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Toronto Terror #2
If You Want Me
A standalone age-gap, dad's best friend hockey romance.
There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter.
Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me.
I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles.
When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly.
Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break.
But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine.
I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.
*This is Hollis Hendrix's standalone novel. If you want to meet Hollis before you read this book, check out If You Hate Me, Rix and Tristan's story.
There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter.
Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me.
I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles.
When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly.
Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break.
But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine.
I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.
*This is Hollis Hendrix's standalone novel. If you want to meet Hollis before you read this book, check out If You Hate Me, Rix and Tristan's story.
460 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2024
2420 people are currently reading
24727 people want to read
About the author
Helena Hunting
77 books26.2k followersHelena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,282 reviews
August 26, 2024
I was so excited about this one cuz I love a forbidden romance. But this book falls into the category that assuages me which is: men are indecisive as fuck.
dad’s best friend
12 yr age gap
FMC is 21
Writing has lots of unnecessary information that I just don’t care to know.
I felt their age gap for 2 reasons:
1. Hollis came across as a weak, fluctuating, indecisive loser. One moment he was saying it was a mistake kissing Aurora, the next he was bulldozing on her date with OM.
Even at the end, when everything was going right, he chickened out because he was scared of getting hurt (this was at the time where Aurora’s dad found out about their relationship)
I mean okay fair he was scared. But considering his age, wouldn’t he be more grounded? More confident because he was experienced? The one who’s giving assurance and FIGHTING FOR their relationship? But no. This man is weaker than the strings in my two piece bathing suit. 🫢
2. Every time Hollis blew Aurora off, produce his man-child capabilities, this girl always took him back. Girl I beg make him work for it and not be a horny bitch. I mean, yes she made him “grovel” for like a chapter or 2 then stupid girl hormones appeared and everything is HEA.
I chalked it up to her young age, unfortunately being a 21yrs old doesn’t always guarantee full developing brain and erect backbone. Or maybe they did developed on her and all Aurora was, was just plain ole dumbass girl? hmmmm 🤔
I lost count how many times this girl cried because of Hollis. If a man ever made you feel small, insecure, always walked away from you, always gave way to fear despite a grown-ass man, then maybe MAYBE that’s a red flag?
“How do I trust that the way you feel about me will be enough?” That’s what this comes down to. This isn’t about my dad or his feelings, or how anyone else will perceive our relationship. It comes down to us, and whether we can stand up for each other when it matters most.
—> This was at the third part of the book where Hollis was asking for ANOTHER fucking chance AGAIN. How many chances can you really give to a grown ass man for being indecisive though. Aurora, girly, he walked away from you when your dad found out about y’all’s secret and was angry, that’s when you needed him the most, and what did he do? Broke up with you. LOL romantic. 🤦🏻♀️
dad’s best friend
12 yr age gap
FMC is 21
Writing has lots of unnecessary information that I just don’t care to know.
I felt their age gap for 2 reasons:
1. Hollis came across as a weak, fluctuating, indecisive loser. One moment he was saying it was a mistake kissing Aurora, the next he was bulldozing on her date with OM.
Even at the end, when everything was going right, he chickened out because he was scared of getting hurt (this was at the time where Aurora’s dad found out about their relationship)
I mean okay fair he was scared. But considering his age, wouldn’t he be more grounded? More confident because he was experienced? The one who’s giving assurance and FIGHTING FOR their relationship? But no. This man is weaker than the strings in my two piece bathing suit. 🫢
2. Every time Hollis blew Aurora off, produce his man-child capabilities, this girl always took him back. Girl I beg make him work for it and not be a horny bitch. I mean, yes she made him “grovel” for like a chapter or 2 then stupid girl hormones appeared and everything is HEA.
I chalked it up to her young age, unfortunately being a 21yrs old doesn’t always guarantee full developing brain and erect backbone. Or maybe they did developed on her and all Aurora was, was just plain ole dumbass girl? hmmmm 🤔
I lost count how many times this girl cried because of Hollis. If a man ever made you feel small, insecure, always walked away from you, always gave way to fear despite a grown-ass man, then maybe MAYBE that’s a red flag?
“How do I trust that the way you feel about me will be enough?” That’s what this comes down to. This isn’t about my dad or his feelings, or how anyone else will perceive our relationship. It comes down to us, and whether we can stand up for each other when it matters most.
—> This was at the third part of the book where Hollis was asking for ANOTHER fucking chance AGAIN. How many chances can you really give to a grown ass man for being indecisive though. Aurora, girly, he walked away from you when your dad found out about y’all’s secret and was angry, that’s when you needed him the most, and what did he do? Broke up with you. LOL romantic. 🤦🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
The hidden touches and glances, and the gravitating pull between Hollis & Aurora is the reason why one truly falls head over heels for these two...
There is no Helena Hunting novel without your true sports experience, and in this second installment to the Toronto Terror series, she has done it once again. When she first introduced Hollis and Aurora in If You Hate Me, I knew I was a goner and would fall instantly. I just did not expect to fall this hard. Aurora's personally is one that I gravitated towards. Her instant vibe of wanting to be an independent and professionally talented woman is what caught my love to truly love her. She knows what she wants and goes head strong to get it. Her infatuation towards Hollis is one of the many things that makes her determine to catch and go head strong towards. The age difference between them both does not stop her, but it does make her uneasy of what her father, who is best friends with Hollis, could possibly think.
