Hot Shot's Mistake

Tennessee Thunderbolts #1

by Gina Azzi

Tangling up with my new physical therapist, Mila Lewis, is a mistake. One I can't seem to stop making.



When I sign with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, I have two goals: prove my injury hasn't benched my career and get back to New York.



But then, I meet Mila, the enigmatic therapist tasked with rehabbing my shoulder.



With her long ponytail, professional demeanor, and girl-next-door look, Mila is nothing like my usual type. She's better-a good girl with sad eyes and a tragic past our small-town loves to dissect.



With the entire town up in her business, our budding connection is far from simple. I'm not staying, and Mila will never leave.



Deep down, I know I should walk away and let her find the happily-ever-after she deserves.



But I can't. Not without showing her that it could be me.



And that may be the biggest mistake of all.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

272 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2024

About the author

Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

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Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's all wrong; I know it is. But a small part of my heart can't help but hope for more. For him. For a future. For all the things I know will never be."

The plan is simple. After his trade to the Tennessee Thunderbolts, a rebuilding team undergoing a fresh start with new coaches and ownership, Devon Hardt plans to rehab his injured shoulder and get traded back to a top team in a big city. But things never go according to plan, do they?

When he meets Mila Lewis, his new physical therapist with the Bolts, she turns his world inside out and makes him question everything he's ever envisioned for himself. They begin to fall for one another, and once their relationship becomes not as forbidden as originally thought, their chemistry fully ignites into a passion neither can resist.

But Devon plans to leave Tennessee after the season and Mila will never leave, so how can their love possibly last?

Is there more to life than hockey?

In this series starter, Devon starts as such an arrogant alphahole, a hotshot from NYC with an attitude, and I honestly couldn't get enough of it. Yet underneath his demeanor lies a fiercely loyal and protective man. He's my newest book boyfriend but I would have liked to see his character developed more extensively. It took me longer to warm up to Mila and her capacity to overthink everything but I was glad to see her gain more confidence in her decisions. I also loved the positive culture and team dynamic among the Bolts, as well as the friendships and family relationships throughout.

This is a story of learning to communicate and trust in choosing to strive for a future one desires. It's about letting go of the past, showing up unconditionally and fighting for what matters most in life. The added epilogues brought so much emotion to my heart and I look forward to seeing where this series goes next.

** Special thanks to author Gina Azzi for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available May 12, 2022. **

[Roni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a lot of secondhand embarrassment during this book. But also I’m rating it lower than I thought because Mila is portrayed as a sweet girl and that she can do no wrong. Especially at the end, she never took the time and consideration to listen to Devon and took it out on him. He was listening and understanding of her past and stuff with Avery unlike Mila. I liked her up until the end because they didn’t really make up, it was like all of a sudden I scream I love you! and the world is all good. Like no.

[Annabelle (annabelles.shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

✅ sports romance
✅ grumpy x sunshine
✅ workplace/forced prox

I loved this!!! After an injury that Devon faces in his career, he moves to a small town in Tennessee. He meets Mila who is a physical therapist for sports teams. She used to work for the football team which her ex was on. At first when they meet they get off on the wrong foot and then they start to become friends. Mila is also grieving the loss of her parents and the only constant person by her side is her best friend Maisy. I loved how they had such a strong friendship. After what her ex did to her, she is constantly tired of losing people and doesn’t want Devon to leave her, bc of potential future job offers. Devon’s granddad was such a gem and gave him good advice. Ultimately he had to pick between his girl or his future career. There were a few parts towards the end where I was internally screaming at her choices. The epilogue and bonus epilogue was just too cute and I wish we could have gotten to see a bit more. Overall, a cute sports romance and I’m invested now and can’t wait for the other books in this series to come out!

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[kodreadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆.5
🔥🔥

-smalltown
-hockey player/team psychical therapist
-forced proximity

After a career altering injury, Devon is transferred from the NHL team (and life) that he loves in NYC to a team that’s rebuilding in smalltown TN. To say that Devon does not have a positive outlook on his situation is an understatement. He misses the fancy restaurants, nights out, and top of the line arena that he is used to. But the longer that he hangs around the small town outside of Knoxville, the more he starts to think that maybe there’s more to life than what he’s used to.

