood & fainting
June 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a sweet fast-paced hockey romance. I love Mari’s writing style. This is a closed-door romance, but it’s still swoony and has its heat. The entire plot for this book is a favorite for me. A tutor and a hockey player?? Yes please. Maddie’s character development was so good in this one. She has some insecurities of herself, and I loved watching her heal through that. I loved how supportive Aran was of her and he encouraged her out of that bubble.
Mini blurb: Aran is a hockey player in college but he’s been struggling with his grades. Maddie is a tutor at the college and an author. She’s currently writing a hockey romance but needs more help with the hockey aspect. They come to an agreement that Maddie will tutor Aran for his grades, and in return he will tutor her on all things hockey. What starts as a friendship, ignites to more with the more time they spend together. But what happens when they decide to fight those feelings instead of accepting them?
Over Time has:
🏒 College hockey romance
🩵 Grumpy/sunshine
🍓 Cute nickname
🌊 Forced proximity
📚 Closed door romance
🤍 Author FMC
✨ He’s closed off to everyone but her
This was a sweet fast-paced hockey romance. I love Mari’s writing style. This is a closed-door romance, but it’s still swoony and has its heat. The entire plot for this book is a favorite for me. A tutor and a hockey player?? Yes please. Maddie’s character development was so good in this one. She has some insecurities of herself, and I loved watching her heal through that. I loved how supportive Aran was of her and he encouraged her out of that bubble.
Mini blurb: Aran is a hockey player in college but he’s been struggling with his grades. Maddie is a tutor at the college and an author. She’s currently writing a hockey romance but needs more help with the hockey aspect. They come to an agreement that Maddie will tutor Aran for his grades, and in return he will tutor her on all things hockey. What starts as a friendship, ignites to more with the more time they spend together. But what happens when they decide to fight those feelings instead of accepting them?
Over Time has:
🏒 College hockey romance
🩵 Grumpy/sunshine
🍓 Cute nickname
🌊 Forced proximity
📚 Closed door romance
🤍 Author FMC
✨ He’s closed off to everyone but her
July 29, 2024
Aran doesn’t do relationships and after his last hookup gets him in trouble with his coach he has to focus on school and hockey; enter his tutor, Maddie. Maddie is a romance author trying to write a hockey romance, unfortunately she has no hockey knowledge. Fate must be smiling down on her when her latest tutoring student in the star hockey player at her college! But when their tutoring roles reverse and sparks fly will they be able to stay just friends or will they give in to the tension between them?
The book was such a cute read! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a clean romance and I loved it 🩵 And just because it’s closed door doesn’t mean there isn’t any tension. The build up of tension between Maddie and Aran was so well written, and I really enjoyed the dual POV and getting to see the inter thoughts of both main characters. Plus, as a bigger girlie I love seeing the plus-sized representation! I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book and I already cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
The book was such a cute read! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a clean romance and I loved it 🩵 And just because it’s closed door doesn’t mean there isn’t any tension. The build up of tension between Maddie and Aran was so well written, and I really enjoyed the dual POV and getting to see the inter thoughts of both main characters. Plus, as a bigger girlie I love seeing the plus-sized representation! I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book and I already cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
June 22, 2024
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book! It sucked me in right away and I finished it in 48 hours. I probably could have read it in one sitting if life didn't get in the way, it was that addictive!
There was so much I loved about it. I loved how effortlessly funny it was. The humor wasn't forced and I was laughing and smiling throughout much of the story. I loved that I was reading a hockey romance book, while the FMC was in the process of writing one herself, and that tutoring a hot hockey player was "research." It's just such a fun premise! I also loved seeing Luz and Max from Face Off and all the different family dynamics.
The romance was so well written too! I like books of all spice levels, both open and closed door, and this was perfect for me! It's perfect for those who are looking for something without explicit scenes, but still want all the tension and heat and innuendo.
I highly recommend this one! Especially if you like:
🏒College hockey romance.
🏒Grumpy x sunshine.
🏒Reformed bad boy hero.
🏒Chubby book-lover heroine.
🏒Forced proximity.
🏒He comforts her.
🏒Grand gesture.
🏒Closed Door.