For Hollis, his true admiration towards Aurora is to instantly fall for her. He has always been a part of her life since she was little, but at some point of appropriateness, he started looking at her differently. He saw the true Aurora, the now mature woman that knows what she wants, and he knows that he wants her as much as or even more as she does to him. And once they both give in into their temptations and true attraction, there is no stopping them. There is no stopping the way that Hollis feels for Aurora as well. Their attraction is palpable, but his feelings for her are beyond that. They are a couple that are truly meant to be in this fictional lifetime, and in the next as well.
Helena has brought yet again another fun sport romance that is for the taking. You dive into it and you should expect to dive into it deep. This series is an instant favorite that's for sure, and I am truly excited to what else she has in store for the rest of the characters. Here is me keeping my fingers crossed that she will be matching Flip & Tally together, but with Helena, you never know what she will write and surprise us all!
ARC kindly provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review...
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There is no Helena Hunting novel without your true sports experience, and in this second installment to the Toronto Terror series, she has done it once again. When she first introduced Hollis and Aurora in If You Hate Me, I knew I was a goner and would fall instantly. I just did not expect to fall this hard. Aurora's personally is one that I gravitated towards. Her instant vibe of wanting to be an independent and professionally talented woman is what caught my love to truly love her. She knows what she wants and goes head strong to get it. Her infatuation towards Hollis is one of the many things that makes her determine to catch and go head strong towards. The age difference between them both does not stop her, but it does make her uneasy of what her father, who is best friends with Hollis, could possibly think.
For Hollis, his true admiration towards Aurora is to instantly fall for her. He has always been a part of her life since she was little, but at some point of appropriateness, he started looking at her differently. He saw the true Aurora, the now mature woman that knows what she wants, and he knows that he wants her as much as or even more as she does to him. And once they both give in into their temptations and true attraction, there is no stopping them. There is no stopping the way that Hollis feels for Aurora as well. Their attraction is palpable, but his feelings for her are beyond that. They are a couple that are truly meant to be in this fictional lifetime, and in the next as well.
Helena has brought yet again another fun sport romance that is for the taking. You dive into it and you should expect to dive into it deep. This series is an instant favorite that's for sure, and I am truly excited to what else she has in store for the rest of the characters. Here is me keeping my fingers crossed that she will be matching Flip & Tally together, but with Helena, you never know what she will write and surprise us all!
ARC kindly provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review...
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August 25, 2024
friends to lovers has never been my thing, like i’ve actively steered clear of it, but damn… aurora + hollis may or may not have just singlehandedly changed my stance on the trope. ˄·͈༝·͈˄₎
His unfocused gaze meets mine. "I need to stop dreaming about you."
My breath hitches, and my heart stutters.
I catch his hand. "You’re not dreaming."
His unfocused gaze meets mine. "I need to stop dreaming about you."
My breath hitches, and my heart stutters.
I catch his hand. "You’re not dreaming."
July 7, 2024
I just didn’t feel it
3 stars
If You Want Me is the second in Helena Hunting’s Toronto Terror series about a team of hockey players. We met most of the characters in the first book in the series, If You Hate Me, but this book focuses on player, Hollis, and another player’s daughter, Peggy. This book stands alone with its own happily ever after and you really don’t need to have read the first book to understand this one - but you’ll definitely get a fuller picture of the dynamics of the team and who’s who if you read the books in order.
I really like Helena Hunting’s writing style, her books and did enjoy the first story in this series - so I was inclined to like this book, too. I just…didn’t. I didn’t warm to Peggy / Hammer / Aurora specifically and didn’t feel the chemistry between our couple. It was also a fairly long book (460 pages) where nothing much happened and I just didn’t vibe with it, I’m afraid.
Our heroine is 20 year old Peggy. She’s just finishing up university and has a major crush on her dad’s best friend, and veteran hockey player, Hollis. I usually don’t mind an age gap in a story (this one is about 12 years) but as the book progressed, Peggy’s behaviour become more and more indicative of her age. She teased Hollis even though he asked her not to, the way she would’t speak to her Dad about not liking Barbie anymore, her jealousy and her idiocy about her name swapping between Peggy, Hammer and Aurora. She was also ridiculously entitled. “Other kids my age don’t get me. I get to fly out to other cities on weekend and go to exclusive clubs. Oh poor me!” Nope.
Hollis was a better fit for me but still had his issues. He’s around 33 so younger than Peggy’s dad but has been a father figure in her life for a while. He tries hard to curb his attraction to her but obviously does end up giving in. There was just an increasing ‘ick’ to the whole thing as it progressed.
As I said, regardless of all that, I didn’t feel a connection between our couple and therefore the sex scenes left me a little cold. Some minor bum stuff in this one in terms of the more racier side of things, but nothing on the scale of the first book - although those things are definitely mentioned!
There was the obligatory ‘dad finds us in a compromising position’ and all hell breaks loose drama at the end but things do work out. I just, well, I don’t think this couple will last more than a year or two, if I’m honest. Peggy doesn’t seem mature enough to be in a relationship, especially not someone a fair bit older than her.
