What do you think?
Rate this book
New York Stars #1
End Game
I’m a curvy sports geek.
Liam’s a hockey god.
He’s way out of my league…
My brother’s best friend is acting really weird.
Flowers keep showing up. He sends me Cameos and concert tickets.
Then, there’s the job offer…
Well, first, there was the fact that he tracked me down to NYC.
It’s really complicated, okay? But so are my feelings for him. I’ve been ignoring them for so long that they became a wall I’m comfortable hiding behind.
Damn him and his sweet, hot, cute, dirty-talking self who has cherry-picked his way into every aspect of my life.
I’m not complaining… but there’s a problem.
Not that he’s my brother’s best friend. Oh, no. Liam Donnghal is a future Hall-of-Famer NHL star. He could have any girl he wants, so why would he want to make the wallflower his end game?
END GAME, book one in the New York Stars' series, is a standalone hockey romance.
She falls hard, he falls harder ~ Golden retriever hero, black cat heroine ~ Found family ~ Pining hero ~ Brother's best friend ~ Curvy heroine ~ Hockey god hero pierced for her pleasure ~ Band of brothers ~ Marriage pact.
Liam’s a hockey god.
He’s way out of my league…
My brother’s best friend is acting really weird.
Flowers keep showing up. He sends me Cameos and concert tickets.
Then, there’s the job offer…
Well, first, there was the fact that he tracked me down to NYC.
It’s really complicated, okay? But so are my feelings for him. I’ve been ignoring them for so long that they became a wall I’m comfortable hiding behind.
Damn him and his sweet, hot, cute, dirty-talking self who has cherry-picked his way into every aspect of my life.
I’m not complaining… but there’s a problem.
Not that he’s my brother’s best friend. Oh, no. Liam Donnghal is a future Hall-of-Famer NHL star. He could have any girl he wants, so why would he want to make the wallflower his end game?
END GAME, book one in the New York Stars' series, is a standalone hockey romance.
She falls hard, he falls harder ~ Golden retriever hero, black cat heroine ~ Found family ~ Pining hero ~ Brother's best friend ~ Curvy heroine ~ Hockey god hero pierced for her pleasure ~ Band of brothers ~ Marriage pact.
14 pages, Audible Audio
Published September 26, 2024
2841 people are currently reading
6783 people want to read
About the author
G.A. Mazurke
9 books725 followersInternational Best Selling Author G. A. Mazurke is the crazy lady behind Serena Akeroyd, crafter of smexy heroes you just wanna lick. While Serena has us expecting dark romance with lots of twists and turns … G. A. is her more mainstream/contemporary personality.
She explores her sweeter side while keeping the sexy we love, where the women fall hard but the men fall harder.
Some of G. A.’s books will cross over into Serena’s universes… so expect a cameo or two from beloved characters, while discovering new bands of brothers, with the banter, the laughs and the tears you are used to.
She explores her sweeter side while keeping the sexy we love, where the women fall hard but the men fall harder.
Some of G. A.’s books will cross over into Serena’s universes… so expect a cameo or two from beloved characters, while discovering new bands of brothers, with the banter, the laughs and the tears you are used to.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews
not-for-me
November 8, 2023Self note:
Friends to lovers. He has loved her ever since they were young but didn't act on it; instead, he whored around until one incident made him realize how much he loves her. 😑
Also, this is a long ass book with 600+ pages. So yeah, I'm going to skip this.
Friends to lovers. He has loved her ever since they were young but didn't act on it; instead, he whored around until one incident made him realize how much he loves her. 😑
Also, this is a long ass book with 600+ pages. So yeah, I'm going to skip this.
September 12, 2023
brother's best friend strikes again.
this is a hockey romance where her whole family is hockey famous and she moves away so she doesn't have to live in their shadow anymore. when her employer exploits that, she quits and her brother's best friend who coincidentally just moved to be close to her hires her as his PA.
liam was such a 10/10 hero. he was so caring and did so many cute things for her. one of the subplots to this book is how poorly her family treats her and i almost teared up at him defending her without even a second thought.
this is a loooong book, i wish it would've been a little shorter and though the cameos from her other series are fun, i think it got a bit confusing and added a little bit too much to the story but still highly recommend. the spice is spicyyyy and they seriously have the cutest relationship.
this is a hockey romance where her whole family is hockey famous and she moves away so she doesn't have to live in their shadow anymore. when her employer exploits that, she quits and her brother's best friend who coincidentally just moved to be close to her hires her as his PA.
liam was such a 10/10 hero. he was so caring and did so many cute things for her. one of the subplots to this book is how poorly her family treats her and i almost teared up at him defending her without even a second thought.
this is a loooong book, i wish it would've been a little shorter and though the cameos from her other series are fun, i think it got a bit confusing and added a little bit too much to the story but still highly recommend. the spice is spicyyyy and they seriously have the cutest relationship.
August 31, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Friends to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved it! End Game is a contemporary, hockey romance by the alter-ego of dark romance writer, Serena Akeroyd. I'm a huge fan of hockey romances, but I was even more excited because they are in the same world as her dark romances, along side the same characters, but just with a lighter, angsty feel. You can definitely tell there was a lot of research done for the hockey side of the story and it was really impressive.
Such a fantastic read! The storyline definitely kept me hooked. If you're a fan of Serena Akeroyd's, you know Liam's storyline was teased a while back. The story itself is pretty angsty, but more in the way of family drama more than drama between the two main characters. It's not super fast paced, but very well written and has a lot of difficult issues to work through. As always, the character development is superb! Gracie is a wonderfully complex character who has many valid reasons for her bitterness towards her family and even Liam. I loved to see how she navigated telling her truths and standing firm in the face of such big personalities. Liam was truly very sweet. He just needed to get his head on straight, but had some deep trauma of his own to work through. If you're a fan of hockey romances, friends to lovers, and mutual pining - this is definitely the book for you!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: Friends to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved it! End Game is a contemporary, hockey romance by the alter-ego of dark romance writer, Serena Akeroyd. I'm a huge fan of hockey romances, but I was even more excited because they are in the same world as her dark romances, along side the same characters, but just with a lighter, angsty feel. You can definitely tell there was a lot of research done for the hockey side of the story and it was really impressive.
