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Slayers Hockey #5
Dirty Deal
Fatherhood blindsided me.
There I am, working to get a rise out of my cranky little rule-following, fun-wrecking, soon-to-be ex-neighbor when my one-night stand from last season shows up… in labor.
Next thing, I’m a single-dad begging for a crash course in caring for this tiny miracle from the neighbor who loves to hate me.
Turns out, Nora raised half her siblings.
She knows things.
And I know my son needs her.
Unfortunately, she’s not impressed by my NHL career, my legendary charm, or the rumors surrounding the size of my stick (all true btw).
But I’m not trying to impress her. Not anymore. I can’t.
I’m asking her to help me out, because my son deserves better than some player who hasn’t even had a chance to read the manual yet.
Which means no matter how hot I find her spitfire mouth and those rules she doesn’t break… Nora is off-limits.
There I am, working to get a rise out of my cranky little rule-following, fun-wrecking, soon-to-be ex-neighbor when my one-night stand from last season shows up… in labor.
Next thing, I’m a single-dad begging for a crash course in caring for this tiny miracle from the neighbor who loves to hate me.
Turns out, Nora raised half her siblings.
She knows things.
And I know my son needs her.
Unfortunately, she’s not impressed by my NHL career, my legendary charm, or the rumors surrounding the size of my stick (all true btw).
But I’m not trying to impress her. Not anymore. I can’t.
I’m asking her to help me out, because my son deserves better than some player who hasn’t even had a chance to read the manual yet.
Which means no matter how hot I find her spitfire mouth and those rules she doesn’t break… Nora is off-limits.
246 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2021
384 people are currently reading
2624 people want to read
About the author
Mira Lyn Kelly
93 books2,745 followersFor Mira's latest book news, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.miralynkelly.com/newsletter
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
November 25, 2021
"And when he pushes inside me, groaning my name, I have it. Everything that matters."
I'm going to be very honest here. This was the first time that I didn't feel an instant connection to the characters, or the story, in a Mira Lyn Kelly book. I was bummed, and I was sad about it.
But then... Axel happened. And Axel was absolutely incredible, and he stole my heart. I had tears in my eyes last night when I finished this book.
"Every time Axel walks in after a practice, a game, or a road trip my heart starts racing like a runaway train."
I'm going to repeat myself here. Axel is everything! Forget everything you think you know about him from previous books in the series. Forget the puck bunnies. This guy will sweep you off your feet. Not only is he completely devoted to his kid, but to Nora as well. Axel will be hitting my book boyfriend list for sure!
"That I'd do just about anything to keep her to myself."
I liked Nora. I won't say that I loved her, because I wish she'd have stood up for herself a bit more when it comes to her family, and that she was a bit stronger, but her chemistry with Axel is undeniable. The two of them together, or with baby Otto, are the sweetest thing and definite relationship goals.
"Friends aren't supposed to subtly draw deep, shiver-inducing breaths of each other."
When life happens and Axel finds out he has a son, his life changes. He wasn't expecting it, and he definitely wasn't prepared for it, but he rises to the occasion and he becomes the father he needs to be. And Nora is there to help him through it. They may not be best friends, or not at first anyway, and so it's endearing to see them warm up to each other more and more, as the story progresses.
"He's helping me build my future. Knowing he won’t be a part of it."
Nora moves in to help Axel, and it's obvious how they feel for each other. It's slow burn, and nothing happens for a while, but you see them getting closer and closer, and fighting not to give in.
When they do, and in a very Mira Lyn Kelly way, it's hot, and it's awesome. There's chemistry in spades. These two are meant to be.
I loved the cameos from the other books! Some of the other players and their significant others from this series make an appearance, and also Hank and Abby from Hard Crush. I did miss Vaughn, though, but that's because he's still my favorite Slayer.
"The one who builds me up and encourages me to grow and fills my whole heart with more love and happiness than I ever dreamed possible."
This book was all about choices for me. The ones that lead to your happiness don't need to be hard ones, or big ones. Sometimes it's just about seeing what's right in front of you, and what could be. Letting it happen.
They needed to know that, regardless of whatever is out there, they'd always choose each other. Because that means forever. And that was the beauty of this book for me.
I'm going to be very honest here. This was the first time that I didn't feel an instant connection to the characters, or the story, in a Mira Lyn Kelly book. I was bummed, and I was sad about it.
But then... Axel happened. And Axel was absolutely incredible, and he stole my heart. I had tears in my eyes last night when I finished this book.
"Every time Axel walks in after a practice, a game, or a road trip my heart starts racing like a runaway train."
I'm going to repeat myself here. Axel is everything! Forget everything you think you know about him from previous books in the series. Forget the puck bunnies. This guy will sweep you off your feet. Not only is he completely devoted to his kid, but to Nora as well. Axel will be hitting my book boyfriend list for sure!
"That I'd do just about anything to keep her to myself."
I liked Nora. I won't say that I loved her, because I wish she'd have stood up for herself a bit more when it comes to her family, and that she was a bit stronger, but her chemistry with Axel is undeniable. The two of them together, or with baby Otto, are the sweetest thing and definite relationship goals.
"Friends aren't supposed to subtly draw deep, shiver-inducing breaths of each other."
When life happens and Axel finds out he has a son, his life changes. He wasn't expecting it, and he definitely wasn't prepared for it, but he rises to the occasion and he becomes the father he needs to be. And Nora is there to help him through it. They may not be best friends, or not at first anyway, and so it's endearing to see them warm up to each other more and more, as the story progresses.
"He's helping me build my future. Knowing he won’t be a part of it."
