Lucky Score

Hawkeyes Hockey #6

by Kenna King

***Stuck-together, stranger-to-lovers, Steamy Hockey Romance***
Seven and Brynn

As the last line of defense for the Hawkeyes hockey team, I've mastered the art of keeping my guard up, both on and off the ice. But when Brynn Fischer, a determined romance author with a case of writer's block, shows up at my beach house in Mexico as a hurricane is headed straight for us, I'm forced to let her stay and confront emotions that I have no defense against. Now, we're stuck together while the storm rages outside and I'm faced with my own battle inside—keeping to my "no relationship" rule that's served me well over the last eighteen years.

But when Brynn starts showing me all the ways that she's nothing like anyone I've ever met, the armor I've built around my heart isn't strong enough to keep her out.

Just when I think I'm ready to let her in, I discover she's planning to get back together with her ex when she returns to Seattle. Now, I have to make the toughest decision of my life.

Do I let her go for good? Or do I make the play of a lifetime and fight for the love I never saw coming?

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Forced Proximity

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2024

About the author

As an avid reader myself, and a Westcoast girl, I love two things: swoon-worthy pro athlete book boyfriends, and writing stories about them living in the beautiful Northwest where I'm blessed to call home.

I do my best work late at night after I’ve tucked in my three littles, and my hard-working husband.

Reviews

[Emily Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in the story development and how abrupt everything happened at the end. This book felt like a lot of disconnected thoughts and didn’t have the flow that we’ve seen in the rest of the series.

I appreciate the way Seven and Brynn compliment each other, but I really wish we could’ve seen them really fall in love. This felt very surface level.

[Kylie Lanser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 - it’s probably the best of the series so far in terms of the fact that they didn’t rush the ending. However - there are a stupid amount of typos in this book! Like I caught no less than 10 - between missing commas, the main characters name being misspelled, switched letters in words making it a completely different and wrong word. That was super frustrating. How does it make it through editing with that many?!?!

[CoRN · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

If you liked the first 5 books of Kenna kings series then you’ll like this one too! Still some errors in the book, but overall another fun romance with a happy ending!

This time with a strangers to lovers trope! Seven and Brynn meet when a hurricane leads to her coming knocking on his door stranded in Mexico. Seven is your typical grouch that turns into a softy for the people he loves.

Loved the drama in the story line, and overall enjoyed this read!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed more Hawkeys

Loved the story but was super disappointed so much of it took place away from Seatle and we didn't really see any of the characters from the previous books

[malia 💌 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

better than the last book in the series, but tbh that doesn’t say a lot

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh. I am so bummed that I didn’t love this one. I’ve been really feeling this series and admittedly was disappointed with this story.

I HATED Daniel right from the start. And then I hated Brynn even more for tolerating him. Once she was able to see what a good man looked like (thanks, Seven!), I wish she would have pulled the trigger and dropped him right away, even if she didn’t fall immediately into Seven’s arms.

As for Seven, I wish he would use his words. Maybe if Brynn knew for sure that he was willing to be in a relationship with her, she would have pulled Daniel a lot faster.

Cammy & Rita were the bees knees. No notes on them.

As a side note, I don’t know if the author was rushing through this book or what, but there were so many grammatical errors, word switches, and mistakes. Also, a lot of repeating parts. We get it. She survived a tornado. You gave us the full account 5 times as if it was brand new information. I blame the editors more on these things, but someone should have caught these simple errors if I did.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU

[Christopher Jos. Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leading Lady was a Disaster

Plodding, repetitive, and sad, this book goes round-and-round with a confused, irrational leading lady up until nearly the last page.

Brynn is an indecisive train-wreak who won’t listen to anyone in her life about relationships, love, how others feel about her, or making her own decisions. She’s determined to do the wrong thing for her future, until, eventually, the choices are taken away from her.

Seven, the leading man, deserved better.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brynn, how could you not immediately dump Daniel's ass?!? No contest between him and Seven.