Such a fantastic read! The storyline definitely kept me hooked. If you're a fan of Serena Akeroyd's, you know Liam's storyline was teased a while back. The story itself is pretty angsty, but more in the way of family drama more than drama between the two main characters. It's not super fast paced, but very well written and has a lot of difficult issues to work through. As always, the character development is superb! Gracie is a wonderfully complex character who has many valid reasons for her bitterness towards her family and even Liam. I loved to see how she navigated telling her truths and standing firm in the face of such big personalities. Liam was truly very sweet. He just needed to get his head on straight, but had some deep trauma of his own to work through. If you're a fan of hockey romances, friends to lovers, and mutual pining - this is definitely the book for you!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
September 8, 2023
I just want to make it clear that I didn’t read this book just to write a negative review about it. It sounded really good especially since Serena hadn’t written anything like this before and I have loved books by her before. After reading Silenced I said I wasn’t going to read another book by this author for a while but I gave this a fair shot and was interested in something new. Unfortunately this let me down and I don’t think I’ll pick up more from this author until it’s Victoria’s story in her mafia world or her next generation books. My main issue with this book was that it was far too long. This was a contemporary romance and it was over 600 pages. It was so unnecessary and this book felt like a real slog. There was absolutely no need for this to be longer than Serena’s mafia and biker books which are already so long. Nothing significant was happening in this for it to be this long and to be completely honest I think she needs a different editor. This could have been cut in half and the story did not flow at all. There were so many text chats, voice notes, journal entries, blog posts and sports news that it stopped the flow of the story. There was 69 chapters in this and that’s way too many for a hockey romance. It feels like she is surrounded by yes people on her team because I’m not seeing any improvement in her stories. A writer should improve with the quality of the books as they write more not decline. The romance between Gracie and Liam was fine but I needed more tension and chemistry between them. There wasn’t really any push and pull between them, they liked each other, started having sex and then were a couple. As this was a hockey romance I wanted to see Gracie at Liam’s games but most of the hockey was told through the sports news posts which I found boring. I didn’t see a strong team presence either, I needed to see bonds develop and I just didn’t. Also the hero is missing an ear from when it was cut off when he was kidnapped and that’s just gross. I loved the cameo from the O’Donnelly’s and that is a part of why I read this book. However the fact that Victoria is still not old enough to marry Maxim, really? It seems like no matter what book we are on in this universe she never ages. The rest of the guys in these just weren’t nice guys and I don’t want to read them as heroes. I won’t be continuing in the series and personally I do think there are better hockey romances out there. I think Serena needs to leave this universe now and write something completely new.
Want to read
August 18, 2023Sign me up for a French-dirty talker who’s met his match with all the 🔥!
Are you ready to feel the heat... off the ice? 😛
To meet LIAM DONNGHAL and GRACIE BUKOWSKI?
RELEASING SEPTEMBER 7th
END GAME
Influencers
Are you ready to feel the heat... off the ice? 😛
To meet LIAM DONNGHAL and GRACIE BUKOWSKI?
RELEASING SEPTEMBER 7th
END GAME
Influencers
October 1, 2024
"Can you imagine the amount of buyer's remorse a kidnapper would get if he tried to take me?"
This is Gracie, our heroine, in a single quote. Self deprecating, self-image issues, struggling to find her own identity, prickly, complex and not afraid to speak her mind. Gracie comes from a hockey obsessed family with three professional playing brothers and multiple other extended billet family members (of which Liam is one). Gracie strikes out on her own, moving to NYC, to find an identity away from hockey and her famed family. When Liam is traded to a new hockey team in NYC, their love story reignites.
End Game is a hockey romance from G.A.Mazurke (the other writing identity of Serena Akeroyd). It is a standalone and is written under this name as it is a lighter style of romance than Gem's darker MC/Mob/Mafia romances. And while End Game is within the same universe with crossovers with her other series (Liam is related to the O'Donnellys through Padraig and we have met him in previous books when Conor assists in returning him after his kidnapping), this is a character driven love story set over several years. It still has Gem's signature detail and complexity and deals with mental health, agoraphobia, family, identity and recovery from trauma. Gem doesn't shy away from difficult issues and she deals with Liam's journey with sensitivity and care.
I am a little obsessed with Gracie. She is so fierce and outspoken. Gem is outstanding at writing challenging female characters who you cannot help but love. Gracie is so determined and independent that seeing her falling so deeply for Liam is an absolute joy. Liam and Gracie are such a perfect fit. Liam has darkness from his kidnapping that Gracie is able to support and accept. They just are. There is no changing themselves or their behaviour. They accept and love one another unconditionally. Oh and Gracie has a major praise kink, and our French Canadian speaking (and pierced for her pleasure) leading man has no problem obliging. He made me melt with every 'bebe'.
End Game is a gorgeously detailed love story with such a perfectly matched leading couple. There are enough cameos to fill the heart of a hardcare Five Points fan while also being a brilliantly fun new standalone if you are new to this world. I challenge anyone not to love Liam and his feisty other half.
Edited to add: I've also listened to the audio book of Gracie and Liam. Teddy Hamilton captures Liam's depth of love and his inherent insecurities following the kidnapping. And his 'bebe's' made me melt *sigh* Samantha Brentmoor is a perfect Gracie. She gets Gracie's prickliness and her energy. She interprets her forthright honesty with sensitive and made me love the character even more. A well performed and fun listen.
