Stay away from puck bunnies – easy. When it comes to my best friend’s little sister… That’s far more complicated. I’ve spent my entire career focused on what happens on the ice. Yet now that I’m nearing retirement, the beautiful Savannah Rhodes offers me something I never realized I wanted. A future. Our ten-year age difference doesn’t matter. Even the risk to my friendship with her brother can’t extinguish the inferno of need that ignites with every touch. There isn’t anything I crave more than her. But when our secret is revealed and life takes a painful turn… It threatens to change everything. She’s all I want. I just need to convince her that I’m worth the risk.
One-click this spicy, angsty, and emotional age gap forbidden best friend’s little sister romance between a veteran hockey star who melts the ice around the heart of the younger teacher to prove to her that love will always win.
Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls the mid-West home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.
This is perfect in all the right places, and then some! The older hockey player, his BFF’s younger sister who is the sweetest teacher (and who has a hairless cat!), the meddling bestie, the one night stand…the not-one night stand. And then Savannah is there to help Graham back to perfect health. They have such an easy friendship, that alone was enjoyable! Everything fell into place so naturally. And I loved every single second of it! Graham Webber is the everything boyfriend, including being the strongest support system…with a dirty mouth. Plus, I got to enjoy some Shockwaves familiar faces, and that’s always a bonus!
My Favorite Quotes: • “I can’t get the thought of kissing you out of my mind, so tell me now if you want me to stop.” • “You are gorgeous just the way you are.” • “Let me have it.” “F!cking come. You can do it. Just let go, sweetheart. I’ve got you.” • “You’re f!cking sexy as sin, all flushed like this. F!ck my fingers. Take what you need, pretty girl.” • “Such a good girl, taking my c!ck like it was made for you.” • “What’s best for me is for you to get your sexy !ss inside my house and naked in my bed.” • “That dress was made for you, and it will look even better on my floor.” • “I need you naked and underneath me now.” “How about me naked and on my knees first?”
8/10 Dirty Birdy 5/10 Age Gap 6/10 Brother’s BFF 8/10 Sports Romance 6/10 Series
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Graham and Savannah’s story. Graham is a veteran hockey star, who is at a crossroads in his life with injuries and age taking a toll on his body, and when he is attending a fund raising event for deaf children, he crosses paths with Savannah, a teacher, and his best friend’s younger sister, and the sparks fly. This is an easy to read, fast paced, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, an age gap, opposites attract, secrets, humor, witty banter, palpable chemistry, engaging and realistic characters, challenges, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and heartwarming, addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
GRAHAM is the second instalment in Samantha Lind’s contemporary, adult AUSTIN FUSION erotic,hockey romance series. This is thirty-six year old, Austin Fusion player Graham, Webber and twenty-six year old, teacher for the deaf Savannah Rhodes’ story line. GRAHAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the author’s San Francisco Shockwaves, and Indianapolis Eagles Hockey series.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Savannah and Graham) GRAHAM focuses on the building romance and relationship between Graham Webber and Savannah Rhodes. Graham Webber is best friends with Savannah’s brother Lucas Rhodes but Graham hasn’t seen Savannah in several years. Discovering Savannah now lives in the same city where Graham’s hockey team is based, Graham goes in search of our heroine at a local fund-raiser at the school for the deaf. Reconnecting brings with it memories from the past, and the added attraction of unrequited lust and hope for the future. As their relationship builds, Savannah finds herself reconsidering her future, a future that involves our story line hero.
The world building focuses on the issues of injuries and aging in the game of professional sport. Savannah has found someone to love, a man whose own career is nearing the end of its’ cycle.
The relationship between Savannah and Graham is a best friend’s younger sister, friends to lovers relationship in which there is little to no conflict except the potential for Lucas Rhodes to not accept his best friend’s choice. As Savannah and Graham quickly find themselves falling in love, Graham believes it is time to claim our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are provocative and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are familiar and dynamic including the return of teammate Zack Blackburn; Ryker and Tori Fox (San Francisco Shockwaves), Austin and Reece (Indianapolis Eagles). We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Lucas and his wife Carly, as well as the return of some of the players on the Austin Fusion.