I don't really have any other beef with this story, other than making Brynn hold onto Daniel for so long when he is truly insufferable felt like it was done for the sake of fitting a story telling framework and not actually for the plot.

[Jo Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this story. Previous books were written better and storyline moved more smoothly.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generously rounded up to a three because I’m pretty sure I was the inspiration for this story but it read like a soap opera 😬👀

[m2424 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
So many errors in this book but I’m choosing to look past them. Just a heads up the editor can’t tell the difference between “walk” and “watch”, also sometimes pages feel like you’re reading in circles because the character will say something and then in the next paragraph repeat it in a different way and they will have the same conversation in two different ways.

ANYWAYYSSSSS
who names their kid seven?
how tf r u still “in love” with Daniel babe. He obviously asked for a break so he can sleep around? Is that not terms for officially breaking up ur engagement? If my fiance was going away for 8 months and 1. Didn’t ask me to go with him and 2. Asked for a break to see other people…. There would be no marriage in the future. Take all ur things with u to Australia

[Amelia Dimitroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the change of pace for this one compared to some of the recent ones. It's nice to have a new setting. Can't believe I read this in two days, and I can't believe that this is the 7th book I read this month!!

Favourite chapter: 13
Favourite character: Seven
Favourite quote: "I nod, feeling the pounding heartbeat. "Yeah, I can feel it. It matches mine," I admit, though my heart races for different reasons." (Seven, p. 291)

[Jennifer Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

possibly my favorite so far

This series will make me drop my tbr list in a heartbeat, and I was so excited for this one. The release date changed a couple times and it made me sad. The spice is mild but still there, we get three smutty scenes and I’ll take it. But the couple was so cute and so were the new vacation side characters. Could have used more hockey, but I get it. It’s the off season, and sometimes offseason needs a little drama.

[Mayah Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt so short. Like I know it was 370 pages but it felt more like 100

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solidly in my hockey romance phase and I’d take a 6’5 goalie any day ending in y.

[Chaelynn McCullough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book and I would give it a 3.5/5 stars if I could. For some reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other books in the series but it was still good nonetheless.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

called the cammy thing from a mile away

[Heather Pluta · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Seven and Brynn

This is book six in the Hawkeyes Hockey Series!
All of the books are technically standalone but I highly recommend reading them in order! Kenna King ties all the characters together beautifully and you don’t want to miss anything!

Seven is the start goalie for the Hawkeyes and has been around forever. He’s guarded and likes to keeps is space sacred. Spending the off season at his house in Mexico is a dream come true and his safe haven.
That is until Brynn shows up one night during a massive storm. Looking like a drowned rat and realizing she’s been scammed Seven has no choice but to let her stay.
Brynn thought she was headed down for a perfect writing retreat alone. With a deadline fast approaching for her new book they both agree to make the best out of this situation so Brynn can focus on her book. And perhaps the hot hockey player who let her stay.

I love this universe! This one is a bit different as it takes place more so in Mexico. Think of it like a vacation for the series!
I have three more to read before the new Hawkeye Rookie Series comes out! I can’t wait!

[Thea Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot - 4/5🌟
Spice - 4/5🌶️

✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Strangers to Lovers
✔️Hockey Romance

Lucky Score is a fun and steamy read that pairs a pro hockey player with a romance author during a hurricane. Seven, the hockey player, has his guard up both on and off the ice. But when Brynn, who's struggling with writer’s block, shows up at his beach house in Mexico just as a storm hits, things start to heat up. They’re stuck together with the storm raging outside and emotions running high, and it’s not long before their connection becomes undeniable.

The tension between Seven and Brynn is electric, and King does a great job of showing their growing feelings amidst the chaos. Seven's internal battle between sticking to his no-relationship rule and falling for Brynn adds depth, while Brynn's plans to get back with her ex create extra drama. The push and pull of their relationship makes for a gripping read.