And since I’m on a rant, the bit of the book that *really* peeved me was the epilogue. Written 3 months after Peggy graduates and suddenly she’s the depute director of PR for a high-level hockey team. Either she seriously nepo-babied her way into that role (despite moaning about being seen as an independent woman throughout the book) or someone doesn’t know much about the marketing and PR industry.
Sadly, this book just wasn’t for me. But I am one of very few negative voices in a sea of adoration - so perhaps I am the exception that proves that it was in fact an excellent novel. If you’re reading the series or just picked up this book because you fancied the story - I really hope you love it where I could not. 3 stars from me.
March 20, 2024
excited but when are we getting flips book omg
August 7, 2024
honestly.. you have to really love the ‘dads best friend’ trope ..
I just don’t think the dad’s best friend trope is for me. I love an age gap - but I just don’t love the parental aspect included. Feels off I guess?? 😂😂
I just don’t think the dad’s best friend trope is for me. I love an age gap - but I just don’t love the parental aspect included. Feels off I guess?? 😂😂
December 29, 2024
For Miss Hunting, my expectation is high. I wish she can write a better plot with more serious plot.
I do not like Hammer. She is childish, needy and cryer. While Hollis is hollow, 2 dimensional character.
The forbidden love aspect is not being featured heavily as the main plot.
2 stars
I do not like Hammer. She is childish, needy and cryer. While Hollis is hollow, 2 dimensional character.
The forbidden love aspect is not being featured heavily as the main plot.
2 stars
February 21, 2025
“But daddy I love him” indeed! Because your girl is completely obsessed with Hollis and Hammer’s story!
Helena Hunting has completely outdone herself with this book. It is the perfect mix of sexy, funny, and emotionally charged.
Quick breakdown of what I loved:
The age gap is great, but add in the father’s best friend angle and that just ratchets up the stakes.
The longing both characters feel. The chemistry and attraction. It all just works. I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for them to cross the line. lol.
Add in the fact that he’s simply a great guy who wants to do the right thing and I never stood a chance!
Great characters, fun and flirty vibes, excellent humor, explosive chemistry, and high stakes with relationships on the line made this a 5⭐️ read!
I loved every single moment of this experience!
I give If You Want Me my highest recommendation! Don’t miss this one!
Helena Hunting has completely outdone herself with this book. It is the perfect mix of sexy, funny, and emotionally charged.
Quick breakdown of what I loved:
The age gap is great, but add in the father’s best friend angle and that just ratchets up the stakes.
The longing both characters feel. The chemistry and attraction. It all just works. I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for them to cross the line. lol.
Add in the fact that he’s simply a great guy who wants to do the right thing and I never stood a chance!
Great characters, fun and flirty vibes, excellent humor, explosive chemistry, and high stakes with relationships on the line made this a 5⭐️ read!
I loved every single moment of this experience!
I give If You Want Me my highest recommendation! Don’t miss this one!
Read
April 25, 2024Loved them. So much. This one had all of the feelings, and I CANNOT wait for more in this world!
July 11, 2024
Aurora + Hollis
Hammer aka Peggy aka Aurora aka Princess is the almost 21 year old daughter of Hollis's best buddy and teammate Roman Hammerstein.
And she's always been Roman's sweet teenagerk, but after she interned at the team's offices last season Hollis has started seeing her as a super interesting, hot young woman. But she's still his best friend's daughter. That can't ever happen. Right?
LET THE FUN TIMS BEGIN!
══════════════════
Adorable!
I don't like Hockey romances and I don't like too age gappy age gap romances. And this book has both. Oh and cats. I'm a dog person. But Hollis was really cute with his cats!
But - this was a Helena Hunting romance - so I had to read it.
And I love the whole friends/players/wives etc. group in this series.
This was a cute romance. I hated that they kept things a secret from Roman - but of course he always told his daugher: never date a hockey player - so they were scared.
It was cute and funny and sweet and adorable and sparky and sexy and a bit immature here and there and a bit heartbreaking at times. But I really liked reading this. I just wanted her to be a few years older or him to be a bit younger.
But it was a cute romance and now I can't wait to get Dallas and Hemi's book!
Oh - tiny confused-reader side note. Every chapter has the name of the person talking on top. But I never knew who was what. It always said Hammer or Hollis. But Hammer aka Peggy aka Aurora aka Princess has so many names in this book that I never knew who was talking! But that's just a ME thing!
IF YOU WANT ME was a sweet + funny + erotic age gap - daddy's best friend hockey Love Story! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Hollis - this one is mine.
(Even though our age gap would be just as age gappy only in reverse! LOL!)
💜
💜
If you can't click the buy-links from your phone - click ►HERE!
May 25, 2024
Hollis is literally everything I love in a book boyfriend! The chemistry and anticipation had me on the edge of my seat! I absolutely adore these characters and this series so so much! The bromance and babe brigade is absolutely EVERYTHING! Love! Love! Love Hollis and Aurora’s love story!