Nora moves in to help Axel, and it's obvious how they feel for each other. It's slow burn, and nothing happens for a while, but you see them getting closer and closer, and fighting not to give in.
When they do, and in a very Mira Lyn Kelly way, it's hot, and it's awesome. There's chemistry in spades. These two are meant to be.
I loved the cameos from the other books! Some of the other players and their significant others from this series make an appearance, and also Hank and Abby from Hard Crush. I did miss Vaughn, though, but that's because he's still my favorite Slayer.
"The one who builds me up and encourages me to grow and fills my whole heart with more love and happiness than I ever dreamed possible."
This book was all about choices for me. The ones that lead to your happiness don't need to be hard ones, or big ones. Sometimes it's just about seeing what's right in front of you, and what could be. Letting it happen.
They needed to know that, regardless of whatever is out there, they'd always choose each other. Because that means forever. And that was the beauty of this book for me.
March 29, 2022
{Slayers Hockey series}
Dirty Secret - 3.5 stars
Dirty Hookup - 3.25 stars
Dirty Rebound - 4 stars
Dirty Talker - 3.75 stars
>Dirty Deal - 3.5 stars
Dirty Groom - tbr/2022
True enough none of the Slayers books are very long. However DD I believe is the shortest (or very very close) & well, it reads like it, like more akin to a novella. That’s not to imply DD was bad. It was definitely sweet & flirty with good chemistry between Axel & Nora along with Axel’s immediate devotion to his son lands spot on, right in the feels after unexpectedly becoming a father 🥰, but just the same, DD was also a little clipped sometimes & in need of more showing instead of telling in several places, in the beginning particularly(even the telling here specifically wasn’t the best). Overall nice read, but perhaps not the most memorable of the series.
Dirty Secret - 3.5 stars
Dirty Hookup - 3.25 stars
Dirty Rebound - 4 stars
Dirty Talker - 3.75 stars
>Dirty Deal - 3.5 stars
Dirty Groom - tbr/2022
True enough none of the Slayers books are very long. However DD I believe is the shortest (or very very close) & well, it reads like it, like more akin to a novella. That’s not to imply DD was bad. It was definitely sweet & flirty with good chemistry between Axel & Nora along with Axel’s immediate devotion to his son lands spot on, right in the feels after unexpectedly becoming a father 🥰, but just the same, DD was also a little clipped sometimes & in need of more showing instead of telling in several places, in the beginning particularly(even the telling here specifically wasn’t the best). Overall nice read, but perhaps not the most memorable of the series.
December 31, 2021
My heart is so full! Mira never fails to bring out the feels in her stories. This one had them, so many of them, on pretty much every page. Non-stop smiles either from the humor or the love or the adorable things Axel and Nora said and did. Gosh they were so cute together!!
Not only was there enough steam to send tingles to every part of my body, but there was also tons of heart that made me melt into a puddle of emotions.
Who knew Axel was such a sexy AF hunk with a huge heart!?! I was very intrigued by him from the other books, but to finally meet him…I fell hard within the first few pages.
I mean, we all knew he was a heartthrob, a player, a guy who likes to have all the fun with zero commitments, the one with a big…ego. But he’s also an adorably charming and kind and HOT and generous and devoted…father?
Axel had quite the bomb dropped on him one day when he opened his front door. An 8lb. 2oz. bomb that required him to make lots of changes in his lifestyle. The surprise was quite unexpected, but he was ready. The love and awe he had for this baby was enough to make any woman swoon hard. Such devotion and love for his baby boy.
I loved the banter between Nora and Axel. He got a big ol’ kick out of goading his neighbor, irritating her, calling her Fun Wrecker. But he also starts seeing her in a different way. She’s beautiful and smart and sassy. Just the way he liked and wanted her to be.
The relationship between them grows and their friendship gets stronger and their attraction shoots through the roof. But there are so many reasons they can’t be together together. It’s a big no-no. Boss/nanny…he’s a professional hockey player/she’s moving to France…he has a son/she wants to be free.
Trying to act like they don’t have feelings for each other? Psh. Nice try.
Nora has always been made to feel like she didn’t have choices. So when she has a chance to get away and really live, she does. But then her dang heart gets in the way and she goes and catches feelings. Big ones.
I could go on and on about how much I adored this story, about how I love Mira’s writing and her storytelling, about how this book filled my heart with so much love and happiness and warm fuzzies and sizzles everywhere. *sigh* It was everything.
Not only was there enough steam to send tingles to every part of my body, but there was also tons of heart that made me melt into a puddle of emotions.
Who knew Axel was such a sexy AF hunk with a huge heart!?! I was very intrigued by him from the other books, but to finally meet him…I fell hard within the first few pages.
I mean, we all knew he was a heartthrob, a player, a guy who likes to have all the fun with zero commitments, the one with a big…ego. But he’s also an adorably charming and kind and HOT and generous and devoted…father?
Axel had quite the bomb dropped on him one day when he opened his front door. An 8lb. 2oz. bomb that required him to make lots of changes in his lifestyle. The surprise was quite unexpected, but he was ready. The love and awe he had for this baby was enough to make any woman swoon hard. Such devotion and love for his baby boy.
I loved the banter between Nora and Axel. He got a big ol’ kick out of goading his neighbor, irritating her, calling her Fun Wrecker. But he also starts seeing her in a different way. She’s beautiful and smart and sassy. Just the way he liked and wanted her to be.