This is Gracie, our heroine, in a single quote. Self deprecating, self-image issues, struggling to find her own identity, prickly, complex and not afraid to speak her mind. Gracie comes from a hockey obsessed family with three professional playing brothers and multiple other extended billet family members (of which Liam is one). Gracie strikes out on her own, moving to NYC, to find an identity away from hockey and her famed family. When Liam is traded to a new hockey team in NYC, their love story reignites.
End Game is a hockey romance from G.A.Mazurke (the other writing identity of Serena Akeroyd). It is a standalone and is written under this name as it is a lighter style of romance than Gem's darker MC/Mob/Mafia romances. And while End Game is within the same universe with crossovers with her other series (Liam is related to the O'Donnellys through Padraig and we have met him in previous books when Conor assists in returning him after his kidnapping), this is a character driven love story set over several years. It still has Gem's signature detail and complexity and deals with mental health, agoraphobia, family, identity and recovery from trauma. Gem doesn't shy away from difficult issues and she deals with Liam's journey with sensitivity and care.
I am a little obsessed with Gracie. She is so fierce and outspoken. Gem is outstanding at writing challenging female characters who you cannot help but love. Gracie is so determined and independent that seeing her falling so deeply for Liam is an absolute joy. Liam and Gracie are such a perfect fit. Liam has darkness from his kidnapping that Gracie is able to support and accept. They just are. There is no changing themselves or their behaviour. They accept and love one another unconditionally. Oh and Gracie has a major praise kink, and our French Canadian speaking (and pierced for her pleasure) leading man has no problem obliging. He made me melt with every 'bebe'.
End Game is a gorgeously detailed love story with such a perfectly matched leading couple. There are enough cameos to fill the heart of a hardcare Five Points fan while also being a brilliantly fun new standalone if you are new to this world. I challenge anyone not to love Liam and his feisty other half.
Edited to add: I've also listened to the audio book of Gracie and Liam. Teddy Hamilton captures Liam's depth of love and his inherent insecurities following the kidnapping. And his 'bebe's' made me melt *sigh* Samantha Brentmoor is a perfect Gracie. She gets Gracie's prickliness and her energy. She interprets her forthright honesty with sensitive and made me love the character even more. A well performed and fun listen.
September 12, 2023
This book was so bad when it did not need to be. A romance between a hockey player and his billet family’s daughter would have been great. Instead they threw 10 other tropes into this book - a kidnapping, paranoia, a kid to be rescued, the Irish mob and the list goes on. It was way too much l way too long.
August 30, 2023
Oh gosh, where to begin with Liam and Gracie? Y'all this book was over 600 pages long but so worth it and I finished it in less than two days. They've known each other since they were teens, her friend first turned brother's best friend, he is like a member of their family, he and all of her brothers are NHL players, she struggles to find her own identity, they rarely see each other for years because she leaves Canada and her family behind, they end up in the same city (New York) and she ends up working for him. And. SO. MUCH. MORE. I loved that this story took us from teens to almost the age of 30. It's a slow, torturous burn but they have both liked each for years and never wanted to ruin their friendship. But this is ultimately a story about true soul mates who were always destined to be. Loved this so much!
August 31, 2023
Loved, LOVED the Canadian influence and background of this story, being Canadian and all, and the hockey aspect was really spot on, very well researched and thorough from the game itself to billeting.
This couple has so many outside influences, especially Gracie's family, but I was rooting for them and cheering them on to find their HEA
Gracie and Liam's story is written in a unique and interesting way that I have not experienced before, not only does it flip from character to character but there are text messages, journal entries and more. Very different indeed but captures the heart and thoughts of the this couple spectacularly.
Fabulous story and characters!
This couple has so many outside influences, especially Gracie's family, but I was rooting for them and cheering them on to find their HEA
Gracie and Liam's story is written in a unique and interesting way that I have not experienced before, not only does it flip from character to character but there are text messages, journal entries and more. Very different indeed but captures the heart and thoughts of the this couple spectacularly.
Fabulous story and characters!
September 7, 2023
Mafia adjacent hockey romance?! YES, PLEASE! I am here for this. First off, let me just say… Gracie’s family is TERRIBLE!!! Her mother… terrible. Her brothers… terrible. Her father… okay but lacking testicular fortitude. I hope her brother Kow gets an incurable infestation of crabs. They treat her like a leper in her own family. She moved to a different country just to get away from them. She deserves a family like the O’Donnelly’s and it was perfection to see her start fitting right in.
And Liam… Liam is absolutely perfect for her! They’re perfect for each other. The way they lift each other up and have each other’s backs. Just 💯 relationship goals. She’s his shield against the outside world, while still encouraging him to interact with it and he’s her shield from her own family. I adored this one! Good work, Gem!!!
I loved that little teaser for what has to be Cole’s book coming next, even though I’m automatically off put by the h Mia after what she did to my Gracie. We shall see…. 💜
And Liam… Liam is absolutely perfect for her! They’re perfect for each other. The way they lift each other up and have each other’s backs. Just 💯 relationship goals. She’s his shield against the outside world, while still encouraging him to interact with it and he’s her shield from her own family. I adored this one! Good work, Gem!!!
I loved that little teaser for what has to be Cole’s book coming next, even though I’m automatically off put by the h Mia after what she did to my Gracie. We shall see…. 💜
August 30, 2023
Wow! I don’t normally like sports books BUT this one was so incredible I couldn’t put it down!!! I loved Gracie!! She was so awesome! I loved how Liam was with her and was in it to win her. They were fire together. I absolutely loved seeing the O’Donnelly’s and Jenn!!! This would tore my heart and made me laugh!! I highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait for more books with other brothers or hockey players.
September 7, 2023
I loved this book! I fell in love with Gracie & Liam's story! They went through so much to get where they ended up, & the spice level was off the charts! I loved this book, of course I think I have Serena's whole book catalogue, I love everything she writes!! Another great one! So excited that everyone can read it!!