August 1, 2024
4.5/5
My Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
If You Want Me by Helena Hunting is book 2 of the Toronto Terror series but can easily be read as a standalone with no confusion. This installment is all about Peggy Aurora (AKA Hammer) and her dad's best friend Hollis. This is an age-gap romance that is filled to the brim with spice so hot it made me blush. There is plenty of tension and chemistry between our MCs and also includes lots of adorable and hilarious banter. I loved Hollis's orange tabby cats Postie and Malone and the way they ended up being a prominent part of the story. Crazy cat lady here, so it melted my heart.
I was lucky to get a chance to listen to the audiobook and Stella Bloom & Zachary Webber nailed it as the voices of Hammer and Hollis. Webber's voice is amazing, so I love it when he is the male narrator in a book, and I thought Bloom made a fantastic Hammer. Both were easy to listen to and their voices fit together like a glove. The ending gave me all of the feels, and I was happy I grabbed a copy of the book as well because you get an extended epilogue which was AMAZING, and a QR code to a steamy scene. Though you don't have to, I would still recommend reading If You Hate Me because that book was 🔥 and just as amazing.
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
My Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
If You Want Me by Helena Hunting is book 2 of the Toronto Terror series but can easily be read as a standalone with no confusion. This installment is all about Peggy Aurora (AKA Hammer) and her dad's best friend Hollis. This is an age-gap romance that is filled to the brim with spice so hot it made me blush. There is plenty of tension and chemistry between our MCs and also includes lots of adorable and hilarious banter. I loved Hollis's orange tabby cats Postie and Malone and the way they ended up being a prominent part of the story. Crazy cat lady here, so it melted my heart.
I was lucky to get a chance to listen to the audiobook and Stella Bloom & Zachary Webber nailed it as the voices of Hammer and Hollis. Webber's voice is amazing, so I love it when he is the male narrator in a book, and I thought Bloom made a fantastic Hammer. Both were easy to listen to and their voices fit together like a glove. The ending gave me all of the feels, and I was happy I grabbed a copy of the book as well because you get an extended epilogue which was AMAZING, and a QR code to a steamy scene. Though you don't have to, I would still recommend reading If You Hate Me because that book was 🔥 and just as amazing.
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Read
June 22, 2024DAD’S BEST FRIEND AND HOCKEY ROMANCE???? A COMBO I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED!!!! Gonna read this the moment it releases no matter what im doing
Also update: I know a lot of people want to read Flip’s book, but from what i can remember, he was a disgusting character and just did so many wrong things (showing off a threesome in front of his sister, sleeping with a married woman, etc) so i will probably not read his book🥲
Also update: I know a lot of people want to read Flip’s book, but from what i can remember, he was a disgusting character and just did so many wrong things (showing off a threesome in front of his sister, sleeping with a married woman, etc) so i will probably not read his book🥲
July 13, 2024
Oof, this was a total miss for me, and I'm so annoyed because I was really looking forward to this book after enjoying reading about these main characters in If You Hate Me.
A substantial age gap romance where Hollis, the elder partner, was a close friend of the family and knew the younger partner, Peggy/Aurora, well while she was a child, the age gap premise felt worse and worse for me over the course of the book. I found it just plain unpleasant that Peggy/Aurora tricked Hollis into spending time with her under the false pretences of "math help" when she was in ninth grade, because she had a crush on him, when viewed in light of their current relationship. Additionally, both main characters display such poor judgment throughout the course of this book in their own romance and other interpersonal connections, I was hard-pressed to muster any sympathy for their boneheaded decisions (despite every single side character reiterating what a bad idea it was to keep their relationship secret from Roman, Peggy/Aurora and Hollis somehow thought they would be able to get away with that when Roman is a constant presence in both of their lives?!).
I am by no means against all age-gap romances, but I evaluate these kind of romances on a case-by-case basis and this particular one just didn't work for me. However, despite disliking If You Want Me, I have high hopes for Dallas and Hemi's book next.
A substantial age gap romance where Hollis, the elder partner, was a close friend of the family and knew the younger partner, Peggy/Aurora, well while she was a child, the age gap premise felt worse and worse for me over the course of the book. I found it just plain unpleasant that Peggy/Aurora tricked Hollis into spending time with her under the false pretences of "math help" when she was in ninth grade, because she had a crush on him, when viewed in light of their current relationship. Additionally, both main characters display such poor judgment throughout the course of this book in their own romance and other interpersonal connections, I was hard-pressed to muster any sympathy for their boneheaded decisions (despite every single side character reiterating what a bad idea it was to keep their relationship secret from Roman, Peggy/Aurora and Hollis somehow thought they would be able to get away with that when Roman is a constant presence in both of their lives?!).
I am by no means against all age-gap romances, but I evaluate these kind of romances on a case-by-case basis and this particular one just didn't work for me. However, despite disliking If You Want Me, I have high hopes for Dallas and Hemi's book next.
September 18, 2025
She frees me from my boxer briefs, and one side of her mouth kicks up. “I knew it.”
“Knew what?” My voice is all gravel.
Her grin turns impish. “That you’d have a boyfriend dick.”
Let me just be upfront about this one: I didn’t hate If You Want Me, but I didn’t love it either. It fell somewhere in the middle for me, which is why I’m landing on three stars. Helena Hunting’s writing is always engaging and fun, and I’ve liked her books in the past. This one had potential, but a few things just didn’t click for me the way I wanted them to.