GRAHAM is a story of family and friendships, professional sports and injury, romance and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.
Graham by Samantha Lind is a captivating addition to the Austin Fusion series that expertly blends romance, sports, and the complexities of relationships. This second installment follows Graham Webber, a seasoned NHL player nearing retirement, and Savannah Rhodes, the younger sister of his best friend. Their relationship evolves from a long-standing friendship into a passionate romance, filled with both excitement and tension.
From the outset, I was drawn into the dynamic between Graham and Savannah. Lind does a fantastic job of portraying their chemistry, which is both electric and tender. The age-gap aspect adds an interesting layer to their relationship, as Graham grapples with the implications of dating his best friend's sister while Savannah navigates her own feelings of desire and independence. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments that make their connection feel genuine.
The writing is engaging and fast-paced, with enough twists to keep readers invested in their story. Lind effectively explores themes of family loyalty and personal growth, particularly as Savannah reassesses her future in light of her feelings for Graham. The supporting characters, including Savannah's brother Lucas and other players from the Austin Fusion team, add depth to the narrative, enhancing the sense of community that surrounds the main couple.
One of the strengths of Graham is its focus on the challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly regarding injuries and the impending end of a career. This adds a layer of realism to Graham's character and his struggles as he contemplates life after hockey. The emotional stakes are high as both characters confront their fears about commitment and vulnerability.
However, while I enjoyed much of the story, there were moments where certain plot points felt predictable or formulaic. Additionally, some scenes could have benefited from deeper exploration to enhance character development further.
Overall, Graham is an enjoyable read that combines steamy romance with engaging character dynamics. With its well-drawn characters and captivating storyline, I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate stories about love that defies boundaries and the challenges that come with it. Samantha Lind has crafted another compelling tale that leaves readers eager for more!
The Austin Fusion hockey series by Samantha Lind has completely stolen my heart, and Graham (Book 2) is an absolute standout! This age-gap, brother’s-best-friend romance ticked all my boxes. Graham and Savannah light up the pages from the very first chapter with their undeniable chemistry and heartfelt connection.
The story beautifully captures Graham’s emotional journey as he faces the reality of nearing the end of his hockey career at 36. While his mind is still in the game, the physical toll of injuries and age is hard to ignore. At this crossroads, Graham never expected his best friend's younger sister, Savannah, to reappear in his life, all grown up and making his heart race like he’s a rookie again.
Savannah is a confident, vibrant heroine who’s stunned that Graham even notices her. The age gap doesn’t faze her—or Graham—and their relationship grows naturally, despite the secrecy they must maintain to avoid her brother's reaction. The emotional depth of their love story, combined with the sizzling chemistry, kept me hooked.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and one thing is for sure: Graham and Savannah’s connection is off the charts. A must-read for fans of heartfelt, steamy sports romances!
*4 stars* This was my first read by the author but definitely won't be my last one. I truly enjoy reading sports books and this was also an age gap romance story; which was a great combination. Loved the chemistry and relationship between Graham & Savannah which evolved from beginning until end but there was also a subject that's involved in Savannah's job that I truly love as it's very relatable to me. Can't wait to see what's next in store.
Savannah loves her life and what she does for a living is very fulfilling. When they are doing a charity for work, there's an invitation to someone she hasn't seen in a long time and when they are face to face again, so many memories come back. Graham sees Savannah again after a long time and sees how she's all grown up now, there's a spark between them that ignites a fire but there's not only an age difference between them, but Savannah's also the little sister of Graham's best friend. There seems to be a fine line they don't want to cross but the chemistry between them makes it harder for them to stay away. As their relationship continues to grow, life slowly changes for both of them and Savannah receives an opportunity of a lifetime. Will it all work out in the end?...
