The Veteran

The San Antonio Hyenas #3

by Olivia T. Turner

Five years ago, I had the night of my life with Harris Sutton.

Out of all the people in the bar, the famous hockey player chose me.

He was in town for a game and when he left, he took my virginity with him.

And he unknowingly left me with a souvenir.

Five years later, my souvenir is my whole world.

A five-year-old boy that I never told him about.

Lucas.

We’re happy and comfortable in our little life. I’ve moved on and settled into the grind of single motherhood.

But when Lucas overhears that his father is the great Harris Sutton, he becomes determined to meet him.

And my life is thrown into turmoil.

What if he rejects us?

What if he’s mad?

And even scarier, what if all of my wildest dreams are about to finally come true?

Harris has been caught up on a girl he met years ago. Little does he know that she has an adorable surprise waiting for him!

A Secret Baby awaits! Book Three in The San Antonio Hyenas series features a struggling hockey legend who gets a second wind thanks to the girl of his dreams. No cheating, SAFE, and a super sweet HEA always guaranteed.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey, Romance, Novella, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2024

About the author

An Olivia T. Turner book is like a great first date. It starts with some fun and laughs, then things start to heat up. Pretty soon, it gets really hot and steamy, until finally, you’re left smiling and satisfied. Unlike your date, the book will not call you the next morning, but you can always read it again!

Always wild, over-the-top alpha males, insta-love, safe, virgin heroines, and a fun steamy ride guaranteed!

Try one, they’re like candy. You can’t have just one.

Would you like to try one for free? Sign up to my newsletter for up to date news on OTT releases and to get a free exclusive book (Obsessed): https://www.oliviatturner.com/newslet...

www.OliviaTTurner.com

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

Look, I really want to enjoy this because this is a safe second-chance romance. But for the life of me, I cannot get past the secret baby trope here.

I would understand Fiona's hesitation to tell Harris the truth if he were a jerk, but he's the opposite of that! He's a good guy, and after their ONS, he tried contacting her for months, but she never picked up. She let her family get into her head and scare her, saying that Harris would take away the kid if he found out his existence.

Her bull excuses of postponing contact with him throughout the years are making me see red. I normally loved the secret baby trope, but in this novella, I hated it and every wasted time that Harris could've spent with his son because Fiona is a coward and a selfish person.

Five years! That's a freaking long time to be selfish, and I don't give a flying crap that she was afraid or she was young back then. She should know better. She said it herself that the night they spent together was meaningful, and she felt that deep connection. She even thought that they were made for each other, yet she still left the next morning and basically ghosted him.

So nope, as much as I'd hoped to love this, I can't do it. I don't have it in me to look past what Fiona did. I hate her decision and for taking away Harris's choice on how to deal with the pregnancy. I also hate her family and all the poisonous lies they told her to keep the pregnancy a secret from him. 😡
 
I'm not going to rate this because I don't want to put a 1⭐


Book info;
- Novella
- Second chance (5 years separation)
- Each other's first and only
- HEA


Edit: Why did I put Hudson as the name of the H? I can't believe I'm mixing up the characters I'm reading. 🤣😭

[CriSsStina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thorn between 3 and 4 stars as a rating for this book. So it's in the middle, 3.5 ⭐️.

** possible spoilers **

My problems:
- her family's behavior; why was it glossed over with such ease!??? they were a bunch of idiots, sorry, not sorry, and she and her son lost so many years because of their stupid judgment; I expected them to cut ties with her family; her family wasn't very nicely described overall ... but that didn't happen, of course!!

- it's said that he is very, very rich, then how is that no private detective that he could have hired, could never track / find her!? How? Since at one moment it was mentioned that he had her phone number and email and tried to contact her through those channels; but also, meanwhile, he thought of her for 5 years; 5 freaking years!! talk about letting life pass by you 🙄😂

I decided to rate it 4* in the end because it was a sweet read in the end, with two people who waited for each other, a cute kid, and a very nice HEA. (3 epilogues, as always 🫶).


What to expect
- ONS & separated for 5 years (they were never together since she disappeared the next morning)
- secret pregnancy
- second chance romance
- both are celibates until they reconnected; no OP drama
- stupid situation because she was afraid, young, and listened to her family 🙄; he was way to understanding of the situation, in my opinion 👀😅
- spicy, sweet, quick read
- HEA, 3 epilogues


I wouldn't say it's OTT, like her other books, because he was passive, in my opinion, and not sure what he waited until they reconnected; they actually reconnected because their son found out who his father is and wanted to meet him; sweet in the end and emotional, but too little too late in my opinion; I'm a little salty while writing this review, I might even change the rating to 3⭐️, so I'm going to stop here.