[Annie Gouin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ Forced proximity, grumpy sunshine

Not my fav from the series. She’s a romance author trying to get inspiration on her Mexico vacation. Pro hockey goalie Seven is forced to let her stay at his house during a hurricane. Seven is obviously grumpy toward her but they eventually become more friendly and civil. They hook up but their blissful bubble is popped when he finds out about her complicated ex-fiance/on a break boyfriend. They let them else be together one last time and are torn when she goes back to Seattle without Seven. She finally gets clarity about herself and the relationship she has w her ex. She breaks things off and goes to Seven.

- I wasn’t a fan of this book bc I feel like they didn’t have much of a connection & I felt like the fmc was portrayed as helpless & I definitely wasn’t a fan of how she didn’t see how her ex was using her and didn’t treat her right

[Sav · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stuck it out hoping for redemption—some clarity, some payoff—but what I got was 90% miscommunication and 10% emotional whiplash. The premise had potential, but the execution left me frustrated and tired.

The hero deserved better. I deserved better. Honestly, everyone in this book deserved therapy.

There were flashes of charm and emotion, but they were buried under messy pacing, repetitive inner monologues, and choices that didn’t feel authentic or earned. The angst was overwhelming, and not in the fun “clutch my chest” kind of way. Also, the typos? Y’all…

If slow-burn drama and emotional chaos are your jam, this might work for you. It just wasn’t for me. I closed this book more annoyed than satisfied.

[Christa Lemos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was totally adorable!! while I missed the hockey, it was still and enjoyable romance

some questions I NEED answered - why is his name seven?? why does everyone act like this is normal (not a single person asks if it’s his real name). why doesn’t he have a nickname?

this book had a LOT of typos, which was distracting. also, driving the point home about brynn being trapped in the basement, like we heard that entire story at least 4 times. still cute, just not as good as it could have been

[Jaidyn Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book a lot, but there definitely were some things about it that made it not a five-star read.

First we’re starting off with the good things.
The plot was so detailed and interesting and really kept me on my toes, especially because even when they got together, they still have obstacles to cross and things to work out. The character development was fantastic and the fact that Brynn was able to somewhat get over her fear of storms and was able to let go on her trip to Mexico and be more adventurous helped build her character a lot. And okkkkk Mr. Wrenly I see you with the broody dark exterior, but sunshine interiorrrrr‼️ But for real, his relationship with Rita and the fact that he’s always there to help anyone with their needs and problems makes him such a good character, and the fact that he loves to help out the people around him just for the heck of it makes him all the more impressive as a character. Kenna also really had a way of making Daniel both the hero and the villain by making him the adorable college-sweetheart at the beginning but slowly turning him into the controlling, double-standard, cheating “fiancé” by the end. PLUS, the whole family vibe between not only Cammy and Seven (because they literally are family) but also Rita, Brynn, Maria, Miguel and even Silas really brought the book full-circle and helped bring the story together. This book was so good I literally read this starting from 9 a.m. August 30th and finished it at 3 a.m. August 31st😭😭

Now…onto the parts that weren’t so enjoyable…❌

First of all… the grammar and editing job in this book was so bad it made me legit want to stop reading at some points throughout this book. Using two instead of too? Spelling errors? Messing up plurals and past/present tense? Full on sentences that don’t make any sense????? Like please for the love of all that’s holy PLEASE find a new editor girl. Like seriously at least fifteen times in this book I went “wtf was she even trying to say with this” and had to literally decode the whole paragraph. Like GET A NEW EDITIOR IM BEGGING YOU‼️‼️🙏🙏

And lastly…hockey romances…are supposed to have….hockey….in them..??? Like ok HAWKEYES HOCKEY WHERE TF WERE YOU THIS ENTIRE BOOK?!?! The only hockey scene was in the last like 4 pages where he blocked a puck and they scored a point and then he ran off the ice and confessed his love to her. Like yeah yeah Mexico this Mexico that but this is a literal hockey romance series WHERE THE FUDGE WAAZZZZ THE HOCKEYYY⁉️⁉️