The relationship between them grows and their friendship gets stronger and their attraction shoots through the roof. But there are so many reasons they can’t be together together. It’s a big no-no. Boss/nanny…he’s a professional hockey player/she’s moving to France…he has a son/she wants to be free.
Trying to act like they don’t have feelings for each other? Psh. Nice try.
Nora has always been made to feel like she didn’t have choices. So when she has a chance to get away and really live, she does. But then her dang heart gets in the way and she goes and catches feelings. Big ones.
I could go on and on about how much I adored this story, about how I love Mira’s writing and her storytelling, about how this book filled my heart with so much love and happiness and warm fuzzies and sizzles everywhere. *sigh* It was everything.
Currently reading
October 26, 2021So excited! Axel, Nora & baby Otto are off to the proofers!
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3t1GoP6
Apple: https://smarturl.it/DD_AB
Nook: https://smarturl.it/DD_NK
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/DD_KB
Google Play: https://smarturl.it/DD_GP
October 31, 2021
Mira never ceases to bring the feels in her Slayers books, but this one... man, this one made me me tear up a couple of times. Axel and Nora, you beautiful people, you. I binged this book in 2 days. It was fun, easy to read, and I loved the characters. I love books that grab me on the first page and don't let go.
I don't want to spoil it, but when it came close to time for Nora to [redacted for spoilers] my heart was wedged in my throat cause I thought Axel was going to convince her not to and it was going to be another girl gives up dream for a guy book. The way it was written made me feel much better about the character's choices, and nothing beats a good old HEA!
Can't wait for the next one <3
I don't want to spoil it, but when it came close to time for Nora to [redacted for spoilers] my heart was wedged in my throat cause I thought Axel was going to convince her not to and it was going to be another girl gives up dream for a guy book. The way it was written made me feel much better about the character's choices, and nothing beats a good old HEA!
Can't wait for the next one <3
November 8, 2021
I’ve read a few single dad/nanny romances lately, and this book combined what I enjoyed the most in them in one single sexy and cute romance.
Surprise dad who doesn’t understand what he’s doing but wants to give his child the best? Check. Non professional nanny who treats the kid as her own? Check. Incredible attraction between the nanny and the dad? Check. The sexiest and swooniest abandon to their desire? Check. Add to that a couple of funny moments–because taking care of an infant brings its share of embarrassing experiences.
The relationship between Nora and Axel was pretty interesting. It is suggested that they had a strong connection right when they met, but something happened and they now tease each other–Axel is the playboy who’s making too much noise with his conquests, and Nora is the Fun Wrecker. The attraction is still there, and there’s some regret about how things turned out. That’s where they’re at at the begining of the book. Due to Nora’s circumstances–she’s losing both her job and her appartment at the same time–and Axel’s predicament–he discovers he has a baby and he’ll be his only caregiver–they end up living under the same roof. And become reacquainted.
The main theme of the story was discovering one’s purpose. And sometimes, especially for Axel and Nora, it’s not what they expected. After taking care of her siblings–a LOT of siblings–instead of living her childhood, Nora wants to follow more desirable dreams, and being a nanny should only be temporary; while Axel rearranges his life to welcome his little boy, who becomes the most important person in his life. The characters and their backstory were pretty consistent, making them relatable and compelling. And you can’t help but root for them to find their happiness, even when they sabotage it.
And the romance was so… romantic. Axel is totally swoony, and goes to great lengths to seduce Nora. It was even difficult to see him as manwhore who enjoyed puck bunnies. Actually, not much is said about his dating status from the moment he lost his chance with Nora, suggesting that he pined over her–that’s the hill I’ll be dying on anyway, fight me!
Most of the Slayers made an appearance–Greg, sigh… A great addition to the series, with the swooniest hero, and the most adorable baby toys!
Quickie
- Series: Slayers hockey #5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #single dad #nanny #neighbors
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Nora Bennett & Axel Erikson
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + “be the bunny” comes back!
- – wow the lack of communication; secrets aren’t good for your health, folks
Surprise dad who doesn’t understand what he’s doing but wants to give his child the best? Check. Non professional nanny who treats the kid as her own? Check. Incredible attraction between the nanny and the dad? Check. The sexiest and swooniest abandon to their desire? Check. Add to that a couple of funny moments–because taking care of an infant brings its share of embarrassing experiences.
The relationship between Nora and Axel was pretty interesting. It is suggested that they had a strong connection right when they met, but something happened and they now tease each other–Axel is the playboy who’s making too much noise with his conquests, and Nora is the Fun Wrecker. The attraction is still there, and there’s some regret about how things turned out. That’s where they’re at at the begining of the book. Due to Nora’s circumstances–she’s losing both her job and her appartment at the same time–and Axel’s predicament–he discovers he has a baby and he’ll be his only caregiver–they end up living under the same roof. And become reacquainted.
The main theme of the story was discovering one’s purpose. And sometimes, especially for Axel and Nora, it’s not what they expected. After taking care of her siblings–a LOT of siblings–instead of living her childhood, Nora wants to follow more desirable dreams, and being a nanny should only be temporary; while Axel rearranges his life to welcome his little boy, who becomes the most important person in his life. The characters and their backstory were pretty consistent, making them relatable and compelling. And you can’t help but root for them to find their happiness, even when they sabotage it.
And the romance was so… romantic. Axel is totally swoony, and goes to great lengths to seduce Nora. It was even difficult to see him as manwhore who enjoyed puck bunnies. Actually, not much is said about his dating status from the moment he lost his chance with Nora, suggesting that he pined over her–that’s the hill I’ll be dying on anyway, fight me!