Thank you so much to Mari Loyal for the ARC!
There was so much I loved about it. I loved how effortlessly funny it was. The humor wasn't forced and I was laughing and smiling throughout much of the story. I loved that I was reading a hockey romance book, while the FMC was in the process of writing one herself, and that tutoring a hot hockey player was "research." It's just such a fun premise! I also loved seeing Luz and Max from Face Off and all the different family dynamics.
The romance was so well written too! I like books of all spice levels, both open and closed door, and this was perfect for me! It's perfect for those who are looking for something without explicit scenes, but still want all the tension and heat and innuendo.
I highly recommend this one! Especially if you like:
🏒College hockey romance.
🏒Grumpy x sunshine.
🏒Reformed bad boy hero.
🏒Chubby book-lover heroine.
🏒Forced proximity.
🏒He comforts her.
🏒Grand gesture.
🏒Closed Door.
Thank you so much to Mari Loyal for the ARC!
June 24, 2024
This book was so adorable! I really liked when the series focuses on siblings, rather than a friend group! I loved the way that Aran and Maddie came together via the tutoring, and the way they learned to read each other, just as friends, made it so sweet! Maddie's journey with her family and her health was so well written and felt so very real! And Aran coming to terms with his past and his path to self-awareness and acceptance was just such a beautiful process to watch. I loved watching them come to the point where they felt able to stand up for themselves! They were such a fun and supportive couple. And the side characters were so much fun! The way the Strikes accepted Maddie into the fold, despite not being a hockey player, was just so heartwarming and made me love them! And all the family members were really great to watch throughout the story! I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for the third one to come out!!
June 29, 2024
This one is for all the girlies who don’t fit in, so they go and create new spaces for themselves ✨
Really adored this Book! It was a very cute Story with lovely characters i could relate with. It is very well written and is just fun to read. I really liked the character Development and the lovestory between these two.
I will definitely read the other Books of this Series!
The Book is the second of the St. Cloud Hockey Series but can be read without knowing the First Book
- grumpy x sunshine
- Dual POV
- closed door
- College Hockey
- plus size rep
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC 🩵
Really adored this Book! It was a very cute Story with lovely characters i could relate with. It is very well written and is just fun to read. I really liked the character Development and the lovestory between these two.
I will definitely read the other Books of this Series!
The Book is the second of the St. Cloud Hockey Series but can be read without knowing the First Book
- grumpy x sunshine
- Dual POV
- closed door
- College Hockey
- plus size rep
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC 🩵
June 21, 2024
4.5 stars
I love this book. Book one was amazing and super funny with great banter. This one, the romance was so soft and delicate but also funny... I love it.
I like how slowly the romance was built and how we went from barely tolerating each other to be each other's person to lean on. It was so cute and sweet.
I also love how protective Aran was of Maddie and how supportive she was of him.
This is a closed door romance, yet some scenes were very steamy!
Now... As a brown kid... this spoke to my heart. That last bit with Aran and his coach... I cried. It was beautifully done.
Overall, this was a wonderful sequel, and let me tell you, I can't wait for book 3 now!
Thank you so much to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book. Book one was amazing and super funny with great banter. This one, the romance was so soft and delicate but also funny... I love it.
I like how slowly the romance was built and how we went from barely tolerating each other to be each other's person to lean on. It was so cute and sweet.
I also love how protective Aran was of Maddie and how supportive she was of him.
This is a closed door romance, yet some scenes were very steamy!
Now... As a brown kid... this spoke to my heart. That last bit with Aran and his coach... I cried. It was beautifully done.
Overall, this was a wonderful sequel, and let me tell you, I can't wait for book 3 now!
Thank you so much to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2024
I am so inlove
This book is so perfect for those us who love love.
It's angsty, romantic, sweet, tender. That first fumbling puppy love that makes you grow up,that breaks your heart and builds it back up, stronger.
It is closed door, but don't knock it down. It's steamy and better even than a lot of open door I have read.
This book is so perfect for those us who love love.
It's angsty, romantic, sweet, tender. That first fumbling puppy love that makes you grow up,that breaks your heart and builds it back up, stronger.
