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The Attack Zone: a frenemies to lovers hockey romance

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SOMETIMES LOVE IS WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

As one of the best defensemen in the NHL, Mitch Greggs has a lot on his plate: his team, his nonprofit, managing his mental health, and pining over Stacey Anderson. Not that the last one will go anywhere. He’s not exactly relationship material. Even if she didn’t hate his guts.

Stacey Anderson has always been told that she’s too much. She’s done putting herself out there. Only three things are important to her now: her business, her friends, and changing the world. So when her two best friends ask her to co-plan their wedding with her least favorite client, Mitch Greggs, she isn’t exactly thrilled.

After one surprising and wild night together, the two agree to be frienemies with benefits. But in a world that tells us that we’re either too much or not enough, they’re both terrified to commit to more.

What happens to two defensive hearts when love is on the attack?

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

13 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

A.K. Isaacs

3 books53 followers
Originally from Colorado, A.K. Isaacs (she/her) has lived in 12 states and Washington, D.C. Now an adoptee of the Midwest, she spends her days as a nonprofit fundraiser and her nights (and early mornings!) writing love stories. When not reading or writing, she can be found cheering on the Colorado Avalanche and painting with watercolor. She’d like to remind you that the world is a better place because you’re in it.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for BookishRaquel.
750 reviews89 followers
November 3, 2024
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 2/5 🌶️

What you’ll find:
- Hockey Romance
- Frenemies to Lovers
- Friends with Benefits
- Golden Retriever x Black Cat
- Mental Health Rep (Bipolar Disorder & Anxiety)
- Found Family
- Secret Admirer
- Only One Bed

The Attack Zone is the second book in the Slap Shot series. The story centers on Stacey Anderson and Mitch Greggs, who initially have a contentious relationship despite working together in charity work. Stacey runs a company that aids charity organizations, while Mitch, a professional hockey player for the Colorado Blizzards, also manages a non-profit for rescuing animals. Their dynamic changes when they are tasked with planning their mutual friends' wedding, leading to an unexpected romantic development. As they worked closely together, it was clear Stacy and Mitch had great chemistry, and I am happy they gave love a chance.

Mental health is a central theme of the story. Mitch has well-managed bipolar disorder. The author handled this topic with care and did a wonderful job portraying the struggles of those with the condition. The dialogue about the condition and anxiety is well written, and including resources is a great way to bring awareness. Knowing the author shares the same diagnosis adds a layer of appreciation for her vulnerability and willingness to share this with readers.

I always love reading stories that include great friendships. I loved Mitch's friendships with Caleb, Thomas, and even Matti. There is something so special about them being teammates but also great friends who can lean on each other in times of need. Caleb and Thomas gave Mitch an extra push when needed but also let him work things out on his own. Men who talk about their feelings are not as popular in our society, and it's heartwarming to see characters who can. Although The Attack Zone has a different vibe and is more emotional than the first book in this series, I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to A.K. Isaacs for the eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sydney 🖤.
464 reviews25 followers
October 27, 2024
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

4.5/⭐️
1/🌶️

Mitch Greggs. This man deserves the world. He is so sweet and kind and he likes to help out at animal rescues?? I love him. And Stacey! Stacey is everything!! She is a total girl boss. Her and Mitch are perfect for one another!

I loved everything about how this couple came to be. When they finally gave in and couldn’t keep their hands off each other!! 🥵 but also the raw and vulnerable moments. Stacey never running when it got hard. I was in tears. The mental health rep in this one is so strong. It was done so well, and really gave insight to what someone could be going through when no one even knows.

Also the friend group here is my favorite! I love how strong these guys care for one another. Their breakfast dates, and how Thomas would drop everything for Mitch!! I can’t wait for Thomas’ story 🫶🏼🫶🏼

tropes - frenemies to lovers, black cat x golden retriever, mental health rep, found family, friends with benefits, secret admirer, rescue pups
Profile Image for Casey Smailles.
192 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2024
The Attack Zone by A.K. Isaacs.

