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Seattle Blades #3
Tempest
You can fall in love in a matter of days.
It can take years to recover from the loss of it. I know that all too well. When I fell for Gavin Vaughn, I never expected to watch him marry someone else. The experience changed me, shaped the woman I became.
Now he’s divorced and wanting to reconnect after twenty years. As if that same shattered heart doesn’t still beat inside me.
He’s as charming as he ever was, better looking, too. And a star player for the NHL team in the city I just relocated to.
I’m not that same girl who loved him and watched him leave. I’m a woman who built her own empire from scraps. I’m also the woman who will be mentoring his daughter to do the same.
I’m the woman who can still be brought to her knees by the only man she ever cared about. But it’s going to take more than sly smiles and bouquets of flowers to convince me he’s worth my time. Or my heart.
It can take years to recover from the loss of it. I know that all too well. When I fell for Gavin Vaughn, I never expected to watch him marry someone else. The experience changed me, shaped the woman I became.
Now he’s divorced and wanting to reconnect after twenty years. As if that same shattered heart doesn’t still beat inside me.
He’s as charming as he ever was, better looking, too. And a star player for the NHL team in the city I just relocated to.
I’m not that same girl who loved him and watched him leave. I’m a woman who built her own empire from scraps. I’m also the woman who will be mentoring his daughter to do the same.
I’m the woman who can still be brought to her knees by the only man she ever cared about. But it’s going to take more than sly smiles and bouquets of flowers to convince me he’s worth my time. Or my heart.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2024
198 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Alison Rhymes
15 books436 followersAlison lives somewhere in the shadow of a Pacific Northwest Mountain, bordered by the Puget Sound, and not too far from the country roads she grew up on.
When she’s not reading, she can be found avidly reading, traveling with youthful wanderlust, or slowly turning the inside of her home into her own personal houseplant jungle.
When she’s not reading, she can be found avidly reading, traveling with youthful wanderlust, or slowly turning the inside of her home into her own personal houseplant jungle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 28, 2024
Once H learns his ex is pregnant, he drops h so fast you'd be surprised she's the 'love of his life' lmao.
He marries ow, stays with her for two decades, gets divorced and suddenly h is all he wants. Only heard of co parenting after 20 years?
h is 100% his second / backup choice. He had a kid, lived a married life with content sex, now that he's alone, h comes in. I don't even know where's the 'romance' part in it. If not for the mutual divorce, he'd be happily married and never would've gone for her
Should've known the author of rainfall would write this too, my bad i saw only the blurb before going in 🤡
He marries ow, stays with her for two decades, gets divorced and suddenly h is all he wants. Only heard of co parenting after 20 years?
h is 100% his second / backup choice. He had a kid, lived a married life with content sex, now that he's alone, h comes in. I don't even know where's the 'romance' part in it. If not for the mutual divorce, he'd be happily married and never would've gone for her
Should've known the author of rainfall would write this too, my bad i saw only the blurb before going in 🤡
September 5, 2024
This was trash. The heroine was into married men because she couldn’t get over her breakup from TWENTY YEARS AGO. Bye.
September 7, 2024
He dumps "the love of his life" so he can marry his pregnant ex that he stayed married to for 20 years rather than co-parent. 🙄 This is not the sort of hero I want to read about.
Read
May 5, 2025I HAVE NOT READ THIS YET. AVOID!
This is from an FB group spoiler. Stated a 20yr separation, chose baby and OW over FMC, stayed married for 19 yrs, supposedly unhappy in marriage, didn’t even look for FMC after divorce, just bumped into her conveniently because of said child, and FMC actively chose married men to have affairs with during separation because she couldn’t get over the MMC.
MY OPINION
20 yr separation is a hard no for me. And this couples love is based on a two month fling that long ago? Yea no. They didn’t even really know each other enough after two months together to be left pining for 20 yrs like that.
Besides that, what’s likable about a character that chooses to have affairs with married men because of a hangup over someone else? Then, there’s the fact that the premise of the HEA is either stay single and be miserable or take the man back who made you an option instead of a first or second choice? This leaves the MMC with NO responsibility to make up for his abandonment of the FMC.
Most importantly, I don’t care if a baby is involved, they could have coparented. But when a MMC chooses anyone over the FMC, AND never looks for her even though he supposedly always wanted her back, it’s no longer a romance for me. It’s also a lazy easy resolution to getting this couple back together after so long without actual effort by the author for the MMC to redeem himself. He is not redeeming himself. It seems to me nobody has done any work on themselves or for the betterment of having a happy life moving forward.
Lastly, the MMC sacrificing himself to raise his child is NOT a good example to set for children in the long run. All it did was delay his, the FMC and the ex-wife’s lives. Like I said, they could have coparented no matter how messy it could have been. These are just too many negatives for me to give this book a chance. I’m sure it’s well written but I want to be happy with my romance books and this plotting won’t give me that. Good luck.
This is from an FB group spoiler. Stated a 20yr separation, chose baby and OW over FMC, stayed married for 19 yrs, supposedly unhappy in marriage, didn’t even look for FMC after divorce, just bumped into her conveniently because of said child, and FMC actively chose married men to have affairs with during separation because she couldn’t get over the MMC.
MY OPINION
20 yr separation is a hard no for me. And this couples love is based on a two month fling that long ago? Yea no. They didn’t even really know each other enough after two months together to be left pining for 20 yrs like that.
Besides that, what’s likable about a character that chooses to have affairs with married men because of a hangup over someone else? Then, there’s the fact that the premise of the HEA is either stay single and be miserable or take the man back who made you an option instead of a first or second choice? This leaves the MMC with NO responsibility to make up for his abandonment of the FMC.
Most importantly, I don’t care if a baby is involved, they could have coparented. But when a MMC chooses anyone over the FMC, AND never looks for her even though he supposedly always wanted her back, it’s no longer a romance for me. It’s also a lazy easy resolution to getting this couple back together after so long without actual effort by the author for the MMC to redeem himself. He is not redeeming himself. It seems to me nobody has done any work on themselves or for the betterment of having a happy life moving forward.
Lastly, the MMC sacrificing himself to raise his child is NOT a good example to set for children in the long run. All it did was delay his, the FMC and the ex-wife’s lives. Like I said, they could have coparented no matter how messy it could have been. These are just too many negatives for me to give this book a chance. I’m sure it’s well written but I want to be happy with my romance books and this plotting won’t give me that. Good luck.