It is closed door, but don't knock it down. It's steamy and better even than a lot of open door I have read.
July 4, 2024
**Thank you Mari Loyal for the ARC!**
5 STARS ✨
This closed-door romance is wholesome, genuine, and toes curling steamy kisses and angsty. I wanted Aran and Maddie to get together asap. I shipped them together so much!
The sports romance is top tier. The college hockey kept you engaged, wanting to know what was going to happen in the games. We got Aran, “Iceberg” and Maddie “Strawberry.” The nicknames got me giggling the entire time!
I highly recommend this amazing story!! I will add my favorite quotes when release date is here. 💕
Tags:
🍓 Beautiful Plus Size Representation
🏒 Hockey / Sports Romance
💕 TDH (Tall Dark and Handsome)
🏫 New Adult / College
I love what Mari Loyal says on the first page, giving warnings and expectations to make sure the reader is aware and the target audience.
5 STARS ✨
This closed-door romance is wholesome, genuine, and toes curling steamy kisses and angsty. I wanted Aran and Maddie to get together asap. I shipped them together so much!
The sports romance is top tier. The college hockey kept you engaged, wanting to know what was going to happen in the games. We got Aran, “Iceberg” and Maddie “Strawberry.” The nicknames got me giggling the entire time!
I highly recommend this amazing story!! I will add my favorite quotes when release date is here. 💕
Tags:
🍓 Beautiful Plus Size Representation
🏒 Hockey / Sports Romance
💕 TDH (Tall Dark and Handsome)
🏫 New Adult / College
I love what Mari Loyal says on the first page, giving warnings and expectations to make sure the reader is aware and the target audience.
May 25, 2025
adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so much the tutor trope is one of my favorites especially when it's like she tutors him in schoolwork & he tutors her in other things, in this case hockey. also he was so obsessed with her it was so cute. I love that we got a deeper look at Aran's family and had Luz cameos.
I'm so excited for book 3 but I can't believe its second chance & that Brook & Olivia aren't friends anymore like why not I need to know.
tysm to the author for an earc of this book I will be buying a physical copy to tab and maybe annotate & to put on my bookshelf.
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so much the tutor trope is one of my favorites especially when it's like she tutors him in schoolwork & he tutors her in other things, in this case hockey. also he was so obsessed with her it was so cute. I love that we got a deeper look at Aran's family and had Luz cameos.
I'm so excited for book 3 but I can't believe its second chance & that Brook & Olivia aren't friends anymore like why not I need to know.
tysm to the author for an earc of this book I will be buying a physical copy to tab and maybe annotate & to put on my bookshelf.
September 3, 2024
This book had me hooked from the beginning! A fun, but non-spicy, college hockey romance.
I have such a soft spot for FMC’s who are chubbier. And when they are made fun of for it but then the hot hockey team captain wants her over the popular girls….I am here for it!
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Dual POV, closed door, some cursing (no F bombs or the Lord’s name)
I have such a soft spot for FMC’s who are chubbier. And when they are made fun of for it but then the hot hockey team captain wants her over the popular girls….I am here for it!
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Dual POV, closed door, some cursing (no F bombs or the Lord’s name)
August 17, 2024
The banter, the honest communication, the full in loyalty! I loved it all! This book is full of sweet and powerful moments. I really liked how the latin culture is represented, and how the spanish speaking moments are not translated cause that's how we talk ♡ I loved that!
Maddie's character is extremely relatable. Her insecurities, dreams, and fears are very real. Having characters like hers helps to open valuable conversations around HAES (Health At Every Size) and body positivity.
@mariloyalauthor has become an auto read author for me since I was reading her stories in Wattpad, and now she is published! Idk how to explain this feeling, but I am incredibly happy for her!
A little story, my first hockey romance ever was Hot Like Ice by @mariannalealauthor, aka Mari Loyal, which is super original, inclusive, fresh, funny, and romantic, this story started my obsession not only for this subtrope but also for hockey as a sport in general, thank you Mari!!
This book is closed door but don't let that trick you... it's super sexy!!