Mila is recovering from two tragic incidents that have recently happened to her. She’s ready to move on (as much as she can while staying in the small town she grew up in) and the first step to that is starting a new job with the Tennessee Thunderbolts as their psychical therapist. The night before her first day there she (literally) runs into her new client Devon Hardt. He’s grumpy, cold, and cocky.. and she can already tell this isn’t going to go well.


Mila is positive, caring, and so resilient. I absolutely loved her. And just when you think Devon is a total grump, you start getting to know him and realize he’s just a big softy. Actually a big possessive, protective, alpha hero softy. After being forced to spend time together they start to learn more about one another and there’s no denying the chemistry there. Their personal growth & relationship development was spot on and believable. Devon had me giggling and smiling like a goof. The constant hand on the small of her back or hip 😩 Can’t wait for Maisy’s story! single dad….? 😏

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Hot Shot’s Mistake (Tennessee Thunderbolts #1) by Gina Azzi
Gina Azzi is the author of one of my favourite hockey series and when I heard she had a new series releasing I could not wait to dive in to Hot Shot’s Mistake the first book in her latest Tennessee Thunderbolts series.
This is Devon and Mila, the physiotherapist tasked with helping him recover from his recent shoulder injury. She should be off limits but there is isometrics about the sad woman that calls to him and even knowing it isn’t a good idea, Devon cannot help but be drawn to her.
Devon is arrogant and a bit of a jerk but there is so much more to him than he allows to shine through. However, despite herself Mila sees beneath the surface and feels a connection to Devon; she has been badly hurt in the past, can she put her heart on the line for a man who says he isn’t staying?
I loved the camaraderie among the players and that they forge a family, not of blood, but a family none the less. I am excited to see what Ms. Azzi has in store for these characters and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS /
GOOGLE PLAY

Mia had a relationship with a professional athlete, and it cured her of ever wanting one again. That's why it's really too bad her newest PT client is not only an athlete (hockey), but arrogant and broody af. She can't control that she's attracted to the guy, but she can definitely avoid anything that's not professional with him. Right? Or wrong...because when Devon seems to let go of the chip on his shoulder a bit, she sees through him and realizes he's a wonderful guy and soon they're falling, hard. But can the woman who will never leave her small town make a relationship work with the guy who's dead set on being traded up to a big city team as soon as possible?



Devon's plan when he got traded to the Thunderbolts was to heal up from the injury that got him traded to this small ass town, then get his agent on the ball to getting him traded back to a team in a big city. Bumping into a gorgeous woman who turns out to be his new PT puts all his plans in a tailspin, though, and now he's faced with choosing what's more important: his career or a future with the small town girl he's fallen for. Choosing shouldn't be so hard, after all, has had a plan since he got here. But maybe, just maybe plans can change...



I'm always excited when I hear of a new sports series, and my expectations were more than met with Gina's new hockey world. Mia is adorable - sweet with a loving but bruised heart, and Devon ended up being the perfect guy for her. I'll admit that he was a bit much in the beginning, before his arrogance and broody ways were shown to just be masking the great guy underneath his douchey hockey face. I ended up loving them together, and falling in love with the secondary cast just as much, like the friends Mia re-established ties with, Cohen, and her ex's team, and her bestie Maisy, whose story is next I believe. I can't wait to dive back into this excellent hockey series now that I've fallen in love with the first couple.



ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[D💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me smiling the entire time.
Hot Shot’s Mistake follows Devon Hardt our hockey player and Mila Lewis our physical therapist.
Devon has been traded down to the Tennesse Thunderbolts, and he hates it. He’s used to the New York lifestyle, where he had the fame, the money, and the girls. He never thought in a million years that an injury would have him being traded down to a team that’s currently being rebuilt, he’s Devon Hardt (in his opinion) he deserves better. With a chip on his soldier he bumps into Mila, and I mean literally… they bump into each other. This is when sparks fly (ish)

Mila has had her time with a professional athlete and she doesn‘t feel like going down that road again. She’s so sure of this that when Devon is the player she has to spend the most time with she “tries” to put up some professional boundaries, they both do, but the heart wants what it wants.

I adore Mila. She’s so energetic and enthusiastic, she just radiates good energy. She deserves the world.