In the end, this was a drama free read, but I WOULD HAVE LOVED SOME DRAMA! because her family should have bite the dust, and she should have grovel for at least 5 minutes 😂😁🤭🥹.

I RECOMMEND THIS ONE ONLY if you like a light, second chance read, with limited drama, with a super understanding MMC and a sweet HEA.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PeaceOfGod · Rating 1 out of 5]

Her: Im sorry i kept your child from you for five years. I was scared, my family brainwashed me that you'll want the full custody.

Him: IM THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE SORRY THE QUEEN OF MY HEART WITH A MAGICAL POOSAAYY COME LIVE IN MY MANSION THAT I BOUGHT CAUSE I WAS LONELY NOW MARRY ME AND LETS HAVE A BUNCH OF KIDS I LOVE YOU IVE ALWAYS LOVED YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, GREAT JOB RAISING A BABY I NEVER KNEW ABAOUT IM SOOOOO PROOOOOUD OF YOUUUU LETS HOST FAMILY DINNERS WHERE I PLAY SOCCER WITH THE FAMILY WHO BRAINWASHED YOU......






🤡Thats basically the whole plot.


😒Also, the h's Brother Ryan is a red-fucking-flag and i was waiting for the author to tell me that his gf, the sweet Kelly left him.




❗❗SPOILERS❗❗


✅When they first hooked up, she was a v and he wasnt. But then for 5 years both were celibate.
✅No-cheating.
✅No OM/OM drama.
✅N0 mention of any pst partners.
✅Bit of an age gap.
✅Pretty vanilla compared to her other books.
✅I finished this in 10 minutes.
✅HEA
✅MARRIED WITH 2 KIDS.

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 smut-scale stars!

Sweet and spicy novella length romance between a hockey star that thought “the one” got away and a heroine that probably should have been honest😂.

[MerReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Safe
NO cheating
No OW No OM
Long separation 5 years
No gross condom use
She is a virgin so all his, he is experienced, so not all hers.
HEA written I do not really believe in....their romance seems ordinary.
So, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Harris was sweet and loving, very forgiving and all in when they reunited, and Fiona is a sympathetic character, not the cold woman I thought she would be. She was a virgin and had a ONS with the hero, then left (I hate that it was meant to be for one night, that ruined their story for me).
Quote from hero,
"It was just supposed to be one night. I knew that. She knew that."
So when this happens,
Quote,
'Fiona came back to my hotel room and we had a night that still
gives me shivers.
And then…
I never heard from her again. She was gone when I woke up and
no matter how hard I tried to find her, she remained a ghost."
Well, what did you think was going to happen to a virgin who just had sex with a hockey star that said it was only for one night? I understand completely that she left, she wasn't going to have her heart broken when he might kick her out in the morning. That is why this 'magical night' to me felt it was magical for her, but since he was sure to make her understand its only for one night, I don't think she thought he felt the same.
I was ready to be mad at her for hiding baby Lucas from Harris, but her parents (and partly her as well) are to blame, filling her head with justifiable reasons, but she STILL had no right hiding him from his father. I am glad when they had their talk, she told him she was afraid he would take him from her, or throw them both away breaking their hearts, and he understands her fears. She cannot compete with his money and the expensive lawyers he can afford. She did not want to have him taken from her, and she was scared he would ask her to have an abortion if he didn't want a baby. He did say that he would never have done that to her, or asked that of her but, that fathers have rights, and he had a right to know. I agree with him and so did she, but I feel sympathetic for them both, and also looking sideways at both of them. He had a right to know, but he decided it was a one night stand, so of course she is scared to reveal to that kind of guy that doesn't commit that he is a father. I hate heroes who have ONSs, it means that sex to them means nothing.
Quote,
"I had wanted to tell him, but I was young and scared. I was afraid
he would be angry. I was afraid he would try and convince me to
have an abortion."
If that is how she felt about him, I think she believes that for her that night was heartfelt, and for him it was just a night of fucking, because otherwise, she would have a part of her that would whisper in her mind that the man she spent the night with would never do that to her. But since she had all these fears, Harris just wanted one night, and even though he says he should have proposed that night, even though he says it was magical to him, why didn't he share that with her? I feel it's because in the moment, he didn't feel that for her, I feel like it was regret talking, and I just hate that. Right after,though he left messages on her phone, so she knows that he wants her, so my sympathy switched from her to him and I was not too happy that she ignored his messages, she should have answered, and not ignore him for years after.
My sympathy extended more to her, because I understand her being scared, he did decide it was an ONS, so she left, and why would she think a guy that wanted her for one night, would want a wife and a kid? I would not trust that either. But then it switched to him as soon as he made those calls which was right away, because he did reach out to her, showing her that it wasn't a ONS for him after all.
Knowing that she wanted many times to go to him, knowing that he deserves to see his son, but she went through pregnancy, then the birth, then breastfeeding, and time flew by, so I am glad that she wasn't the cold hearted woman I thought she would be, thinking of how and when she would unite father and son. I am glad that during that night he thought of forever in his inner monologue, but he should have shared that with her then and there. The fact that he didn't say to her how he felt that night, led her to be scared of his reaction later. Seems to me they did not have that magical, fiery connection we seek in couples we read in romance, since she only thought the worst. One thing is for sure, he did not give her one reason that he wanted more, so she left protecting her heart, and to me it killed the romance and doomed their relationship from the start.
I believe the two felt more than just lust that night, but not love, not even close. They felt enough to pine and be faithful (neither was interested in anyone and remained faithful), but their love was not strong enough to fight harder, which makes their relationship flimsy, and lukewarm. Even when sparks flew, I just feel like second chance romances, when one or both just give up fighting to be with each other, ready to move on and giving up letting years go by, it does not last in my eyes. To me ONS are just cheap, so that magical night really wasn't because there was no love there, (even if a 20 year later epilogue is written, I just don't really believe it.)
I don't recommend it. Their ''love' is just ordinary, they did not fight hard enough, they gave up, and if it weren't for little Lucas (he was the best part of the book) they would have never gotten back together. It left me sad, and in a state of melancholy, which is not what you want to feel in a romance. It's such a shame. For a second chance romance, you need both to relentlessly want to reconnect.
EDIT: (adding more of my thoughts) I hated that she hid Lucas from him, he had a right to know, and missed all those years with his son and I hate that she did not take his calls. I hate that he made sure it was a ONS, it made their one night feel cheap, and also, I did read in one comment that he has the money to find her, that is so true and he could have, but he didn't, he gave up, they both did. She knew where he was but did not bother to find him and she was young and listened to her parents, but it STILL did not give her the right to hide a child from his father and I agree with some comments I read, she should have grovelled since he missed all the firsts a father has a right to experience with his baby, so I felt sympathy and anger towards both for different reasons.
A great example for a separation romance I highly recommend (and will reread after I submit my review) is Alexa Riley's "Ringing In the New Year". Now in her book the heroine fights to be with the hero, and the hero spends the years separated, making his days and nights focusing only on finding the heroine and doesn't stop until he finds her. Now their love is fiery and passionate and one of my all time favorite romances. When they reconnect you feel so elated, because neither gave up on the other. Read that instead, and no it isn't a secret a baby romance, but a fantastic DV separation romance.
Unfortunately, Olivia T Turner's couple just gave up, and again, I hate that the hero insisted they have a one night stand, it made their night feel cheap. Even though he says it was magical, I just don't believe him, otherwise he would have told her that night when they spent time talking, and she probably would not have left, meaning that he did not give her a single reason he wanted her in his life that night, until he called. He was sweet with Lucas and with her being forgiving and accepting, he was warm and loving to her as well when they reconnected, and throughout the whole book he was that way, but for me, it feels like they reunited because of coincidence, and not because of love. This was disappointing. I won't read this again, nor do I recommend it.

[A-reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

1.5/5 stars for Lucas! He is adorable.