Tropes:
🩵Golden Retriever xmBlack Cat
🩵Friends With Benefits
🩵Frenemies to Lovers
🩵Just Once To Get It Out Of Our Systems
🩵Rescue Pups
🩵Secret Admirer
🩵Healthy Dud Friendships
🩵Found Family
🩵Mental Health Representation
🩵Only One Bed
🩵Hockey Romance

Firstly I would like to thank Annie for the wonderful opportunity to read her book The Attack Zone. Which is the second book in the A Slap Shot Romance series. I devoured this book in record time and when I reached the end I immediately wanted to reread it already.

The Attack Zone follows Mitch and Stacey. Since meeting them in book one slap shot at love I was super excited to meet these two. When we first met them you could instantly feel the cosmic pull these two had to each other.it just took a little push from friends to kick start them.

These two have such an electric chemistry.in this book you will find moments that will make your knees go weak, moments when your heart will want to break and you want to hug them, moments were you think your heart is going to burst because you are so happy for them, you may even shed a little tear or two in the last chapter but they are happy tears.

Annie, you have this magical way of making me everything feel and I loved every minute. Guys make sure you grab a copy of The Attack Zone or even add it to your TBR you don't wanna miss this one.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Aim.
117 reviews
October 28, 2024
You guysssss. I loved this one 🥺 I am obsessed with Mitch and Stacy and the “it’s always been you” vibe they put out into the world, despite being frenemies.

I absolutely loved Mitch’s relationship with Caleb and Travis. I feel like so often we see strong female friendships forming in the books we read (or at least the ones I read) and it was so nice to see some strong male friendships that were deeper than just surface level. Men who actually talk about their feelings and what’s going on in their lives.

The way A.K. Isaacs writes mental health reps into her books is so so good and I’m so thankful she does it because as someone who is very pro-ending the stigma, I really think more characters like Mitch need to exist in the world. Just because you have a mental illness does not mean you are not worthy of love. 💚

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥

Tropes:
🧡 Only One Bed
🧡 Mental Health Rep
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Secret Admirer
🧡 Golden Retriever/Black Cat
🧡 Frenemies to Lovers
🧡 Friends With Benefits
Profile Image for Casey.
30 reviews
October 14, 2024
I was given an ARC of The Attack Zone. 3.5 stars

A hockey romance with mental health representation? Count me in. Mitch was very different than a lot of the MMCs in sports romances, in a good way. I really empathized with him and his struggle with his episodes. Loved how supportive his friends were! Also really liked how he wasn’t possessive of Stacey in the typical cave man character way. In 2024 - we should really strive for well rounded and secure men.

One thing I didn’t quite understand was why Stacey seemed obsessed with thinking her and Mitch were enemies. I mean the guy was her client and had some conflicting ideas with hers, I’m sure other clients did as well but she didn’t view them as harshly? There could have been some catalyst that would have made it more understandable, instead it felt forced and like an unnecessary barrier keeping the main characters apart.
Profile Image for Going To Visit Friends.
28 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2024
I could not be more thrilled that Mitch and Stacey get their chance to fall in love. I truly loved the first book “Slap Shot at Love,” annnnnd this second installment did NOT disappoint! Tropes I absolutely loved: Mental Health Representation, Frenemies to Lovers, Found Family, and Secret Admirer! There were a lot more to choose from but these few truly made the book for me!

Mitch Greggs, not evil Greg (wink) is one of the best defensemen in the NHL, as well as a founder of his own non-profit to help rescue dogs! Who other to help him run his non-profit than Stacey Anderson, the most organized, intelligent, and also equally uninterested individual looking for a relationship… Stacey may also dislike Greggs as much as she THINKS he dislikes her! Oh wait is this a he falls first trope too? I like those too! Despite having to work with each other on business ventures, they remain distant and rarely interact unless absolutely necessary. That is until their best friends announce they are getting married and they want Mitch and Stacey to plan everything for them!

