Sebastian Hart, the flirty forward for the Green Thunder, has mastered the art of keeping women at arm's length with his carefully crafted player persona. But when he crosses paths with Stephanie, a no-nonsense history teacher, sparks fly in a way he never expected. Convinced she's the one, Sebastian makes a bold move that backfires, thrusting Stephanie into the spotlight of unwanted attention.
Stephanie has no time for Sebastian's smooth talk and flashy lifestyle, but she finds herself reluctantly agreeing to a fake relationship to save face. As they navigate public scrutiny and their own conflicting emotions, Stephanie discovers there's more to Sebastian than meets the eye.
The Flirty Forward delivers a swoon-worthy romance filled with witty banter, unexpected twists, and a love that defies all odds.
This is a full-length closed-door romance with all the tension, sizzle, and romance without the spice.
I was completely hooked on "The Flirty Forward"! Sebastian's humor and charm had me giggling from start to finish, and his flirtatious nature was absolutely swoon-worthy. But what really made this book stand out was Stephanie's grumpy demeanor - she was the perfect counterbalance to Sebastian's sunshine personality. I loved watching him work his way into her heart, how he stands up for her in front of her snooty parents, and when he orders her books and encourages her writing career. 😍 I also loved the contrast of their families - Sebastian's family welcomed Stephanie with open arms, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The flirty banter between these two was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't get enough of their adorable interactions. If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance with a dash of humor, look no further! Highly recommend!
So the FMC had strong opinions about her interactions with the MMC. But no one let her have them. They steamrolled over her at every turn. But once she let him in, then everyone was willing to support her. He did very little to change or compromise. He learned a bit to listen, but I would not want to be her. What good is a book when you walk away disgusted and shaking your head at the way the characters accept being treated poorly by everyone, even though who claim they care about you. I won't be bothering with this author again.
I was excited to read another of A.J. Manney's books and I loved this book! The Flirty Forward is the first book in her new series about the Green Thunder Hockey Team. I also read and loved Two Tickets and so I jumped at the chance to read an advanced readers copy. Our main character is Sebastian Hart, a gorgeous, charming, single chick magnet, whose main loves are hockey and his family. He is so endearing as he tries to figure out how to get Stephanie, Brielle ( from Two Tickets) best friend to give him a chance. She is his dream girl and he is determined to get tot know her and date her. As the story progresses he realizes that Stephanie carries deep hurts that will derail their budding relationship. As much as he is easy going, Sebastian protective side emerges and he is becomes her fierce guardian. Stephanie is a polished, dedicated history teacher who teaches Sebastian's niece. Kayla who has Type 1 Diabetes. Stephanie's encounter with Sebastian was not a meet cute but a crash and burn! She is sassy and sticks to her guns despite his charm and he is immediately drawn to her. As I read on and discovered the whys of Stephanie's personality, my heart was touched and I hope that Sebastian and his family would fill the cracks in her soul. She is the grumpy in the grumpy/sunshine trope and it made the story unique! I am a Type 1 Diabetic and appreciate the realistic treatment of the disease in AJ Manney's Two Tickets and in The Flirty Forward. Kayla's experience was chilling and one that all diabetics fear! I enjoyed reading The Flirty Forward and can't wait to read the next book in The Green Thunder Series!
This was a hot mess. I liked the concept, but the execution was rather lacking. I totally agree with other 1/2 star reviewers.
The H really was a jerk in that he he thought that his actions had no consequences and then the h was practically forced to give into him/the situation. He got what he wanted regardless of what the heroine did. The author also had a fascination with characters taking the blame for things that were literally out of their control (diabetic device being knocked off/low numbers causing fainting/far away working can't go to hospital).
A list of some things that were just illogical, frustrating or stupid: h family, her "relationship" with them, becoming a teacher because of them/just because it was "better" than being a writer, her writing/books being looked down upon, unhappy in life but not willing/wanting to do anything about it, running/hiding from issues, William, confronting an enraged male in gear with a history of violence, being mobbed not once but twice and not seeing it coming, h being blamed/forced to have time off, H having a concussion and then the h, ect...
Overall, the main issue is that the h pretended/tried to be a strong, independent woman but was really just an indecisive little girl seeking mommy and daddy's approval/attention who was then manipulated into growing up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Flirty Forward by AJ Manney was such a delightful read! I have been looking forward to Sebastian’s story since he was introduced in Two Tickets. He has such a golden retriever personality: loyal, caring, and energetic. Stephanie is so logical and keeps her heart barricaded after a lifetime of feeling rejection and disdain from the people who are supposed to love her most. Watching the sparks fly in this enemies to lovers (well, okay, only Stephanie has animosity towards Sebastian…) story was so much fun! Sebastian had quite the task ahead of him to win Stephanie’s heart, and he proved he was up for the challenge. The Flirty Forward is full of so many fun elements. Fake dating? Yes. (But how much was really fake? 😏) He falls first and HARD? Yes. She takes care of him? Yep…then he takes care of her, too!! Found family? You bet! Witty banter? For sure! I loved all of it!