Read
August 29, 2024DNF. Not for me. I do not like the characters. I wrote a long-winded paragraph of why, but it's gone now and I don't care to rewrite it.
May 8, 2025
I was only going to take a peak at this one and kinda got sucked in. I did skim a fair bit here and there.
Gavin marries his ex, Caroline when she finds out she's pregnant. Thereby crushing Odette's heart. Gavin didn't seem as crushed to me when all was said and done. He claims that Odette was the one that got away, his true love. But he never had to work hard for it. The author suggest he should feel insecure and nervous about winning Odette back, but I never felt that he was anything but laid back. He dumped Odette to marry Caroline because she doesn't have a supportive family. They go on to have a mediocre marriage with mediocre sex till their daughter, Victoria is old enough to leave for college.
Does it occur to Gavin that he can go after Odette then? Sure it does but he's a pussy. He's always been a pussy and he always will be. He doesn't go after her. Not till he finds out that Odette will be his daughter's mentor in her fashion course. Not till she's pretty much shoved under his nose.
I think the author straddles the fence too much on this one. She makes it so that Caroline isn't competition for Odette at all. And yet, he still dropped Odette for her in the first place. There's just no fixing that. Especially because so much time has been wasted on his waste of a marriage. I think the author actually wanted us to feel sorry for him but I thought he was a dweeb. At least he wasn't a manho.
I'm always intrigued by second chance romances and if the author can successfully convince me their love it worth the heart ache. But this felt like a meh kind of love.
The best part for me was that Odette was more successful than Gavin AND had fantastic sex the whole time they were apart.
But then the author goes and ruins that too... see spoilers below.
To me Gavin and Odette just seemed... content, by the end of the book.
Andconveniently fortunately, Odette, who is now almost 40, never wanted kids anyways.
Anyways, I didn't care for any of the characters and especially not for Caroline the chick who gets her cake and eats it too ...and then pretty much gifts Gavin to Odette. Gah!
Safety is kinda crappy despite Odette being liberated.
I am leaving goodreads by the end of May.
I have a new account with storygraph
My user name is dirtyMartini
I am trying to clean up my online associations to be more responsible.
I want to distance myself from Trump and his associates. As a Canadian, I take his threats seriously.
I will miss all my book friends here and I wish you all happy reading!
Gavin marries his ex, Caroline when she finds out she's pregnant. Thereby crushing Odette's heart. Gavin didn't seem as crushed to me when all was said and done. He claims that Odette was the one that got away, his true love. But he never had to work hard for it. The author suggest he should feel insecure and nervous about winning Odette back, but I never felt that he was anything but laid back. He dumped Odette to marry Caroline because she doesn't have a supportive family. They go on to have a mediocre marriage with mediocre sex till their daughter, Victoria is old enough to leave for college.
Does it occur to Gavin that he can go after Odette then? Sure it does but he's a pussy. He's always been a pussy and he always will be. He doesn't go after her. Not till he finds out that Odette will be his daughter's mentor in her fashion course. Not till she's pretty much shoved under his nose.
I think the author straddles the fence too much on this one. She makes it so that Caroline isn't competition for Odette at all. And yet, he still dropped Odette for her in the first place. There's just no fixing that. Especially because so much time has been wasted on his waste of a marriage. I think the author actually wanted us to feel sorry for him but I thought he was a dweeb. At least he wasn't a manho.
I'm always intrigued by second chance romances and if the author can successfully convince me their love it worth the heart ache. But this felt like a meh kind of love.
The best part for me was that Odette was more successful than Gavin AND had fantastic sex the whole time they were apart.
But then the author goes and ruins that too... see spoilers below.
To me Gavin and Odette just seemed... content, by the end of the book.
And
Anyways, I didn't care for any of the characters and especially not for Caroline the chick who gets her cake and eats it too ...and then pretty much gifts Gavin to Odette. Gah!
Safety is kinda crappy despite Odette being liberated.
I am leaving goodreads by the end of May.
I have a new account with storygraph
My user name is dirtyMartini
I am trying to clean up my online associations to be more responsible.
I want to distance myself from Trump and his associates. As a Canadian, I take his threats seriously.
I will miss all my book friends here and I wish you all happy reading!
September 6, 2024
Not a fan. Loved Rainfall though.
I don't understand why authors think that a +5 year gap between the breakup and makeup is plausible. After more than 5years they are different people , you cannot love what you don't know, you love the memory of that person but not who it is now.
I skip read this one because: spoiler alert
- he dumps the love of his life because ow is pregnant and he stays married for almost 20years (gag).
-Caroline. Yuck. I get it, they were friends. But why did they married for real? Why not divorce after having money and co parenting? Best friends my ass.
- I couldn't connect with them as a couple maybe because we have little snippets of them together but the story begins with him already divorced with a kid and her being a hot shot.
-a lot of insight about sports and fashion. Not a fan. I'm more interested in the story not in the side characters.
I don't understand why authors think that a +5 year gap between the breakup and makeup is plausible. After more than 5years they are different people , you cannot love what you don't know, you love the memory of that person but not who it is now.
I skip read this one because: spoiler alert
- he dumps the love of his life because ow is pregnant and he stays married for almost 20years (gag).
-Caroline. Yuck. I get it, they were friends. But why did they married for real? Why not divorce after having money and co parenting? Best friends my ass.
- I couldn't connect with them as a couple maybe because we have little snippets of them together but the story begins with him already divorced with a kid and her being a hot shot.
-a lot of insight about sports and fashion. Not a fan. I'm more interested in the story not in the side characters.
August 31, 2024
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance, especially when it involves the H marrying or having a baby with someone else.. don't judge me. I just love the emotions these stories USUALLY bring out of me. The complete heartbreak, angst, and obviously the betrayal.
So I'm super sad to say that this was tame to what I was expecting even the confrontation with the ex was just very civil and mature. I just wanted more emotion and more hurt.
I never hated the H. He really was in a crappy situation and he didn't ghost the h. I thought it was super weird that she showed up to the wedding but to each their own. I also didn't like that he didn't come after her once the divorce was final. He was just very non alpha.
So all in all this wasn't a bad read. I was just expecting more.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
So I'm super sad to say that this was tame to what I was expecting even the confrontation with the ex was just very civil and mature. I just wanted more emotion and more hurt.
I never hated the H. He really was in a crappy situation and he didn't ghost the h. I thought it was super weird that she showed up to the wedding but to each their own. I also didn't like that he didn't come after her once the divorce was final. He was just very non alpha.