This is the second book in the Toronto Terror series. You don’t necessarily have to read the first book to follow along, but you’ll get more out of the team dynamics and all the side characters if you do. The first book was about Tristan and Rix, and this one is focused on Hollis (one of the hockey players) and Peggy/Aurora/Hammer (yes, she goes by three names—more on that later), who just happens to be his best friend’s daughter.
Now, right away, I know the age gap/dad’s best friend trope is divisive. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Here, it honestly gave me mixed feelings. Peggy is 20, Hollis is in his early 30s, and while the math isn’t terrible, what bothered me was the history between them. Hollis has known Peggy since she was about 13 or 14, and that just added an ick factor for me that I couldn’t quite shake. It didn’t completely ruin the story, but it made me uncomfortable at times—especially when Hollis referred to her as “little girl” early on. I get that it was supposed to remind him she was off-limits, but it still felt cringey.
Peggy as a heroine was also a bit of a struggle for me. On one hand, she’s smart, ambitious, and determined to prove herself working with the hockey team, and I liked that about her. She didn’t want people to assume she was only there because of her dad, and she genuinely wanted to work hard and make her own name. On the other hand, her behavior often felt immature. She teased Hollis even when he asked her not to, got jealous easily, and sometimes came across as entitled. There’s one part where she’s basically saying, “No one my age understands me, I get to travel and go to exclusive clubs, poor me,” and I just rolled my eyes.
Hollis, for me, was easier to like (more than Tristan from the first book). He’s solid, dependable, and clearly cares about both Peggy and her dad, Roman. His conflict—being in love with his best friend’s daughter but not wanting to ruin their friendship—felt believable. I also liked that he tried (and tried hard) to resist his feelings before giving in. But at the same time, his closeness to Peggy’s family added another layer of discomfort. He wasn’t just Roman’s best friend; he was like a second father figure in Peggy’s life at times. That dynamic just made the romance harder for me to root for.
And speaking of family, let me just say—this whole series has a bit of a “keep it in the family” vibe that’s starting to wear on me. In the first book, we had Tristan with Rix (who is Tristan’s best friend’s sister). Now, in this one, it’s Hollis with Roman’s daughter. Next up is Hemi (the team’s PR guy) and Dallas (another teammate), and the pattern continues. It’s not quite incest, obviously, but there’s a tangled-up feeling to all the relationships that sometimes gives me the ick. Everyone seems so interconnected that it feels like there’s no breathing room for fresh dynamics.
As for the romance itself, there were definitely moments that worked. Hollis being jealous when Peggy went on a date with someone else was entertaining, and the chemistry between them wasn’t nonexistent—it just wasn’t enough to carry the whole book for me. The pacing also dragged. At 460 pages, the story felt long, and honestly, not a ton happened. When the big drama hit (yes, there’s a “dad catches us in a compromising position” moment), it felt predictable rather than shocking.
And don’t even get me started on the epilogue. Three months after Peggy graduates, she’s suddenly deputy director of PR for a major hockey team? I get that it’s fiction, but that kind of career jump was hard to swallow. It completely undermined her whole “I want to prove myself” angle because it just screamed nepotism.
All that being said, I didn’t totally hate the book. I did enjoy certain aspects, like Peggy’s determination to carve out her place and Hollis’s internal struggle between love and loyalty. The side characters were fun as always, and I’ll admit—I’m still curious enough to keep going with the series. Hunting knows how to hook me, even when I’m side-eyeing half of what’s happening.
So yeah, If You Want Me just wasn’t my favorite. The age gap and tangled family dynamics weren’t my thing, Peggy grated on me, and the epilogue annoyed me more than it should have. But the writing was solid, there were a few fun moments, and if you love age gap/dad’s best friend romances, you might enjoy this a lot more than I did. For me though, it’s a middle-of-the-road read. Three stars.
July 14, 2024
Dnf 38%
So disappointed. FMC didn’t stop crying, MMC was indecisive, FMCs father was so overbearing - just found the whole book too annoying!
So disappointed. FMC didn’t stop crying, MMC was indecisive, FMCs father was so overbearing - just found the whole book too annoying!
July 18, 2024
This one wasn't for me. This trope is a tough one for me if not done in certain ways. The way Aurora and Hollis began their relationship was iffy for me and then I never truly cared much for either character. Therefore, the book was one I had to get through. The way Aurora's father found out about her relationship with his best friend was predictable when I wanted it to go a different way. Then the rest of the book was frustrating and too long. Also there was a hockey error in this book. 5 on 5 is even strength, 4 on 4 is when both teams are on the power play. The book referred to play when both teams had a penalty as 5 on 5.
My reasons for not enjoying this book are personal preferences, so you may enjoy it.
My reasons for not enjoying this book are personal preferences, so you may enjoy it.
July 15, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
October 18, 2024
I loved this story!! Hollis and aurora are made for each other! I love a dad’s best friends story!!! Hockey romance I can’t tell you the narrators yet but it’s freaking fantastic!! The way these characters have so much tension and banter!!! The was Hollis calls her “princess” SWOON
June 20, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Helena Huntings hockey romances and this new series/new team is so good.
Hollis is a player for the Terrors. His best friend is Roman, the goalie. Romans daughter Aurora is graduating college soon. A while back she did an interning job with the team and did an amazing job. I love the female gang here. They are always lifting each other up and spending time together like friends should! <3
She had a crush on Hollis as a teen but he never saw her as anything except for the team "Princess." Hollis and Aurora grow closer when he's healing up for an injury. There are so many things that are keeping these two appart. Friendship, age gap. I really did cheer for these two. They care for each other and for Roman who's one rule has always been... No Hockey Players.
Helena really writes the funny in this one! Toys, cats, scrunchies...
Hollis is a player for the Terrors. His best friend is Roman, the goalie. Romans daughter Aurora is graduating college soon. A while back she did an interning job with the team and did an amazing job. I love the female gang here. They are always lifting each other up and spending time together like friends should! <3
She had a crush on Hollis as a teen but he never saw her as anything except for the team "Princess." Hollis and Aurora grow closer when he's healing up for an injury. There are so many things that are keeping these two appart. Friendship, age gap. I really did cheer for these two. They care for each other and for Roman who's one rule has always been... No Hockey Players.
Helena really writes the funny in this one! Toys, cats, scrunchies...
July 26, 2024
Es literalmente NOPORGRAFÍA textual, igual de vacía e igual de nefasta. Personajes olvidables, la trama no existe, el romance brilla por su ausencia. Esta saga es una PERDIDA DE TIEMPO. Ni siquiera la recomendaría para pasar el rato. Creí que el primer libro era malo pero este fue aún peor, se metió con la hija veinteañera de su mejor amigo…¡ASCO! Todo está mal 😀
September 15, 2024
Listen I love a forbidden romance like the next girl but the Dad’s friend trope just does not do it for me. Never read one I liked. That said this was an ok palette cleanser.
July 11, 2024
I’ve been a die hard HH fan since the #Pucked days and I die for anything new she writes, but especially the hockey boys 🥵. Peggy and Hollis were one of my favorite couples yet and #IfYouWantMe brings all the spice we’ve come to love from Helena. If you haven’t read book 1 in the #TorontoTerror series, you can absolutely read this standalone - and you should because it’s an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
July 12, 2024
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Peggy Aurora Hammerstein aka Hammer is the daughter of a professional hockey player. She grew up the team princess, and the Toronto Terror’s were all like family. While finishing up at university she’s also working as an intern for the hockey team. One perk is being around her longtime crush, Hollis Hendrix. She’s always shared a strong bond with her dad’s gorgeous teammate, but lately something has shifted between them. The electricity when they’re in the same room is impossible to deny, but it’s complicated. As she pushes his boundaries, will he decide she’s worth the risk, and finally cross that line?
Hollis Hendrix plays right wing for the Terror. Since he was traded seven years ago, he’s been best friend’s with their goalie, Roman Hammerstein. Over the years he’s also become close with his daughter Aurora. She’s spent the last few months working in the front office, and he’s started to see her differently. She’s a beautiful, ambitious woman he’s drawn to, but she’s off limits. Their relationship has evolved, and it’s getting harder to stay away from her. He wants what he can’t have, and spends so much time fighting their intense connection. Too much is at stake, but he’s slowly losing the battle with his self control. He should walk away and know better than to make the situation messy, but lately she’s the only thing that makes sense.
If You Want Me by Helena Hunting is the second book in the Toronto Terror series. It’s a steamy standalone, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, age gap, dad’s best friend, friends to lovers, forbidden, sports romance full of emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry, fabulous banter, undeniable connections and delicious tension. I really loved this story and adore this series! I can’t wait for more! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX381CRD?...
(ARC provided by author)
Peggy Aurora Hammerstein aka Hammer is the daughter of a professional hockey player. She grew up the team princess, and the Toronto Terror’s were all like family. While finishing up at university she’s also working as an intern for the hockey team. One perk is being around her longtime crush, Hollis Hendrix. She’s always shared a strong bond with her dad’s gorgeous teammate, but lately something has shifted between them. The electricity when they’re in the same room is impossible to deny, but it’s complicated. As she pushes his boundaries, will he decide she’s worth the risk, and finally cross that line?
Hollis Hendrix plays right wing for the Terror. Since he was traded seven years ago, he’s been best friend’s with their goalie, Roman Hammerstein. Over the years he’s also become close with his daughter Aurora. She’s spent the last few months working in the front office, and he’s started to see her differently. She’s a beautiful, ambitious woman he’s drawn to, but she’s off limits. Their relationship has evolved, and it’s getting harder to stay away from her. He wants what he can’t have, and spends so much time fighting their intense connection. Too much is at stake, but he’s slowly losing the battle with his self control. He should walk away and know better than to make the situation messy, but lately she’s the only thing that makes sense.
If You Want Me by Helena Hunting is the second book in the Toronto Terror series. It’s a steamy standalone, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, age gap, dad’s best friend, friends to lovers, forbidden, sports romance full of emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry, fabulous banter, undeniable connections and delicious tension. I really loved this story and adore this series! I can’t wait for more! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX381CRD?...
November 18, 2024
Grab this one if you love grumpy sunshine, age gap, dad’s best friend/forbidden, friends to lovers, hockey, & cat daddies!