***
El coqueteo, la comunicación honesta, la lealtad total! Me encantó todo! Este libro está lleno de momentos dulces y poderosos. Realmente disfruté mucho cómo se representa la cultura latina y cómo los momentos en los que se habla español no se traducen porque así es como hablamos ♡ ¡Me encantó eso!
El personaje de Maddie es extremadamente familiar; sus inseguridades, sueños y miedos son muy reales. Tener personajes como el suyo ayuda a abrir conversaciones valiosas sobre la salud en todas las tallas y body positivity.
@mariloyalauthor se ha convertido en una autora de lectura automática para mí desde que leía sus historias en Wattpad, y ahora está publicada! No sé cómo explicar este sentimiento, pero estoy increíblemente feliz por ella!
Una pequeña historia, mi primer romance de hockey fue Hot Like Ice de @mariannalealauthor, aka Mari Loyal, que es súper original, inclusiva, fresca, divertida y romántica, esta historia inició mi obsesión no solo por este subgénero sino también por el hockey en general, gracias Mari!
Este libro es de puerta cerrada pero no dejes que eso te engañe... es súper sexy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🔥🔥 2/5
Maddie's character is extremely relatable. Her insecurities, dreams, and fears are very real. Having characters like hers helps to open valuable conversations around HAES (Health At Every Size) and body positivity.
@mariloyalauthor has become an auto read author for me since I was reading her stories in Wattpad, and now she is published! Idk how to explain this feeling, but I am incredibly happy for her!
A little story, my first hockey romance ever was Hot Like Ice by @mariannalealauthor, aka Mari Loyal, which is super original, inclusive, fresh, funny, and romantic, this story started my obsession not only for this subtrope but also for hockey as a sport in general, thank you Mari!!
This book is closed door but don't let that trick you... it's super sexy!!
***
El coqueteo, la comunicación honesta, la lealtad total! Me encantó todo! Este libro está lleno de momentos dulces y poderosos. Realmente disfruté mucho cómo se representa la cultura latina y cómo los momentos en los que se habla español no se traducen porque así es como hablamos ♡ ¡Me encantó eso!
El personaje de Maddie es extremadamente familiar; sus inseguridades, sueños y miedos son muy reales. Tener personajes como el suyo ayuda a abrir conversaciones valiosas sobre la salud en todas las tallas y body positivity.
@mariloyalauthor se ha convertido en una autora de lectura automática para mí desde que leía sus historias en Wattpad, y ahora está publicada! No sé cómo explicar este sentimiento, pero estoy increíblemente feliz por ella!
Una pequeña historia, mi primer romance de hockey fue Hot Like Ice de @mariannalealauthor, aka Mari Loyal, que es súper original, inclusiva, fresca, divertida y romántica, esta historia inició mi obsesión no solo por este subgénero sino también por el hockey en general, gracias Mari!
Este libro es de puerta cerrada pero no dejes que eso te engañe... es súper sexy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🔥🔥 2/5
June 27, 2024
Full review on thegraduatedbookworm.com
First, I want to thank Mari Loyal for sending me a copy of Overtime in exchange for an honest review! I have to say, this is my favorite of the series so far without a question! While you know that this is a closed door romance, I have to say there is so much more to the story that you're not really even thinking about that. And let's be honest... you can still have some spicy make-out sessions, and Mari Loyal delivered! I do think that if there was open-door spice, it would be out of my 5 star rating scale, because this book had me SWOOOONING!
Right from the beginning, I was so attached to Maddie. She's plus-sized, a soon to be published author just trying to make it through college, while not only dealing with health issues (that I did see coming, but it was played out so damn well!) but dealing with the scrutiny of her so called friends and mother. Then enters Aran. He's hot, tall, knows what he wants, has a great family and group of friends who care about him, and so quickly falls for his tutor...
I DEVOURED this story, and I had to actually force myself to stop at the last hour, just to soak up more of Maddie and Aran. Can I take a second to talk about her mother. There's a turning point that giving Penelope from Bridgerton, and honestly I was clapping at the way that her mother finally opened her eyes to her daughter to see things and accept them. It was so beautiful.