So all in all this wasn't a bad read. I was just expecting more.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2024
DNF 30%
20 years! 20. This is seriously ridiculous. They were together for two months and 20 years later they can’t stop thinking of each other? Oh, he’s also been married(then divorced) to a woman he absolutely doesn’t love (at all) for all that time? This is so lazy.
Fun fact, lots of people pay child support and co-parent after they create a child when they’re young.
20 years! 20. This is seriously ridiculous. They were together for two months and 20 years later they can’t stop thinking of each other? Oh, he’s also been married(then divorced) to a woman he absolutely doesn’t love (at all) for all that time? This is so lazy.
Fun fact, lots of people pay child support and co-parent after they create a child when they’re young.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
completely unbelievably
Let’s start with this trash of hero.. I’m not blaming him for choosing his daughter but continuing to be with his wife for 20 YEARS! Being content. Sleeping with her and admitting them what’s her reaction to sleep with him because he said he thought of her. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️He did not leave his wife for Odette his wife divorced him, he only went after her because of his daughter!! The conversation they finally had was absolutely garbage and he seems like he’s still in love with his wife!! Gah I would be traumatized by this man too. Odette is due a little pay back and yes she’s a good person who self harms herself by sleeping with unavailable men. Then the author has Odette apologize for treating Gavin unfairly.. come on you write women to be strong but you wrote Odette as pathetic and needy I’m sorry she gave in to easily and honestly he really didn’t feel bad for his part. He said he did but the way it came across was like he would be fine if they didn’t end up together. He would have been completely fine living with his wife for the rest of his life.
Let’s start with this trash of hero.. I’m not blaming him for choosing his daughter but continuing to be with his wife for 20 YEARS! Being content. Sleeping with her and admitting them what’s her reaction to sleep with him because he said he thought of her. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️He did not leave his wife for Odette his wife divorced him, he only went after her because of his daughter!! The conversation they finally had was absolutely garbage and he seems like he’s still in love with his wife!! Gah I would be traumatized by this man too. Odette is due a little pay back and yes she’s a good person who self harms herself by sleeping with unavailable men. Then the author has Odette apologize for treating Gavin unfairly.. come on you write women to be strong but you wrote Odette as pathetic and needy I’m sorry she gave in to easily and honestly he really didn’t feel bad for his part. He said he did but the way it came across was like he would be fine if they didn’t end up together. He would have been completely fine living with his wife for the rest of his life.
October 23, 2024
🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗧
𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜 #𝟹
⏳ 𝟬𝟳𝗛 𝟮𝟰𝗠
🎙️ 𝗧𝗲𝗱𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 & 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹
💜𝙷𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚢 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
🏒𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
💜𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚍
🏒𝙻𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎
💓𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻🎃
❝ ɢᴀᴠɪɴ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ᴏᴅᴇᴛᴛᴇ’ꜱ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ 20 ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ ᴀɢᴏ, ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀʏ ʜᴇ ꜱᴡᴇᴘᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴏꜰꜰ ʜᴇʀ ꜰᴇᴇᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ, ʜᴇ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴇᴅ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴇʟꜱᴇ. ɴᴏᴡ ʜᴇ'ꜱ ʙᴀᴄᴋ, ɴᴇᴡʟʏ ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ꜱᴇᴛ ᴏɴ ᴡɪɴɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ. ᴏᴅᴇᴛᴛᴇ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ʙʀɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ɪɢɴᴏʀᴇ ��ʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴀʀᴋꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ꜰʟʏ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ, ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴍᴇ…❝
💭Wow, this one was definitely a rollercoaster to listen to! I found myself feeling pretty torn throughout most of it. I usually struggle with second-chance romances, especially those with “it’s always been you” vibes, but surprisingly, I ended up really enjoying it. My heart just broke for Odette💔, I felt all her pain and struggles, and it hit me hard. What I appreciated, though, was how she didn't just take him back without making him put in the effort to earn her trust again. The angst and heartbreak were intense, but I ended up really liking that aspect of the story. It made the whole journey more gripping and relatable.
✨I mean, the whole 20-year gap can be a bit frustrating, but at least they didn’t make either character celibate. I really can’t stand it when authors do that, especially when it’s only the FMC’s life that gets put on hold. Odette was hurt, but she’s a badass businesswoman, even more wealthy than Gavin, the star hockey player.
✅I think a big part of that was the narration, how could I possibly dislike Teddy and Maxine? They really brought the story to life for me.
✅The best part? The author totally answered all my burning questions, like why he left and why he never reached out to her afterward. Everything made sense, and that really helped me connect with the characters. Overall, I’d say it was a pretty solid read!
‼️The FMC was having an affair with married men, most are usually having trouble in their marriage and on the brink of separation. She is also still sleeping with her hookup after they were reunited.
🎧𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄🎧
This audiobook features two of my absolute favorite narrators, which made for such an enjoyable experience! Seriously, Teddy could read anything, and I’d be SAT. He has this incredible talent for making every character relatable and likable, even Gavin, which is a bit of a feat, haha! And Maxine? She’s fantastic, as always! I’m consistently impressed by her performance. Listening to them together was such a treat, I had a blast the whole time!
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟰🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟱🎧
✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 MUST LOVE AUDIO 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨
November 28, 2024
I loved this except for the 20year gap after the breakup. Realistically the reason why they broke up was shitty but this is fiction so it made for a great second chance novel with some great grovelling on Gavin's part. This author's writing is addictive so I got thru this pretty quickly
October 31, 2024
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Hockey Romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Second Chance
- Later in Life
- Single Dad
- It’s Always Been You
- Found Family
- Dual Timeline
- Dual POVs
Tempest is the third book in the Seattle Blades series, but it can be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first two and didn't feel lost at all. I loved the second-chance rollercoaster romance between Gavin and Odette. Their journey back to each other is filled with heartbreak, pain, angst, tension, and ultimately growth and healing. Gavin and Odette are complex characters with personal trauma that has significantly impacted the way they live their lives.
Gavin and Odette's story is one of reconnection, facing the past, and daring to hope for a future. Gavin, now a single dad and NHL player, hasn't forgotten Odette, the girl who captured his heart years ago. Odette, now with a successful career in fashion, faces her own struggles but finds herself mentoring Gavin's daughter—fate has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn't it?