Most of the Slayers made an appearance–Greg, sigh… A great addition to the series, with the swooniest hero, and the most adorable baby toys!
Quickie
- Series: Slayers hockey #5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #single dad #nanny #neighbors
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Nora Bennett & Axel Erikson
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + “be the bunny” comes back!
- – wow the lack of communication; secrets aren’t good for your health, folks
January 3, 2022
I’m a mixed bag of thoughts about this one :(
The story turned out to me cute and swoony, but it did not start out that way. I was actually very lost and confused for about the first 25(ish)% of the story. The main reason is because it read as if I should know Nora and Axel and their history when I did not. I went as far as checking previous books in the series and I only found Axel briefly in the previous book and Nora not at all. That is why I ended up not reading the book last November when it released. I couldn’t get into the story because I just didn’t understand it….So I picked it up again this weekend and although it still read exactly the same, I forged forward and their history is somewhat explained as the story unfolds, but again, not detailed enough for me to understand the animosity Nora had towards Axel in the beginning. Thank goodness I did forge thru because it did turn out to be quite cute by the end. It needed mayor fleshing in a lot of different areas but still cute nonetheless.
But here’s the thing, I forged thru because I’m not new to the word wizardry of Mira Lyn but a new or newish reader would probably (maybe) not finish this book and then maybe not pick up another book by her and that makes me sad. So, I was lost and sad with this one and that kinda sucked lol If you happen to be a first-time reader to Mira and are reading this, start with another book because this is very rare for her. Very. She almost always checks off all my boxes for a spectacular read #trust
The story turned out to me cute and swoony, but it did not start out that way. I was actually very lost and confused for about the first 25(ish)% of the story. The main reason is because it read as if I should know Nora and Axel and their history when I did not. I went as far as checking previous books in the series and I only found Axel briefly in the previous book and Nora not at all. That is why I ended up not reading the book last November when it released. I couldn’t get into the story because I just didn’t understand it….So I picked it up again this weekend and although it still read exactly the same, I forged forward and their history is somewhat explained as the story unfolds, but again, not detailed enough for me to understand the animosity Nora had towards Axel in the beginning. Thank goodness I did forge thru because it did turn out to be quite cute by the end. It needed mayor fleshing in a lot of different areas but still cute nonetheless.
But here’s the thing, I forged thru because I’m not new to the word wizardry of Mira Lyn but a new or newish reader would probably (maybe) not finish this book and then maybe not pick up another book by her and that makes me sad. So, I was lost and sad with this one and that kinda sucked lol If you happen to be a first-time reader to Mira and are reading this, start with another book because this is very rare for her. Very. She almost always checks off all my boxes for a spectacular read #trust
November 19, 2021
5 - "Hot for nanny..." Stars!
Mira-Lyn Kelly delivers again in stellar style with Dirty Deal another cracking read in the Slayers Hockey series.
"Everything can change in a blink…"
Single baby-daddy anyone??? YES PLEASE! I yell, add in hockey hotness and the fact the heroine is affectionately known as fun-wrecker, and you have a match made in heaven (again, because all of the couples in this series are stellar).
There are reasons this is a bad idea… but in this minute, I can’t think of a single one…
I loved the vulnerability that you see in Axel, as he negotiates the path of fatherhood to a newborn baby he had no idea was going to come into his life, especially as the mother literally pops Otto out and leaves him to get on with it. Nora the neighbour he loves to wind up is uniquely qualified to help out, and just happens to be in-between jobs and looking for somewhere to stay, serendipitous some might say, and you get such a brilliant story between them because of it.
Another five stars, this series is my favourite in the sports-romance genre, and the author just keeps scoring with each and every addition to it. I cannot wait for Dirty Groom something to look forward to in 2022 already!
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
Mira-Lyn Kelly delivers again in stellar style with Dirty Deal another cracking read in the Slayers Hockey series.
"Everything can change in a blink…"
Single baby-daddy anyone??? YES PLEASE! I yell, add in hockey hotness and the fact the heroine is affectionately known as fun-wrecker, and you have a match made in heaven (again, because all of the couples in this series are stellar).
There are reasons this is a bad idea… but in this minute, I can’t think of a single one…
I loved the vulnerability that you see in Axel, as he negotiates the path of fatherhood to a newborn baby he had no idea was going to come into his life, especially as the mother literally pops Otto out and leaves him to get on with it. Nora the neighbour he loves to wind up is uniquely qualified to help out, and just happens to be in-between jobs and looking for somewhere to stay, serendipitous some might say, and you get such a brilliant story between them because of it.
Another five stars, this series is my favourite in the sports-romance genre, and the author just keeps scoring with each and every addition to it. I cannot wait for Dirty Groom something to look forward to in 2022 already!
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 8, 2023
I'm really, really loving this series. Axel and Nora together and baby Otto...*swoon*
December 16, 2021
4 stars
Those two had chemistry and I liked the progression of the plot. The MCs were also likeable.
This whole series was mostly a win for me.
Those two had chemistry and I liked the progression of the plot. The MCs were also likeable.
This whole series was mostly a win for me.
November 3, 2021
Honestly, Axel came out of absolute nowhere for me, knocked me flat on my rear and gave me no other choice than to love him.
Yes, I enjoyed his shenanigans in past books, but you're never sure if Mira is going to pull these guys from the sidelines and give us a worthy story or not *gives extremely large side eye to Boomer*.
This story could have had so many obstacles to Nora and Axel finally realizing they were meant to be, but thank you Mira for not making me into a crying mess and allowing them to not get so far into that angst that it took away all hope. I honestly feel miss nosey Caroline needs her own book and see how long it takes her to ignore the delicious Anders....