September 10, 2023
Oh man, I loved these characters! Liam and Gracie were the perfect mix of calm cool and collected, then wild, strong, and loud mouthed! I love the ‘he falls first’ and ‘marriage pact’ and ‘hockey romance’ tropes. It was fun and I definitely laughed a lot, scaring my dog during his naps, especially at the cameo characters and then random ones like Mike the therapist, or other family members throughout the story. There’s so much to unpack that I might have to edit this later when I remember more and am not so excited, but I will definitely be back to re read this book, like other books that G.A Mazurke has written, I really enjoyed this book. I feel like these characters were just right. Gracies description is what makes me love her so much, she’s quick witted and strong in herself worth, which makes me just gah-gah about her. The playlist included definitely took me back to a time when my own life was different and made me laugh even more at the relatability of the characters and overall enjoyment of the book. I would also say the spice was just right for my enjoyment and the desire between these two is felt on the pages!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
“She’s a nag. She’s got a loud mouth. She’s….magnificent. Smart and unafraid, strong and ebullient.”
I just KNEW I would love Liam Donnghal when he crossed my reading path in his introduction from afar (as I’m referring to it as) in other amazing storylines. I mean who wouldn’t want to be described like that?! This man wholly committed to his plan to make Gracie Bukowski his end-game. Full stop. Do Not Pass Go. Even in the face of his own challenges & healing, he never lost sight that Gracie was IT for him.
And Gracie?! Let me tell you I’ve never identified with a character more than than I have/do with her. Pocket sized Dolly Parton?! I mean….
Even in her commitment to being herself, she never wanted to overshadow or cut him off from anyone who’s cared for him (even if they were massive A-holes to her). She is kind, generous, and thoughtful — despite your first impression.
I just loved them - marked up my book more than I have any other in a long time. G.A. Mazurke has brought us a tender, hockey FILLED romance that just hit the perfect spot. Much like her other pen name, Mazurke gives the perfect balance of spice that is so fitting for the characters, while also weaving together an exceptional, well developed storyline & characters. Literally nothing lacking.
A new grouping of found family men that I can’t wait to dive into! Uhhh…the teaser for the next release?! 🤯🤯
And seriously, I DIED with our 5-Points/Sinners/Famigghia cameos sprinkled throughout! IYKYK 😂
Run…Do Not Walk…to get this book & be totally enthralled in The New York Stars’ world when you meet, & fall in love with, Liam & Gracie!
“He’s my end game, just like I’m his.”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
“She’s a nag. She’s got a loud mouth. She’s….magnificent. Smart and unafraid, strong and ebullient.”
I just KNEW I would love Liam Donnghal when he crossed my reading path in his introduction from afar (as I’m referring to it as) in other amazing storylines. I mean who wouldn’t want to be described like that?! This man wholly committed to his plan to make Gracie Bukowski his end-game. Full stop. Do Not Pass Go. Even in the face of his own challenges & healing, he never lost sight that Gracie was IT for him.
And Gracie?! Let me tell you I’ve never identified with a character more than than I have/do with her. Pocket sized Dolly Parton?! I mean….
Even in her commitment to being herself, she never wanted to overshadow or cut him off from anyone who’s cared for him (even if they were massive A-holes to her). She is kind, generous, and thoughtful — despite your first impression.
I just loved them - marked up my book more than I have any other in a long time. G.A. Mazurke has brought us a tender, hockey FILLED romance that just hit the perfect spot. Much like her other pen name, Mazurke gives the perfect balance of spice that is so fitting for the characters, while also weaving together an exceptional, well developed storyline & characters. Literally nothing lacking.
A new grouping of found family men that I can’t wait to dive into! Uhhh…the teaser for the next release?! 🤯🤯
And seriously, I DIED with our 5-Points/Sinners/Famigghia cameos sprinkled throughout! IYKYK 😂
Run…Do Not Walk…to get this book & be totally enthralled in The New York Stars’ world when you meet, & fall in love with, Liam & Gracie!
“He’s my end game, just like I’m his.”
August 30, 2023
Omggg talk about hot! Loved this friends to lovers hockey romance!! Amazing!
September 30, 2023
If you are looking for a swoony, spicy, sweet brother’s best friend hockey romance, look no further!
We have:
2 people who discover friends in each other’s families and deeper connections with their own…
2 people who had secret crushes on each other but didn’t think the other shared those feelings…
2 people who feel alone in the world and find a lifeline in each other…
Liam is the definition of perfect book boyfriend. After a traumatic event in his life, he decides he can no longer avoid his feelings for Gracie and he is ALL IN. He plays the long game, putting in the work behind the scenes and courting her without her even knowing it until she is ready to see what they could have together. And he does all of this while throwing in some French pet names and “Who did this to you??” vibes. Oh, he melts me!!
And Gracie? Is it possible to love the FMC more than the hero? (and that’s saying something because I have a major crush on Liam…) I’m HERE FOR HER!!! She is strong, independent, sets healthy boundaries for herself but doesn’t hesitate to look after Liam and anyone else who needs it…oh, and her dirty talk? Let’s just say, Liam takes it as a challenge to step up his game because she matches his spice word for word. YES PLEASE!
I could not put this one down. Every detail was there. From the main characters’ relationship, to the intriguing side characters, to the hockey action, to the cameos of characters from other stories in the universe (not necessary to read them, but if you are a fan, you’ll be pleased because they had me smiling)…even the playlist is on point!! I mean, tell me another author who can make us believe in the friendship but also deliver spice at 6%?? ‘Scuse me…diving in to another re-read now…
We have:
2 people who discover friends in each other’s families and deeper connections with their own…
2 people who had secret crushes on each other but didn’t think the other shared those feelings…
2 people who feel alone in the world and find a lifeline in each other…
Liam is the definition of perfect book boyfriend. After a traumatic event in his life, he decides he can no longer avoid his feelings for Gracie and he is ALL IN. He plays the long game, putting in the work behind the scenes and courting her without her even knowing it until she is ready to see what they could have together. And he does all of this while throwing in some French pet names and “Who did this to you??” vibes. Oh, he melts me!!