Devon was so broody at first. I thought this was going to be a grumpy sunshine due to his personality but then he started being himself, and I realized that he isn’t close to a grumpy. He’s such an empathetic soul that deserves all the happiness.

I love how they both had well established personalities, but they still managed to grow together and as individuals.
I love the rest of the Thunderbolts, the team is such a good found family that they make the book even more enjoyable to read. I love Mila’s best friend, Maisy and I’m so excited for her book ( it’s the next book in the series)
I’m so excited for you guys to read this!

Thank you to Wildfire marketing and Gina Azzi for this ARC

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! We loved Devon and Mila's story they made such a cute couple, although they started out a bit rocky we loved how they started with friendship and how things progressed and grew into so much more.

Devon from the moment he stepped into Tennessee he was looking to be gone as he is already missing city life. I found him as a bit arrogant at first but, as the story progressed, he grew on me and wasn't a bad guy after all.

The story takes you on a bit of a journey of self discovery for both characters, in choosing what their lives would be going forward together or separately. We felt Devon grew through his new small town experiences, yet Mila kept herself stuck in the past and unfortunately her decisions were ruled from her past and not her head or heart.

Devon and Mila were good for one another and had really great chemistry. The story had really great characters that were engaging and fun. It is great when opposites attract. There was a lot more to Devon than you see on the surface, and we like getting to see the man beyond the arrogance.

A cute story that was quite enjoyable, and we have to say we are loving this series and all its characters.

[Lasairiona McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

New team, new town, same great romance!
Gina has a way of pulling you in from the first chapter and not letting you go until her characters get their HEA and it was this way for me for Mila and Devon. Grump and Sunshine, small town hockey romance - it was a light, fun read and a great introduction to the new team/town. I loved Grandad - I feel like he needs a shout out. And I can't WAIT to read the rest of the series. Another great hockey romance, for Azzi!

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for a good hockey romance, and this was a new to me author as well, so I'm just over the moon about it all!! Devon and Mia were perfect characters and I loved how they slowly began to fall for each other and just how protective he was of her. I really loved how the whole hockey team rallied behind Mia, especially with everything that happened with her ex. I loved how underneath his arrogant facade, Devon was a real softie, and he gave Mia her confidence back in being loved the right way. They were all just perfect together, and the conflict with him wanting to be traded to a bigger and better team before realizing there's more to life than just hockey was done so well! I can't wait for more books in this series!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **

[Marloes Nijland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loving, funny, sometimes frustrating. I loved being in the world of Devon, Mila and this hockey team but I missed more depth in characters and storyline.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Score one for the home team! Heartwarming and hard hitting, this book was so perfectly written that the characters could have walked off the pages. They felt so real that I wished I could have reached out and given them a hug when everything seemed insurmountable. I cheered them through their highs and shed tears at their lows. I definitely went through their emotions with them.

Devon Hardt thought his career was over when he got traded to the Tennessee Thunderbolts. The team was doing a total rebuild and he felt he deserved to be somewhere better. Devon's attitude is that he would play in Tennessee just long enough for his agent to get him a better position with a different team. When he gets to Knoxville, he steps out to grab some takeout and runs into a woman who is trying to rush out of the restaurant. He helps her up and forgets all about her. The next morning, Devon's first day with the new team doesn't start out so great. He has an appointment with the team's trainer straight away. He's grumpy about it because he doesn't think he needs more PT than he had with his old team. When he walks in the door, lo and behold, there is the woman who ran into him at the takeout. Mila Lewis is the team's physical therapist and she isn't too thrilled she has to work with Devon, especially after the way she met him. They get off on the wrong foot as he isn't open to her ideas and isn't very cooperative. Even though there are sparks between them, Mila has to ignore them. She's had a bad experience with a pro athlete before and it left a bad taste behind. She's been through the loss of her parents as well as her ex publicly cheating. As the two are forced together through the team owners having the players and staff do team building exercises, a relationship starts to form. It slowly builds until the inevitable happens.

Will Devon decide that Mila is worth staying in Knoxville for and that love scores higher in life than hockey? Pick up this enjoyable read and find out if Devon and Mila win at the game of love.