Nora and Axel BELONG together and I cannot wait for the rest of the team to fall for her the way Otto and his dad have. It's an absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me, and now I would like to request Jason Clarke as narrator for Axel....because it might. just. KILL. me.
The way Axel does what he thinks is right for Nora, even though all three are miserable...He could have been a selfish dude but no, he put her so often pushed to the wayside dreams to the forefront instead; he loved her enough to want her to reach her dreams, even if it wasn't with him or Otto. That last car ride to the airport, I was SCREAMING - Do something, you fool, you'll lose her! Thank the goddess Nora doesn't ignore her instincts...
Thank you once again, Mira Lyn Kelly, for writing such an emotional story for us to enjoy. Yes, I cursed and screamed and smacked my forehead in frustration, but I also laughed and cried happy tears, and felt those intimate bonds growing between them even when they kept telling themselves it was only temoprary, and especially his reaction to her around his team.I felt like I wanted to give a big group hug to the team and say thank you for pushing him, because it got them together that much faster!
Such a wonderful addition to the Mira Lyn Kelly worlds. Oh Yeah, we got a Hank and Abby cameo, plus a Greg Baxter cameo, a brief WAG cameo featuring George and Nat, and of course one of my favorite couples, Cammy and Rux.
I think I really need a full series reread because some hints about Boomer's sister has me curious...BB getting her own book?!?
At any rate, DIRTY DEAL is releasing Nov 19 and you don't want to miss it! Kindle and Paperbacks are coming, so go forth to pre-order!
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Yes, I enjoyed his shenanigans in past books, but you're never sure if Mira is going to pull these guys from the sidelines and give us a worthy story or not *gives extremely large side eye to Boomer*.
This story could have had so many obstacles to Nora and Axel finally realizing they were meant to be, but thank you Mira for not making me into a crying mess and allowing them to not get so far into that angst that it took away all hope. I honestly feel miss nosey Caroline needs her own book and see how long it takes her to ignore the delicious Anders....
Nora and Axel BELONG together and I cannot wait for the rest of the team to fall for her the way Otto and his dad have. It's an absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me, and now I would like to request Jason Clarke as narrator for Axel....because it might. just. KILL. me.
The way Axel does what he thinks is right for Nora, even though all three are miserable...He could have been a selfish dude but no, he put her so often pushed to the wayside dreams to the forefront instead; he loved her enough to want her to reach her dreams, even if it wasn't with him or Otto. That last car ride to the airport, I was SCREAMING - Do something, you fool, you'll lose her! Thank the goddess Nora doesn't ignore her instincts...
Thank you once again, Mira Lyn Kelly, for writing such an emotional story for us to enjoy. Yes, I cursed and screamed and smacked my forehead in frustration, but I also laughed and cried happy tears, and felt those intimate bonds growing between them even when they kept telling themselves it was only temoprary, and especially his reaction to her around his team.I felt like I wanted to give a big group hug to the team and say thank you for pushing him, because it got them together that much faster!
Such a wonderful addition to the Mira Lyn Kelly worlds. Oh Yeah, we got a Hank and Abby cameo, plus a Greg Baxter cameo, a brief WAG cameo featuring George and Nat, and of course one of my favorite couples, Cammy and Rux.
I think I really need a full series reread because some hints about Boomer's sister has me curious...BB getting her own book?!?
At any rate, DIRTY DEAL is releasing Nov 19 and you don't want to miss it! Kindle and Paperbacks are coming, so go forth to pre-order!
Amazon: https://geni.us/AmzMLK_DD
Apple: https://geni.us/aUGH2th
Nook: https://geni.us/8BnC
Kobo: https://geni.us/ted2CO
Google: https://geni.us/N489eI
Goodreads: https://smarturl.it/DD_GR
November 8, 2022
This was a super-fast listen, about 4 hours, and really more of a novella. I often have issues with romance novellas because there is not enough space to create characters and build backstory and tension necessary (for me) to get the best out of romance. This book did not change my feelings. I felt like it started in the middle of the story and thereby missed a lot of the fun part. I liked the characters, thought the bones of a good story were here, and if it had started a month earlier than it did, and explored their early interactions as neighbors and Nora's relationship to her family (and for that matter Axel's to his) it would have been so much more absorbing. A wasted opportunity. I really like this series, and Kelly's writing in general, but this was my least favorite of the lot because it felt like half the story.
November 21, 2021
I got to read an early copy of this book, and it's delicious!!!
February 26, 2022
Axel is blindsided when his one night stand shows up at his doorstep, minutes away from going into labour. Before he knows it, Axel is a single dad and he hires his neighbour Nora, AKA Fun Wrecker, as his temporary live-in nanny.
UGH, y'all, this book gave me some serious baby fever. I looooove baby Otto so much that I want to hold him and play with him 🥺
I don't know how she does it, but Mira Lyn Kelly is SO FREAKING GOOD at writing friends to lovers romance. And her heroes?? GAHHH, they're so sexy, funny, sweet, and swoon-worthy. And they're always ready with some level of dirty talk 🔥 Actual perfection.
My only complaint with Dirty Deal is that I wish it was longer! There were certain scenes that happened off page that I actually wanted to read. For instance, I wanted to meet Nora's family, since they played such a big part in shaping Nora's childhood and her goals for adulthood.