Gavin broke Odette's heart when they were teens. He has always regretted how their relationship ended and never stopped loving Odette. Despite their rough past, they were given another chance to earn a happily ever after. Gavin was determined to win Odette back and put in the work to build trust again. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and it was clear the passion was still there. The story pulled me in from the start. I was completely invested in their relationship and couldn't help but root for them.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. Their performances are simply magical together. Both narrators brilliantly convey the raw emotions and complexities of the characters. Maxine’s portrayal of Odette combines strength and vulnerability, while Teddy expertly conveys Gavin's determination, persistence, charm, and unwavering love for Odette. Their ability to capture the essence of the story and the chemistry between the characters makes this a must-listen. Maxine and Teddy have incredible emotional range and really brought the story and characters to life.
Thanks to Alison Rhymes, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Hockey Romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Second Chance
- Later in Life
- Single Dad
- It’s Always Been You
- Found Family
- Dual Timeline
- Dual POVs
Tempest is the third book in the Seattle Blades series, but it can be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first two and didn't feel lost at all. I loved the second-chance rollercoaster romance between Gavin and Odette. Their journey back to each other is filled with heartbreak, pain, angst, tension, and ultimately growth and healing. Gavin and Odette are complex characters with personal trauma that has significantly impacted the way they live their lives.
Gavin and Odette's story is one of reconnection, facing the past, and daring to hope for a future. Gavin, now a single dad and NHL player, hasn't forgotten Odette, the girl who captured his heart years ago. Odette, now with a successful career in fashion, faces her own struggles but finds herself mentoring Gavin's daughter—fate has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn't it?
Gavin broke Odette's heart when they were teens. He has always regretted how their relationship ended and never stopped loving Odette. Despite their rough past, they were given another chance to earn a happily ever after. Gavin was determined to win Odette back and put in the work to build trust again. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and it was clear the passion was still there. The story pulled me in from the start. I was completely invested in their relationship and couldn't help but root for them.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. Their performances are simply magical together. Both narrators brilliantly convey the raw emotions and complexities of the characters. Maxine’s portrayal of Odette combines strength and vulnerability, while Teddy expertly conveys Gavin's determination, persistence, charm, and unwavering love for Odette. Their ability to capture the essence of the story and the chemistry between the characters makes this a must-listen. Maxine and Teddy have incredible emotional range and really brought the story and characters to life.
Thanks to Alison Rhymes, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2024
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
Tempest took me through it. I felt all the emotions and heartbreak through the writing and the narration of this audiobook. It was a beautiful second chance romance.
Gavin was wild about Odette when they were teens before college. But due to a big hiccup in life, Gavin left. Odette swore off serious relationships with men for the rest of her life. Flash forward 20+ years later, divorced Gavin and Odette end up in the same city as Odette mentors his daughter in fashion design. Can he win back the one who got away, or will Odette hold that grudge she’s been clinging to for over two decades?
Tempest took me through it. I felt all the emotions and heartbreak through the writing and the narration of this audiobook. It was a beautiful second chance romance.
Gavin was wild about Odette when they were teens before college. But due to a big hiccup in life, Gavin left. Odette swore off serious relationships with men for the rest of her life. Flash forward 20+ years later, divorced Gavin and Odette end up in the same city as Odette mentors his daughter in fashion design. Can he win back the one who got away, or will Odette hold that grudge she’s been clinging to for over two decades?
August 29, 2024
OMG, the journey I just went on was transformative. This book is a second-chance, single-parent hockey romance, but it puts a unique spin on all those tropes. Wink.
To be completely honest, when I first started this book, I was quickly frustrated with our heroine. I found myself questioning whether I even wanted the couple to be together. I was aligned with Odette, our heroine, thinking, “No way—I can’t see why she’d give him another chance after all he’s done.” The saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me,” made so much sense in this context. Gavin, our hero, had a lot to prove to win me over.
Gavin really had to grow on me because I was furious with him for a good part of the book. My heart ached for Odette, and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through. My chest was frequently tight with deep sadness and intense anger. That said, the steamy moments helped me forgive Ms. Rhymes for putting me through such an emotional wringer. I found myself fanning myself, completely caught up in the romance.
At one point, I had to stop, take a deep breath, and chuckle in disbelief and admiration because this author got me AGAIN. Her writing style always has me second-guessing everything, unsure of where she’s leading me. DARN HER, because I realize I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT, especially when I reach those pivotal moments of enlightenment.
I love that Odette isn’t a shrinking violet—she’s a powerhouse who won’t let men dictate who she should be. Yes, a lot of her strength comes from past wounds, but it only makes her more admirable. Her compassion for Gavin’s adult daughter made me love her even more.
And Gavin, oh Gavin. It took you FOREVER to win me over, but by the end, I saw that you were everything Odette deserved. Yikes, I’m not saying more except that this book was a savage emotional ride, but it was soooo worth it. Happy reading, everyone! XOXO
To be completely honest, when I first started this book, I was quickly frustrated with our heroine. I found myself questioning whether I even wanted the couple to be together. I was aligned with Odette, our heroine, thinking, “No way—I can’t see why she’d give him another chance after all he’s done.” The saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me,” made so much sense in this context. Gavin, our hero, had a lot to prove to win me over.
Gavin really had to grow on me because I was furious with him for a good part of the book. My heart ached for Odette, and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through. My chest was frequently tight with deep sadness and intense anger. That said, the steamy moments helped me forgive Ms. Rhymes for putting me through such an emotional wringer. I found myself fanning myself, completely caught up in the romance.
At one point, I had to stop, take a deep breath, and chuckle in disbelief and admiration because this author got me AGAIN. Her writing style always has me second-guessing everything, unsure of where she’s leading me. DARN HER, because I realize I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT, especially when I reach those pivotal moments of enlightenment.
I love that Odette isn’t a shrinking violet—she’s a powerhouse who won’t let men dictate who she should be. Yes, a lot of her strength comes from past wounds, but it only makes her more admirable. Her compassion for Gavin’s adult daughter made me love her even more.
And Gavin, oh Gavin. It took you FOREVER to win me over, but by the end, I saw that you were everything Odette deserved. Yikes, I’m not saying more except that this book was a savage emotional ride, but it was soooo worth it. Happy reading, everyone! XOXO
November 5, 2024
Hmmm..idk about this one.
Gavin and Odette grew up going to the same schools, same grade, and had some classes together. She was the part of the artsy crew while he was the popular jock who was dating the popular cheerleader, Caroline. In the beginning of summer Gavin and his gf who is also his best friend breaks up since they are going to separate schools and they both wanted fresh starts. Then him and Odette crosses paths, their summer fling became hot and heavy and they made plans to visit each other in college, both fell for the other and then he goes and ends things with Odette, marries his ex gf because she tells him she’s pregnant and she’s not going to college because she wants to be a mom.