[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

Hot Shot’s Mistake is the first book in Azzi’s newest Tennessee Thunderbolts Series. This emotional small town sports romance is about second chances and new beginnings that will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end.

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Devon Hardt, a hockey player who had been in New York playing for the Sharks until an injury got him traded to Tennessee. The team is currently going through a massive rebuild and he will be the keystone player for the Tennessee Thunderbolts. But moving from a big city like New York to the small town of Knoxville will take some getting used to and Devon doesn’t know if he is going to stay there for that long. Devon wants to play for a team who is already established and not starting out. So it’s his goal to go back to New York and prove to them that he is still the best at what he does. Until he meets the team’s newest physical therapist that his whole life takes an unexpected turn. He can see that Mila has been hurt in the past and there is something about her that keeps Devon drawn to her from the minute they meet. The more time they spend together, the more Devon starts to understand her past and wants to protect her at all costs. She might just be the one to give him a reason to stay and start a future together.

For Mila Lewis living in a small town has its perks as everyone knows everyone and sometimes that’s it’s a downside as well. The whole town has seen her grown up and was rooting for her to end up with its golden football player. But Mila got hurt in the process and although that happened months ago, the town still hasn’t moved on. Making it difficult for Mila to be able to move on from her past, so when she got the job with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, she knew that it was time to start the next chapter in her life. As the team’s physical therapist, Mila knows that she is going to be working with the team’s newest team player, Devon Hardt. But it’s an unexpected encounter that she has with him that makes her see that Devon is a player with a messed up shoulder and a big ego. He also reminds her of her ex and that’s not something Mila is willing to repeat. Yet, Devon is making it difficult to not say no to a shot with him and she is afraid of getting hurt again.

I really enjoyed reading Hot Shot’s Mistake, the story was sweet and steamy. They are about to start new chapters in their lives, but fate had another plan and brought them together. It’s in the process that Mila is able to let go of her past and is able to fully trust again. On the other hand, Devon didn’t think that he would feel strongly for Mila right away. He wants to earn her trust and he gets to form friendships with his new teammates. The ending was a little bit unexpected, but it worked out for them really well. I would highly recommend checking it out and I cannot wait to read the next in the series! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love hockey romance the way I do, then look no further than Gina Azzi, who can write the hell out of a hockey series. Devon Hardt is traded to the Tennessee Thunderbolts, which is a pro team in a small town, and he's none too happy about that fact. He has some arrogance to him, so he thinks he's above this team since he's Devon Hardt LOL. Mila Lewis is a physical therapist for the team, and she's already gone down a road with a professional athlete so she's not about to do it again despite the fact that she feels an attraction to Devon. She does her best to keep him at arm's length but you already know the heart wants what the heart wants so feelings are getting caught. However, Devon has no desire to stick around so do they have an expiration date coming up?! Well, you know what to do to find out, as you don't want to pass on the beginning of this new series that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't you just love when you start a new series and you just know its going to become a favorite?

Devon and Mila have set a bar really high for this series. I absolutely loved these two. They seemed like oil and water at the beginning but the more time they spend together the more the chemistry can not be denied. I loved Devon for not wanting to keep her a secret from the world. She has a lot of baggage and a messed up past which is preventing her from being fully open. But Devon is determined to make her see that she's his IT.
With a little ups and downs they manage to both see that the only way they could be happy is in each other's arms.

With this being the start to a new series I'm really excited to see how each and everyone will find his/her's HEA.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Devon was first introduced to the story, I wasn’t sure I liked him. Devon had been a star player in New York until he hurt is shoulder. He had been a player, liked to party, and went out all the time. Now he is in Tennessee where a new team is starting up and he had an attitude. I thought the owners/coaches of the new team were wonderful and they did a fabulous job of creating a family atmosphere. Mila had a rough two or three years where her parents died, and her long time professional football player boyfriend cheated on her and they broke up. She was hired by the Thunderbolts to be the new PT trainer. It was funny that she was not crazy about Devon when she first met him. They start over when they are thrown together and start really talking. The rest of the team loved her and always wanted to protect her. Devon and Mila had to get through some challenges that broke my heart at times. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Nancy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon starts out as one conceited, high and mighty player. But then comes Mila. She changes EVERYTHING. I've got to say I didn't like him at first, but he grew on me in a big way. Devon gets traded to the Bolts and all he wants to do is leave. Mila has an extremely rough 2 years and she's starting her life over as the Physical Therapist for the Bolts. Enter Devon, the team's star player with a shoulder injury. Mila is working exclusively with him to conquer the injury. Friendship turns into something more. This couple has some bumps in the road, but the story is so satisfying. Great start to a new series! Don't miss Hot Shot's Mistake! 4 stars