Nevertheless, I'm happy with whatever we got and I'm excited for Diesel's book. I hope we also get Boomer's book because he was a hoot in this one 😂
P.S. Be the bunny 😂
UGH, y'all, this book gave me some serious baby fever. I looooove baby Otto so much that I want to hold him and play with him 🥺
I don't know how she does it, but Mira Lyn Kelly is SO FREAKING GOOD at writing friends to lovers romance. And her heroes?? GAHHH, they're so sexy, funny, sweet, and swoon-worthy. And they're always ready with some level of dirty talk 🔥 Actual perfection.
My only complaint with Dirty Deal is that I wish it was longer! There were certain scenes that happened off page that I actually wanted to read. For instance, I wanted to meet Nora's family, since they played such a big part in shaping Nora's childhood and her goals for adulthood.
Nevertheless, I'm happy with whatever we got and I'm excited for Diesel's book. I hope we also get Boomer's book because he was a hoot in this one 😂
P.S. Be the bunny 😂
November 27, 2021
I don’t understand why this book was only 190 pages and yet so much of the story was left out. It would have been SO much better if Kelly had taken the time to write out their entire story rather than just drop the reader in mid-plot, and then try and backtrack to explain what happened between these two in a few sentences later in the book.
The first few pages had me so confused - did I forget how the last book ended? Did I miss a novella in between these two books? But nope, this book starts with confusion and it was difficult to feel connected to either character as there is so much implied about them but never explored. And then bam, it was over.
This book felt lazy. As if Kelly is bored with this series and just wanted to get another installment out. It was not worth $5, as it wasn’t even a complete e-book.
It’s such a shame because I think I would have loved this story if Kelly had actually written it
The first few pages had me so confused - did I forget how the last book ended? Did I miss a novella in between these two books? But nope, this book starts with confusion and it was difficult to feel connected to either character as there is so much implied about them but never explored. And then bam, it was over.
This book felt lazy. As if Kelly is bored with this series and just wanted to get another installment out. It was not worth $5, as it wasn’t even a complete e-book.
It’s such a shame because I think I would have loved this story if Kelly had actually written it
November 18, 2021
Swoon with a capital S that what this story was. This slow burn had me pulling my hair out and biting my nails so damn bad. Both Axel and Nora were great individuals but together they make a perfect team.
They both had strong feelings but decided to not act on them until it came to a breaking point when they just couldn't ignore them anymore. I loved the insta-family aspect and that at the end of the day they both were trying to make sure the other is happy. My love for Axel grew with everything he did for her and not expecting anything in return.
I've read all the books in the series and this one is by far my favorite. It took a while for us to get it but boy was it worth the wait!!!
They both had strong feelings but decided to not act on them until it came to a breaking point when they just couldn't ignore them anymore. I loved the insta-family aspect and that at the end of the day they both were trying to make sure the other is happy. My love for Axel grew with everything he did for her and not expecting anything in return.
I've read all the books in the series and this one is by far my favorite. It took a while for us to get it but boy was it worth the wait!!!
November 2, 2021
Axel and Nora connected when she first moved into his building…and then she was less than impressed with him. He does his best to annoy her because he loves getting a reaction out of her. When he finds out he’s a father, she becomes his nanny and so much more. This is a wonderful story, and I loved it!
did-not-finish
April 16, 2023DNF at 36%. Too much telling and not enough showing. Plus, he’s a manwhore! And I’m not really interested in her caving so quickly and easily.
June 10, 2024
2.75 ⭐️ it was good but nothing special. Loved how Axel stepped into dad mode so easily.
November 3, 2021
Ohhhhh Emmmm Geeeee....loved this book so hard!!! What a LOL, life has a way, emotional, steamy, heart wringer highway to love when they finally get out of their own way. ❤🔥❤🔥❤
December 5, 2021
4.5 stars. This one checked all the boxes I needed right now in a book....swoony, feel-good, quick and easy to read, sports romance. It was nice to be back in the Slayers hockey world.
July 10, 2023
Axel, jugador de hockey, es un vivalavirgen, su piso es el sitio donde todos los colegas se reúnen, para fiestear, ligar o dedicarse a los videojuegos. Su vecina, Nora, lógicamente, está hasta el moño de esto, y como se queja, le tienen cierta tirria. Cuando Axel se encuentra con un bebé inesperado, le pide ayuda a Nora, que sabe que se ha cuidado de un montón de hermanos pequeños.
Sí, es novela con niño, un bebé recién nacido. Entre eso y el estilo NA de primera persona dual, comprenderéis que no es una novela de esas que vaya a recordar de por vida, porque son cosas que no me hacen tilín. Es una de esas novelas de perfectas tres estrellas: si la lees, bien, no te arrepentirás. Si la dejas pasar, pues no pasa nada.
A mí me ha servido un poco para pensar en la hipergamia en la novela romántica, pero de eso hablo en mi blog, con algo más de detalle.
Sí, es novela con niño, un bebé recién nacido. Entre eso y el estilo NA de primera persona dual, comprenderéis que no es una novela de esas que vaya a recordar de por vida, porque son cosas que no me hacen tilín. Es una de esas novelas de perfectas tres estrellas: si la lees, bien, no te arrepentirás. Si la dejas pasar, pues no pasa nada.
A mí me ha servido un poco para pensar en la hipergamia en la novela romántica, pero de eso hablo en mi blog, con algo más de detalle.
June 5, 2024
Poor hockey player ends up an unexpected father when a one-night stand puck bunny from out of town shows up on his doorstep to deliver a baby that she subsequently abandons…queue the fun wrecking next door neighbor to fill in as temporary live-in nanny.
This was a middle of the road romance, that I am sure will do it for any one who likes brawny men and babies. As that is not really me…I gave it a three.