Samantha Lind combined some of my very favorite things in this book, and I was one happy reader! From reading her Shockwaves hockey series, I knew I'd love the storyline, because hockey...right?! But then she had to go and add best friend's little sister and an age gap, and I was done for. Graham is super sweet, while his words are quite dirty! He's done staying away from Savannah, who he's had feelings for since she became less the little sis of his best friend and more just a beautiful, sexy woman. He treats her with respect and supports her decisions, just the kind of hero every woman wants. Savannah has definitely noticed Graham over the years; she tagged along after him and her brother, after all. But when she catches his eye, she's giddy and shocked. Their connection is solid from the start, and only her wish to keep it from big brother, for now, is something they don't agree on. Even as she gets an opportunity that would separate them for a while, Savannah realizes just how much Graham supports her dreams, too. While not the longest book I've read recently, Graham was filled with romance, heat, great characters and an emotional storyline. I cannot ask for more!
Graham may be a hockey romance, but it's also a beautiful (and spicy) love story between two people that have known each other most of their lives, as Savannah's older brother is Graham's best friend.
Graham is nearing the end of his hockey career and is in a state of limbo as he doesn't quite know what comes next when he and Savannah cross paths again. She's the younger, full of life sister of his best friend, who should be off limits. Her surprise at his interest in her was so endearing considering the connection and chemistry they shared from their first (re)encounter.
Graham and Savannah's story contained all of my favorite tropes so I knew I was going to love every word written, and let's just say I was not disappointed in the least. I don't usually pick favorites, but Graham is a pretty darn lovable man, and seeing as this is only book 2 in the series, I'm thinking we're going to keep falling in love with this hockey heartthrobs and the woman that capture their hearts over and over.
We love a good romance where you fall in love with your brother's best friend this one turned out to be one of our favorites. The chemistry between Graham and Samantha was off the chart seriously off the charts. There were a ton of hot and sexy scenes super hot in fact and a ton of dirty talk coming from one hot alpha.
We loved the characters in this one they were all great got to admit by the end of the story we were halfway in love with Graham ourselves. Talk about sex on a stick. This is definitely a fan-worthy romance.
From the moment this couple met it was like a moth to a flame. Graham is going through a time in his life where he needs to make big decisions and he is questioning everything he may be floundering a bit in his personal life but, he would be a fool to pass up what is right in front of his face.
Samantha is a character that is smart, sexy, caring, and looking for opportunities to advance her career. We loved how supportive Graham was when it came to her hopes and dreams. We loved the vibe we got from Samantha she was bold beautiful and seemed to be the kind not to take sh-- from anyone.
We loved being on this whirlwind romance ride it was fun flirty and made you laugh and the witty banter was priceless.
The second book in this series. I love a good best friend's little sister romance. This had me from page one. I love that Savannah works as a teacher at a deaf school. You can easily the passion she has for the job, but I must say the job opportunity she receives is so freaking cool! Savannah and Graham reconnect after many years not knowing their were in the same city. Graham had me won over when he told Savannah buy all the kitty supplies to keep at his house she could bring her kitty Simon with her for overnight visit. That right there for this cat lover is so swoon worthy. He sealed his fate of top book boyfriend material for life. One of Graham's other best qualities is his support of Savannah's dreams. Things get quite steamy between these two and Graham makes dirty talking into an art form. His dirty talk game is on point. This book has the perfect combo of heat and heart. A great read!
I love a Samantha Lind book and Graham did not disappoint! Graham is on the older side of the NHL and plays for the Fusion. When the event planner for an upcoming fundraiser reaches out to him to thank him for the donated items and invite him to the event, she also share that her coworker knows him from years ago. Turns out the coworker is Savannah, the younger sister of his best friend and when they meet at the event, it’s clear Savannah has grown up. These two hit it off instantly and after sharing time at the event, they find themselves sharing a drink at Savannah’s apartment. This is just then beginning as soon they are inseparable and planning the next step in their relationship. Not even a surprise visit from Savannah’s brother can tear these two apart since it’s evident that they were meant to be. When Savannah gets once in the life time job opportunity, these two roll with it and make it work. Love, love, love the easy relationship and love with these two!!