I could not get enough of the back and forth between Mitch and Stacey! I enjoyed the banter when they were together but I also loved the texting back and forth. It made them more vocal about how they felt and what they wanted and both of them needed to speak up for themselves in different respects. Mitch’s mental health made me feel a bit heartbroken for him. Knowing that others made him feel less deserving because THEY were the problem was incredibly sad. His struggles and episodes throughout were tough, however to see his friends and then Stacey be comfortable helping him and getting through to him with support and love made my heart full. The positive male friendships and non-toxic masculinity did it for me!!!! Also, Stacey was so very calm and understanding during certain situations and I truly thought she was going to be a runner! Her acceptance of someone who was thought of as “too much” was ideal since Stacey herself was always told how she indeed was too much. She was the right amount of everything in Mitch’s eyes… all while still being true to herself and life she built.

Overall, I was excited to see this story play out. I wanted these two to find each other the moment they “hated” each other in the first book! They surprised me with how hard they fell for each other once they allowed themselves to be cared for and nurtured by one another. It also made my heart skip a beat to see the calmness they brought to the other. It was refreshing to see what love and support can do for someone who lacks self-esteem or is dealing with their mental health battles. Greggs and Stacey were an unlikely match in the beginning but the perfect combination to fall in love.

Last but not least, there was a strong emphasis on flowers again in this book and I love that little touch! There just has to be a flower fixation of some sort for Hazel and King’s story or else it just won’t work! The Slap Shot Series is truly entertaining and it just seems like it’s getting better as we dive more into this friend group’s lives. The growth in the characters and being able to follow their lives with each new book makes me feel like I am catching up with friends. This book was fantastic and I can’t wait to read book 3!

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for mysticalblaise.
95 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2024
The Attack Zone is the second book in the Slap Shot series by A.K. Isaacs and follows pro hockey player Mitchell Greggs and workaholic non-profit manager Stacey Anderson.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
💼 ONS to Frenemies to Lovers
🏒 Bipolar MMC
💼 Toys as Teammates
🏒 Secret Crush
💼 Found Family
🏒 Forced Proximity
💼 Pinterest boards and puppies
🏒 “Oh, f*&k it.”

Mitchell Greggs and his non-profit manager, Stacey Anderson, are like oil and water. They know how to needle each other, right where to hit with their words. When they’re talking, they're arguing. So it’s no wonder that they think other hates them…even when it’s secretly not true. Nevertheless, they collaborate effectively to organize fantastic events for Mitch's animal rescue charity. They always do an amazing job, which doesn’t go unnoticed by their engaged friends, who ask them to plan their wedding. Can Mitch and Stacey keep their complicated feelings for each other a secret as they orchestrate a beautiful wedding for their friends?

I really loved Mitch’s storyline, and it was surprisingly emotional. Even for such a short book, it was deep and engaging. I applaud the author for highlighting the struggles of bipolar disorder. The way his friends supported him, every step of the way tugged at my heartstrings.

Although I do wish we got more of a resolution with Stacey’s issues, I genuinely liked her character. Stacey was the perfect match for Mitch, and they were both exactly what they needed. Every moment they spent together on page was fantastic, whether steamy or sweet. And can we talk about the steam for a moment? Every scene was hot and varied, and I loved every second of it.

If you’re a hockey romance fan and are looking for a quick, spicy, heartwarming read, The Attack Zone is for you.

Favorite Line:
Toxic masculinity can suck my d!&k.

Thank you to Book Sirens for a copy of this ARC.
Profile Image for Fatma.
374 reviews14 followers
November 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review

Tropes:
Frienemies to Lovers
Hockey Romance
Bipolar Rep
Groveling
One Bed
He Falls First
Found Family
Golden Retriever x Black Cat

This story broke my heart than put it back together!😭😭 It was so wholesome and with such a sensitive topic as Bipolar, it was written so beautifully!