Harris a pro hockey player and Fiona meet while he’s at an away game. Their chemistry is instant and they spend the evening laughing, dancing, and enjoying themselves. Later they go to his hotel room and have a wonderful night together, she a virgin no mention of his past. The next morning she ghosts him.
I was unclear if he had her info, his thoughts are that he couldn’t find her even though he tried to, her thoughts are that she ignored his calls, texts, and emails. So not sure if he had more info than her name. Anyways he’s been pining for her these past 5 years, it’s gotten even worse as he has started slowing down, he’s not been playing his best games and reporters are saying they lost the last few games because of him. He’s pretty down in the dumps.
Fiona got pregnant her first time having sex, she had feelings for Harris but got scared telling him she was pregnant. Her family made it worse by telling her he would take their son, Lucas away from her. When Lucas overhears that his father is a hockey player he asks to see his videos.
Harris is attending a fan experience in Kansas City where Fiona lives. Fiona buys tickets to the event, Lucas runs from her and finds Harris’s table and tells him he’s his dad. Harris thinks it’s a prank until Fiona runs up admonishing Lucas for having run from her. She says hi to Harris then pretty much, ha ha surprise, you have a son. It was very unrealistic. Harris is shocked and surprised but not angry. They spend time together as a family, Fiona and Lucas go to his game. Harris plays his best game in a while and when asked by reporters about it he says it’s because of his good luck charms, his son and his girl. In what world would the media have not jumped on that? They would have asked tons of questions about where this surprise son came from, who’s his mom? Plus shouldn’t he be mad at the family? They scared her into not telling him. At the end everything is ok and they are all at his house for a pool party? What? So unrealistic.
The two sleep together the night after the game, the order of sex was very similar to the previous book, she gives him head, he returns the favor, missionary sex, half way through turns her over and doggie style sex.
They continue seeing each other during the season, he proposes one night and epilogues eight months later with him retiring, one year later with a baby girl, and twenty years later with another daughter who loves to play hockey.
Lucas is adorable, he’s super sweet when he meets his new baby sister:
“Hi Marla,” he whispers as I place her in his lap. “I’m going to be the best big brother ever.” “You’re so lucky you’re in this family,” he whispers to her. “You’re going to love being with us.”

This is a secret baby and that’s one of my least favorite tropes, it’s not fair to the father or child. If he denies the pregnancy/baby then fine but he should be given the chance to know he is going to be a father.

[Olivia Turner]

The Veteran is LIVE on Amazon!
This is book three in The San Antonio Hyenas series
in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D18BLLRW
Universal Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bxMnxo

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harris had an unforgettable one-night stand with Fiona, and she vanished without a trace. Five years have passed, and he still can't get her out of his head.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉.

All that changes when a kid named Lucas approaches him and tells him, "You're my dad." Instantly, Harris's life changes. He has a son, and now the girl who never should have gotten away is back, and this time, he isn't letting her out of his sight.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕. 𝑻𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝟑𝟑𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒔💦💦𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒃. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒆@𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕. 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔.

He will do whatever it takes to make them a family, even if it means putting another baby in her.

Besides her OTT alpha males, my favorite thing about her books is the epilogues. She gives the readers a look into the characters' lives 20 years after the story ends, and I love that about her stories.

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Felt like this one could have been a longer story since there is a surprise/secret pregnancy.

Her reasons for keeping it a secret were a bit odd for me cause it never felt like it could have been justified but eh lol

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is Harris and Fiona’s book. It’s the third book in the San Antonio Hyena’s series. This book is a pining for each other with a secret baby. This doesn’t feel like the usual secret baby trope. I loved this book and the series. They meet once and instantly know they are for each other. Harris knows she’s the one from the beginning. Fiona lets her fear when she finds out she’s pregnant to not let Harris know about the baby, make her a single mother. His reaction to when he finds out about his son, Lucas, is heartwarming. Harris instantly takes to being a dad and making his intentions know for both Fiona and Lucas. Love the HEA for these three.

This book is one of my top books from Olivia T Turner.

[ziyuan ʚɞ Reads Dark Smut. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice and sweet H, annoying af h.

[Crista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite from this author. There is no drama, and any hints of it are all anticlimactic. FL has a one night stand 5 years ago with a hockey player and gets pregnant. She doesn’t tell him about the baby. Her son finds out about who his dad is and mum gives in to everything to suddenly take him to see his dad after not doing anything for 5 years. ML doesn’t bat an eye, I have a kid no hard feelings let’s hook up again and get married. The end.