I’m loving everything about the Austin Fusion Series and this is professional hockey player Graham Webber and his best friend’s younger sister Savannah Rhodes story. Graham is at a fund raiser for a local school for deaf children when he runs into his best friend’s sister and she is all grown up ……. From the moment they meet sparks fly but are things moving to fast and what happens when her brother finds out. One click this face paced, captivating read to find out. Graham ticked all my boxes, I fell hard and fast for Graham and I want Savannah as my new best friend. This is a heartwarming, entertaining read with wonderful characters but it was the love that Graham has for Savannah that took this book to the next level. Looking forward to what’s to come from the Austin Fusion Hockey Team.
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brother's best friend, forbidden romance. It stars Graham who is a 36-year-old hockey player. He also grew up with Savannahs brother but hasn't seen her in years. They end up meeting when he helps out at her job.
She is 10 years younger and is a school teacher. Her brother is very anti them getting together. But it's not a central point in this story. Its more about opposites finding each other with lots of hot and sexy time.
It was a good story but there is not much drama. Its more about two people discovering each other. There are a lot of sex scenes. I love sex scenes in books but I thought there was bit too many. I wish they'd had more dates like a normal couple. But aside from that I loved seeing this couple find love with each other.
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Graham Webber is a professional hockey player. He spent his career focused on the ice, and never was a player off the ice. Until he runs into his best friend’s little sister.
Savannah Rhodes is everything he could ever want in a woman. Graham will soon retire and he can dedicate all his time to her. They have instant chemistry and everything is going great, until her brother finds out.
But Graham is determined to prove to everyone, that they belong together. I loved everything about this book, but more so the camaraderie between players.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a best friend’s sister, hockey, age gap, opposites attract romance then you’re going to love it.
Samantha Lind lights the lamp with GRAHAM (Austin Fusion #2). Professional Hockey player Graham Webber runs into his best friend’s little sister Savannah Rhodes at a charity event where she works at the Austin School for the Deaf. He is intrigued by her now that she is grown up and asks her out.
Graham and Savannah have nice chemistry. They have a ten-year age gap. Graham is approaching the end of his career and Savannah is exploring possible new careers. They are a cute couple that work well together.
I like that Samantha Lind weaved in characters from her other series into this story. (The San Francisco Shockwaves and Indianapolis Eagles)
GRAHAM is an excellent addition to the Austin Fusion series. It is a heartfelt and entertaining read. I am looking forward to book three. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
“I can’t see the future, but I felt something between us last night, Savannah. Something“
Graham the tall, tough and rugged hockey player knew what he wanted from the beginning. As soon as he laid eyes on his best friend’s little sister, it was game over.
Savannah wasn’t just a pretty face. She was an ASL teacher, smart and sassy. She was alway herself around Graham and didn’t try to impress him.
I liked their relationship, it moved quick but not in a bad way. It didn’t feel rushed. I enjoyed the age gap, aside from knowing the actual difference between them I’m not sure I would have noticed. Savannah was mature and Graham wasn’t overly immature, other than the little things with his friends. I’m enjoying this series and would recommend it if you’re looking for a quick hockey read.
Graham is the second installment in author Samantha Lind's Austin Fusion series. So far, all stories are packed full of heart and heat and can be read as standalones.
Graham is an athlete at the top of his game and at the top of the sport's age bracket. Dealing with injuries and a calendar that keeps turning the page, he's at a crossroads in his career.
Savanah is a good-hearted teacher for the deaf and Graham's best friend's little sister. Their careers have taken them on different paths, but now, they're in the same city, and the attraction they've always hid is waving its hand like it just don't care.
This is a great story. It's got loads of heart, the teeniest bit of agnst and the kind of chemistry we all crave. Slight crossover with author's other sport's series, which I loved. Great read, enjoyed every minute!