————————————————————————————
Overall the plot was great, editing not so much… but I loved this book regardless and I hope to see much much more of Hawkeyes Hockey in September when the new books dropppp‼️‼️‼️💪💋🤝🙌🙌🥳🤩🥳🥳🤪🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️😱😱😱😛😚😆😆😃
————————————————————————————

4.5/5:⭐️
3/5:🌶️
1/5: Plot Twist (Cammy being his daughter)

————————————————————————————

[Romantic Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven is the best!

I almost didn't read this book in the series because of the negative reviews. Our FMC, Brynn is in a dysfunctional relationship with her partner of 8 years for 98% of the book. Daniel and Brynn were engaged until he decided to take a job in Australia for 8 months. He called off their engagement so that he could explore dating other women. Brynn spends 7 months pining for him and thinking she isn't enough as she is to be his partner.

I am glad I read the book because I enjoyed experiencing Seven and Brynn's relationship since they make cameo appearances in the following book. You need to read it to understand Cammy's character. I can imagine a future book where Cammy is our leading lady.

Seven is the star of this story. He is masculine, solid, and loving. Brynn (FMC) isn't a character I can respect. I don't like love triangles. It is distasteful to sleep with one person while planning to commit to another. It bothers me to think that one could be romantically in love with one man and have sex with another, for a Fix it list. Brynn accepting her Fiance's relationship time out so he can sleep with another woman is self-destructive. She is also bringing her drama into Seven's life. He was unaware of her Fiance's and thought she was available.

Also, Brynn's attachment to Daniel is toxic for Brynn and Seven. Seven deserves a better partner. It is destructive for Seven to have an intimate relationship with a woman who considers herself engaged to another with his history of betrayal. I find it damaging that Brynn holds on to her attachment to Danial when he has effectively been emotionally abusive.

I hate how Seven's boundaries are violated. Josslin was told that she was not to enter his home. She pushed her way in, and Brynn let her in. Brynn didn't hold Seven's boundary. Also, Brynn us so stupid No one would forgive their ex-fiance for having an affair with his brother and allowing his child to be raised by the brother who betrayed him. Brynn gave Josslin power into Seven's life.

[Red Panda Reads]

I used bar soap, Brynn, and am younger than your father. Stores would not sell it if no one did. It's just easier to have one piece rather than a bottle and a loofa. Despite all my minor grammatical corrections, I liked this book, just not the ending. And I just cannot help myself from being overly critical as I read.

Corrections-
(1) Walking Rita pull Seven through the restaurant... (watching)
(2) ...the scene I wrote between the lunch rush. (And? between it and what else?)
(3) ...takes my bottom lips... (you have more than one?)
(4) ...the clock in her room...would be better if you weren't in my room... (same scene, which room is it?)
(5) I have to leave to get Cammy to the airport... (from- she is arriving not leaving)
(6) "Good morning, you two!" Rita beams...I (Seven) want to get to Cammy before she deboards the aircraft (why? you cannot go past security and based on Rita's greeting, it's morning. It previously stated that Cammy's flight landed at 3 pm)
(7) ...then makes large slides towards the kitchen doors (strides)
(8) "That fish has good taste in woman." (women)
(9) "We wouldn't want you waiting all night here for you" (for them)
(10) "...sit around the pool instead of bus tables..." (busing)
(11) "...booked and wedding venue walk-thru..." (a)
(12) "I need to know if it's still viable. I can't do here." (which, I or that here)
(13) ...and head for the sea, is a cool experience (sea is...experience,)
(14) ...my phone pings with an income text. (incoming)
(15) "... instead of put fuel in my car." (putting)

