Glitz & Goals

by Colleen Charles

Step back into the shimmering Vegas lights where the stakes are higher and the hearts beat faster!

Vivian Abbott, once the whimsical six-year-old sage of the Venom world, now captures hearts with her quirky charm and her unexpected wisdom. But when Grady Metcalfe, the dashing young coach with a haunting past and dreams of lifting the Cup, skates into her life, their world tilts on its axis.

As Grady pushes the Venom to their limits on the ice, he and Vivian find themselves drawn into a game neither planned to play. Together, they navigate the slippery ice of love and ambition, where falling is part of the game and winning means risking it all.

For Venom fans old and new, this tale of love and hockey is as enchanting and exhilarating as a game-winning goal in overtime!

COVER & BLURB COMING SOON!

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitz and Goals

What a wild ride for Grady and Vivian. Grady has taken on a new position as a head coach, only to find he knows or knows of a lot of the other coaches, some of the players on this team. Now he has a chance encounter with a mermaid, yep well in a mermaid costume! This story is not without its humorous moments, working with sons of previous generations players, and getting them to become team players. Their team spirit is amazing, and full on fun and exciting. Then with Vivian and Grady their attraction is fun, flirty, exciting full of adventure and secrets. Enjoy their journey together and seeing their adventures together is solid or even a possibility for Forever. Loved their story.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady and Vivian’s Story . . .

Vivian Abbott is Viktor’s sister and the daughter of goalie Noah Abbott who had played for Vegas Venom. Noah Abbott has now become the goalie coach as a new Vegas Venom team is being rebuilt. Grady Metcalf is the new head coach with a history with Noah who was responsible for his forced early retirement from an injury to his knee. Hopefully the two can work together well handling the new team. But complications often arise at the best of times and Grady falls for Vivian, not knowing she was Noah’s daughter! Vivian is younger, but Grady is not as old as Noah so the age gap is not really an obstacle. But both of them may be a bit nervous about the whole situation and Noah’s possible reaction. Will they get their chance for a HEA? Or will the emotions be too complicated in their situation and cause them to walk away?

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving this Next Gen Venom series with the mix of OG characters and their adult offspring.

Reading Grady’s backstory as the prologue was heartbreaking and immediately made him completely sympathetic. This storyline grabbed my attention and kept me glued to my kindle until the last page. I loved Vivian’s bold and sassy personality and found her mermaid meet cute with Grady sexy and hilarious.

I was surprised the relationship between Vivian and Grady was kept unofficial and a secret for the entire hockey season. I understood Grady’s work ties with both her dad and brother was part of the reason, along with Vivian’s resistance to being in a relationship, but an entire hockey season is a long time!

Blade was a sweet nod to Vivian’s beloved Biscuit in the OG series, and his immediate love for Vivian was perfect. Grady was a fun mix of a sexy alpha male and a sweet golden retriever.

Excited for the next books in this Next Gen series!

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

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I didn’t see this book coming! From the beginning I was totally enthralled to the point I couldn’t put it down! Viv Abbott is the daughter of retired goalie of the Vegas Venom, Noah Abbott. Noah has just taken in the job of goalie coach for the rebuilding Vegas Venom. The new head coach is Grady Metcalf a former NHL player who was forced to retire young when Noah Abbott accidentally destroyed his knee during a game. Now a decade later they are coaching the same team. Talk about awkward. At least for Grady who is appalled that Noah doesn’t remember who he is or what happened!
But when Grady cones across a mermaid in distress in the hallway of the arena, all bets are off! All he cares about is finding her again!
This book may be my absolute favorite in the Vegas Venom series, or I guess this is actually a new series!
If you like hot alpha men, beautiful, adventurous women, lots of hockey, and some hot, hot, hot steam, YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, Funny & Sweet

This book is so engaging that once I started it, I had trouble putting it down to go to bed.
Vivian is a tough character, strong, independent, takes no prisoners. She doesn't do relationships. One-night stands are her thing. She also has a pretty cool job.
Grady lost his career and wife after an injury and is now taking on a coaching position. I liked Grady instantly. His dog is something else. Their meeting is...interesting and Grandy needs to find out who the mystery woman in the mermaid outfit is.
There is a lot of spice and some kink but I didn't find it overwhelming or boring. Each scene is different. They are a fun couple and that plays thru in their "activities".
I loved that there wasn't the usual big breakup. What happens brings them closer and makes their love stronger.
I really enjoyed this book and the author's writing style. Bravo!