And Gracie? Is it possible to love the FMC more than the hero? (and that’s saying something because I have a major crush on Liam…) I’m HERE FOR HER!!! She is strong, independent, sets healthy boundaries for herself but doesn’t hesitate to look after Liam and anyone else who needs it…oh, and her dirty talk? Let’s just say, Liam takes it as a challenge to step up his game because she matches his spice word for word. YES PLEASE!
I could not put this one down. Every detail was there. From the main characters’ relationship, to the intriguing side characters, to the hockey action, to the cameos of characters from other stories in the universe (not necessary to read them, but if you are a fan, you’ll be pleased because they had me smiling)…even the playlist is on point!! I mean, tell me another author who can make us believe in the friendship but also deliver spice at 6%?? ‘Scuse me…diving in to another re-read now…
September 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Not only was it written by one of my favorite authors but it supports my love of all things HOCKEY!!
I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book.
Gracie and Liam were the perfect couple. They had been friends forever but because of family they denied their feelings.
Once Gracie came to work for Liam he decided that he didn't care what everyone else thought. She was his and he was going to prove it.
I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book.
Gracie and Liam were the perfect couple. They had been friends forever but because of family they denied their feelings.
Once Gracie came to work for Liam he decided that he didn't care what everyone else thought. She was his and he was going to prove it.
September 30, 2024
5-star hockey romance!
To say that this book is the first hockey romance that this author has written is an understatement! This book has blown me away! The level of detail, emotion, wit, love, and pure storytelling is incredible.
Liam and Gracie’s story is so heartwarming. I especially loved the journal entries and text chats. Liam is slowly working through his own trauma but that doesn't stop him being an amazing ice hockey player.
The passion Gracie has for the game jumps off the pages. She is a badA$$ lady who can definitely hold her own!
Liam and Gracie are perfect together. The significance of the Number ‘35’ is epic.
This book is just everything ❤️⛸️🏒 5 stars!!
🎧🎧Audiobook Review 🎧🎧
Wow, just wow!! I am absolutely in love with this duet style audiobook ❤️ Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton are fantastic as Gracie and Liam. They are the perfect narrators.
To say that this book is the first hockey romance that this author has written is an understatement! This book has blown me away! The level of detail, emotion, wit, love, and pure storytelling is incredible.
Liam and Gracie’s story is so heartwarming. I especially loved the journal entries and text chats. Liam is slowly working through his own trauma but that doesn't stop him being an amazing ice hockey player.
The passion Gracie has for the game jumps off the pages. She is a badA$$ lady who can definitely hold her own!
Liam and Gracie are perfect together. The significance of the Number ‘35’ is epic.
This book is just everything ❤️⛸️🏒 5 stars!!
🎧🎧Audiobook Review 🎧🎧
Wow, just wow!! I am absolutely in love with this duet style audiobook ❤️ Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton are fantastic as Gracie and Liam. They are the perfect narrators.
September 3, 2023
There's nothing I love like a good sports romance, but this one is so much more! It's whet my appetite for all things Five Pointe, so I’ve started that series while I’m waiting more from the New York Stars. This is my first romance from this talented wordsmith and I can’t wait to get more!
Liam Donnghal and Grace Bukowski have known each other ever since her family hosted him so he could play hockey. But being the “cool" teenager he was, Liam became best friends with Grace's brother. He tried to forget that Grace was the one who really saw him and gave him some semblance of peace from his own family turmoil.
Now that Liam has been traded to the New York Stars hockey team and he and Grace are in the same city, he plans to see a lot more of Grace. As he works her into his daily life, they see how much they need each other, as friends, of course. As Liam sees Grace's family from her perspective and danger comes for her, Liam will do whatever is needed to keep Grace safe, even if it means reaching out to his family with Mafia ties.
There are so many things to love about this one, the least of which is Grace. She's a girl in a family of sports idols, so she gives as good as she gets. And while her whole life was overshadowed by her brothers, she has a huge heart and so much goodness and kindness about her. This girl is a rock star in her own right, and it’s not long before everyone else sees it, as well. And Liam, GAH, the mouth on this guy! He's vulnerable and swoony with a heart of gold, and I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
This one is hefty (at least 500 pages) but it’s really well edited. it's not wordy or slow or boring at any time, so it's a phenomenal bang for the buck. It's sweet and poignant and smexy, with the most sizzling tension and delicious angst, and you’re in for one heck of a romance ride. Liam and Grace now own permanent real estate in my heart, and I couldn’t be happier. This is my new favorite sports romance, and I have no doubt you'll love every minute of it!
Liam Donnghal and Grace Bukowski have known each other ever since her family hosted him so he could play hockey. But being the “cool" teenager he was, Liam became best friends with Grace's brother. He tried to forget that Grace was the one who really saw him and gave him some semblance of peace from his own family turmoil.
Now that Liam has been traded to the New York Stars hockey team and he and Grace are in the same city, he plans to see a lot more of Grace. As he works her into his daily life, they see how much they need each other, as friends, of course. As Liam sees Grace's family from her perspective and danger comes for her, Liam will do whatever is needed to keep Grace safe, even if it means reaching out to his family with Mafia ties.