Stacey truly believes that Mitch hates her and throughout the years has learned to "hate" him as well. She's a women that's focused on her career and doesn't have time for relationships, but with her best friend forcing her to plan a wedding WITH Mitch, she learns a side of him that's she's never known before.

Mitch lives a life of routine in order to function & believes that he isn't capable of being a good boyfriend. His frenemies with benefits might teach him that he's worthy of so much more than he believes!

In book 1 we got glimpsed into Stacey & Mitch's relationship and I loved the enemies & "hate" flirting vibes & knew for sure Mitch had feelings for Stacey! Mitch holding back on his feelings and learning the reason why in this book broke my heart! I'm happy his friends were able to get him to his senses & he went after the girl he loves!

Stacey annoyed me in the beginning with all her "hate" nonsense, but I definitely understood where she was coming from. I felt for her when she mentioned her previous relationship and hurtful things get ex said to her. I was so delighted when she opened up to Mitch and saw that she could have her career & a love life together! #girlboss

The connection between these two were always there, but they were both in their own insecurities to see them. I loved that their relationship was so gradual & natural that they didn't even realize they were a couple, until they were a couple😅

Overall this is a cute & sweet read that will pull on your heart strings in the best possible ways!

Can't wait for Thomas & Hazel's book!😁
Profile Image for theo stone.
60 reviews
October 29, 2024
I want to give Mitch a hug so badly. I loved him in the first book of this series, Slap Shot at Love, so I really enjoyed reading his and Stacey's story.

I wish we had gotten a bit more of Mitch and Stacey's backstories, specifically about Mitch's parents and Stacey's past relationship.

I struggled a bit with Stacey being so convinced Mitch hated her, and her initial dislike for him. I think this would have worked a bit better if there had been some major event that caused issues, rather than just general bickering and disagreement. I did however like that it added to the "it's always been you" sentiment (I'm a SUCKER for that trope).

My favorite part was the non-toxic masculinity and the friendship the Blizzard boys have with each other. In Slap Shot at Love, it was so nice seeing Caleb welcomed into Mitch and Thomas's friendship. In The Attack Zone, getting to see more of the boys and their love for each other was amazing. The way Thomas would drop everything to be there for Mitch made me want to sob. I love them so much.

Mitch and Stacey were so so sweet together. Mitch's nickname for her? The flowers? The banter?? Obsessed. It was so heartwarming to see Stacey's support for Mitch during his bad days and episodes. Her character development was incredible, because the Stacey at the beginning of the book would've ran, while this Stacey stayed. They are truly so wonderful together.

I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series (please be Thomas and Hazel!!!).

Thank you to the author, A.K. Isaacs, for sending me a digital arc to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this review was written voluntarily.
Profile Image for Skanessa.
160 reviews
October 21, 2024
Please read the author’s note at the beginning of the book about the topic of bipolar disorder mentioned in the books.

Trope:
Enemies to lovers
He fell first

This is my first book from this author and I am very honored to have received this as an ARC. My opinions are of my own opinion.

Now where to start. Wowza! What an awesome read. This is my first book where a main character, Mitch (MMC), is bipolar and is trying to seem as “normal” as possible because he is a famous defenseman hockey player. He has his best friend Thomas who helps him get through his bad episodes. You really are rooting for Mitch throughout this book. He definitely fell first and hard. He calls her “love.” Now if that isn’t saying something I don’t know what does.

Stacey our FMC is one sassy lady. She believes that her and Mitch will never get along since she feels like he hates her. (Which is so far from the truth.) She is a tough cookie and is strong emotionally. Yet she is still fragile in her own way.

There is a third act break up but it needed to be there in my opinion.

You can definitely read this in one sitting.

Also, flowers on Thursdays.💐💐🥹


Would I recommend? Yes! Definitely yes!

Would re-read? More than likely yes because I need to read the first book and maybe I will grasp more of the first couple’s dynamic that is mentioned in this book.