Graham is the second installment in author Samantha Lind's Austin Fusion series. So far, all stories are packed full of heart and heat and can be read as standalones.
Graham is an athlete at the top of his game and at the top of the sport's age bracket. Dealing with injuries and a calendar that keeps turning the page, he's at a crossroads in his career.
Savanah is a good-hearted teacher for the deaf and Graham's best friend's little sister. Their careers have taken them on different paths, but now, they're in the same city, and the attraction they've always hid is waving its hand like it just don't care.
This is a great story. It's got loads of heart, the teeniest bit of angst and the kind of chemistry we all crave. Slight crossover with author's other sport's series, which I loved. Great read, enjoyed every minute!
"I find it very rare when book 2 in a series is better than the first. But to me, this is definitely the case. Right from the beginning, I was truly invested in Graham and Savannah’s story. It might appear that once they come back into each other’s lives their relationship progresses rather quickly. But I honestly didn’t think so. They have known each other most of their lives and they just clicked right away. I don’t mind age gap romances, and even with the ten years difference it never came up as a problem for either of them, in fact, I thought it was to their benefit because of where they’re at with their careers. This is one of Samantha’s more spicier reads, and I was comfortable here for it. It was done extremely well and wasn’t in any way just a page filler. It’s no surprise that I am loving this series and I cannot wait to read the next book to come."
Savannah Rhodes is a teacher at a school for the deaf and loves her job. She is setting up the silent auction for a fundraiser they do for the school. She sees one of the baskets from the Fusion Organization from Graham Webber. Graham is best friends with her brother.
Graham finds out that Savannah works for the school and decides to get a group of players and attend the fundraiser surprising Savannah.
Savannah is surprised to see Graham at the fundraiser and they hit it off and start spending a lot of time together. Their ten year age gap isn't a problem for them but what will her brother say? Could they be moving too fast even though they have know each other for a long time or is it love?
Graham Webber has everything a man could ever need or want!! A luxurious house, a successful hockey career and more money than he could ever spend!! The one thing missing in his life was his one true love, someone who would like him for the man he was and not for the gifts they could get from him. The hockey gods were on his side the night he attended a school fundraiser where he reconnected with a beautiful woman who was the answer to his prayers!
Graham was at the end of his hockey career and his future was a big question mark. Should he go into coaching, teaching or just traveling the world while he made up his mind? None of those options seemed appealing without the right woman by his side. Graham knew that it was his lucky day when he saw Savannah Rhodes again, his best friend's sister, who tempted him with her beauty and infectious personality.
Savannah was certainly surprised to see Graham at the fundraiser! He was just as handsome as she remembered, and as the night wore on they laughed, flirted, and realized they never wanted it to end. What was fate telling them? Were they always meant to be together? How would her brother react to their happy news? Savannah had known Graham forever and she trusted him completely. Graham made her feel cherished, loved and worthy of a life full of hockey and happiness. As far as Graham was concerned, being with Savannah was a dream come true and he would spend the rest of his life making her happy!
When the school teacher reconnects with the hockey player sparks fly and they start something amazing. Savannah is a school teacher at a deaf school and they set up an auction and when she find out her brother’s best friend Graham is one of the people that had some items donated. They have an instant connection as they start talking. With in time they become almost inseparable and find they need each other. As they grow their relationship they both have new growth in their life, his is his impending retirement from the NHL and hers is going off on tour with a singing as a ASL interpreter. Their love is there almost from the start and continues to grow. There is plenty of spice but everything in this book is well written and keeps you pulled into the story the whole time.
Another great read for this author and for this series!! Graham is such a good H. I’m such a sucker for the best friend’s sister trope. This gives us a look into an unusual profession for an h, but I absolutely loved seeing a different kind of profession and plus seeing some other characters. Graham and Savannah’s storyline is different, fun and interesting from start to finish. The chemistry is well written between these two, but there wasn’t much of a fight or arguing between Graham and Lucas. I felt there was something missing there, but it could be me and what I’ve seen more of lately. Or maybe more than was in this story. Otherwise this story was great and I couldn’t get enough. I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
There is something really comforting while reading this series and I'm hooked.