“And I love sparring with you; I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite pastime.” “Oh goodie. So if we get bored, we can just fight with each other?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow. “Exactly.”
Such a fun read, coming out on May 31st. Make sure you give it a read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness! I loved Sebastian Hart. He is very much like a golden retriever. The Flirty Forward follows Sebastian and Stephaine as they navigate fake dating. Sebastian is the forward for the hockey team The Green Thunder. Stephaine is a middle school history teacher who does not like hockey or hockey players. Sebastian is immediately taken with Stephaine upon meeting her and Stephaine couldn't care less that he is a famous hockey player. I loved this dynamic between them. Sebastian even goes as far as texting his teammates that he has met his future wife after speaking with her for the first time. Some of the tropes I loved in this book include he falls first, she wears his jersey, and found family. Sebastian is protective of Stephanie in such a swoon-worthy way. Also, it has representation for Type 1 Diabetes. This book is the first in a spin-off series of Two Tickets about Aiden and Brielle. You do not have to read Two Tickets to read this book but Aiden and Brielle do pop back up in this story. Content: kisses only Thank you to A.J. Manney. These are my own opinions.
While this is the first book in The Green Thunder Series, you really want to read Two Tickets first to get Brielle and Adrien's story. Their story is referenced often throughout this series.
Sebastian is the Green Thunder's forward. While taking his niece to school, he meets with her teacher, Stephanie. Stephanie also happens to be the best friend of his teammate Adrien's fiancée. Seb decides she's the woman for him, whether she wants to be or not.
A rogue comment from him in an interview causes all kinds of upheaval in Stephanie's life. Of course, the perfect solution is for them to fake date. Due to a brief encounter with him after Brielle's engagement, Stephanie has written him off as a playboy and wants nothing to do with him.
Seb's personality is like a golden retriever puppy, while Stephanie is more prim and proper. Aside from Bri, he's probably the only other person to encourage her to pursue what makes her happy. They are a good contrast for each other.
- Grumpy/Sunshine - Found family - Character growth - Hockey - Slow burn, swoony romance without the spice - T1D rep(a bit) - Action and plot twists
This story belongs to Stephanie and Sebastian from Two Tickets. While subjective, I find Stephanie to be the grump and Sebastian to be the easygoing one. His charm, humor, and wit make for a flirty and sweet main male protagonist. Now, don't be fooled. He's also protective and strong. He has a family who loves him, and I love them.
Stephanie.. she's great. She is no nonsense, hard working, driven, and intelligent. Her story is a little different, and as you read, you will root for her, want to hug her, and maybe want to flick her nose and tell her to get a grip. She really grows as a person and opens up as the story goes on. Character development would be the phrase I am looking for. She is so sassy and I love that about her.
The entire story, I was hooked. From twists to action to growth and swoon-worthy romance. I have always enjoyed her stories, and this was no different for me. I highly recommend AJ's work, both hockey romance and her multiple fantasy series.
When I finished the book and swiped to see whose story came next, I literally cheered and yelled, "Yes!"
My toddler then cheered and yelled, "Yes!" with me.
Needless to say, we are both thrilled.
If you're looking for a cute hockey romance with humor, growth, action, and some feelings, pick this one up.
I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have read every book she has written so far and have loved them all. I actually bought all of them on ebook as I have gone through them, I enjoy them that much. I hope you give her books a chance and find yourself adding them to your shelves, too.
I loved this book! If you've read others from A.J. Manney then you know the kind of chemistry, dialogue, and protective man vibes to expect. If you haven't then this is an awesome place to start!
I would recommend reading the prequel two tickets since there is some referencing of it in this book. That being said you can definitely read this one first or alone.
I love the way Sebastian's family is written and his relationship with them is so fun.
For me this book has everything you want in a sweet hocky romance with a little sizzle thrown in. That being said the spice is minimal and very sweet.
Overall this book was different then Manney's other stuff but with the same found family and chemistry we love.
I loved Sebastian! He’s such a fun character, and as a reader; seeing inside his thoughts was really enjoyable. He’s a true book boyfriend with his love and commitment for Stephanie.
While it takes Stephanie longer to come around (grumpy/sunshine with a little enemies (on her end) to lovers vibe) she finally opens her eyes, and sees what we all see in Sebastian.
One of my favorite things about A.J. Manney’s stories, is that she does an awesome job at relationships development. I love seeing the cross over between stories and look forward to Rico’s story next!
This is a fun Hockey romance, with lots of flirt, swoony kisses, and a fun HEA! If you’re in your sports romance ERA you won’t regret starting this series.
Sebastian Hart - The heartthrob of the Green Thunder, has met his match in Stephanie, the closed off history teacher. After a bad first meeting, Sebastian makes things worse at a press conference that places Stephanie in the publics crosshairs. In an effort to get the public off her back they begin “fake dating”, and we all know how that goes...