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Venom Next Generation series featuring the captivating fast-paced sweet and steamy, age-gap, hockey romance between Grady and Vivian. Grady has just taken on the job as head coach and he realizes that he already knows several of the coaches as well as some of the players on the team. When Grady meets a mermaid the sparks really fly especially when the mermaid turns out to be his goalie coach's daughter Vivian. The attraction between the two is flirty and full of secrets as Grady really falls fast for his little mermaid. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this captivating fast-paced sweet and steamy, age-gap, hockey romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even tell you how much I'm loving this next gen series and this one is fantastic! It's head coach and his goalie coach's daughter, the whole crew is here, and it's funny, it's sweet, it hurts your heart a few times, and then it slays the happy ending. Both Viv and Grady have pasts that have definitely left their mark and you can't help but love that Grady works hard to show Viv he's not going anywhere and he is completely head over heels while Viv shows Grady that even though he isn't where he though he'd be in life he's still a man worth loving and new dreams reached in different ways are still within his grasp. Just super cute, plenty steamy, and all kinds of exactly what you want and need from a Vegas Venom romance!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an injury ended his professional hockey career Grady transitioned into coaching and he has now been hired as the head coach of the Vegas Venom. One encounter is all that it will take for him to develop feelings for Vivian and even finding out that she is the daughter of one of his coaches that he shares a past with isn’t enough to deter him.

Vivian has deep feelings for Grady as well however she is concerned about how it will affect her family and the team, so she convinces him to keep their relationship secret which creates its own set of complication.

This story finds the perfect balance between humor, romance and family and the closeness of the team is one of my favorite parts of this series.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by the talented Colleen Charles that I could not put down. I enjoyed the first Vegas Venom series and this is just as good. Grady has taken on a new position as a head coach and Vivian is the daughter of the goalie coach whom he has a past with. The mermaid meet-cute, the tension between Grady and Vivian, the humorous moments, fun secondary characters, sizzling steam, hockey and so much more had me cheering for their HEA. And if you are familiar with the previous series-the Gnome Glome makes a reappearance! I am so looking forward to the next in the series!.

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

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitz and Goals was a delightful and captivating story. Fast paced with exciting hockey and a beautiful love journey. As always, Colleen Charles is masterful. Her characters are explosive and full of life. I immediately fell in love with Grady. His heart, his soul, his everything! Vivian is a wild one, and together, they were fun and made my heart melt. Her storytelling is brilliant. Super passionate, super steamy, and a fabulous romance. The age gape worked and didn’t feel weird. Loved the ending. A must read!.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Charles' Venom Next Gen series. A wonderful addition to the series with our main character being Grady and Vivian. A captivating and fast paced story that is sure to please with the dynamic between these two and the balance of sweet and steam as well as some humor. This book just had everything I could want in a sports themed romance read and so much more! I loved it and can't wait for more!

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is in the next generation of the Vegas Venom. This story is about Grady and Vivian. Grady was a hockey player in his prime, when in the blink of an eye his whole world collapsed; his career, his marriage and his future. Now years later he is called into the Venom as the new coach. He and Vivian's first meeting is so cute and funny. This is such a heartwarming and entertaining hockey romance that is sweet, touching and endearing. I so loved the characters and enjoyed the plot tremendously. I especially love the gift and surprise on their wedding day.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to start these books because I can't put them down once I start and they aren't short books. I love Vivian. She is a self reliant, smart, strong character. I want her to be a little less abrasive with Grady, but then she wouldn't be herself. I love that Grady is all in. He got a eaw deal in his marriage and in his professional playing days. I love that they connect quickly but let their relationship build. The writing is fun, flirty, emotional and logical.

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

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I loved this book! Grady and Vivian’s story was fantastic! Grady is the new coach of the Vegas Venom. Vivian is the daughter of the goalie coach. There is an age difference between them, but They are not going to let it stop them. There is a past between Grady and Vivian’s dad from their playing days, but it’s not going to interfere in their relationship. I loved the Venom Next Gen series! Glitz and Goals is my favorite so far! I can’t wait for Dice and Dekes! The next book in the series!

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just big time WOW!!!!
This story is sooooo fabulous and smashing and fun to read.
The Vegas Venom is so back.
How delightful to start a new comeback series with the kids of the Vegas Venom fabulous hockey players? It is just a fabulously great idea.
This fabulous story gets fantastic five stars from me and actually I'm wishing there were more available stars to give out...