Despite having a decade between them, SavannahGraham were match made in heaven. She was feisty, funny and knew what she wanted. He was mature and wanted her with the fire of a thousand suns. Together they simply fitted and I loved every second i sent between the pages, turning them to see how the HEA was going to look for them.
They were compatible in and out of bed and I loved the fact that her brother didn't cause too much drama when everything came to light about their relationship. The whole stroy from start to finish just put me at ease and I can't wait to come back to this series soon.
4.5/5⭐️ Graham is one of the veteran hockey players in the Austin Fusion team. One day, fate leads him to reconnect with his best friend’s younger sister, Savannah, who works as a teacher in Austin too.
Soon, one nights turn into more and despite their initial doubts, they settle into something real really fast. I liked how the long distance scenes were handled and how Graham patiently explains the game to Savannah.
My favourite parts though were when they are together just hanging out doing the daily, mundane stuff such as cooking. This is a quick and spicy read which is also low on angst. If you are looking for a good sports and age gap romance, this would be an excellent choice.
You will fall in love with Graham and Savannah! I sure did! Samantha wrote yet another amazing story in this series! 5 hot hockey stars for this one! Savannah works at a school for deaf children, and they are in the middle of a fundraiser, when her co-worker manages to get some of the Austin Fusion to attend the event. She meets up with Graham, whom is her brothers best friend, and she's known him her whole life! They reconnect, and Graham just can't believe how beautiful she is all grown up, and can't keep his hands to himself! These two light up the sheets, and their connection is off the charts! They will steal your heart as their story develops! This is a must read, you won't be disappointed! I loved this story from start to finish, don't miss out, grab your copy today!
Graham has dedicated his life to hockey which didn’t leave much room for anything else. He was content with that decision however as he faces the realization that the career he loves is coming to an end he isn’t certain what the future holds until he reunites with Savannah.
Savannah is dedicated to her career as a teacher and was surprised to see Graham at one of her school’s events. Seeing him again the sparks fly but not only are they dealing with major life chances but there is also the complication of his best friend being her brother.
Despite the age difference and the different points they are at in their lives they are meant to be together and aren’t about to let anything or anyone stand in their way.
I love discovering new authors, and Samantha is one of my favorite discoveries of the year!
I went into this story head first and I was pleasantly surprised with how fast it captured my attention and how quickly I became addicted to the story.
I loved the writing style, the way the characters were built, how they grew together and how the story unfolded. Everything was flawless and I was fascinated with the overall story.
Graham and Savannah make a beautiful couple and they both make the read so enjoyable. Their chemistry is off the charts, their interactions are so hot that you need a fan while reading.
Very good story, that I highly recommend. It is a heartwarming, funny, family oriented, spicy, swooning story that you need in your life.
I am loving the men of Austin Fusion Hockey! Graham quickly bubbled to the top as my favorite; I know it is a small sample size, but this fictional man can sweep a woman off her feet. He is older, and Savannah’s brother’s best friend, and I loved their story.
She is a teacher at a deaf school, and has known Graham most of her life. The chemistry is off the charts, and his dirty talking mouth is worth the read alone. It is the story that kept me reading. He is near the end of his career, decisions need to be made. Savannah is passionate about her job, and I love how Graham supports her.
I am looking forward to book three.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below, they are part of this series also Zack (Austin Fusion #1)
This is Savannah and Graham’s story. The best friend’s little sister is forbidden but what happened when she offered him something he never knew he wanted? They start out as a secret but when that secret comes out they must choose. Which way will both choose? Will they fight for what they have or just let it go? Do they really have a future? Is a future together worth the risk they have to take to reach for the future. Can they do that?