Overall, I really loved this story! It had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more as fast as my eyes could read. I was laughing out loud, swooning, and things did get spicy in between the library shelves.... IYKYK! This was a great book that not only dove into romance, with a character who is a romance author, but also things that women face, especially plus-sized women. Maddie's so called friends were the worst, and the way I wanted to reach in and give them a good slap...
First, I want to thank Mari Loyal for sending me a copy of Overtime in exchange for an honest review! I have to say, this is my favorite of the series so far without a question! While you know that this is a closed door romance, I have to say there is so much more to the story that you're not really even thinking about that. And let's be honest... you can still have some spicy make-out sessions, and Mari Loyal delivered! I do think that if there was open-door spice, it would be out of my 5 star rating scale, because this book had me SWOOOONING!
Right from the beginning, I was so attached to Maddie. She's plus-sized, a soon to be published author just trying to make it through college, while not only dealing with health issues (that I did see coming, but it was played out so damn well!) but dealing with the scrutiny of her so called friends and mother. Then enters Aran. He's hot, tall, knows what he wants, has a great family and group of friends who care about him, and so quickly falls for his tutor...
I DEVOURED this story, and I had to actually force myself to stop at the last hour, just to soak up more of Maddie and Aran. Can I take a second to talk about her mother. There's a turning point that giving Penelope from Bridgerton, and honestly I was clapping at the way that her mother finally opened her eyes to her daughter to see things and accept them. It was so beautiful.
Overall, I really loved this story! It had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more as fast as my eyes could read. I was laughing out loud, swooning, and things did get spicy in between the library shelves.... IYKYK! This was a great book that not only dove into romance, with a character who is a romance author, but also things that women face, especially plus-sized women. Maddie's so called friends were the worst, and the way I wanted to reach in and give them a good slap...
July 4, 2024
Synopsis:
Aran is the captain of the hockey team, but he needs better grades to graduate. Maddie is an indie author and wants to write a hockey romance. Except she doesn’t know anything about hockey or romance. Now they can help each other.
Includes:
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Bad Boy Reformed
✨Curvy FMC
✨Protective MMC
✨Reverse Tutoring
✨College Romance
✨Writer/Athlete
🌶️Heat Level/CW:
Close Door
Steamy Make Out Sessions
Innuendo
Some Cuss Words
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
I’m in love with this couple. I just loved the characters, their journeys, and their growth. The narrative is so fun, the side characters are great without taking the attention off the main characters, is great for those who like sports romance and bookish heroines. Let’s not forget how hot this book is. Even without the spice, the tension, and chemistry is FIRE! I just love how Aran treats Maddie, head over heels for her with so Much care. But the heat doesn’t take the emotions and the story out of the spotlight, it only makes it better. I really like this book.
And for the close door readers, please know that even if this doesn’t have explicit content, the kisses are steamy and there are a lot of physical touches. So please read the author’s note in the beginning of the book to see if you feel comfortable reading it. Also, take a look at the trigger warnings just to be aware.
TW:
*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
Aran is the captain of the hockey team, but he needs better grades to graduate. Maddie is an indie author and wants to write a hockey romance. Except she doesn’t know anything about hockey or romance. Now they can help each other.
Includes:
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Bad Boy Reformed
✨Curvy FMC
✨Protective MMC
✨Reverse Tutoring
✨College Romance
✨Writer/Athlete
🌶️Heat Level/CW:
Close Door
Steamy Make Out Sessions
Innuendo
Some Cuss Words
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
I’m in love with this couple. I just loved the characters, their journeys, and their growth. The narrative is so fun, the side characters are great without taking the attention off the main characters, is great for those who like sports romance and bookish heroines. Let’s not forget how hot this book is. Even without the spice, the tension, and chemistry is FIRE! I just love how Aran treats Maddie, head over heels for her with so Much care. But the heat doesn’t take the emotions and the story out of the spotlight, it only makes it better. I really like this book.
And for the close door readers, please know that even if this doesn’t have explicit content, the kisses are steamy and there are a lot of physical touches. So please read the author’s note in the beginning of the book to see if you feel comfortable reading it. Also, take a look at the trigger warnings just to be aware.
TW:
*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
June 18, 2024
Thank you to the author for the ARC of Overtime by Mari Loyal. All opinions are my own.