Gavin and Odette live separate lives for 20 years. He’s in the NHL and She ends up being a famous stylist and they reunite because she becomes a mentor for the fashion program Gavin’s daughter, Victoria is in.
20 years is a long fucking time.
There was a part when they have their summer fling and he’s honest about how he really felt about Caroline, he says “he loves her like a sister” um what?! 🤦🏻♀️apparently they were only together because they were best friends and their moms where best friends, so peer pressure and all that but come on, you fuck your sister? I don’t think so. Then they stay married for 19-20 years because they need be a happy family for Victoria, they just don’t have that fairytale love, they have familial love, they had a kid together, so of course they do. After Victoria graduated high school they divorce. It’s time and no need to pretend it’s some happy marriage, now they have a chance to find their happily ever after, blah blah. I don’t like it, not really. They fucked over Odette, Gavin had the audacity to try hard to pursue her. Flowers everyday, text messages and calls reminding her he’s still alive and wants her 🙄 I’m over here thinking she should just stay with stuffy dude Preston , a colleague she’s fucking with. While Gavin was heartbroken about letting her go, he still had a family to ease the pain. He had his wife and their baby while Odette had to deal with the heartbreak and betrayal all by herself. He didn’t deserve her.
Gavin and Odette grew up going to the same schools, same grade, and had some classes together. She was the part of the artsy crew while he was the popular jock who was dating the popular cheerleader, Caroline. In the beginning of summer Gavin and his gf who is also his best friend breaks up since they are going to separate schools and they both wanted fresh starts. Then him and Odette crosses paths, their summer fling became hot and heavy and they made plans to visit each other in college, both fell for the other and then he goes and ends things with Odette, marries his ex gf because she tells him she’s pregnant and she’s not going to college because she wants to be a mom.
Gavin and Odette live separate lives for 20 years. He’s in the NHL and She ends up being a famous stylist and they reunite because she becomes a mentor for the fashion program Gavin’s daughter, Victoria is in.
20 years is a long fucking time.
There was a part when they have their summer fling and he’s honest about how he really felt about Caroline, he says “he loves her like a sister” um what?! 🤦🏻♀️apparently they were only together because they were best friends and their moms where best friends, so peer pressure and all that but come on, you fuck your sister? I don’t think so. Then they stay married for 19-20 years because they need be a happy family for Victoria, they just don’t have that fairytale love, they have familial love, they had a kid together, so of course they do. After Victoria graduated high school they divorce. It’s time and no need to pretend it’s some happy marriage, now they have a chance to find their happily ever after, blah blah. I don’t like it, not really. They fucked over Odette, Gavin had the audacity to try hard to pursue her. Flowers everyday, text messages and calls reminding her he’s still alive and wants her 🙄 I’m over here thinking she should just stay with stuffy dude Preston , a colleague she’s fucking with. While Gavin was heartbroken about letting her go, he still had a family to ease the pain. He had his wife and their baby while Odette had to deal with the heartbreak and betrayal all by herself. He didn’t deserve her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
I am absolutely loving the Seattle Blades hockey series, and veteran player Gavin Vaughn is now one of my favorite players.
Two decades ago, Odette Quinn fell in love with Gavin. Then, her heart was shattered as she watched him marry another woman. That heartbreak has molded the rest of her life, but a successful life it's been. Now, Gavin is divorced and looking to reconnect with Odette as she's mentoring his daughter. it would be easy for Odette to give in to Gavin's charms, but she's spent her life protecting her heart and she can't afford to stop now.
At the start of this story, I wanted to fault Gavin for breaking Odette's heart, but I just couldn't do it. I had nothing but respect for this guy, and although he definitely could have handled things differently, I found it easy to forgive him. His (broken) heart truly was in the right place. I definitely sympathized with Odette, but I found myself getting a little frustrated with her at times. Still, I appreciated how this storyline played out (although, for a split second, I thought that we were headed in another direction), and I loved seeing the other Blades team members and their wags (aka wives and girlfriends) again too.
This story started a little slow for me, but once it took hold, it was a page turner. It's a bit of a slower burn and I didn't think it was as steamy as the first two books in this series, but don't get me wrong. There is still plenty of steam along with a little angst and a touch of heartbreak too. I only hope that there will be another book (or two) in this series, because I'm not ready to leave this world quite yet.
Two decades ago, Odette Quinn fell in love with Gavin. Then, her heart was shattered as she watched him marry another woman. That heartbreak has molded the rest of her life, but a successful life it's been. Now, Gavin is divorced and looking to reconnect with Odette as she's mentoring his daughter. it would be easy for Odette to give in to Gavin's charms, but she's spent her life protecting her heart and she can't afford to stop now.
At the start of this story, I wanted to fault Gavin for breaking Odette's heart, but I just couldn't do it. I had nothing but respect for this guy, and although he definitely could have handled things differently, I found it easy to forgive him. His (broken) heart truly was in the right place. I definitely sympathized with Odette, but I found myself getting a little frustrated with her at times. Still, I appreciated how this storyline played out (although, for a split second, I thought that we were headed in another direction), and I loved seeing the other Blades team members and their wags (aka wives and girlfriends) again too.
This story started a little slow for me, but once it took hold, it was a page turner. It's a bit of a slower burn and I didn't think it was as steamy as the first two books in this series, but don't get me wrong. There is still plenty of steam along with a little angst and a touch of heartbreak too. I only hope that there will be another book (or two) in this series, because I'm not ready to leave this world quite yet.
August 24, 2024
Tropes-
Second chance
Single Dad
Hockey player MMC
Boss b!tch FMC
Pining
Regret
Dual POV
Dual Timeline
Spicy 🥵
"She’s an enigma. Stoic, but funny. Posh, but kind. Relatable, yet unattainable…the kind of woman other women want to be and be friends with. The kind of woman men want to befriend, fuck, and wed."
✨️ I was only about 5% in this book, when I knew this was going to be one I had to read in one sitting. I physically could not put this book down. I was so emotionally invested in this book, this couple, and their story. My heart broke for Ode and what she went through. Luckily, it was put back together, but it definitely took time. If you're looking for a book that'll give you a good cry, but also make you blush from the spicy scenes, 🥵 you need to read this! After reading this book, I need to go back and read the other Seattle Blades books!