[Vicenta Ramos Giner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entretenida

[Sh]

Note : h virgin, but it wasn't clear whether H was V or not

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris is the veteran player for the San Antonio Hyenas and five years ago he had one night with his One Fiona, but she left and never contacted him again. He searched for her but never found her. Until one night he meets Fiona again, but she is not alone. He now has his woman back and a beautiful son too. He won't stop making Fiona his and nothing and nobody can stop him from claiming them. Instalove(5 years ago), second chance, sweet, romantic, steamy and safe (were both celibate while being separated) with an awesome HEA 😍😍😍😍😍
Harris was such a sweet and loving guy that wasn't even mad she hid his son. Such a saint 🥰But I was for his sake 😳 I think Fiona should have grovelled a little bit , but that's just me 😉

[♡ᓚᘏᗢⲊⲒⲚⲒⲊⲦⲄⲈᗢᘏᓗ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris Sutton (36) has been playing hockey at the professional level for the last ten years and he is really starting to feel the wear on his body and mind. He currently plays for the San Antonio Hyenas, and they are on a four game losing streak. Harris has definitely not been playing at the level that his team, fans, and press expect of him and the press is really harassing him over it. All of this pressure and his performance is causing Harris to realise that his career is on the decline and retirement at the end of this season is likely.

Harris spends a lot of time sorting through his feelings about what he has in his life beyond hockey. Harris is definitely missing his purpose in life; he lives alone in a large house and realizes that his accomplishments leave him feeling empty because he has no family to share them with since he was never able to move on from the girl of his dreams.

Harris met Fiona out at a bar five years ago while he was playing a game in Kansas City, and they had instant and intense chemistry. They spent the night dancing and talking, and their connection only grew stronger leading them to spend the night in his hotel room where Fiona gave him her virginity and then disappeared while he was sleeping. Fiona thought that all Harris wanted was a one night stand from her, but Harris knew that he had met the woman for him and was planning to tell her. Harris looked for her, but he could never find her, and it broke his heart. He could never stop thinking of her or bring himself to be with anyone else and neither could Fiona who later found out that she was pregnant with their son who she named Lucas.

Fiona has raised Lucas as a single mother thanks to her family’s interference and scaring her into believing that Harris would take custody of Lucas from her. So, she never told him about their son’s existence. But when Lucas, now five years old, overhears that his father is a famous hockey player, he becomes determined to meet him and learn more about him.

Lucas was the cutest little boy every and an amazing addition to their story. Once these two reconnect and Lucas tells Harris that he is his dad (So Funny) Harris realizes that he finally has another chance to get everything he ever wanted. These two were definitely meant to be and even after five years, their chemistry is undeniable. Once this family came together, they were committed to each other and the love and connection between all of them and Harris happily jumped into his role of a loving father. There are some adorable epilogues that were done so well for this family.
I definitely recommend this little novella, it was sweet with some spice and very well done, you will not be disappointed.

I generously received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg can we say fiery hot read! Fiona has a one night stand with Harris that is off the charts, but the next morning she disappears without a word. Years later, she decides to reveal her long kept secret to Harris. The sizzle is still there, but will it be when the truth comes out and will their relationship be even sweeter than before? Can Fiona gather the courage to tell her secret to Harris and risk her heart? Does Harris forgive Fiona for not telling him the truth and still want her in his life or does he distance himself? Would Fiona and Harris find their way back to ome another and enjoy a whole new life together forever? I TOTALLY recommend this 5⭐++ winner to get the answers to these questions and so much more. I really couldn't put it down it's just so exciting. I'd give it 30⭐s if I could it's just so good. This ebook is filled with family drama, excitement, secrets, hockey, sizzling fiery moments, and long held love. So what do you get when you add a long hockey career, a big life changing secret, and a smart little boy. Why you get alot more spice than you can possibly handle and you will need a fire extinguisher to put out the spice. Whew!🔥😁🔥 This extremely talented author is so deserving of a big standing ovation for her outstanding writing. She grabs your attention from the beginning to the end and will not let you go. Her creative flair of writing has a hold of your emotions and gets you so involved in her characters lives that you might find yourself giving them advice or maybe a good talking to. had a few words of wisdom for Fiona. Don't put off telling Harris the truth. Just bite the bullet and tell him the truth and accept what happens next bad or good.😁 Without a doubt I encourage you to get this surefire hit to find out if Fiona listened to me and what will happen to their relationship once her secret is out. I guarantee that you will love this ebook as much as I do. I know that you will not be disappointed I promise you!😁❤.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris Sutton has been playing hockey in the pros for 10 years and he is feeling every one of those years. Harris plays for the San Antonio Hyenas. The Hyenas are on a four game losing streak. After talking to the reporters Harris leaves to go home but he stops when he see a teenager standing in the rain with a sign asking for a few minutes of his time. Harris ends up going to the hospital with Arthur (the teenager) to see Chris who is Arthur’s dad. Chris had been hit by a car and was in bad shape. Chris is a huge fan of Harris Sutton and Harris stayed and talked to Chris and Arthur for a couple hours. After Harris left the hospital he remembered the woman that has been on his mind for about 5 years. Fiona is a single mom to Lucas who is five. Fiona always wished that she had told Harris about his son but her family convinced her not to because they feared he might take Lucas away from her. Fiona was a virgin when she met Harris and she has never been with anyone else. Fiona and Lucas live in Kansas City so they have never had the opportunity to see Harris. Fiona didn’t tell Lucas who his father is, he overheard a conversation about his father being a hockey player. Fiona found out that Harris was going to be in Kansas City for a charity event so she got two tickets to go. Harris was sitting at his table at the charity event when a little boy of about five comes over and says that he is Harris’ son. Then Harris sees Fiona and he is very excited to see her again and to learn that he has a son. Will Harris and Fiona reconnect and resume their relationship? Will Harris and Lucas get along? Will Harris want to be with Fiona and Lucas for life? Will Harris, Fiona and Lucas find the family they have been looking for? Will Harris and Fiona find love and happiness again?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Outstanding Book 3 of The San Antonio Hyenas romance!