This is book two in the St. Cloud Hockey series, but it can be read as a standalone. It follows characters mentioned in the previous book (Faceoff) but takes place quite a few years later.
Overtime is a closed-door hockey romance with dual POVs, sizzling kisses, body positivity, and emotional growth. It follows two seniors in college—star captain of the men’s hockey team Aran and tutor/author Maddie.
I enjoyed the main characters in this story a lot. Maddie was such a strong character with so many hilarious embarrassing moments. She was juggling so many things and having to deal with a lot of bullies (including some of her family), yet she didn’t allow all those circumstances to keep her down.
Aran was secretly so sweet but had made some bad choices when it came to women in his past. I liked how kind he was to Maddie and how he constantly made her blush. I also really liked how protective he was of his family and how he turned to his sisters for help.
The character growth in this story was nice. Not only did the main characters grow, but several of the side characters had moments of redemption.
This author is great at including steamy romance scenes without explicit content. She also included a really helpful content warnings section at the beginning of the book to help readers to know what to expect. I really appreciated this!
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a college-age hockey romance without explicit content.
This is book two in the St. Cloud Hockey series, but it can be read as a standalone. It follows characters mentioned in the previous book (Faceoff) but takes place quite a few years later.
Overtime is a closed-door hockey romance with dual POVs, sizzling kisses, body positivity, and emotional growth. It follows two seniors in college—star captain of the men’s hockey team Aran and tutor/author Maddie.
I enjoyed the main characters in this story a lot. Maddie was such a strong character with so many hilarious embarrassing moments. She was juggling so many things and having to deal with a lot of bullies (including some of her family), yet she didn’t allow all those circumstances to keep her down.
Aran was secretly so sweet but had made some bad choices when it came to women in his past. I liked how kind he was to Maddie and how he constantly made her blush. I also really liked how protective he was of his family and how he turned to his sisters for help.
The character growth in this story was nice. Not only did the main characters grow, but several of the side characters had moments of redemption.
This author is great at including steamy romance scenes without explicit content. She also included a really helpful content warnings section at the beginning of the book to help readers to know what to expect. I really appreciated this!
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a college-age hockey romance without explicit content.
July 12, 2024
I know I’m late to the party, but I think I’m entering my hockey romance era? Or at least sports romance. I have been reading and loving sports romances lately!!
Synopsis: Aran is moments away from big dreams of being a professional hockey player, but he needs help to pass an elective that shouldn’t be quite as hard as it is. In comes Maddie, his new tutor. Maddie has never been popular or felt truly included and when her newest tutor client is the most popular guy in school, she knows her life is about to turn sideways.
Overtime had a lot of things to love about it! I love a good character arc and seeing Maddie come out of her shell and find more of her confidence as she found a solid group of friends was so special.
We’re not going to talk about Maddie’s old roommates bc they were literally the worst and had me getting so mad for her.
Aran was super closed off with everyone but opened up for Maddie which ofc is the sweetest thing. The romance was closed door but I could definitely feel it throughout. I love an author who can make closed door still feel steamy!!
Maddie is an author, with her debut book out soon! In Overtime she’s working on her second book, a hockey romance!!! And enlists the help of Aran to teach her about hockey and romance and they call it reverse tutoring! 🤭
You’ll love:
+ closed door
+ college sports romance
+ tutor/student
+ found friendships
+ grumpy x sunshine
+ dual pov
This was a lovely read that I enjoyed so much! 4 ⭐️ and I’m heading to check out the others in the series!!
Thank you to Mari Loyal for graciously sharing an arc with me!! I’m so glad I was able to read this. 🤍
Synopsis: Aran is moments away from big dreams of being a professional hockey player, but he needs help to pass an elective that shouldn’t be quite as hard as it is. In comes Maddie, his new tutor. Maddie has never been popular or felt truly included and when her newest tutor client is the most popular guy in school, she knows her life is about to turn sideways.
Overtime had a lot of things to love about it! I love a good character arc and seeing Maddie come out of her shell and find more of her confidence as she found a solid group of friends was so special.
We’re not going to talk about Maddie’s old roommates bc they were literally the worst and had me getting so mad for her.