Thank you to Alison Rhymes and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
The release date is 8/28. If you're a fan of second chance romances and/or emotional reads, be sure to add to give this book a read!
Second chance
Single Dad
Hockey player MMC
Boss b!tch FMC
Pining
Regret
Dual POV
Dual Timeline
Spicy 🥵
"She’s an enigma. Stoic, but funny. Posh, but kind. Relatable, yet unattainable…the kind of woman other women want to be and be friends with. The kind of woman men want to befriend, fuck, and wed."
✨️ I was only about 5% in this book, when I knew this was going to be one I had to read in one sitting. I physically could not put this book down. I was so emotionally invested in this book, this couple, and their story. My heart broke for Ode and what she went through. Luckily, it was put back together, but it definitely took time. If you're looking for a book that'll give you a good cry, but also make you blush from the spicy scenes, 🥵 you need to read this! After reading this book, I need to go back and read the other Seattle Blades books!
Thank you to Alison Rhymes and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
The release date is 8/28. If you're a fan of second chance romances and/or emotional reads, be sure to add to give this book a read!
October 26, 2025
• Hockey romance
• Second chance
• It was always you
• Healing rep
• Autoimmune disease rep
• Slow burn
• Love later in life
• Single dad
• Independent and strong FMC
What a perfect example of rekindling a love that never truly faded! I was so excited to dive into Gavin's story after meeting him in previous books! Gavin and Odette's story is heartbreaking and raw, but Alison did such an incredible job unraveling their story. Their story spans over two decades of longing and them finding their way back to one another. It’s so beautifully done. Alison's books are making me realize I might be a second chance lover after all, especially if it’s written by her! There’s just something about the beautiful way she brings her characters back together that absolutely hooks me.
Gavin and Odette's story was so unique and beautifully captured. Alison poured so much love into their story, and it shows, especially in the history they share together and how she slowly unraveled it all and brought it full circle. I just loved it so much! The heartache in this book for both characters comes out so perfectly, and I absolutely loved watching them get the HEA they deserved!
Gavin was definitely an honorable character, and as much as I wanted to hate the decisions he made, I couldn’t. Especially as a parent, I understood why he pushed his own wants aside so he could raise his daughter with a present father and not in two separate households. As much as I hated the pain it caused Odette, I understood and watching this man make his way back into her life was so well done. And the fact that she didn’t make it easy on him! Gosh, I loved how independent she was. Such a boss!!! Despite everything she had been through!
I couldn’t get enough of their story, and it had the sweetest ending. Especially with Tori’s support. It was all so well done! I can’t wait for the next book! This series has completely stolen my heart. 💕
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Dual narration
Narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton
THESE TWO WERE PERFECTION!!! Two of my all-time favorite narrators in one book! Yes please!!! I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to an audiobook with these two together before, but I loved it! Maxine captured Odette’s heartbreak and hesitancy so perfectly it was such a beautiful performance, and Odette’s heart came through so well in her narration!
Teddy’s performance for Gavin was equally as perfect! I love love when Teddy performs MMCs who are down bad and pining after the FMC for years. He always does such an incredible job capturing their emotions, and he definitely did for Gavin! I just loved this audiobook so much. Alison has done such an incredible job choosing the perfect narrators for each of these books!
• Second chance
• It was always you
• Healing rep
• Autoimmune disease rep
• Slow burn
• Love later in life
• Single dad
• Independent and strong FMC
What a perfect example of rekindling a love that never truly faded! I was so excited to dive into Gavin's story after meeting him in previous books! Gavin and Odette's story is heartbreaking and raw, but Alison did such an incredible job unraveling their story. Their story spans over two decades of longing and them finding their way back to one another. It’s so beautifully done. Alison's books are making me realize I might be a second chance lover after all, especially if it’s written by her! There’s just something about the beautiful way she brings her characters back together that absolutely hooks me.
Gavin and Odette's story was so unique and beautifully captured. Alison poured so much love into their story, and it shows, especially in the history they share together and how she slowly unraveled it all and brought it full circle. I just loved it so much! The heartache in this book for both characters comes out so perfectly, and I absolutely loved watching them get the HEA they deserved!
Gavin was definitely an honorable character, and as much as I wanted to hate the decisions he made, I couldn’t. Especially as a parent, I understood why he pushed his own wants aside so he could raise his daughter with a present father and not in two separate households. As much as I hated the pain it caused Odette, I understood and watching this man make his way back into her life was so well done. And the fact that she didn’t make it easy on him! Gosh, I loved how independent she was. Such a boss!!! Despite everything she had been through!
I couldn’t get enough of their story, and it had the sweetest ending. Especially with Tori’s support. It was all so well done! I can’t wait for the next book! This series has completely stolen my heart. 💕
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Dual narration
Narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton
THESE TWO WERE PERFECTION!!! Two of my all-time favorite narrators in one book! Yes please!!! I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to an audiobook with these two together before, but I loved it! Maxine captured Odette’s heartbreak and hesitancy so perfectly it was such a beautiful performance, and Odette’s heart came through so well in her narration!
Teddy’s performance for Gavin was equally as perfect! I love love when Teddy performs MMCs who are down bad and pining after the FMC for years. He always does such an incredible job capturing their emotions, and he definitely did for Gavin! I just loved this audiobook so much. Alison has done such an incredible job choosing the perfect narrators for each of these books!
August 29, 2024
I'll be honest. When I got this book, I'm pretty sure I read it twice. And then reread my favorite parts a few weeks later.
Alison has written second chance before, and she makes sure that our couple goes through some REAL angst. And this one was no different. In fact, she makes it feel really good when she, hem hem makes our MMC hurt just a little. I love that. I don't like second chance romances that have our couple immediately forgive and forget. No, they broke up for a reason years ago, and I want some sloooow burn in that regard. Please don't make the couple pick right back up. If it's the guys' fault they broke up, HE. BETTER. WORK. FOR. IT.
Anyways, to the story! It's the third book in her Seattle Blades series, but you really don't need to read books 1 and 2. Some past characters pop up in the book, but you won't get lost. Our female MC and main supporting cast are new to this book.
Odette was in love in high school with Gavin. But he married someone else, and they've spent the last 20 years apart.
But now Odette is in Gavins city, and he's newly divorced. And he wants a second chance. But Odette has been living her own personal code when it comes to relationships, and Gavin doesn't fit the bill.
He's still a sweet guy, and you can tell how much he cares about his daughter and Odette. But his ex is still a friend. And she's the one he left Odette for. Ouch.