There are so many things to love about this one, the least of which is Grace. She's a girl in a family of sports idols, so she gives as good as she gets. And while her whole life was overshadowed by her brothers, she has a huge heart and so much goodness and kindness about her. This girl is a rock star in her own right, and it’s not long before everyone else sees it, as well. And Liam, GAH, the mouth on this guy! He's vulnerable and swoony with a heart of gold, and I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
This one is hefty (at least 500 pages) but it’s really well edited. it's not wordy or slow or boring at any time, so it's a phenomenal bang for the buck. It's sweet and poignant and smexy, with the most sizzling tension and delicious angst, and you’re in for one heck of a romance ride. Liam and Grace now own permanent real estate in my heart, and I couldn’t be happier. This is my new favorite sports romance, and I have no doubt you'll love every minute of it!
September 3, 2023
5 Star review of End Game by G.A. Mazurke
G.A. Mazurke is a new author to me, and I am surprised I have not read this author before. I love reading hockey stories and this one ticked the boxes for me. I believe this is the first book in her new series and if that is the case, I cannot wait to see what she has in store.
This was such an entertaining read that you cannot help but be drawn in and captivated by the story that the author wove. This is a friends’ to lovers story about Gracie Agnieska Bukowski and Liam Donnghal.
I really liked both Gracie and Liam, they are easy to relate too, and you cannot help but become invested as their story as it unfolds. Since the moment he was billeted with Gracie’s family, Liam has had feelings for her. Unbeknownst to him Gracie has always felt the same way and now things are about to heat up.
When fate puts them both in the same place, Liam is determined to pursue Gracie. Their journey was entertaining and swoon worthy and I loved how Liam had her back, no matter what, particularly with her family.
This book is a little gem and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
G.A. Mazurke is a new author to me, and I am surprised I have not read this author before. I love reading hockey stories and this one ticked the boxes for me. I believe this is the first book in her new series and if that is the case, I cannot wait to see what she has in store.
This was such an entertaining read that you cannot help but be drawn in and captivated by the story that the author wove. This is a friends’ to lovers story about Gracie Agnieska Bukowski and Liam Donnghal.
I really liked both Gracie and Liam, they are easy to relate too, and you cannot help but become invested as their story as it unfolds. Since the moment he was billeted with Gracie’s family, Liam has had feelings for her. Unbeknownst to him Gracie has always felt the same way and now things are about to heat up.
When fate puts them both in the same place, Liam is determined to pursue Gracie. Their journey was entertaining and swoon worthy and I loved how Liam had her back, no matter what, particularly with her family.
This book is a little gem and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
August 31, 2023
Where do I even start? This book is everything. Humour, heart break, love, drama. Imagine a classic rom com movie where the main characters end up in the rain, spilling all their feelings, while getting completely soaked and you as the viewer, are completely and emotionally invested. This book is that. Now was this book better having read the Five Point Mob series first? Yes, but it is a dark series where this spin off is supposed to be more contemporary and light. All those characters over lap and as a die hard lover of that series, was giddy seeing them all resurface again. Liam had been kidnapped prior to the timeline of the book and spends most of the books dealing with the trauma and lasting effects of that event. It’s deeply satisfying to see a character that would typically be a very masculine characteristics, have traits of vulnerability and mental health concerns and the normalized use of therapy. Gracie is also such a relatable character in this story that I’m sure many people can see themselves in. There is no point that you are not immediately in love with these two. Such a good read. Highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
I am in love ❤️
With this book, with Liam, with the hints at a new band of brothers, and at seeing old, well loved faces, make an appearance and show us why we love them *cough cough Conor* 😆
I've not read many Hockey romances, but this one definitely hits as one of my favourites ♥️
G.A Mazurke smashed it out of the park. The perfect mix of sweet and story to keep you reading. Gracie's interactions with her family, the way she fights for her place, and the ultimate way that Liam stands by her and WILL NOT see her disrespected, just brilliant. (Plus Liam is very swoony 😍 ) The text chats and voice notes gave me life 😄 I kept wondering what pull/reasoning 35 had, and then wowser!!
As always, the story sucks you in, and doesn't let you stop until that last page has been turned. I'm not a huge hockey fan, however I can swiftly see that changing, especially if it's as fun to watch as it is to read about 😉. This book was brilliant, a full 5 stars from me, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes next 😀
With this book, with Liam, with the hints at a new band of brothers, and at seeing old, well loved faces, make an appearance and show us why we love them *cough cough Conor* 😆
I've not read many Hockey romances, but this one definitely hits as one of my favourites ♥️
G.A Mazurke smashed it out of the park. The perfect mix of sweet and story to keep you reading. Gracie's interactions with her family, the way she fights for her place, and the ultimate way that Liam stands by her and WILL NOT see her disrespected, just brilliant. (Plus Liam is very swoony 😍 ) The text chats and voice notes gave me life 😄 I kept wondering what pull/reasoning 35 had, and then wowser!!
As always, the story sucks you in, and doesn't let you stop until that last page has been turned. I'm not a huge hockey fan, however I can swiftly see that changing, especially if it's as fun to watch as it is to read about 😉. This book was brilliant, a full 5 stars from me, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes next 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
Liam is perfect. Has her back every step of the way! Need more of the Bukowskis. The way it tied the O’Donnelly clan in perfection!
September 30, 2023
End Game what a fantastic start to an amazing new series I loved the two main character Liam and Gracie even though they’ve known each other, since were teenagers their lives, took different paths but when they meet again, what an explosive journey they have.
Liam is the pro hockey player, but he’s not had it easier the last couple of years and he is trying to live with a trauma that he has suffered and in trying to come to terms with what happened to him. He has become isolated and feels alone but always there for him is Gracie
Gracie is the only girl in her family, as she has grown up with three brothers who have all become pro ice hockey players and parents have take other boys into a billeting family. Gracie has always felt like she’s never measured up to her families expectations, and when she decides to leave to go to New York to find herself and live a life with out everyone knowing her because-off her brothers. But because of her family’s name in the hockey world she also feels alone until Liam walks back into her life.