All and all, I enjoyed this book and appreciate getting to read this before the release date.
Profile Image for Craftybookworm11.
341 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2024

So overall I did enjoy this book. I don’t necessarily think I would want to reread it, only due to the heavier themes and how Mitch treated Stacey during his episodes, which is why this is a 4 star read vs a 5 star. I also feel like a big deal was made about Stacey being “too much” but it was never really addressed but Mitch in the sense that he didn’t think she was. I just fell like that would have added quite a bit to the story.

Stacey had a weird idea of how Mitch felt about her, I think this is because she was only looking at from her perspective. Meanwhile Mitch just thought they had a tendency to butt heads and that was as far as it went. I do like that their friends decided to meddle, which lead to them being together. Stacey also handled Mitch’s bipolar disorder with so much kindness. She just wanted to be there for him to help and he wanted to push her away. I’m not bipolar so I can’t speak to how accurate the portrayal is, but I do like having mental illness represented in books.

Toys as teammates was a theme in this book, which I always love. A real man isn’t intimated by a toy. Mitch does seem to care about Stacey, though the way he treats her when having an episode was a tough to read.

I read an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Written in dual, first person POV.

Profile Image for Kate Brasington.
330 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2024
Fun fact of the day before I get into my review; Slap Shot at Love, the first book in this series, was my very first sports romance I ever read. Now any time I read a Hockey Romance I always compare them to A.K. Isaacs’.
I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the tension between the two characters and how it was a will they wont they type of situation. I also liked how bipolar disorder is touched on in this book and it is done in a very accurate manner which is very helpful since a lot of times bipolar disorder is not represented in an accurate way and it causes a lot of stigma and misinformation.
I also enjoyed getting to have a little peak at Cassie and Caleb’s life post book one but this book is more focused on Stacey and Mitch.
Stacey is a hard working PR manager who doesn’t have time for love and tries super hard to avoid Mitch outside of anything related to work. Mitch is a hockey player in the Blizzards and has a pretty tight schedule leaving him closed off to a love life. Despite their best efforts of trying to avoid each other our MC’s find themselves unable to say no to helping plan a wedding for the MC’s from the first book and force proximity does what it does best 🤪

I cannot wait for the next book I’m hoping we finally get Hazel and Thomas’ story next -fingers crossed-

Thank you A.K Isaccs for letting me ARC read this book I really loved it!
Profile Image for HeadCanonHeadCase.
1,216 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2024
Stacey tolerates Mitch, but she wouldn't go so far as to call him her friend. But as they begin planning the wedding for their best friends, she slowly gets to see a different side to the man who used to rub her the wrong way. Their explosive chemistry leads to one night, but is that all they will have?

Read if you like:
-One Night to FWB to Lovers
-Dislike to Lovers
-He Falls First
-Secret Crush
-Mental Health Rep
-Hockey Romance
-Forced Proximity

I. Am. Obsessed. I am feral. I am gnawing at the bars of my enclosure! This book is so good, and I'll rave all about it in a moment, but first I have to acknowledge Ch 11 & Ch 12. A.K. Ma'am. That sequence of events was banger after banger after banger after certified banger. You did not miss! Gold. Genius. Perfection!

Okay, now to the rest of the book. I like my romances with a little bit of an emotional punch, and The Attack Zone delivered. I was crying by the end, in the best way of course. The way Stacey stood by Mitch through his ups and downs and refused to let his bipolar disorder color the way she viewed him was oh so satisfying. And the sexual tension between these two was just the icing on the cake. Phew!

I can't recommend this one enough. Hockey romance lovers need to find A.K. Issacs immediately! This is an author and series you are sleeping on.
Profile Image for Aussie.
1,382 reviews36 followers
November 25, 2024
" For those who’ve been told they’re either too much or not enough. I hope you know the world is a better place because you’re in it."

it is seond book in the Slap Slot series... this one centered arround Stacey Anderson and Mitch Greggs that have initially have a contentious relationship despite working together in charity work .