📖 If You Want Me
📝 Helena Hunting
🗓️ 07/11/2024
🏒 sports romance
🎧 listened to audiobook (ALC)
🎙️ CJ Bloom & Zachary Webber
📚 book 2 • Toronto Terror series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
There were some things I loved about this book, and parts of it weren’t for me.
I seem to be sort of addicted to these characters 😅 I kind of felt the same with the first book, but I also couldn’t put it down.
I adored Peggy’s vibe + attitude, how she took charge of her own life and went for everything she wanted.
I loved how Hollis saw her for who she is, and respected her a ton. His battle with doing the right thing, and trying to figure out what that was, made me love him more.
I struggled with the “age gap” part of it - this is often hit or miss for me. I don’t generally vibe with it when they’ve known each other since the younger character was pretty young (she was about 13-14 I believe, and he was 26, when they met).
Also he called her “little girl” at the beginning, which was cringey to me. Maybe he was trying to remind himself that she was off-limits, but it wasn’t explained so that’s just my assumption to make it better.
I did really enjoy their story and their relationship, so when I put aside the age gap elements I liked it a lot.
🤍side characters:
I’m going to continue with this series, even if I probably shouldn’t 😅 I need to see how things play out with Dallas & Hemi, and whoever Flip and Tally end up with (maybe each other? Though that would be another age gap).
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I was super into the audiobook, I listened to this on a long car ride and it kept me totally engaged!
tropes + topics:
💕 age gap
💁♂️ dad’s best friend
💛 friends to lovers
🏠 neighbors
🏒 pro hockey player mmc
🏫 college student/team intern fmc
🌦️ grumpy sunshine
🐱 cat daddy
🚫 forbidden
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Helena Hunting & Good Girls PR for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
📖 If You Want Me
📝 Helena Hunting
🗓️ 07/11/2024
🏒 sports romance
🎧 listened to audiobook (ALC)
🎙️ CJ Bloom & Zachary Webber
📚 book 2 • Toronto Terror series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
There were some things I loved about this book, and parts of it weren’t for me.
I seem to be sort of addicted to these characters 😅 I kind of felt the same with the first book, but I also couldn’t put it down.
I adored Peggy’s vibe + attitude, how she took charge of her own life and went for everything she wanted.
I loved how Hollis saw her for who she is, and respected her a ton. His battle with doing the right thing, and trying to figure out what that was, made me love him more.
I struggled with the “age gap” part of it - this is often hit or miss for me. I don’t generally vibe with it when they’ve known each other since the younger character was pretty young (she was about 13-14 I believe, and he was 26, when they met).
Also he called her “little girl” at the beginning, which was cringey to me. Maybe he was trying to remind himself that she was off-limits, but it wasn’t explained so that’s just my assumption to make it better.
I did really enjoy their story and their relationship, so when I put aside the age gap elements I liked it a lot.
🤍side characters:
I’m going to continue with this series, even if I probably shouldn’t 😅 I need to see how things play out with Dallas & Hemi, and whoever Flip and Tally end up with (maybe each other? Though that would be another age gap).
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I was super into the audiobook, I listened to this on a long car ride and it kept me totally engaged!
tropes + topics:
💕 age gap
💁♂️ dad’s best friend
💛 friends to lovers
🏠 neighbors
🏒 pro hockey player mmc
🏫 college student/team intern fmc
🌦️ grumpy sunshine
🐱 cat daddy
🚫 forbidden
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Helena Hunting & Good Girls PR for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
July 15, 2024
I almost DNF’d the first of this series but powered through and the amount of times I wanted to DNF this was 3 x that amount.
It’s really weird to me that you’d fall in love with your best friends daughter and vice versa but outside of that the amount of back and forth these two had was ridiculous. Literally ridiculous. He literally was all “he won’t come between us” and then leaves her as soon as the dad finds out? So fucking dumb, honestly this book could’ve been at least 35% shorter if this author stopped repeating the same things and then adding in unnecessary events and characters. Like, did we need to constantly hear abt Romans retirement but never actually see it? Or how Tristan is thinking of proposing? Or Hollis at the university? Or literally any scene that included North? Seriously BETA readers need to do better at acknowledging this stuff ffs
I feel like I’m gonna like Dallas tho sooo will I read book 3? Yes probably. Will I hate myself for it? Also yes probably x
It’s really weird to me that you’d fall in love with your best friends daughter and vice versa but outside of that the amount of back and forth these two had was ridiculous. Literally ridiculous. He literally was all “he won’t come between us” and then leaves her as soon as the dad finds out? So fucking dumb, honestly this book could’ve been at least 35% shorter if this author stopped repeating the same things and then adding in unnecessary events and characters. Like, did we need to constantly hear abt Romans retirement but never actually see it? Or how Tristan is thinking of proposing? Or Hollis at the university? Or literally any scene that included North? Seriously BETA readers need to do better at acknowledging this stuff ffs
I feel like I’m gonna like Dallas tho sooo will I read book 3? Yes probably. Will I hate myself for it? Also yes probably x
July 14, 2024
The way the characters are written just felt ick.
Continuing to reference childhood experiences like clothing bought when she was young or tutoring to justify the entanglement of this couple in adulthood given the age gap indicates unintentional grooming and an unhealthy obsession by Peggy.