Aran was super closed off with everyone but opened up for Maddie which ofc is the sweetest thing. The romance was closed door but I could definitely feel it throughout. I love an author who can make closed door still feel steamy!!
Maddie is an author, with her debut book out soon! In Overtime she’s working on her second book, a hockey romance!!! And enlists the help of Aran to teach her about hockey and romance and they call it reverse tutoring! 🤭
You’ll love:
+ closed door
+ college sports romance
+ tutor/student
+ found friendships
+ grumpy x sunshine
+ dual pov
This was a lovely read that I enjoyed so much! 4 ⭐️ and I’m heading to check out the others in the series!!
Thank you to Mari Loyal for graciously sharing an arc with me!! I’m so glad I was able to read this. 🤍
July 8, 2024
This one was so cute!! I enjoyed Aran and Maddie’s story. I love the inclusion Mari adds to her books with cultures, personalities, traits. She does a wonderful job at making characters feel real and relatable.
Maddie was someone I wanted to be friends with and I loved her! I will say that at times the “mean girls” were a little overdone. I’ve never actually encountered anyone who acts like they did, they were so immature it bothered me. But I think that was the point. No one really liked them and they were meant to be unlikeable.
I thought it was fun that Maddie was writing a hockey romance, since she was a character IN a hockey romance. What a cute idea.
While this story is closed door, there is a lot of tension and some moments that some closed door readers might find a little “spicy”. For me I enjoyed the moments that were written in and that the rest was left to the imagination. I think it’s important to note that Mari does preface all of this before her boom starts! She lets you know what to expect out of the romance and I think that’s so important for readers.
I also love how there was an epilogue on this one! I loved seeing the future of Aran and Maddie.
Thank you Mari for sending me a copy of your book! All my opinions are my own.
Maddie was someone I wanted to be friends with and I loved her! I will say that at times the “mean girls” were a little overdone. I’ve never actually encountered anyone who acts like they did, they were so immature it bothered me. But I think that was the point. No one really liked them and they were meant to be unlikeable.
I thought it was fun that Maddie was writing a hockey romance, since she was a character IN a hockey romance. What a cute idea.
While this story is closed door, there is a lot of tension and some moments that some closed door readers might find a little “spicy”. For me I enjoyed the moments that were written in and that the rest was left to the imagination. I think it’s important to note that Mari does preface all of this before her boom starts! She lets you know what to expect out of the romance and I think that’s so important for readers.
I also love how there was an epilogue on this one! I loved seeing the future of Aran and Maddie.
Thank you Mari for sending me a copy of your book! All my opinions are my own.
July 30, 2024
Aran needs a tutor to help him pass his elective before he finds himself benched. Maddie has taken on tutoring jobs to save money for a new place to live and to help launch her writing career. When Maddie begins struggling with some of the more romantic scenes in her WIP, Aran offers her a tutoring exchange.
Overtime is the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey series. This closed-door romance can be read as a stand-alone.
The second the cutesy nickname popped up I knew this MMC was a goner. The chemistry is there from the very beginning. The more they try to fight their attraction, the harder they fall. While this is closed-door, there is nothing bland in the build up of the MCs relationship. I also really love the friendships throughout this book. Ryan is a fantastic side character and I would like to hopefully see her in another book in the series.
I appreciate the glossary of Spanish words and phrases at the back of the book. While most of it is understandable through context, I know it will be very helpful for some. Overall, Overtime is a great addition to this series. I can’t wait to read book three (coming soon), Shutout.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overtime is the second book in the St. Cloud Hockey series. This closed-door romance can be read as a stand-alone.
The second the cutesy nickname popped up I knew this MMC was a goner. The chemistry is there from the very beginning. The more they try to fight their attraction, the harder they fall. While this is closed-door, there is nothing bland in the build up of the MCs relationship. I also really love the friendships throughout this book. Ryan is a fantastic side character and I would like to hopefully see her in another book in the series.
I appreciate the glossary of Spanish words and phrases at the back of the book. While most of it is understandable through context, I know it will be very helpful for some. Overall, Overtime is a great addition to this series. I can’t wait to read book three (coming soon), Shutout.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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