[Giorgia · Rating 1 out of 5]

reading this book was a mistake

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited for this new hockey series and Devon and Mila's story is definitely a great intro to the series. I loved the storyline and how their story started, goes and ends. I especially loved how Devon falls first for Mila and it's Mila who has reservations about him especially because he said that he's not going to stay. I loved how much Devon's character developed and realised what's more to life. I think their story is so sweet and fun. Just like the rest of Gina's books, I loved the teammates and how they support each other. They always bring up the fun a level. I can't wait for more of the series!

[Cate at Fiction Beer & Cupcakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book reignited my love for hockey and second chances. Don’t take this the wrong way, but these two have never been together before. However, they have a second chance to have love and open themselves to things they had otherwise given up on or were fighting against.

Mila Lewis has been through a lot in two years. Having lost her parents and her long-term boyfriend, who just so happens to be a star quarterback. Life isn’t going the way she wanted, but after getting the job to be the new physical therapist for the Thunderbolts right in her hometown, why not. Most of her clients are very friendly. However, there is one in particular who she dreads dealing with until things change.

“You deserve better than what you got. Better than anything I can offer you. But I won’t stand around and let this team, this town, continue to hurt you. Not when you are meant to shine.”

Devon Hardt doesn’t want to be in Tennessee whatsoever. He wants to play for a big team in a big city and get out of this little town in the middle of nowhere. Having to rehab his shoulder was never part of the plan. Having Mila has his admin buddy to get to know wasn’t in the plans either. However, things have a way of working out in their own way. But what happens when a big team calls him for a trade? Will Devon be able to leave Mila and the team?

WOW…just wow. This book was so easy to read and suckered me in. Devon did not start out on the right foot. His foot was somewhere else….aka where the sun doesn’t shine. I haven’t read such an arrogant, entitled prick in a while, and it was refreshing. Especially since poor Devon redeemed himself. There was one scene in particular…the PT room scene….don’t read that part in public. Holy smokes, was that part HOTTTT. Mila, oh my Mila, you deserve to be happy and can finally be with the Hardt family. I could resonate with Mila about the breaking up with someone, and most of your friends ditch you. That was truly heartbreaking and brought up quite a few memories. Mila moved on, and some of those old friends realized what they were missing out on and came back.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



This was a fantastic kick-off to a promising series.

Devon Hardt wanted out of Knoxville after being traded there from New York City. He was not a big fan of boondocks and team re-building and wanted to get back to NYC or any big-market hockey team that would take him. In the meantime, he has to make nice with the Thunderbolts, including their new physical therapist Mila.

Mila has had her fair share of heartaches. Losing her amazing parents at a young age and still being judged unjustly for being cheated on by her ex was enough for her to build a fort around her heart. So she's not exactly thrilled when the hotshot newcomer from New York not only seems to grab her undivided attention but also manages to sneak through the fort she's built.

What I love about Gina Azzi's books is that they are sports romances with a lot of heart, and Hot Shot's Mistake is on par with that. I love the character development of Devon and Mila as they navigate together around their insecurities and trauma. And they are just so relatable. I adore Devon's transition from this hardcore city-boy playboy to someone who's more grounded, more family-oriented, and more in love. Mila's background broke my heart, but her resilience made me admire her even more.

Their connection was hot from the get-go, even if the meet-cute was adversarial. That tension just grows throughout the book, and the pay-off is absolutely worth the wait.

The inaugural book in a series always carries the additional burden of establishing the world and introducing us to characters, but Gina Azzi does a fantastic job of seamlessly integrating details into the story without taking away from the experience. I am already looking forward to Axle and Maisy's story, and July cannot come soon enough.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Gina Azzi and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **

[Jela Heneghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Shot’s Mistake is a remarkable start to the new Tennessee Thunderbolts series. This spinoff series from the Boston Hawks Hockey series already promises to be a great addition to Azzi’s larger hockey world, and I loved every bit of it.