This was a middle of the road romance, that I am sure will do it for any one who likes brawny men and babies. As that is not really me…I gave it a three.
October 15, 2023
Bello ma troppo breve
July 5, 2025
I like this book, a lot. It’s cute, it’s funny and it’s ’feel good’.
Nora is in a spot of trouble when the book opens. She’s lost both her job and her home and she has two days to leave the apartment she’s living in. Her roommate and friend and the woman she worked for went to Paris, met a guy and decided to stay there. So she not in the best frame of mind to deal with Axel. A pro hockey player she’s silently been lusting after, is being a pain in her …..neck. He’s been having a lot of his incoming packages sent to her place and she needs them gone. After talking to him and letting him know she’ll be leaving very soon he promises to come back later in the day, then he disappears for a couple of days.
Seems there’s a good reason. A previous one night stand shows up and surprise, she’s pregnant. Second surprise, she’s in labour. He takes her to the hospital, she has the baby and surprise, she doesn’t want the baby and gives him to Axel. So in the span of two days his world does a 180. And since this is a romance and he’s desperate for a nanny, being a pro hockey player means frequent roads trips. Nora, needing a home and a job, Nora agrees to be the nanny. But only for a month until she finds a new job and home.
I love the banter and growing friendship between Abel and Nora. When they first met there was instant chemistry but then Nora hears something in the middle of the night. Something that takes two people and involves a lot of moaning and other similar type noises. And that kills any potential for something deeper. But now that she’s living there taking care of baby Otto ( weird but cute name) well, the chemistry didn’t completely die. And when learns she misunderstood the situation and Axel isn’t the dirt bag, the three of them form a family unit and feelings grow. I was charmed by this book and give it a thumbs 👍 up.
Nora is in a spot of trouble when the book opens. She’s lost both her job and her home and she has two days to leave the apartment she’s living in. Her roommate and friend and the woman she worked for went to Paris, met a guy and decided to stay there. So she not in the best frame of mind to deal with Axel. A pro hockey player she’s silently been lusting after, is being a pain in her …..neck. He’s been having a lot of his incoming packages sent to her place and she needs them gone. After talking to him and letting him know she’ll be leaving very soon he promises to come back later in the day, then he disappears for a couple of days.
Seems there’s a good reason. A previous one night stand shows up and surprise, she’s pregnant. Second surprise, she’s in labour. He takes her to the hospital, she has the baby and surprise, she doesn’t want the baby and gives him to Axel. So in the span of two days his world does a 180. And since this is a romance and he’s desperate for a nanny, being a pro hockey player means frequent roads trips. Nora, needing a home and a job, Nora agrees to be the nanny. But only for a month until she finds a new job and home.
I love the banter and growing friendship between Abel and Nora. When they first met there was instant chemistry but then Nora hears something in the middle of the night. Something that takes two people and involves a lot of moaning and other similar type noises. And that kills any potential for something deeper. But now that she’s living there taking care of baby Otto ( weird but cute name) well, the chemistry didn’t completely die. And when learns she misunderstood the situation and Axel isn’t the dirt bag, the three of them form a family unit and feelings grow. I was charmed by this book and give it a thumbs 👍 up.
November 12, 2021
“Our eyes meet and it’s right there. Everything she never lets me see. Everything I want.”
I devoured Dirty Deal in one sitting. It was THAT good! I absolutely adored Axel and Nora and baby Otto.
When Axel and Nora first meet, they had an instant connection until Axel’s manwhore ways turned Nora off. Now he lives to irritate her, but when he unexpectedly finds out that he’s a father, he offers Nora a position as his nanny. Will the connection they share re-ignite?
“I don’t want to let her go. But above that, I don’t want to hold her back.”
These two were so good together and really helped each other grow. With Nora’s help, Axel grew up and learned to take responsibility and opened his heart while Axel encouraged Nora to follow her dreams and to never settle for less. It was heartwarming to watch their relationship develop, and I was so invested in their story that the angst at the end made me feel like my heart was being pulled from chest. So, so good….I love that kind of angst.
“I think he’s become one of my best friends. That my life is better for having known him. And that I trust him with all things I’d be embarrassed or insecure about with someone else.”
The banter was on fire and the slow-burn chemistry between Axel and Nora was electric. They truly became each other’s best friend and made each other a better person. They were sweet, romantic, sarcastic, funny, and oh so steamy!
I have loved all the books in this series, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see which Slayers player is next!!
I devoured Dirty Deal in one sitting. It was THAT good! I absolutely adored Axel and Nora and baby Otto.
When Axel and Nora first meet, they had an instant connection until Axel’s manwhore ways turned Nora off. Now he lives to irritate her, but when he unexpectedly finds out that he’s a father, he offers Nora a position as his nanny. Will the connection they share re-ignite?
“I don’t want to let her go. But above that, I don’t want to hold her back.”
These two were so good together and really helped each other grow. With Nora’s help, Axel grew up and learned to take responsibility and opened his heart while Axel encouraged Nora to follow her dreams and to never settle for less. It was heartwarming to watch their relationship develop, and I was so invested in their story that the angst at the end made me feel like my heart was being pulled from chest. So, so good….I love that kind of angst.
“I think he’s become one of my best friends. That my life is better for having known him. And that I trust him with all things I’d be embarrassed or insecure about with someone else.”
The banter was on fire and the slow-burn chemistry between Axel and Nora was electric. They truly became each other’s best friend and made each other a better person. They were sweet, romantic, sarcastic, funny, and oh so steamy!
I have loved all the books in this series, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see which Slayers player is next!!