Whew, it's complicated, but I enjoyed how Odette guarded herself. We get to see the past of these two, and Odette was really hurt. Like Nathan said in OTH It's hard to get back in the ring, especially with the one who knocked you out.
This is one of my top teir second chances! Can't wait for the next one!
Alison has written second chance before, and she makes sure that our couple goes through some REAL angst. And this one was no different. In fact, she makes it feel really good when she, hem hem makes our MMC hurt just a little. I love that. I don't like second chance romances that have our couple immediately forgive and forget. No, they broke up for a reason years ago, and I want some sloooow burn in that regard. Please don't make the couple pick right back up. If it's the guys' fault they broke up, HE. BETTER. WORK. FOR. IT.
Anyways, to the story! It's the third book in her Seattle Blades series, but you really don't need to read books 1 and 2. Some past characters pop up in the book, but you won't get lost. Our female MC and main supporting cast are new to this book.
Odette was in love in high school with Gavin. But he married someone else, and they've spent the last 20 years apart.
But now Odette is in Gavins city, and he's newly divorced. And he wants a second chance. But Odette has been living her own personal code when it comes to relationships, and Gavin doesn't fit the bill.
He's still a sweet guy, and you can tell how much he cares about his daughter and Odette. But his ex is still a friend. And she's the one he left Odette for. Ouch.
Whew, it's complicated, but I enjoyed how Odette guarded herself. We get to see the past of these two, and Odette was really hurt. Like Nathan said in OTH It's hard to get back in the ring, especially with the one who knocked you out.
This is one of my top teir second chances! Can't wait for the next one!
August 27, 2024
Gavin and Odette’s second chance romance was filled with heartbreak, anger and angst I loved their story so much. I love the Seattle Blade series and it was so much fun seeing the other characters in this book.
August 14, 2024
I throughly enjoyed my first book by Alison Rhymes and it won’t be my last. I honestly loved the main characters - Gavin and Odette in love with each other since they were 18 but after an unexpected occurrence happens they have to part and do not see each other for 20 years - he’s now divorced with a child and she has sworn off all relationships due to her heartbreak from him.
Read all about their time apart, what broke them apart and their future. Excellent book and I throughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to Alison and wordsmith for gifting me this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Read all about their time apart, what broke them apart and their future. Excellent book and I throughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to Alison and wordsmith for gifting me this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
August 29, 2024
Second Chances are real, time and time again Rhymes brings us realistic characters and realistic journies where we pick up the story and can't put it down. You are rooting for both the FMC and the MMC from the beginning and their journey back to each other. Forgiveness, Love and Spice!
August 29, 2024
hmmm
I don’t know how I feel about this one. I think he was still way too involved with his ex. It seemed that they were still too close. Yes, they shared a child, but it was too much for me. I couldn’t handle that. Also, he didn’t grovel enough for me. His attitude kind of irked me. Still, an interesting read.
I don’t know how I feel about this one. I think he was still way too involved with his ex. It seemed that they were still too close. Yes, they shared a child, but it was too much for me. I couldn’t handle that. Also, he didn’t grovel enough for me. His attitude kind of irked me. Still, an interesting read.
August 30, 2024
3.5
enjoyed myself but wish it was more angsty and grovel-y
enjoyed myself but wish it was more angsty and grovel-y
Read
November 12, 2024DNF @ 60%
I couldn’t get into the story.
I couldn’t get into the story.
October 19, 2024
Second chance. Angst. Flashbacks. Hockey. Single dad. An independent, amazing FMC. Teddy and Maxine in my ears - There was no stopping me from devouring this one. And the way Alison went about it all was so fresh and unique. I liked that the MCs were in their late 30s, and that they’re both originally from a small town in upstate NY, because me too!
Gavin and Odette were both such great characters, I loved getting to know them. Their past from twenty years ago is complicated, and left their lives forever changed. My feelings are so mixed on how Gavin handled everything back then, but he’s willing to go to great lengths to prove to Odette that he deserves another shot. He’s a single dad to his nineteen year old daughter, Tori, who unknowingly brings them back together. Odette is one of the best FMCs and I loved how she made Gavin work for it, but not just because. She definitely had valid reasons for her trust issues. And when she finally gives in 🔥!! This one is perfection all the way through 🥰
Rainfall (the first book in this series) is one of my top reads/listens of the year so I was extra excited for the bonus scene at the end too! 👏🏼😍 You don’t have to read the first two before this one (but they’re so good!)
🎧 Two of my all-time favorites narrate this story - Maxine Mitchell & Teddy Hamilton. It’s too good to miss, they capture the personalities so well and made it all the more enjoyable, pairing perfectly together. I could listen to their voices compliment each other all day, every day. And it is produced by Lyric Audiobooks!
Listen if you like ⇣
🏒Hockey romance
🤍Single dad
🌺Second chance
🤍It’s always been you vibes
🏒Grumpy x sunshine
🤍Dual timeline
🌺Dual POV
🎧Spice
Thank you so much to Must Love Audio, Lyric Audiobooks and Alison Rhymes for the ALC!
Gavin and Odette were both such great characters, I loved getting to know them. Their past from twenty years ago is complicated, and left their lives forever changed. My feelings are so mixed on how Gavin handled everything back then, but he’s willing to go to great lengths to prove to Odette that he deserves another shot. He’s a single dad to his nineteen year old daughter, Tori, who unknowingly brings them back together. Odette is one of the best FMCs and I loved how she made Gavin work for it, but not just because. She definitely had valid reasons for her trust issues. And when she finally gives in 🔥!! This one is perfection all the way through 🥰
Rainfall (the first book in this series) is one of my top reads/listens of the year so I was extra excited for the bonus scene at the end too! 👏🏼😍 You don’t have to read the first two before this one (but they’re so good!)
🎧 Two of my all-time favorites narrate this story - Maxine Mitchell & Teddy Hamilton. It’s too good to miss, they capture the personalities so well and made it all the more enjoyable, pairing perfectly together. I could listen to their voices compliment each other all day, every day. And it is produced by Lyric Audiobooks!
Listen if you like ⇣
🏒Hockey romance
🤍Single dad
🌺Second chance
🤍It’s always been you vibes
🏒Grumpy x sunshine
🤍Dual timeline
🌺Dual POV
🎧Spice
Thank you so much to Must Love Audio, Lyric Audiobooks and Alison Rhymes for the ALC!