This storyline was salvageable if written correctly.
Disappointing seeing I enjoyed book 1 minus the questionable food scene.
Continuing to reference childhood experiences like clothing bought when she was young or tutoring to justify the entanglement of this couple in adulthood given the age gap indicates unintentional grooming and an unhealthy obsession by Peggy.
This storyline was salvageable if written correctly.
Disappointing seeing I enjoyed book 1 minus the questionable food scene.
July 18, 2024
The age gap was ick - why keep referencing it and calling attention to it? 20 to 33 is a big maturity gap and it showed. Peggy/Aurora was so naive. I listened to audiobook and not a fan of the female narrator for this character, very breathy and immature during scenes where I felt like she was supposed to come across as confident and sexy.
I did not finish - jumped ship at chapter 29.
I did not finish - jumped ship at chapter 29.
July 11, 2024
If You Want Me (The Toronto Terror Series)
By: Helena Hunting
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Fighting for there forever!!
In book 2 in The Toronto Terror series we get Aurora (Princess) Hammerstein and Hollis Hendrix’s true love story and let me tell you it’s a doozy. But wow it was intense and I couldn’t wait to turn the page and I was in my feels page after page. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter. Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me. I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles. When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly. Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break. But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine. I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.
This great love story is truly a pleasant read. I think what I liked about it the most was that I knew pretty close in all the demons each main character was fighting. The simple truth is it added to the story for me. I was able to fall in love with Both people from almost the start of the book. We get taken on a odds are against them love story in the newest series from a great author. Two people who are protecting there hearts and those they love. Both are always putting others first and carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders just in very different ways.
By: Helena Hunting
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Fighting for there forever!!
In book 2 in The Toronto Terror series we get Aurora (Princess) Hammerstein and Hollis Hendrix’s true love story and let me tell you it’s a doozy. But wow it was intense and I couldn’t wait to turn the page and I was in my feels page after page. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: There’s no one more off limits than my best friend’s daughter. Peggy Aurora Hammerstein. The Toronto Terror’s unofficial team princess. I would never do anything to mess with our team dynamics this late into the hockey season, but seeing her work in the front office changed something for me. I see her as she is now: a powerful woman with ambition for miles. When I hold her against me, she fits perfectly. Her little flirts and taunts push my buttons, if she doesn’t stop–my control just might break. But I can never cross that line. I can never know what it could be to call her mine. I’ve never wanted anyone more than Aurora and no one can ever know.
This great love story is truly a pleasant read. I think what I liked about it the most was that I knew pretty close in all the demons each main character was fighting. The simple truth is it added to the story for me. I was able to fall in love with Both people from almost the start of the book. We get taken on a odds are against them love story in the newest series from a great author. Two people who are protecting there hearts and those they love. Both are always putting others first and carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders just in very different ways.
August 1, 2024
The Badass Babe Brigade is back and Hammer aka Aurora aka Peggy has a major crush on the forbidden Hollis Hendrix.. Aurora’s dad’s best friend and teammate for the Toronto Terrors.
Aurora has always had a crush on Hollis. Going from child to woman, she desperately wished that Hollis saw her for the 20/21 year old woman that she is now. But it’s complicated when Aurora is his best friends daughter.
“He has no idea that I am obsessed with his daughter and already have my hands full. I'm definitely vying for the shittiest best friend of the year award.”
Aurora is a confident and vibrant character they really pushed all the right buttons with Hollis. They clearly have a strong chemistry but the forbidden aspect of their relationship has him scared to move forward with pursuing Aurora.
It’s a big mix of emotions coming from both characters and I felt it all as the reader.
Aurora never wants to disappoint her dad.
And Hollis doesn’t want to destroy his friendship with Roman either.
Not when he’s still battling feelings about the age gap as well.
"He said I looked like every sin he wants to commit."
"I want to be worth the risk because what if it worked out,"
- This is a spicy, forbidden, hilarious, age gap, hockey, dad’s best friend romance and I freaking loved it. Also, Hollis is a cat daddy. 💛
Aurora and Hollis are so beautiful together and couldn’t see them with anyone else.
HEA guaranteed.
Aurora has always had a crush on Hollis. Going from child to woman, she desperately wished that Hollis saw her for the 20/21 year old woman that she is now. But it’s complicated when Aurora is his best friends daughter.
“He has no idea that I am obsessed with his daughter and already have my hands full. I'm definitely vying for the shittiest best friend of the year award.”
Aurora is a confident and vibrant character they really pushed all the right buttons with Hollis. They clearly have a strong chemistry but the forbidden aspect of their relationship has him scared to move forward with pursuing Aurora.
It’s a big mix of emotions coming from both characters and I felt it all as the reader.
Aurora never wants to disappoint her dad.
And Hollis doesn’t want to destroy his friendship with Roman either.
Not when he’s still battling feelings about the age gap as well.
"He said I looked like every sin he wants to commit."
"I want to be worth the risk because what if it worked out,"
- This is a spicy, forbidden, hilarious, age gap, hockey, dad’s best friend romance and I freaking loved it. Also, Hollis is a cat daddy. 💛
Aurora and Hollis are so beautiful together and couldn’t see them with anyone else.
HEA guaranteed.
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