I absolutely love the story, and I love Liam and Gracie and The love that they have for each other .I love Gracie character. She is a strong independent woman, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind when she feels something isn’t right. Which is exactly what Liam needs in his life when he’s with Gracie he feels alive for the first time in a long time. They are just made to be together.
And I have to say there are times in The book , I just wanted to slap her brothers on the back of the head especially kow but as in everything, Gracey, She knows how to handle her brothers and takes no crap from them.
I absolutely loved reading this story and highly recommend you read this book I was so sad when I had finished reading the story I was hooked right from the start
Liam is the pro hockey player, but he’s not had it easier the last couple of years and he is trying to live with a trauma that he has suffered and in trying to come to terms with what happened to him. He has become isolated and feels alone but always there for him is Gracie
Gracie is the only girl in her family, as she has grown up with three brothers who have all become pro ice hockey players and parents have take other boys into a billeting family. Gracie has always felt like she’s never measured up to her families expectations, and when she decides to leave to go to New York to find herself and live a life with out everyone knowing her because-off her brothers. But because of her family’s name in the hockey world she also feels alone until Liam walks back into her life.
I absolutely love the story, and I love Liam and Gracie and The love that they have for each other .I love Gracie character. She is a strong independent woman, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind when she feels something isn’t right. Which is exactly what Liam needs in his life when he’s with Gracie he feels alive for the first time in a long time. They are just made to be together.
And I have to say there are times in The book , I just wanted to slap her brothers on the back of the head especially kow but as in everything, Gracey, She knows how to handle her brothers and takes no crap from them.
I absolutely loved reading this story and highly recommend you read this book I was so sad when I had finished reading the story I was hooked right from the start
October 1, 2023
End Game
G A Mazurke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the best hockey romance I have read!! Loved every minute. Want to read it all over again.
The story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. I laughed and cried. Liam and Gracie are made for each other. The way he stands with her dealing with her family and the way she cares for him with the things he has been thru, you can just tell they are meant to be together.
Once again you have proved why you are one of my favorite authors.
Oh, and 35 is now my favorite number!!
G A Mazurke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the best hockey romance I have read!! Loved every minute. Want to read it all over again.
The story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. I laughed and cried. Liam and Gracie are made for each other. The way he stands with her dealing with her family and the way she cares for him with the things he has been thru, you can just tell they are meant to be together.
Once again you have proved why you are one of my favorite authors.
Oh, and 35 is now my favorite number!!
October 12, 2023
TikTok did me wrong again. I don't know if it was just the writing style but this book was confusing as hell for the first 40ish%. We hop through a decade, there's a kidnapping at one point, I guess she turned her brother and his best friend totally green at another point? And then at a wedding, they make a vow that they'll get married at 35 but she doesn't remember and he doesn't tell her? Like honestly, this book was truly confusing.
But the absolute most frustrating part was her family. They treat her like absolute shit and her mom comes to apologize more because she doesn't want to be on the boyfriend's bad side than her own daughters. Her brothers were also dicks to her throughout the whole thing but man, that meeting with them near the end pissed me the fuck off. And then all of a sudden they're mostly okay even though we never saw an apology from them for LITERALLY TELLING THEIR SISTER SHE'D RUIN THEIR BEST FRIEND'S LIFE. I don't know why I didn't DNF this book but man, I should have.
Not to mention that you apparently need to be familiar with the author's other works to really totally understand the family thing in the book and to get any answers about the kidnapping. Also, the hockey accuracy was questionable. Were they saying she followed her brother around the actual NHL circuit? Because that's confusing as hell (not to mention how crazy expensive it would be. Overall, the only good thing about this book was that it made me go to bed earlier than I normally do when reading because I could only take it in small doses.
But the absolute most frustrating part was her family. They treat her like absolute shit and her mom comes to apologize more because she doesn't want to be on the boyfriend's bad side than her own daughters. Her brothers were also dicks to her throughout the whole thing but man, that meeting with them near the end pissed me the fuck off. And then all of a sudden they're mostly okay even though we never saw an apology from them for LITERALLY TELLING THEIR SISTER SHE'D RUIN THEIR BEST FRIEND'S LIFE. I don't know why I didn't DNF this book but man, I should have.
Not to mention that you apparently need to be familiar with the author's other works to really totally understand the family thing in the book and to get any answers about the kidnapping. Also, the hockey accuracy was questionable. Were they saying she followed her brother around the actual NHL circuit? Because that's confusing as hell (not to mention how crazy expensive it would be. Overall, the only good thing about this book was that it made me go to bed earlier than I normally do when reading because I could only take it in small doses.
August 30, 2023
As a huge fan of hockey romances, I was excited to jump into this book! This was such an overall different book than a typical hockey book, but in the best way. Things to look for in this book:
Hockey romance ✔️
Friends to lovers ✔️
Brother’s best friend ✔️
Pining hero ✔️
Pierced hero ✔️
Curvy and sassy heroine ✔️
Found family✔️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5
Angst level: 💔💔
Liam and Gracie first met when Liam was billeting with Gracie’s family in his teen years. Once he became a professional hockey player, they still stayed close. That is until Gracie couldn’t take the ridicule and constant aloneness than she felt with her family and she left the country and their relationship grew more distant.
Years prior, Liam went through a very traumatic event that caused him to change his outlook on life. And that included his relationship with Gracie. He was tired of sitting on the sidelines instead of going for what he wants. So now here we are and Liam got traded to a team in the same city as Gracie and they are getting their chance to finally become something more.
And throw in some kidnapping and some mob related a activity and you are in for an enjoyable ride!
The push and pull between these two characters was so strong and I loved it. I could feel the tension radiating off the page with how much these characters felt for each other. And honestly I loved it for both of them. Liam was a fantastic character once he realized that Gracie’s relationship with her family was the way it was. He immediately was at her side and supporting her through everything. The way he stuck up for her was amazing.