This workplace romance focuses on Devon and Mila, both of whom are starting over professionally and personally with Mila’s hometown hockey team. He’s the rather disgruntled player that’s tasked with leading the team, but he’s come to the franchise with a chip on his shoulder and promising himself that he’ll get back on a big-city team’s roster after he rehabs his shoulder in Tennessee. What he doesn’t anticipate is a woman like Mila coming in and blowing all that away and making him want something more meaningful than the fast life he was used to in New York. She, on the other hand, is still reeling from the devastating loss of her parents just a couple years ago and then the scandal that her ex leaves her to deal with while he comes out looking just fine. Despite all their cumulative baggage, these two find an easy friendship and then much more with one another.

I absolutely love Devon and Mila! They’re both so realistically written with each of them having their own pasts and desires for the future coloring their presents and with how vulnerable those pasts and hopes make them. Something Azzi does with all her characters is make them as genuine and realistic as possible, and I love that about these characters especially. The way these two play off each other is fun and sweet but sometimes emotional, too, and it works for them. I adored the amount of growth both characters experienced, and I think that’s why I found this book to be so satisfying.

Another aspect to this book that I enjoyed was all the secondary characters. They added an additional level of depth to the storytelling and helped to propel the narrative forward when needed. My favorite of the secondary characters is probably Devon’s grandfather. He’s able to offer Devon the sage advice and guidance he so terribly needs in a completely adorable and grandfatherly way. Then there’s Mila’s best friend Maisy, and she’s about as cute and unwittingly funny as can be. Both them and the others complete the storyline and make it that much more entertaining.

This book has all the sweet, steamy, and perfectly placed dramatic moments you could want, and it’s definitely a must read. I’m so excited to read Axel and Maisy’s story now because of how much I loved Devon and Mila’s characters and can’t wait for their book to come out.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina is giving us a new hockey series about the Tennessee Thunderbolts and if Hot Shot's Mistake is any indication of how hot and addictive the series is going to be I cannot wait. Gina delivers an outstanding strangers to lovers, co-workers romance that has you swooning over Devon and loving Mia and her internal struggle to want to be with Devon.

The last thing that Devon wants is to play for a no-nothing team in Tennesse but due to his injury, he was traded and now has to help his new team rebuild. Hoping that this is a short-term solution to get back into shape, he puts up a fight with the team's PT, Mia. He is arrogant and mean to her but notices that she is stunning. After hearing the rest of the team say that she is sweet, smart and has been through hell, Devon changes his mind and decides to give her a chance. Well, the chance went a little further than just a player and PT relationship. Can Devon learn to like being a Thunderbolt? Will he stick around once his injury is healed? When there is a lack of communication, will that cause a wedge between them?

Mia is the Thunderbolt's new PT and has decided that she cannot get involved with a player after her last boyfriend, Avery, a professional football player in the same city, treated her like garbage. Determined to keep her head down and her heart caged, but in walks the arrogant and entitled Devon and her thinking goes out the door. The more time they spend together she notices that his demeanour is changing. Devon is now standing up and defending her with everyone and it makes Mia feel special. Will she let him in even though she knows his plan is to leave? Can she trust another player with her heart?

I loved Mia and Devon together. Their chemistry and banter were great and the way that Mia let him in and the change in Devon, for the better. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a new series. I absolutely loved the Boston Hawks series and this one is the next series, one connected by the management of the Tennessee Thunderbolts, who are some players from the Hawks. This book is a workplace romance, with a hint of enemies to lovers. Which was a brilliant combination.

I fell in love with Devon Hardt almost straight from the second we saw the moody man step onto the pages. He was injured and traded from his team and he really didn't want to be a Thunderbolt. But my god did I love Mila Lewis more, she stole the show for me. She was ballsy and stood with her head held high when her whole world fell apart. She was guarded but it was so warranted. From a tragic loss to her friends and love abandoning her.