[Riley 02 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not fond of ONS…

I gave it a try after reading some reviews that said this was a one night stand story. And yes, it was uncomfortable to read that they knew they were going in a one night stand. If he liked her and was in awe of her all night, why would they think it was ONS!? Also if it was a one night stand why didn’t he use protection and why didn’t she ask for protection? He said she was the girl of his dreams, why couldn’t he say something after they spent the night and not wait until morning to talk about them when she was already gone. As another reviewer wrote: it felt like a cheap romance.
This isn’t the OTT alpha hockey player that is described in the other books.
And knowing that he knew they were going into a ONS makes me think he has done this before, even though it doesn’t say anything about his past. And this makes it even more uncomfortable.
The part where she has her family over at her house feels like her family is selfish and treat her bad, not valuing her enough. She even thinks that her brother isn’t a good role model for Lucas. So I didn’t understand why she was excited about telling her family (thought about them even before Lucas) when Harris proposed.
Lucas was the true star in this story. Really cute. And his admiration for his dad was moving. Scenes with Lucas were the best.

I read other books from Olivia, especially those with dual virgins and have liked them. I prefer those stories. I don’t know why once in a while, I catch a book from her that is not that safe. That’s why I’m reluctant to read The Sniper (book 1), even though he is mentioned in several books of the series as the best hockey player. But the blurb says that he’s a player and in the reviews I’ve read says: new city. New girl (that’s what he supposedly says). and that it is not clear if he really is a virgin or if he really has slept around. So books like these are out of my TBR. I don’t know if I’ll continue reading her books.

[Alyx Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I love ALL of OTT’s books, they’re reliable, I know that whatever happens the main characters are going to have off the charts chemistry, there will be some sort of huge misunderstanding, drama, probably familial interference, then they’ll have to do the work to learn how to communicate and forgive each other for the mistakes each of them has made. Now that sounds very formulaic, but it isn’t, she comes up with a new twist each time. Her characters are never perfect, they’re fallible human beings who make stupid, silly mistakes, just like the rest of us. Maybe that is why I enjoy them so much, there is that link of relatability

Fiona and Harris met in a bar, and while it was a magical night, it was supposed to be one night. One, neither of them have ever been able to forget. At the time Harris was at the peak of his hockey career, but now he’s near retirement and facing an empty house and an empty life. Fiona, well she never forgot Harris either, not only because he took her v-card, but because of their son, Lucas. When Lucas finds out who is Dad is, Fiona finally works up the courage to tell Harris about his son.