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

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Grady’s and Vivian’s storyline. Poor Grady has really been through the mill and when he is employed as head coach and meets the daughter of one of his coaches, he knows instantly that she’s the one for him. She is younger than him and that concerns him, but he knows things feel right. A lovely story with the ending they both deserve.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An odd full circle…

Colleen Charles writes interesting characters. Interesting hockey characters, and Grady Metcalfe is no different. His career ended and his wife immediately divorced him.

Fast forward 18 years and he’s now a coach helping a hit mermaid out of her tail. Vivian happens to be the daughter of the guy who ended his career. A pretty big age gap, Grady is 45.
I liked both Grady and Viv, who’s quirky and brash.
Recommend.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in theVenom Next Generation Series by this author. It is an age gap, hockey romance between Vivian and Grady. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is an emotional journey with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. Entertaining page turner.

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

[SassyCM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glitz & Goals is the first Colleen Charles book I've read so far and I can already say that I am very much tempted to stick with this series to see where it will take me.
If Vivian and Grady's story is a good indicator for the great combination of wit, feelings and spice we can expect in the following books, it's going to be a fun and thrilling ride.

Even if in some moments I felt a bit confused by the amount of side characters which were clearly part of different series, I still enjoyed the banter and quirkiness in G&G. Viv and Grady are so fun together I was not ready to say goodbye in the end.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so awesome, and I simply adored Grady and Vivian. Funny, flirty, fiery and fabulous, these two take you on a romp that offers up an irresistible combination of emotion, drama, humor, heart, steam, sweetness and feels that puts a huge smile on your face as it melts your heart to mush. I need the couple's story ASAP!

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitz & Goals: an age gap, hockey romance story of Grady and Vivian..He is a former pro-hockey player and the new coach of the new coach of the Vegas Venom and met a sassy,gorgeous woman in a mermaid costume..A captivating,entertaining,steamy,heartwarming and lovely read..Book 2 of Venom Next Gen.

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

[Aksita Sarangi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of love . A well written romance and the characters were intresting to read. The drama the steam and chemistry between the leads was off the charts.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one I absolutely adored! Grady and Vivian are a great couple. Grady is now head coach on the team and meets a mermaid. Well a woman in a costume of course but still. The story is a really nice one and the age gap even works and I loved it. Also loved the fact that it really is a great follow up on Neon and Nets. Looking forward to the next.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, emotional, sweet and steamy story. I loved Grady and Vivian’s meet/cute and the humour throughout is wonderful.
With drama, romance, banter, secrets, twists and brilliant characters, this second generation Vegas Venom series is definitely one to watch.

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

[Jemt0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Glitz & Goals!!
I do feel like a “family tree” of sorts is needed or even a vague summary of characters when they’re reintroduced into these next gen books since it’s been awhile since I read the OG Vegas Venom series, I found myself struggling trying to remember who was who etc.
I truly did enjoy Glitz & Goals though, I loved that it didnt feel like too much of a “young romance” the way Neon & Nets did. The characters here were alot older and more mature and it showed. The tension between them and just Grady’s feelings for her from the start made it so swoon-worthy. I absolutely LOVED that the Gnome Glome from the OG Vegas Venom series made a reappearance and that Grady fully embraced it, as he fully embraced Viv despite the past that Grady had with Viv’s dad.
I did have a hard time getting into it in the beginning but it all picked up so quickly & I was able to dive deep with the two main characters along with all the other characters from the OG group to the new generation. Also, the spice was spicing so that always takes the story to the next level 😅🤪

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

brilliant story

Oh my goodness.
Another brilliant story from Colleen Charles.
This has all the emotions, all the feels.
Right amount of feeling and spiciness.
So many funny lines. My favourite is
“Oh, my God! My brain is going to explode.”
Recommend to all

[Rach H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady and Vivian's story had me gripped from the start.
They had an instant attraction that was sizzling and only grew throughout their storyline.
I loved the characters, drama and twists and turns and of course the sweetie blade.
I can't wait for more.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A enjoyable story. The second in the series, Grady and Vivian are wonderful characters, I was hooked from the beginning, A page turner,.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Colleen Charles; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Venom Next Gen Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Vivian & Grady.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady and Vivian shouldn't work but they do. With an OMYW dynamic, he's the new hockey team head coach, she's his friends daughter. A romcom with spice and love. A fab read.

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