Stacey runs a company that aids charity organisations...... Mitch is a professional hockey player for the Colorado Blizzards that also manages a non-profit for rescuing animals.

The dynamic changes when they are tasked with planning their mutual friends wedding which does leads them to an unexpected romantic development as they worked closely together ..... it becomes very clear that there is chemisty between Stacey and Mitch .... they have love a chance which made my heart happy

The central theme of the story is mental health as Mitch has a well-managed bipolar disorder... I adore how A.K handle this topic with care aswell as did magnificent job of portraying the struggles of those conditions.

This story also comes with great friendship as Mitch's friendship with Caleb, Thomas and Matti as they are his teammates but aswell as his mates outside of the team .
Profile Image for Casey Stewart.
12 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
I received an ARC, and I am posting this willingly.

Stacey & Mitch were two lovable characters in their own right, and seeing them finally give into the palpable tension was sooo good!! This book is really well balanced, and kept my attention from beginning to end. Mitch turning out to be Stacey’s secret admirer was just icing on the cake, and he really knocked it out of the park with the ending flowers.

Most importantly, I think this book really delves into the stigma around bipolar disorder, and does a great job at showing the struggles of those who have this disorder, as well as brings awareness. I appreciated the multiple inclusions of resources for help. This aspect of the book was really well written!!

I loved the subtle call backs to the first book of this series!! Wasn’t overwhelming in case someone hasn’t read it, but done well enough that those who read the first book will love getting an update on the previous characters.

A.K Issacs did this well, and I recommend this to any hockey romance lover, or anyone looking for mental health rep!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for EJ Richard.
52 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2024
I read this book in a day, and it single-handedly pulled me out of my reading slump. I had to pause and scream into my pillow so many times because it was just so gosh darn cute and made me so giddy. I feel like this one was actually better than the first, to me a least. I loved the characters and how well they worked together. Both of them are very organized list people, and it worked out so well for them. I also have to mention the representation of bipolar in this book. As someone who lived with a person who has bipolar disorder, this felt fairly accurate. Again, I am an outside perspective so I can't speak to the personal accuracy, but my relationship with this person felt similar to Stacey and Mitch. I loved seeing the working side of Stacey, and it felt like a breath of fresh air to read a romance novel about a hard-working woman who continues to be a hard-working woman even after falling in love. It goes to show how true to the character the writing is. I sincerely hope A. K. Isaacs writes another one, and that I can get my hands on it!
Profile Image for Sakura.
125 reviews
November 4, 2024
I liked the book, it was clean but with the appropriate amount of sexual scenes in different ways, has angst but without being too much, and, of course, the little swoon moments made me more emotions.

Having DUAL points of view helps a lot to became more immersed in the story, which is fun and touching at the same time. The way the mental theme is talked is sweet but realistic, and it leads to both of the MC growing as a person and solidifying their relation. It is fast-paced, because of the time skips, but doesn't feel weird and actually for being a short book gives a more coherent general vibe.

I prefer longer books, so that explains my 4-star review, but I can't find a major reason to not read this book or DNF. Both MCs are strong-willed, realistic, fun, and cutely clueless. The amount of angst was needed, and it was a realistic, that you can easily understand where it comes from and the way they resolve the conflict is healthy and well done.
Profile Image for t1ffs03.
210 reviews
October 6, 2024
ARC rating:

Mitch, my love, I knew your book would be one of my favorites 🫶

In the first book, I knew Mitch was one of my favorite characters from the second he appeared. I loved how supportive he was to Caleb and the breakfasts they made for each other.

Stacey and Mitch are a beautiful couple. I felt connected with Stacey on how she felt about her curves and her body. How she felt about her work and needed to be focused. I loved how she immediately supported Mitch once she figured out his bipolar disorder and didn't leave him during his episodes. It was amazing to watch their story play out from enemies, to frenemies with benefits, to friends, to lovers.