Fiona and Harris have to negotiate the end of Harris’ career, his sudden entrance into Lucas’ life, and his determination to not let Fiona go this time. In many ways Fiona is still unsure and lacking in self-confidence, a family that is dismissive of her, that terrified her into believing she wasn’t good enough to keep custody of her baby, add to their list of relationship hazards. I loved how the story moved along and the two of them work through everything. My only pet peeve, I really wish Fiona and Harris would have confronted her family, especially her brother. Letting that go, especially after making it such a fundamental part of the storyline fell flat. But other than that I adored their story!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The San Antonio Hyenas series each can be read as a standalone with a sexy player and the one who captures his attention in the best way. Harris sexy as all get out famous hockey player in Kansa City for a game use to hooking up with girls who impressed him with a reputation that is all part of the image the moment he notices her, he knows she is different and the attraction was so intense he couldn’t walk away without having one night with her taking her innocence when he left leaving her with a gift that will continue to grow but he never forgot her. Fiona a sweetheart start struck at the time couldn’t believe the famous hockey player choose her the attraction was instant, it was intense, but that one night left her with her beautiful baby boy now five years later living life as a singe mother, following order and finally hosting the family cook out but we all know family keeps no secrets so when Lucas overhear his daddy was a famous hockey player he wants to meet him. That throws a monkey wrench into her order knowing she needs to tell him that he is a father despite the fact her son won’t let it go but will he believe her, will he want to meet his son, will he be upset with finding out he has son, will he even want to be a family or want a family, and if so will they have the happy family she has always dreamed about?

[A79senlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris Sutton is on the back end of his hockey career and he’s not playing well. He loves the ice, but it’s a lonely place. He’s not been with anyone since a one-night-stand a few years ago with Fiona. He fell for her instantly but woke up alone. For months, he tried finding her, with no luck. Fiona wanted to contact him when she discovered she was pregnant but was talked out of it by her family. They feared he would’ve fought and won custody. Fast forward and a 5-year-old Lucas learns who his father is and wants to meet him. When Harris locks eyes with Fiona and their son, he’s stunned — and so, so happy. Can they have the family they’ve all dreamed of?

I love Olivia’s stories. They’re always short, sweet, sexy and low angst, which is perfect for me. I usually stay away from the “secret baby” trope because I don’t like a lot of drama but decided to give this book a try because I love Olivia’s writing. I was very happy that Harris focused on the future rather than the past. His interactions with Lucas were adorable (that kiddo is a screen-stealer) and his interactions with Fiona smoking hot.

The whole San Antonio series so far has been such fun to read and I hope there are more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO good! Olivia and Hockey together are just awesome. Harris is the oldest on the Hyenas and one of the oldest in the whole league. And he is feeling it. He is getting a lot of flack from reporters, etc. Their season is not going well. Harris is spending a lot of time introspecting. He misses Fiona. He always misses Fiona. They had one night together and it changed his life. He has never gotten over her. And Fiona? She has missed him every single day too. But she has a secret, their five year old son, Lucas. Lucas was an adorable and precious addition to their story. Once the cat was out of the bag things change for all of them. Harris finally has another chance to get everything he ever wanted. Sparks fly with these two. They may have not seen each other in over 5 years, but their chemistry is still explosive. These two were meant to be. I loved that they both were committed once they got back together. They were determined to love and be a family. The epilogues were sweet and epic. I absolutely loved it all.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Veteran is the third book in the San Antonio Hyenas Series by Olivia T. Turner.

Harris “the Flamethrower “ Sutton is a hockey legend. Sadly, though, this season proved to him that his career is winding down. As he processes this, he starts to wonder what he has in his life beyond hockey. His one regret is that he never found the woman he once spent an amazing night with while visiting Kansas City. She left after their encounter, and even though he searched, he had no luck finding her. He's also never gotten over her.

Fiona has spent the last five years juggling life as a single mother. She is hosting her family at a cookout when her son, Lucas, overhears a conversation where she mentions his father is a famous hockey player. From that moment, Lucas is obsessed with the idea of meeting his superstar father, and Fiona knows it's time to make that happen even if it terrifies her.