I can't really speak on more of the story. I hate spoilers in reviews and I refuse to do it. Just know it's a fun, sexy but a heartbreaker of a book. I laughed and cried so much throughout, it held my attention and I'm totally looking forward to the series as it grows and develops.

This book is a total recommendation for me. Gina Azzi has written one of my favorite hockey series and this one is definitely going to be a huge contender for a top place too.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Shot’s Mistake is the first book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series by Gina Azzi. When Devon Hardt signed with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, he only had two goals: prove his injury hadn’t ended his career and get back to his team in New York. He didn’t count on his new physical therapist, Mila Lewis. With her girl-next-door look and professional attitude, she was not like any physical therapist he had ever known. Her sad eyes that hints at a tragic past. At first, he, the grumpy hockey player, wanted nothing to do with his sunshine physical therapist, but slowly he is drawn to her. Getting involved with Mila is a mistake, a mistake he can’t help but do. It is complicated. He wasn’t staying and Mila would never leave her small town. However, they are drawn together and he starts to think of a happily ever after with her. Will he change his goals for love and a future with Mila?
I enjoy a good hockey sports romance and a grumpy-sunshine couple. Devon is definitely the definition of grumpy. He arrives in town with a huge chip on his shoulder. Mila is sunshine while trying to hide her pain from her small town, a well meaning town that doesn’t seem to allow her to forget it. As Devon and Mila interact and spend time together, he finds Mila to be a soothing balm to his wounded body and soul. I loved how Devon softens toward Mila and finds himself open to a romantic relationship with Mila and even friendship with his new teammates. I enjoyed Devon and Mila as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed their friends and teammates. There were plenty of laughs, sweet moments, spicy scenes and plenty of drama. Overall, I enjoyed Devon and Mila’s story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy hockey sport romances, I recommend Hot Shot’s Mistake.

Hot Shot’s Mistake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Rachel (Rrbookreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 ARC REVIEW 🏒
Review: 4.75/5 ⭐️
Steam: 3/5 🔥

#hotshotsmistake is book one in the all new hockey series by @gina_azzi

Devon is mad because he’s been traded to a team during a rebuilding season. He’s had a nagging injury that’s been the reason behind his multiple trades. He is not wanting to let down his walls and is soon known as the broody teammate. Even so the team keeps including him and eventually slowly build a bond. Now he needs to face his physical therapist and give into her methods to rebuild his strength. Can he let his walls down enough to actually enjoy hockey, his teammates and a potential love interest or will his impulsiveness cause harder decisions than he ever thought he’d have to make?

Mila has been through hell for the last couple years. She had so many losses in her life, she needed a win. Getting a job with a professional hockey team is one thing that’s working out for her, until her new patient is more than a pain in her ass. When they are pushed together in buddy fun from the team they get to know each other more. Can she allow herself to open her heart up or is he just one more person to leave her?

I absolutely loved this book! It is exactly what I wanted it to be. The way that Mila and Devon started their relationship as two people who are broken in different ways, but broken none the less were brought to put their pieces back together. As annoyed as Devon was prior to really getting to like Mila, the way that he grew protective over her was so swoon worthy. Mila was perfect. After everything she’s been through, she was tough as nails, sassy and strong. I also loved how all the other guys were so great with her. It was a great group and I can’t wait for more! Plus- seeing some of the old crew from the Boston Hawks is a great bonus!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew that this author would start her new series with a bang, and boy did she deliver! Devon is a tad…shall we say arrogant? He doesn’t want to be on a team that’s rebuilding itself, he doesn’t want to leave NYC, and he definitely doesn’t want any connections or lasting ties to Tennessee. It’s too bad life and fate both have other ideas on what he should want or what he truly needs. Because while Devon’s not looking for ties, he also can’t avoid the attraction and protectiveness he feels with Mila. But are they meant to be, or is this just a fling?

As for Mila, she definitely doesn’t want another player. Been there, done that, can’t wash the stench of pity away when she faces it every which way she turns. She just wants to rebuild her reputation that was ruined by cowards and maybe rediscover some confidence. But maybe she and Devon are meant to be more than antagonistic toward each other. Maybe this is the love and loyalty she’s been waiting for and deserves more than anything?