I wish their story would've been longer with little Bella by their side 🥲.

I can't wait to see what comes next in the series, and once again, thank you for the chance at another ARC!
Profile Image for Erin.
115 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2024
I am devastated that this book came to an end. Stacey and Mitch are just gorgeous together, they both blend so well - like her grumpy, and his sunshine, and the way she just understands him and supports him through out the whole book!

The book has heavy themes in it, however AK Isaacs covered it so, so well! I came out of this book knowing more than I did before I read it, and my heart goes out to all those who experience the same.

I am such a sucker for a story where the guy falls harder and this hit every mark, Mitch is such a hopeless romantic and I love it! If I had a man delivering flowers to me every week, I would immediate be in love, wanting to know who it is. I’m so glad Stacey finally gave him a chance 🥹

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so thankful I got the chance to read it 🫶🫶
Profile Image for JJ.
28 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2024
I was so excited to receive this ARC that I dove in without reading the first in the series. If you’ve read my recent reviews, you’d think this is a common occurrence for me, but it actually makes me itchy and I hate it. However, you can totally read this book without reading the first one if you so choose, though I am going back to read it because Cassie seems awesome.

The Attack Zone features a strong willed, ass kicking FMC Stacey and a professional hockey player, Mitch who just rubs her all kinds of the wrong way. But we find out that Mitch is actually managing bipolar disorder and requires a regimented routine to enhance the effects of his medication. This was a really excellent representation of the hardship of a mental health disorder and how it often takes a village to manage it effectively.

I loved all of the side characters and this friend group. This was a sexy and sweet romance with a found family that is just goals.
Profile Image for Freyah.
5 reviews
October 29, 2024
I loved this book so much, I love how the author made Stacy so independent and so loveable, I related a lot to her. I loved how Stacy was so involved with her work and it really showed in the book. I see why Mitch loved her

The Thursday flowers was the best, it's such a cute detail and it meant a lot to Stacy, Mitch is such an adorable guy and was so respectful the whole book.

I admire how the author portrayed bipolar in her book, it showed the care and detail that went into it. Even when Mitch had an episode, Stacy was there to help him.

Even though Mitch has bipolar, it shows that even if you have such a struggle with mental illnesses, it doesn't define who you are as a person. The last chapter was amazing, I may have even cried. I definitely recommend this book!

GET THIS BOOK!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sam.
47 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2024
Thank you for giving me an ARC of this book!

A K Isaacs has done it again! Another absolute banger!

Stacey Anderson runs a company that helps run charity organizations.
Mitch Greggs is defense for the Colorado Blizzards.

He has been in love with Stacey since they started working together on his charity, Rebounds for Rescues. Only thing is she can’t stand him. But now they’re forced to work together to help plan the wedding of their best friends, Caleb and Cassie.

Mitch suffers from bipolar disorder, but manages it very well with his semi hectic hockey schedule. I don’t know much about bipolar disorder, but I felt it was handled very well and helped me understand it better. I also appreciate how understanding Stacey is when Mitch tells her and wants to do everything she can to be there for him to help in any way she can when he experiences his episodes.

The tension and chemistry between Mitch and Stacey is so good! When that tension breaks though! Both of them thought that they’d get it out of their system and be able to move on but it only gets stronger. Plus he has such a cute nickname for her!

I was a bit confused on why they were under the impression they hated each other at first, but seeing how they are before they get together made more sense since they kinda brought out the worse in each other in a way.