Phrases I have never heard or read before, sound weird, and/or do not understand-
(1) sitting front of him
(2) front of the entry
(3) ...I made it home after our weekend days
(4) ... a two-wheel drive car the size of a toast

[Alden Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Seven. His entire character in this book and series would have made me give this book 5 stars but this series just lacks some of the writing nuance - developing characters before they fall for each other. It's hard for me when it feels like a light switch happens and now we are suddenly fine with each other. That aside, Seven and his personality are so great here. That broody, seemingly no emotion but really a super caring type. He is giving and so community focused. I love the idea that he has taken in this community in Mexico in his off season and takes care of his pseudo adoptive parent and cares for her. Even the way he handles his ex and the news about Cammy - he takes it all in stride with great boundaries. Brynn as an author, coming to write in Mexico and the whole way she shows up on his doorstep is so fun! She irked me a bit with her ex - her inability to see him using her was a bit annoying. But the entire ending and how Brynn and Seven end up choosing each other was fantastic. Also, loved the neighbor piece here that was totally fun and unexpected! Definitely a favorite in this series.

[Kate & her Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this really like 3.5 stars. I went back to read this after reading another of Kenna's books involving Cammy. I wanted to see the story of Brynn and Seven from that book. I did love their story and all the things that they went through but I was a little disappointed in how long it took Brynn to realize that Seven was 100% the choice. I was not shocked in the slightest that her POS ex had other reasons behind them taking a break while "finding himself" and working in Australia. I loved the relationship between Seven and Cammy too. Having read Cammy's book first I loved seeing how them in a different way. I find it SO hard to read when a parent misses out on their child's life in story form-- whether it's a book with miscommunication, lying etc. All so hard to stomach but I was so glad that Seven and Cammy had a relationship when he found out. I wish we got more bonus chapters about Seven becoming a father to Milo (you see him in Cammy's book and the bonus chapter/epilogue).

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶️ This book s possibly my favorite in the whole series so far. This story had a bit of a different feel to it than the others. While being a hockey romance it’s during the off season so it doesn’t heavily have hockey in most of the book like the others do. What surprised me the most about Seven and Brynn’s story was how seven was so protective over Brynn from that start despite his unwillingness to get closer to her he was still close but far a the same time as being protective if that makes any sense. Brynn just wanting to focus on her book and also have that last final hooray before going home and settling but also realizing that she needed an change in her life back home while falling far the unwilling for a relationship very simple man, Seven. I’m also so happy everyone in sevens life that matters to him was pushing them together. Then there’s Cammys getting her own story, she gonna give them run for their money big time. Can’t wait to see what’s next

[MLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He had me at hockey… then lost me a little in the third period."

Lucky Score had me hooked from the jump with the banter, the chemistry, and the absolute MVP: the side characters (seriously, someone give them their own book now). It brought the swoon, the sass, and the soft boy moments we love in a sports romance.

But real talk?
It dragged a little in the middle. Like, we get it—you’re emotionally constipated and in love, let’s move it along. Then suddenly the ending sprinted to the finish like it was late for practice. I wanted more from those final pages, especially after investing in the slow burn.

Still, I was all in for the vibes, the friendships, and the romance moments that did hit. If you're into hockey boys who pretend not to feel things (but totally do) and a heroine who calls them out every step of the way? You'll eat this one up.

[Rebecca Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Badly needs a copy editor

Look. I'm enjoying this book. I've enjoyed other books by this author. Her characters can be a bit extreme, but I can mostly laugh at that. But... the author has a bad habit of substituting words, and she really needs an editor who can spot when she does this and tell her that while solidarity may be forever, it is generally not associated with big foot and she probably meant solitude. Also, the phrase is most emphatically not 'brim and firestone', it is 'fire and brimstone'.

Those are just the two most egregious examples, but there are plenty of others. They aren't so common that it completely ruins the book, but it could be so much better with a competent copy editor. Perhaps they could also clean up her random lapses into past tense for no reason, as well.