October 19, 2024
So many feels! Tempest by Alison Rhymes was an emotional, swoony second chance romance that tugged at my heartstrings in all the best ways. This was my first Alison Rhymes book and will not be my last. I couldn’t get enough of the push and pull and all the steamy tension between Odette and Graham that had me longing for them to overcome their past and finally find true happiness together.
Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration, and this pairing was simply swoony, angsty magic together. Maxine’s soft, passionate tone encompassed Odette’s fears, vulnerabilities, and desires as she slowly found the strength to fall for Gavin all over again. Teddy’s warm, loveable voice made Gavin super hard to resist conveying his endearing persistence and dreamy confidence. Plus, both narrators created the perfect amount of tension and pining between these two so that when they finally gave into temptation, their chemistry was explosive.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a hockey romance with a hot hockey hero, a dedicated fashion designer, second chance, single dad, Seattle setting, angst, twenty years of longing, he takes care of her, dirty talk, hanging out with the team, a talented teenage daughter, truths about the past, it's-always-been-you vibes, doubts, eye opening injuries, all the steamy times, and a HEA that will tempt your heart in all the right ways, then you will love Odette and Gavin’s romance. I’m looking forward to more from Alison Rhymes.
Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration, and this pairing was simply swoony, angsty magic together. Maxine’s soft, passionate tone encompassed Odette’s fears, vulnerabilities, and desires as she slowly found the strength to fall for Gavin all over again. Teddy’s warm, loveable voice made Gavin super hard to resist conveying his endearing persistence and dreamy confidence. Plus, both narrators created the perfect amount of tension and pining between these two so that when they finally gave into temptation, their chemistry was explosive.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a hockey romance with a hot hockey hero, a dedicated fashion designer, second chance, single dad, Seattle setting, angst, twenty years of longing, he takes care of her, dirty talk, hanging out with the team, a talented teenage daughter, truths about the past, it's-always-been-you vibes, doubts, eye opening injuries, all the steamy times, and a HEA that will tempt your heart in all the right ways, then you will love Odette and Gavin’s romance. I’m looking forward to more from Alison Rhymes.
January 14, 2025
I struggled getting through this book. The h was not the H’s first priority or even 2nd. I could see if there was a reason to give up the h for his kid, like the kid lived across the county and h didn’t want to move. However he said it was for his kid but really it was for the ow. He even says it was because she didn’t want to have a baby still living with her parents so he married her and took her with him. He put the ow’s wants before the h and that ruined the book for me right out the gate.
He says there were no feelings for the ow but sister like feelings. EXCEPT he stayed married to her and had sex with her the whole time. The only reason they divorced was because the ow left him after 20 years. He would’ve never left or went to the other woman.
When he got hurt no way should the ow been able to see him first or all over him telling him she loves him. The author has the audacity to say it was the ow’s spot to be doing that? Hell no! Then he says he didn’t want the ow there. I have no patience for men who say they don’t want the ow touching them etc, but let it happen and don’t stop the ow’s behavior. Then the h meets the ow for coffee and all is well. Nope! This BS that they only have an amazing daughter because they stayed together?! 🙄🤦♀️ kids can grow up to be amazing raised by parents that aren’t married.
The icing on the crap sundae….they finish up the book with the h apologizing to HIM for the way she’s acted the whole time! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This whole book is infuriating but the fmc and mmc deserve each other, and the weak ass h deserves to be 3rd in the H’s life for the rest of hers!
He says there were no feelings for the ow but sister like feelings. EXCEPT he stayed married to her and had sex with her the whole time. The only reason they divorced was because the ow left him after 20 years. He would’ve never left or went to the other woman.
When he got hurt no way should the ow been able to see him first or all over him telling him she loves him. The author has the audacity to say it was the ow’s spot to be doing that? Hell no! Then he says he didn’t want the ow there. I have no patience for men who say they don’t want the ow touching them etc, but let it happen and don’t stop the ow’s behavior. Then the h meets the ow for coffee and all is well. Nope! This BS that they only have an amazing daughter because they stayed together?! 🙄🤦♀️ kids can grow up to be amazing raised by parents that aren’t married.
The icing on the crap sundae….they finish up the book with the h apologizing to HIM for the way she’s acted the whole time! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This whole book is infuriating but the fmc and mmc deserve each other, and the weak ass h deserves to be 3rd in the H’s life for the rest of hers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
REVIEW POST - Book 25 of 2025
Tempest by Alison Rhymes
What would happen if we'd made a different choice, taken a different path? Would things have worked out differently than they did, or would we have ended up in the same place regardless? Did those decisions get made in the first place because this was our fate all along?
Gavin and Odette experienced young love and we all know how deep and intense that kind of teen love can be. But on that rare twist of fate, where two people are destined to be together, what comes of them when they are separated through circumstances beyond their control?
I really wasn't sure where this one was going to go when I first started and I wasn't sure if I'd like it as much as the others but these two pulled me into their orbit and made me feel the feels!
Gavin lived a life of duty and Odette closed her heart off to that life of a happy ever after. When they find themselves back in each other's lives, in very different situations than they were in when they were teenagers, they are forced to face some uncomfortable feelings. Feelings they've both put in a box and hidden away.
I really enjoyed reading these two and even more than that, Maxine and Teddy were the perfect duo for the audio on this one! Maxine does a great job of narrating a closed off, woman scorned and Teddy is perfect as Gavin!
I thought this series was only 3 so you can imagine my delight when I just found out that there's possibly a 4th coming this year.
Tempest by Alison Rhymes
What would happen if we'd made a different choice, taken a different path? Would things have worked out differently than they did, or would we have ended up in the same place regardless? Did those decisions get made in the first place because this was our fate all along?
Gavin and Odette experienced young love and we all know how deep and intense that kind of teen love can be. But on that rare twist of fate, where two people are destined to be together, what comes of them when they are separated through circumstances beyond their control?
I really wasn't sure where this one was going to go when I first started and I wasn't sure if I'd like it as much as the others but these two pulled me into their orbit and made me feel the feels!
Gavin lived a life of duty and Odette closed her heart off to that life of a happy ever after. When they find themselves back in each other's lives, in very different situations than they were in when they were teenagers, they are forced to face some uncomfortable feelings. Feelings they've both put in a box and hidden away.
I really enjoyed reading these two and even more than that, Maxine and Teddy were the perfect duo for the audio on this one! Maxine does a great job of narrating a closed off, woman scorned and Teddy is perfect as Gavin!
I thought this series was only 3 so you can imagine my delight when I just found out that there's possibly a 4th coming this year.
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