I have to say I am not a fan of the secret baby trope, and I only read this one because of the author and because I have enjoyed this series so much. With that said, I still hated that Fiona kept Lucas from Harris. I get that it is the whole basis of the story, but again, it's not my favorite trope. I am a huge fan of Olivia T. Turner, though, and I read everything she writes. This may be the most “gentle “ book she has ever written. It was sweet, and Lucas was adorable. Overall, this series has been fantastic so far as all of her books are.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Suelen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Filho Secreto

Há uma razão para eu evitar histórias envolvendo filho secreto e esse livro é a constatação irrefutável de que realmente esse tipo de trama não é pra mim. Fiona, além de covarde, foi muito egoísta - cruel, até - ao esconder o filho de Harris. Nada justificou o que ela fez, nenhum dos motivos que ela deu validava seu comportamento. Harris aceitou tudo numa boa, de cara, sem soltar nenhuma verdade na cara dela. A mulher mal se desculpou. E mesmo depois de toda a compreensão dele, do carinho que ele demostrou, de ter se declarado pra ela, de ter confessado não ter ficado com mais ninguém durante todo o tempo em que estiverem separados, DE TÊ-LA PEDIDO EM CASAMENTO, ainda assim a mulher foi capaz de duvidar dele no dia seguinte. Ela foi péssima demais, ele foi passivo demais e a história só não foi mais insuportável por causa do Lucas, o filho deles, que era um amorzinho. Só por ele é que não dei 1 estrela pra esse livro - que é o máximo que essa história merecia, na minha humilde opinião. Não gostei e não recomendo.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant dual narration from Oliver Clarke and Brooklyn Young. Both bring the fun, angst, drama and heat to your ears.

Loved this story of Harris and Fiona.
Five years ago the two had a amazing night together. He was her first and has only been him. The next day Harris woke alone and felt lost, after his heart was taken with the beautiful woman named Fiona. That night left Fiona a gorgeous little boy called Lucas. Because of family she never reach out and told him. Fives pass and the three meet. Instead of angry Harris jumps at the chance of being a dad and a second chance with Fiona. This book has drama, emotions and love and heat.
Loved Harris and his growly, but caring way. Fiona is a brilliant mum and full of doubts, but the two are so perfect. Lucas is the best little boy, full of love and hugs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am bit torn on this one as I am fan of Olivia T Turner books as she provides great short erotic steamy and fun books but this story was an okay read. Maybe it was more the theme and story line that just not my cuppa tea as enjoyed the first two books in this series.

Personally just did not get the keeping his son a secret from The Flamethrower and reason a bit flimsy and created an annoyance with Fiona so when not happy with one of the main characters hard to bring it back, especially in short novella but went with it and once the couple where together the fun began. For me a book of two halves, as was audiobook part one was a 'lets just listen and wait to see what happens' vibe and then 'actually now more as expect from OTT fun'.
If your fun and fantasy revolves around virgins, breeding fantasies and single mums this might be more enjoyable for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment in Olivia T. Turner's awesome series The San Antonio Hyenas is The Veteran, a steamy and swoony second chance romance. Veteran hockey player for the San Antonio Hyenas, Harris Sutton is having a down season, and in the quiet moments his mind keeps going back five years to the woman he had a one night stand with in Kansas City. When she suddenly appears at one of his autograph signings with a boy in tow who shares his eyes, Harris' life takes a complete one eighty. Fiona has felt guilty over never telling Harris about their son, but the moment they meet, she knows she has done the right thing. But while father and son enjoy a reunion, will Harris and Fiona find their own second chance? Steamy, swoony and spicy, The Veteran is an entertaining, over-the-top quick romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and I liked it. If I had one issue (well two, technically), it would be that Harris said he spent forever looking for her, but she mentions how she ignored his calls and messages... so I mean technically with his money and having her phone number he could have found her if he really wanted to which kind of ruins the story a little bit for me when I think about it. The second thing is the whole she met him randomly one night, had a one night stand and got pregnant from it because obviously no condoms were used. Now really, she knew who he was and even if she was completely star struck by him and wanted to fuck someone famous I mean... at least still insist on protection, like don't be so stupid. I really think the story would've been a better read had it been that they had used protection but the condom broke or something and he didn't realize it.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris Sutton is our thirty six year old San Antonio Hyenas hockey player and MMC. He big, handsome and wondering if his abused body will hold up for another year of hockey.
Fiona is our innocent MFC, and mother to Lucas, hers and Harris’s five year old sweet son.
They met five years ago and lost each other the next day.
This is their sweet story of how after that five years they have another chance for their love.
It’s a sweet with just the right amount of spicy.
🥰 LOVED this book. As usual Olivia T Turner bring us a sweet, and tantalizing story that in my case, I couldn’t put down.
This hit everyone of my likes! And the fact they stayed faithful and her a responsible parent..LOVE IT! 🥰👍🏻.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.