Add in family brunch’s, a concussion, a secret signal, another concussion, not so loving parents, a best friend, and an entire hockey team of protective men and you get an amazing story!
This is a standalone and the first book in The Green Thunder series, but I would suggest reading Two Tickets if you want to get Stephanies best friends story. I LOVE the Green Thunder Team and think each book just gets better!
This was a great hockey romcom. I love Sebastian’s character. Right from the beginning he knew he wanted to be with Stephanie because she was so feisty. I love a good feisty female main character. They had several descriptive hockey scenes, which normally isn’t my thing, but I really enjoyed the play-by-play. Had some mean guys in here, but I loved how Stephanie was able to stand up for herself eventually. Overall, just love the book. Already ready to read the next in series. Rating: PG, clean, no sex, some descriptive kissing but not beyond first base.
This is my first book by this author. Yes, it’s another hockey romance but I really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I loved the love at second sight not so meet cute. I also loved the found family and how close the hockey team is. Stephanie has been alone for a very long time, it was really hard not to actually hate her parents! Sebastian blasts into her life and she is not ready for the golden retriever hockey player who decides she is the one. There is certainly chemistry and heat but still stays firmly in the no spice category.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC, even though I was most definitely going to buy it. I am such a fan of her very first rom com book, Two Tickets. If you haven’t read Brielle and Aiden’s story, you will love Stephanie & Sebastian’s. It’s a reverse grumpy-sunshine with swoon-worthy kisses and deep conversations which make your heart melt. A.J Manney has well written characters and I love that she has one representing Type 1 diabetes. You won’t be disappointed!
Sebastian is hysterical. I absolutely love him, on and off the ice! Stephanie took some warming up to, and then I loved how opposites attract and fully complete each other. I love the friends and family dynamics (Sebastian's family and NOT Stephanie's!) This book is so sweet and comforting and fun. I enjoyed every bit of it and look forward to the next one in the series.
While I enjoyed this book I kept thinking there is a book before this one about Brielle and Aiden story. I was about 3/4 when I looked on Amazon and found it. Feel there should have been a blurb saying that.
I really hate Stephanie’s parents it seems to be a thing now as the past few books I have read the parents have been horrible to the mfc. The story was cute and I love a good hockey romance.
I started reading A J Manney’s books because I enjoy the supernatural, fantasy vibes with her other series. But she detoured from that and I took a chance with this series, not sure if I would enjoy it as much. I am pleased to say, she writes well in this genre, too! She writes a good, believable, swoon love story. The characters are dynamic and she paces the plot well. I was always engaged in the story and the characters.
I read the independent book Two Tickets and loved it. I was greatly hoping it would become part of a series. I was so excited when I saw this story about Stephanie and Sebastian being released. Quick and easy read. Enjoyed the characters from the other book, and that I got to know more of these 2. I suggest both stories. Can't wait to read more about Rico
Is there a mmc equivalent of manic Pixie daydream??? I cannot call this guy a golden retriever because it's like a hundred times worse. He annoyed me almost as much as he annoyed the fmc and while it was nice he didn't get offended when everyone in his life spoke to him like he was a moron, he really kind of needed it.
I lived the dual POV, the characters and most of the storyline. Lots of swoony kisses and dialogue from Sebastion! No explicit content but a bit repetitive in a few places. Would be 5 stars but the teenage level fit Stephanie threw at the banquet almost made me quit reading right there. Brutal. Otherwise, a cute hockey HEA.
I was so happy to see more Green Thunder players getting their stories after Two Tickets. I really enjoyed Sebastian and Stephanie's story. So much humor along with the romance. And I also like that the 3rd act drama was not a breakup. Looking forward to the next story.
My first read from the author was Aiden and Brielle’s story and I was so excited to read this one, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. And I’m so glad I did! I love the constant moving of the story, the emotional highs and lows and the beautiful love stories this author tells. Can’t wait to read book 2 in the series!
I love everything by AJ Manney. She is one of my favorite authors. It contains to of my favorite things: hockey and romance! She weaves a wonderful story of romance with humor. It is a must-read. I highly recommend it!
After reading "Two Tickets," I needed to keep reading. I enjoyed Sebastian and Stephanie's story. I smiled, cried, and cheered while reading. Looking forward to Amber's story.
DNF 2/16/25 at 30% I couldn’t get past the obsessive/possessive vibes from Sebastian and his total disregard for what Stephanie wanted. She was also basically blackmailed into being in a relationship with him, but as long as she was “his” it was okay.
DNF at 4%. Thought the beginning was kind of silly, but when she told her parents he played for the AHF I was done. The AHF is a youth league. If you're writing a hockey romance and don't even know that, then...... Just not for me.
Good. Wish there was more of an ending and more closure with the characters parents. Not sure I would read for a 2nd time but good. Not spicy so if looking for a good romance without all the spicy scenes this is a good one