November 19, 2021
A knockout of a hockey romance, one that o0zies swoon with a couple of tears and huge smiles along the way. Dirty Deal will hold you captive is a huge hit and one not to be missed!
Let's start with star book boyfriend of the week Alex, he is everything you could want, single dad of a newborn, Otto, fun-loving but not a horndog and I just swooned over him, of cause his neighbour Nora would not agree especially with the nickname he had given her and his team now used of Fun Wrecker all because he is worst neighbour ever, but well...........let me leave that for your reading enjoyment. I love Mira Lyn Kelly's writing style and her ability in her storylines to draw parallels between the couples, Nora who loves her family has finally after years spent helping her parents raise her 11 other siblings gets that taste of freedom she has always wanted but it is about to be taken away from her and the only way is for a brief time help Alex the guy she crushed on when she first moved in next door and has been a pain in the a** ever since. But you can't help falling for Alex's charms I know I did because deep down he is a great guy.
Dirty Deal is one book you don't want to miss.
November 20, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fifth book in the series, and I highly recommend you read them in order as the couples reappear in later books, and add to the story in each installment.
Axel has always hosted all the parties ... much to the annoyance of his super sexy, but uninterested neighbour, Nora. Then a complete surprise discovery that he is now a single Dad, and he needs Nora for his son more than anything he may desire for himself.
Nora grew up looking after her siblings, and has finally escaped, so even if she had liked her neighbour, she would have been reluctant to help, but circumstances force her hand, and baby Otto is definitely in need of her care.
The inevitable happens, but with a number of fun and engaging twists in the journey. If you enjoy a good sports romance, you will be delighted with the amount of time at games, training, and maybe Nora even watching them at home.
Very enjoyable read with lots of reasons to smile at the blossoming romance and growth of a new family.
This is the fifth book in the series, and I highly recommend you read them in order as the couples reappear in later books, and add to the story in each installment.
Axel has always hosted all the parties ... much to the annoyance of his super sexy, but uninterested neighbour, Nora. Then a complete surprise discovery that he is now a single Dad, and he needs Nora for his son more than anything he may desire for himself.
Nora grew up looking after her siblings, and has finally escaped, so even if she had liked her neighbour, she would have been reluctant to help, but circumstances force her hand, and baby Otto is definitely in need of her care.
The inevitable happens, but with a number of fun and engaging twists in the journey. If you enjoy a good sports romance, you will be delighted with the amount of time at games, training, and maybe Nora even watching them at home.
Very enjoyable read with lots of reasons to smile at the blossoming romance and growth of a new family.
November 1, 2021
I seriously did not want to put this book down once I started reading it was that fantastic. I loved Nora and Axel from the moment Nora was complaining about Axel being a horrible neighbor. And Axel was smitten with Nora from the moment she moved in. When Axel is surprised with his new son and no idea what to do he asks Nora for help and she agrees to be his nanny but only temporarily. Nora has a plan for her life even if she isn’t sure what that is, she just knows that she wants to be able to choose what she wants. Of course once Nora moves in to help Axel with baby Otto she sees the real Axel and not the “player” she thought he was. Nora and Axel become real friends and they both want something more but know that Nora is leaving. I loved watching these two grow as friends and fight their attraction to each other and only fighting it because neither wanted to ruin the friendship they made and truly appreciated. Thank goodness they did stop fighting that attraction because dang are these two fabulous together. I loved how much Axel loved Nora and how he just wanted her to be happy even if that wasn’t with him and Otto.
I love the Chicago Slayer series and each time I think I have a new book boyfriend the next book comes out and I have a new book boyfriend, lol.
I love the Chicago Slayer series and each time I think I have a new book boyfriend the next book comes out and I have a new book boyfriend, lol.
November 18, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Oh man, I loved this story.
Axel, a fun loving, party hard or go home kind of man who believes hockey is the best thing since sliced bread, has a thing for the cute neighbor next door. A little flirting here and there and a spark was lit. Too bad it was doused by one of his former hook-ups coming back into his life and giving Nora, the neighbor, an all to real picture of what his life was like.
Axel's world is turned upside-down when a former hook-up shows up on his doorstep, in labor, and tells him that a) the baby is his and b) she's giving up her parental rights. Axel doesn't know anything about children much less babies. He's surprised the nurses allow him to take the baby home but he soon finds himself standing in front of Nora's door with the baby snuggled into his chest.
The writer's ability to write about Axel's struggles with being a single dad, the struggle in accepting help from his neighbor who's just slightly more than acquaintance and how Axel wants to be father that his was.
Nora's story is just as compelling, but it's Axel's that grabbed my attention and held it through out the book.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Oh man, I loved this story.
Axel, a fun loving, party hard or go home kind of man who believes hockey is the best thing since sliced bread, has a thing for the cute neighbor next door. A little flirting here and there and a spark was lit. Too bad it was doused by one of his former hook-ups coming back into his life and giving Nora, the neighbor, an all to real picture of what his life was like.
Axel's world is turned upside-down when a former hook-up shows up on his doorstep, in labor, and tells him that a) the baby is his and b) she's giving up her parental rights. Axel doesn't know anything about children much less babies. He's surprised the nurses allow him to take the baby home but he soon finds himself standing in front of Nora's door with the baby snuggled into his chest.
The writer's ability to write about Axel's struggles with being a single dad, the struggle in accepting help from his neighbor who's just slightly more than acquaintance and how Axel wants to be father that his was.
Nora's story is just as compelling, but it's Axel's that grabbed my attention and held it through out the book.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
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