This book gives us an excellent start to a series and a glimpse of the family by choice being built by this team. These men are loyal, and honorable, and honest, and they have no time for nonsense. They’re here to work and make a great team, and finding good friends who’ll become closer than family along the way is a must. So when they all prove that they’re so much better than Mila’s last group of friends and when they all band together to help Devon make the right moves, I couldn’t help but sort of love them all. I see many good stories ahead and can’t wait for the next couple to take us along on their ride to happy!

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sporty Opposites Attract of Sorts

In the first book of the Tennessee Thunderbolts series, we meet Devon and Mila. He's the hockey player with a chip on his shoulder and she's the girl from the small town where everybody knows your business.

As a fan of small town and sports romances, this book was right up my alley. Devon is traded down in a way after his injury. He was a hot shot of his team in New York and now after the injury, finds himself starting over. Mila is from the small town Devon ends up in and while she loves it, she really wishes people would mind thier own business once in a while.

I wasn't too sure about either of these characters at first. Devon was almost too arrogant and closed off, while Mila was a bit of a woe is me sad sack. Sure she's had some major trauma in her past and wants to move on, however is constantly bringing it up. I don't know what it was about her, but unlike Devon, she never grew on me. Devon on the other hand was better at working through his issues, so he pretty much made up for the both of them.

We follow along as these two navigate getting to know one another and maybe try and be more. She is his physical therapist, not to mention she doesn't date professional athletes anymore, so there are a few small hurdles to get over for this couple.

The book is well written and predictable, however I still enjoyed the small town, sports aspect of it. Along with our main characters, there are friends and teammates to help the story along and set up the next book in the series.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Tennessee Thunderbolts #1

Mila Lewis is the new physical therapist for the
Tennessee Thunderbolts hockey team. Living in a small town where everyone knows your business she has been the talk of the town the last nine months after breaking up with long time boyfriend Avery Callaway who is the star QB for the Knoxville Coyotes after he publicly cheated on her. And with that she also lost the friendship, her support system and was betrayed by his teammates so she has to prove herself again with a new team.
Devon Hardt played for the NY Sharks pro hockey team for 10 years but after getting injured he was traded twice and ended up as the keystone player for the Tennessee Thunderbolts. The team is going through a huge rebuild and was bought by three former NHL players and hopefully will grow into a powerhouse team in the future. He's not happy to be there and is counting down when he can get traded out. Devon and Mila's first meeting didn't go so well, he thought she was a fan. She goes to work and finds out she will be working most of the summer with Devon and he can't quite believe who she is and just can't keep sarcasm out of his tone. But then they are forced to work together during team building exercises and grow closer together.
He's not sticking around and she never plans on leaving. He should walk away and let her find her happily ever after but will he?

[Alis Renzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon e Mila🏒💘🔥

Lui è un giocatore che arriva nel tennessee è la sua sola voglia è potere a ripartire come giocatore in una grande squadra di hockey peccato che il suo infortunio o lo blocchi in una cittadina dove non pensa a trovare nulla.

Mila è una giovane ragazza che ha perso i genitori il fidanzato è un traditore e il suo nuovo lavoro ehm fare da fisioterapista al nuovo giocatore.

Devon è il nuovo giocatore! E mamma mia che giocatore!!
Burbero, sexy, serio, Hot. Le ha tutte lui... ma non vuole impegnarsi. E Mila cerca solo stabilità.

Una serie di eventi rimescolano le carte per entrambi, che si ritrovano a dover fare attività extra-curriculari insieme. E la relazione lavorativa diventa relazione intima, che si trasforma in qualcosa che non si aspettano.

Adoro questa lettura perché è stata dolce ma non fin da subito, visto che c'è attrito tra i due personaggi fin dal primo incontro - scontro. Tutta la storia d'amore nasce con i tempi soliti. Non è insta-love ma insta-attraction.
Lui deve superare la sua testardaggine verso l'amore e lei deve darsi modo di andare avanti con la sua vita nonostante i lutti e i tradimenti.

I personaggi secondari spero di rivederli nei prossimi libri perché hanno molte cose da dire credo!!

La sola pecca è il finale. Bello ma sbrigativo... mi aspettavo di più ... e invece bocca asciutta!
Vabbe resta una bellissima lettura con punti di Angst! Me piaseeee