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for booksadoodle (Tammy).
321 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2024
I’m such a lover of a great hockey romance so I was very excited to give this a read. This was book 2 in the Slap Shot series, but it easily reads as a standalone, as I hadn’t read the first one and still enjoyed this a lot. The story and characters pull you in from the start and you’re quick to become invested. Mitch is the hockey star with a secret crush on Stacey, and has been sending her flowers for a year. Stacey is attracted to Mitch but her career has always taken priority. Full of witty banter, found family, forced proximity, friends with benefits & spicy chemistry, this is a fabulous sports romance not to miss! Thanks so much to A.K. Isaacs, the publisher, and BookSirens for the opportunity to review this e-arc. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
11 reviews
October 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn't know I was a sports girly until I started reading sports themed romance books and I AM HERE FOR IT.

This book covered some heavier topics, I really appreciated following the MMC's mental health journey. I think bringing normalcy to mental health is so important and especially seeing the story of men and their mental health.

Following finishing this book (although #2 in the series) I instantly had the first book Slap Shot at Love loaded to my kindle.

This book had the right amount of spice, a great build in their relationship. See Stacey love Mitch through really hard times hit the feels. I had tears, I laughed, the whole book was just fantastic.
Profile Image for brianna !.
193 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
3.75 ⭐️

My heart. This was such a cute book and had great representation. God damn that newspaper article made me tear up. I loved the dynamic Mitch and Stacey had together!! The “Frenemies” to lovers in this book was soooo good! And I definitely enjoyed this book better than the last one, the pacing was perfect and I absolutely ate it up. I was so excited for Mitch and Stacey’s story and I was not disappointed. I will say I hoped we got more details about Stacey’s, I was just hoping for a bit more context with her character.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was adorable. I’m quite excited to read the next book be wise if it’s about Hazel and Thomas oh I am so ready!! But until next time! 🏒☑️🌷
Profile Image for Gabby 🌞.
328 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2024
Mitch deserves the world 😭

This book pulled on my heart strings. I loved this book as much as I did the first. I love a good friends with benefits situation. The one thing I loved about this book was the mental help representation. I think it was portrayed so nicely in this book and I just wanted to hug Mitch like all the time 😭. I love their relationship and was cracking up in the beginning when Stacey was like we hate each and Mitch was like do we? 😂. I felt like that was a very Mitch thing to say. What a beautiful book I can’t wait for the next one! Overall a 4.5/5 ⭐️’s and a 🌶️🌶️/5 on the spicy level!
Profile Image for Nneverendingtbr.
17 reviews
October 16, 2024
*arc review*

hockey romance with mental health representation? Count me in. Mitch was very different than a lot of the MMCs in sports romances, in a good way. I really empathized with him and his struggle with his episodes. Loved how supportive his friends were!

Stacey was great too, but I didn't understand why she thought they hated each other when they just had disagreements

And I loved his nickname for her 🤭❤️

🌶🌶🌶- according to me

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
16 reviews
October 19, 2024
This book was incredible… the mental health representation, the growth between Stacey and Mitch, the steamy scenes. There is honestly absolutely nothing I’d change about this book. I was hooked right away and interested just based on the way AK Isaacs writes. It was entertaining, funny, cute as all get out, and REAL. AK absolutely knocked this out of the park and I’d like to read every book she writes to be honest. You’re a rockstar, AK. This story was incredible. I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this voluntarily, but I swear I mean every dang word.
Profile Image for Jessica.
102 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
👏 👏 👏 I loved sweet Caleb and Cassie but Mitch and Stacey 😘 they both wanted each other but oneeee didn’t want to admit it 😂 Very honest, respectful representation of bipolar disorder 🫶🏼 Poor Mitch but such a lovable guy and Stacey is strong and just what he needed ❤️ The Thursday flowers ❤️❤️ I’m so glad they both got their happily ever after at the end because they both deserved it ! So happy to read this early!! I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel McGovern.
8 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
Story: 3.75 stars/5 stars
Spice: 2.5 chili peppers

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Stacey and Mitch as the main characters. I feel like we were still missing a bit of their backstories. They were mentioned, but it felt like it just skimmed the surface and I wanted more! I thought the mental health portrayals were excellent and so important. I can't wait to read the next book!

Thank you so much to the author for an ARC! The review is my own!
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