Now onto Gracie. Her character was amazing – her feistiness is not something we see all the time with female leads, but it was perfect for her. The way that she took no crap from anyone was great. And there is a side plot that happens in the book that mainly includes Gracie and another character and that made me tear up.
Finally, Gracie’s family – they made me so undeniably frustrated. While the group texts were filled with hilarious banter most of the time, you can see how much Gracie was hurting from their words and there were times that I wanted to throw my kindle at these characters. I am hoping that they all redeem themselves in future books!
Hockey romance ✔️
Friends to lovers ✔️
Brother’s best friend ✔️
Pining hero ✔️
Pierced hero ✔️
Curvy and sassy heroine ✔️
Found family✔️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5
Angst level: 💔💔
Liam and Gracie first met when Liam was billeting with Gracie’s family in his teen years. Once he became a professional hockey player, they still stayed close. That is until Gracie couldn’t take the ridicule and constant aloneness than she felt with her family and she left the country and their relationship grew more distant.
Years prior, Liam went through a very traumatic event that caused him to change his outlook on life. And that included his relationship with Gracie. He was tired of sitting on the sidelines instead of going for what he wants. So now here we are and Liam got traded to a team in the same city as Gracie and they are getting their chance to finally become something more.
And throw in some kidnapping and some mob related a activity and you are in for an enjoyable ride!
The push and pull between these two characters was so strong and I loved it. I could feel the tension radiating off the page with how much these characters felt for each other. And honestly I loved it for both of them. Liam was a fantastic character once he realized that Gracie’s relationship with her family was the way it was. He immediately was at her side and supporting her through everything. The way he stuck up for her was amazing.
Now onto Gracie. Her character was amazing – her feistiness is not something we see all the time with female leads, but it was perfect for her. The way that she took no crap from anyone was great. And there is a side plot that happens in the book that mainly includes Gracie and another character and that made me tear up.
Finally, Gracie’s family – they made me so undeniably frustrated. While the group texts were filled with hilarious banter most of the time, you can see how much Gracie was hurting from their words and there were times that I wanted to throw my kindle at these characters. I am hoping that they all redeem themselves in future books!
September 3, 2023
I have to admit I struggled with this book after reading the first few chapters. I had to put it down for half a day and have my mind on something else.
But after I started again the story just seemed to flow so I figured that this was a me problem and had nothing to do with the story.
Honestly there is so much to unpack with this story, and it’s a big book. But to keep it simple I absolutely loved when Liam & Gracie finally got together. They have been dancing around each other for years and kept second guessing not only themselves but each other. The whole billet family dynamic does throw a spanner in the works, but not how you would presume why.
And I will only be brief in my feelings for Gracie’s family - I didn’t like them and even by the end of the book I still didn’t like them. Liam’s family turned out to be wonderful and I definitely didn’t see that coming!!!
I ended up enjoying everything about this book, and the research that would of gone on was very apparent. Looking forward to the next book released
But after I started again the story just seemed to flow so I figured that this was a me problem and had nothing to do with the story.
Honestly there is so much to unpack with this story, and it’s a big book. But to keep it simple I absolutely loved when Liam & Gracie finally got together. They have been dancing around each other for years and kept second guessing not only themselves but each other. The whole billet family dynamic does throw a spanner in the works, but not how you would presume why.
And I will only be brief in my feelings for Gracie’s family - I didn’t like them and even by the end of the book I still didn’t like them. Liam’s family turned out to be wonderful and I definitely didn’t see that coming!!!
I ended up enjoying everything about this book, and the research that would of gone on was very apparent. Looking forward to the next book released
September 3, 2023
The woo in this book won me over completely. Liam is too tier perfection. He’s a hockey player and also Gracie’s brothers best friend - that hasn’t made her off limits, just harder to earn.
Gracie feels like the black sheep of her family. The only girl and on the outside not being a soccer star. She feels she’s always in their shadow, but Liam has never treated her as anything other that incredible and like she deserves the world.
They both have their traumas and life instances to overcome but they find solace in each other. They are just absolutely incredible together and support each other through everything.
Just easy enough to say I completely loved this book and I can’t wait for more of this hockey bunch!
Gracie feels like the black sheep of her family. The only girl and on the outside not being a soccer star. She feels she’s always in their shadow, but Liam has never treated her as anything other that incredible and like she deserves the world.
They both have their traumas and life instances to overcome but they find solace in each other. They are just absolutely incredible together and support each other through everything.
Just easy enough to say I completely loved this book and I can’t wait for more of this hockey bunch!
August 31, 2023
Let me start off by saying… This book was amazing!!
Liam and Gracie grew up together and while she was his best friend’s sister he never saw Gracie that way.
Liam is a NHL hockey player and has just been traded to the NY Stars, a fledgling team. What no one understands about his trade, is that Gracie is in NY and he’s coming to make her his.
Gracie was an amazing character. She has so much depth. She’s sassy and smart and the one thing she knows better than hockey and that’s Liam.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts, they were each other’s North Star.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me smile, and had all the feels.
I loved seeing all the O’donnellys and even Jenn!
This book was definitely a hat trick and a 5 star read for me. I can’t wait for more books in the series.
Liam and Gracie grew up together and while she was his best friend’s sister he never saw Gracie that way.
Liam is a NHL hockey player and has just been traded to the NY Stars, a fledgling team. What no one understands about his trade, is that Gracie is in NY and he’s coming to make her his.
Gracie was an amazing character. She has so much depth. She’s sassy and smart and the one thing she knows better than hockey and that’s Liam.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts, they were each other’s North Star.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me smile, and had all the feels.
I loved seeing all the O’donnellys and even Jenn!
This book was definitely a hat trick and a 5 star read for me. I can’t wait for more books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews