Cheap Shot

Portland Timberwolves #2

by A.J. Alexander

A brand new small town coach's daughter pro hockey player stand-alone from USA Today bestselling author AJ Alexander.

After a heartbreaking loss in the Western Conference Championship, I’m stuck with an ultimatum: play for the Timberwolves or kiss my professional hockey career goodbye. Left with no other option, I move back to my small town, determined to prove I can make my own way—free from the shadow of my older brother’s success. Then I literally run into Michele Mercer.

Sparks ignite between us the moment I lay eyes on her—frustration and attraction blending into something I can’t ignore. Michele is headstrong, independent, and refuses to take crap from anyone, especially me. But when she’s assigned as my physiotherapist, I think I’ve found my chance—until I discover she’s the coach’s daughter and completely off-limits.

I should focus on making it into the starting line up. I should remember that the only person I can count on is myself. But the closer I get to Michele, the more I forget everything but her.

Coach has one rule: don’t touch his daughter or you’re off the team. My problem? I can’t stop thinking about her, and the last thing I’m going to do is let her go.

Genres: Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Small Town Romance, Forbidden Romance, Mental Health

532 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author AJ Alexander has been writing romance since 2018. She loves writing small town romances with found families and all the nosey nellies that help her characters find their happily ever afters! She lives in Arizona, otherwise known as the surface of the sun, with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and a lovable golden retriever.

When she isn't writing you can find AJ reading, binging the latest true crime documentary on Netflix, or binging the latest Korean Drama or Anime that's released. AJ is a cynical hopeless romantic that believes in love at first sight, that bigger is always better, and everything should be put off for a nap.

Come find her in the wild! There's nothing she loves more than connecting with my readers.


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Reviews

[amarachireads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to pick up this sports romance immediately because it has everything i need in one. Theres sports, a heartbroken mmc trying to work on trauma, loss and heartbreak. A fmc who has a mental health diagnosis and is trying to start her work at a place she loves without family interference. The sports aspect starts with a hockey injury and the fmc is the mmc’s PT. The romance was angsty and a slow burn as they were both attracted to each other but couldn’t act on it. I loved seeing both characters healing journey especially the mmc. There are steamy moments and i loved the character development as well. The family dynamics in this series and book is so interesting and after that ending i need the next book asap.

Thanks to AJ Alexander for this arc!

4.5/5

[Cokiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one!

Cole is a guy who's really on his last shot. During a game, he gets really hurt (and was really not fair!), and when he wakes up, it's his brothers who are surrounding him. His brothers. The ones he doesn't have a relationship with. The older brothers who are now his teammates.

On the road to recovery, he meets Michelle. Who's now his physiotherapist. Who he's really, really into.

But Michelle has a secret. Her dad is his new coach, and he's not happy about Michelle's new job. Which to me was crazy, she's doing something she loves AND would be working with him! Michelle isn't the normal girl that she thinks Cole would be interested in. It only makes it better. ;)

Cole also has a secret of his own that he's hiding from everyone. It's a big secret that could really hurt his job. And his health!

I loved how Michelle stands up for herself to the ones who should be standing with her. I also loved how she stood by Cole.

It was my first AJ Alexander book, but not the last!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: ARC E-Book
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: Medium
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Cliff Hanger
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: Such an amazingly written and easy to read hockey romance! Such the perfect mix of sports and romance. I adore AJ’s writing style and eat it up every time!
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:  “I grip her like she’s the only thing tethering me to the ground. And maybe she is..”
& “You are normal. You’re perfect. And you’re mine.”
& “My need for her goes beyond something physical. It’s as if my soul is calling out to her, begging her to be mine and only mine.”
& “He’s not even touching me, and I feel owned. Branded.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: 5 & 14 & 16 & 23 & 27
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Cole: I felt so much for him and my heart aches for what he has been through! I am so glad he got his HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: Alexander crafts an engaging story filled with heartfelt moments, sizzling attraction, and the challenges of navigating personal demons. I am so invested in these Hendrix brothers and can’t wait for the next book! The story touches on deep themes, including neurodivergence and mental health struggles, adding layers of authenticity to the narrative and I really loved it so much. 💙

[Isabella Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.”

A.J. Alexander! MAM!!!! I was just recovering from the previous book and you hit me with this emotional boulder known as Cole and Michelle’s story 😩😩😩 I’m UNWELL! Why did you do this to me????😩😩 this is an interconnected stand alone…you do not have to read the previous books to understand this one…BUT…the brothers play big parts in all the books and it’s important to get their info…plus the stories are amazing so just read it.

We are back with the Hendrix brothers…and this time we have Cole…the youngest , and from what I can tell…the one who is truly struggling with the family trauma the most. After the passing of his father, feeling worthless and small in the shadow of his brothers who are excelling in their hockey careers, he moves away and cuts ties…trying to focus on himself and being his own person beyond the Hendrix name. But things don’t always go as planned…an injury threatens to ruin his career for good. And despite his wishes, he’s sent back home to play on the same team as his brothers and recover.

Michelle is our FMC and she’s a precious angel baby who must be protected at all costs. She’s super smart and loving…she suffers from severe anxiety that is only made worse by her toxic and unsupportive family. Seriously…her family is trash…I don’t care what they do in the future or any kind of grovelling they may do…families and parents like these are why kids cut their parents off. Point. Blank. Period. Just because they are blood doesn’t mean they get to treat you horribly and walk all over you. And that’s exactly what Michelle’s family has been doing. Especially her father. So when she gets her DREAM JOB as a physio-therapist for her father’s hockey team…you would think he would be excited , right ? WRONG. because that’s how much of a trash bin human he is. And poor Michelle’s anxiety is made even worse by it.

Michelle becomes Cole’s PT and immediately Cole is smitten. He doesn’t hold back and tries to make a move, but Michelle is hesitant to open up and truly doesn’t believe a guy like him could be interested in a girl like her. So she rejects him. But he doesn’t give up. The more time they spend together, the closer they get…feelings develop. But then Cole realises that she’s his new coaches daughter. And completely off limits. Yikes !

This doesn’t stop them though…they can’t seem to stay away. Cole is drawn to her in a way that he’s never been to anyone before. They both have struggles and secrets they are dealing with. And that keeps them from opening up fully to each other initially. But…once they do… 🥹🥹🥹 all the feels. And all the spice. This man is in love. He worships the ground she walks on. And Michelle is finally able to feel like she can be herself without judgement.

The phrase, “if he wanted to he would” ? Yeah… 1000000% Cole…this man didn’t let anything stand in his way when it came to Michelle. He loved her completely and fully with no exception. He defended and stood up for her, even to her father…knowing it could mean the end of his career. His love and support helped Michelle gain the confidence to stand up for herself to her family which made me cry….yes girl!!!

I’m kind of on the edge of my seat because we are left on a bit of a cliffhanger…the audacity, A.J…you emotionally batter us then do it some more with this cliffhanger 🥲 good thing I love you and your writing 🩵😂

Thank you so much to A.J. Alexander and Literally Yours PR for the opportunity to read yet another incredible book in this series 🩵

🏒Hockey Romance
🩼Interconnected Standalone
🏒Coaches Daughter
🩼Physio Therapist FMC
🏒Pro Hockey Player MMC
🩼Best Friends Brother
🏒Interracial Romance
🩼Age Gap (26/20)
🏒Workplace Romance
🩼Forbidden
🏒Mental Health Rep
🩼Toxic Family
🏒Mental Health Rep
🩼Grief/Loss
🏒Anxious Heroine
🩼Broken Hero
🏒Secret Relationship
🩼Alcohol Abuse
🏒Drug Abuse
🩼Sexism
🏒Fat Phobia
🩼Cliffhanger
🏒HEA

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt very spacey. The plot points didn't fully connect, and the relationship didn't progress naturally. I did like the true OCD representation in the FMC and the anger problems and addiction representation with the MMC. I had hope, but it wasn't the right book for me.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review of Cheap Shot by A.J. Alexander.
Thank you to the author for the signed book that I graciously won from her IG giveaway—honestly, this might’ve been my peak moment as a book lover.

This book was a full-on emotional body slam in the best way. I cracked it open thinking I was getting a steamy, small-town hockey romance (hot guy + cold rink = basic math), and what I got instead was a complex, heartfelt, sarcastic, slow-burn story full of grit, grief, and tension so thick it could bench-press a Zamboni. Cole Hendrix isn’t your typical hockey hero. He’s all attitude, sharp edges, and emotional landmines. Basically, if emotional unavailability had a poster boy who could also check you into the boards without breaking a sweat—it’d be him. And I fell for him. Hard. Against my better judgment. Just like Michele.

Michele Mercer is the coach’s daughter (yes, that coach—stern, intimidating, emotionally repressed, and father of the year not), and she just landed her dream job with the Portland Timberwolves. After secretly applying under an alias to avoid the whole nepotism nightmare, she’s hired on merit, which says a lot considering she has anxiety, OCD, and a deeply ingrained habit of second-guessing every move she makes. I love that A.J. Alexander didn’t gloss over Michele’s mental health—she portrayed it with care, honesty, and enough self-awareness that I wanted to cheer every time Michele quietly chose herself over the suffocating expectations of her family. She’s not a quirky trope or a Manic Pixie Dream Girl. She’s layered, anxious, smart, and a quiet force.

Now imagine these two meet by accident—literally, because Cole barrels into her like a freight train at their first encounter—and there’s instant chemistry. The “this is probably a terrible idea but I’m already invested” kind of energy. He’s raw and reckless; she’s cautious and steady. Fire and ice. Chaos and calm. Of course, once they realize she’s now his physiotherapist and also the coach’s daughter (aka the one person who’s absolutely off-limits unless you want to end up permanently benched), things only get messier. Cole tries to keep his hands—and heart—to himself. It goes about as well as you’d expect.

The romantic tension here is unreal. It’s a slow burn with just enough stolen glances, accidental touches, and “we really shouldn’t be doing this but oh no, we are” moments to have you screaming into your throw blanket. And Cole? For all his brooding, angry energy, he’s completely gone for Michele. Like, “I’d burn my career to the ground if it meant protecting you” levels of devotion. He’s a mess, but he’s her mess. And I was rooting for them so hard.

One quote that absolutely punched me in the chest: “Can you give me one good reason this can’t happen when every part of my being is telling me to never let you go?” If your soul didn’t just flinch reading that, check your pulse.

What makes Cheap Shot stand out is how layered it is. Yes, it’s a sports romance, but it’s also a story about broken families, unspoken trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief, and the way people weaponize silence instead of just saying what they really mean. Cole is carrying years of resentment and guilt about his father’s death, convinced that his older brother Cooper played a part in it. He’s distanced himself from his family for eight years, spiraled with drugs and alcohol, and then been thrown back into their orbit via a last-chance trade deal that sends him straight to the Timberwolves.

So now he’s got to play on the same team as the brothers he can’t stand, recover from a concussion and shoulder injury, prove he’s not a total disaster, and not get kicked off the team for falling for the one woman he shouldn’t be anywhere near. No pressure, right?

The family dynamics in this book are as intense as the romance. The Hendrix brothers are all hurting in different ways, and the lack of communication among them is both believable and infuriating. There are no easy fixes, no dramatic “everything’s fine now” moments. Just messy, slow, painful growth—exactly how it happens in real life.

Meanwhile, Michele’s own family drama adds another layer. Her father is cold, controlling, and incredibly dismissive of her accomplishments. Her anxiety spirals under his scrutiny, and you feel every bit of her hurt and frustration. Her arc—quietly rising in confidence, learning to hold boundaries, choosing herself—is just as satisfying as the romance. She’s not “fixed” by love. She finds her own footing, and Cole just happens to be the one who sees her clearly and loves her anyway.

Also: shoutout to the humor in this book. A.J. Alexander doesn’t let the heavy topics weigh everything down. There’s banter, sass, and enough “did-he-just-say-that?” moments to keep things fun and fast-paced. The secondary characters add life, and the locker room scenes had me laughing out loud more than once.

And then there’s the ending. Look. I’m not saying I yelled at the final page, but I’m not not saying that either. I’m just a reader, standing in front of an author, begging for the next book already.

[Samantha Bosnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap Shot by A.J. Alexander

Tropes:
#small town
#pro hockey player
#brothers’ best friend
#forbidden
#workplace romance

Where do I even start with this review. I read her first book Scoring A Chance, loved it so much and I bought it, but Cheap Shot, it broke me and rebuilt me. And I ordered it as well. This is the 2nd book in the Portland Timberwolves Ice Hockey series. The Hendrix brothers I love them, they have been deeply hurt and in this book its Cole’s story, he is the third of the of 4 boys and he cut ties with them 8 years ago due to his fathers’ death. He is so angry at his brothers, mainly Cooper it eats at him. He blames him for his father’s death.

Cole went out and found his own way, away from his brothers, he signed with Boise Wolverines, but he sabotaged himself, drugs, drinking, anger issues. One game and a teammate and him get into a fight, and Cole ended up in the hospital with a concussion and other injuries, he was out for 3 days, all his family is there, you could cut the tension with a knife. During all of this, he ends up being bought by a different team, but he doesn’t know who. He has to recover. And a physiotherapist named Michele might be the best medicine he needs.

“Can you give me one good reason this cant happen when every part of my being is telling me to never you go?”

Michel Mercer, she suffers from anxiety, when you read her story you will hurt for her, she loved her family, but they were bad for her. She loves Hockey, her father is actually the boss for the Timberwolves.
She secretly applied for a position as the Timberwolves physiotherapist using a fake name, as she didn’t want anyone to know who her father was, she wanted to earn this on her own. And she did. Her father wasn’t too happy about it though.

Coach has one Rule:
“Don’t touch his daughter or you’re off the team. My problem? I can’t stop thinking about her, and the last thing I’m going to do is let her go.”

Michele is working with Cole and there is an instant attraction, she is trying hard to ignore him, but that’s useless Love the banter they have. The way she can calm him is amazing, however she has a secret, what will happen when Cole finds out? The Cliffhanger, WOW>

I drop my voice to a whisper. “You feel this. I know you do.” She swallows, throat working as her eyes search mine like she’s still trying to find a reason to run. “Cole…” Tell me you don’t want me.” I say, “Tell me that, and I’ll let you go.” She blinks, and her voice is barely audible. “I’m terrified.”

There is so much more to this story, you need to read this, loved how we were able to watch them get through the emotional pain, the misunderstandings. The brothers broke me, emotional hell, rollercoaster ride, let me off. NOT

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE CHEAP SHOT!

Wow, I have to say that Author AJ Alexander is knocking it out of the park with the release of CHEAP SHOT, the second book in her Portland Timberwolves ice hockey series. I can't rave enough about how much I'm loving the Hendrix brothers who are legendary players but deeply hide the hurt of a family fractured and living under the shadow of losing their father far too early.

This loss hit Cole hard. As the third of four boys whose older brothers were over-achievers. His father had ‘seen' him as his own person, and in the first book, SCORING A CHANCE he had cut ties with his brothers, especially Cooper and signed with the Boise Wolverines. Even then, his internal struggles caused him to self-sabotage as he headed in his own direction determined to be known as his own man. Unfortunately, his big brothers cast long shadows in the ice hockey world, and he just couldn't get away from the names which in turn made things even worse. Ms Alexander wrote his character, his faults and his struggles with love and honesty in such a way that I just wanted to hug him as hard as his Momma did. And that is what I did love so much about Cole, he acknowledged his mother's upbringing and respected women, hating the trash talk about the puck bunnies who hung that was prevalent in the Wolverines locker room.

Michele was a person who I could relate to. While I've not suffered anxiety to that extent, the internal dialogue that spiralled badly really resonated and it was almost as if Ms Alexander has taken a gander inside my head!!! 🤯 My heart broke for the sheer level of anxiety that she suffered in dealing with a family she did love but who really bad for her mental health. She was awesome in going against the family grain and forging her own path, and I applauded her strength when if really mattered.

CHEAP SHOT was, in my opinion even better than SCORING A CHANCE and carried more emotional angst which was beautifully written and it was easy to see the love that Ms Alexander carries for this fractured family of brothers and their lady loves.

Each book can be read as a stand-a-lone but the brothers play a strong part in each of the books and Cooper's story in A SCORING CHANCE really set the scene for their family dynamics. Secondary characters like Darius, the nephew of Cooper's fiancé adds depth this book so I absolutely recommend starting at the beginning and develop your love for these gorgeous men, their ladies, and their wider family and friends just as I have. 5-Stars 🖤💙🏒✦

#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Tropes: brother's best friend, coach's daughter


Michele Mercer - is a physiotherapy. She had to fill in a few times for her best friend and roommate, Stacey. She did meet Cole as he was a patient of Stacey's at the time. She applied to her father's team, the Portland Timberwolves and she got the job! The one person she wasn't looking forward to seeing is Cole, and who walks into her office? Cole. One of her other best friends from college is a guy - Kyle. He and Stacey, usually play to see who knows Michele better, or who Michele likes better. Michele finally realizes that Kyle is Cole's younger brother, who he hasn't spoken to in years. Michele has OCD, and panic attacks. She usually keeps herself in check with the symptoms that show when she's about to spiral into a full panic attack. Now being around her dad at the hockey arena she isn't sure if she can work and be around him.

Cole Hendrix - was on a different NHL Team, but, he was badly injured in the final game of the Stanley Cup Run, and his contract was bought out by the Timberwolves, who his 2 older brothers are captains on the team. Cooper & Beau want Cole closer to them and closer to home. But, they don't realize that the past 10 yrs Cole has pushed them so far out of his life he considers himself without a family. Cole's shoulder injury isn't getting better even with Michele's help. He is constantly taking pain pills, to dull the pain, and to help with his anger. He has so much pent up anger at his family that he does lash out too often.

Cole & Michele work together daily at the hockey arena. Cole wants to take things further than just being her patient, but, Michele has been trying to keep him at bay and not give into him. Cole wants to do the exercises Michele wants him to do so he can get back on the ice faster. But, he can't stay away from the pain pills. Will Michele be able to tell Cole that her dad is the coach? Will Cole be able to tell Michele about his family and why he doesn't talk with his brothers?

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, heartfelt, intense

AJ Alexander has delivered an emotional journey with the second installment in the Portland Timberwolves . CHEAP SHOT is a brother's best friend, coach's daughter, NHL player, sports romance which pulled on all my heartstrings.

Cole Hendrix has two battles in his life: trying to emerge from the shadows of his older hockey playing brothers, and the constant struggles in his personal life. On top of what he is already dealing with, he is injured after a fight with a teammate, his contract has been brought out by another team and now he must prove that taking him on was not a mistake. Michele Mercer is a strong, independent woman who is also struggling with family dynamics, even applying for a position with the Timberwolves, where her father is coach, using an alias.

Cole and Michele meet when she stands in for her best friend at a physiotherapy office. They are instantly attracted to each other and their chemistry sparks, but she rejects his offer of a date together. At her new job Michele is given the role of Cole's physiotherapist, one she's not looking forward to, she tries to avoid him otherwise, but her attempts are useless. Cole has a lot of built-up anger and anxiety and he finds that being around Michele calms him, and she's happier whenever she is with him, what will happen when Cole discovers a secret she has been keeping?

CHEAP SHOT is a story which deals with a multitude of issues and the coping mechanisms used to deal with them. AH Alexander delivers her story with perfect empathy and understanding. However, not everything about this story is heavy, there are plenty of humourous moments adding some much needed levity. CHEAP SHOT is another terrific read involving the Hendrix family, one that certainly has a lot of issues to work through. I must mention the ending ,,, WTF???? I need the next book, Lighting the Lamp , NOW!!!

Another MUST READ from AJ Alexander.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a heartbreaking loss in the Western Conference Championship, I’m stuck with an ultimatum: play for the Timberwolves or kiss my professional hockey career goodbye. Left with no other option, I move back to my small town, determined to prove I can make my own way—free from the shadow of my older brother’s success. Then I literally run into Michele Mercer. Sparks ignite between us the moment I lay eyes on her—frustration and attraction blending into something I can’t ignore. Michele is headstrong, independent, and refuses to take crap from anyone, especially me. But when she’s assigned as my physiotherapist, I think I’ve found my chance—until I discover she’s the coach’s daughter and completely off-limits. I should focus on making it into the starting line up. I should remember that the only person I can count on is myself. But the closer I get to Michele, the more I forget everything but her. Coach has one rule: don’t touch his daughter or you’re off the team. My problem? I can’t stop thinking about her, and the last thing I’m going to do is let her go. 

Thank you to @literallyyourspr for sending over a copy of this book! The way I connected with the characters deep in my soul is unreal. I don’t think I could have found a better song for the emotional journey this book took me on. As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and also “lost” (I technically retired) my career when my body kinda gave up, I get exactly what both of the characters are going through. While my emotional love for this story and these characters, they were also so many humorous moments with some of the best banter that it really helped balance out some of the heavier topics. The ending was a bit disrespectful because like what do you mean “curious about what happened to Beau” like girl obviously 😳. This book was definitely addicting and an ABSOLUTE must read!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portland Timberwolves #2

Cole Hendrix has been fighting his whole hockey career to not live under the shadow of his two older brothers that play for a competing team. After the loss in the Western Conference Championship and a fight with his teammate he's off the team and his chances to play for another are slim. He's given the ultimatum of playing on his brother's team or not at all, especially since he had a major injury at the end of the season. He knows his brother, the captain of the team pulled strings to get him there and he's angry.

Michele Mercer is very headstrong and independent so when she went to apply for the job of physiotherapist for the Timberwolves she did it under a different name. The reason--her dad is the head coach and would have pulled strings even though he doesn't think this job is good enough for her.

While subbing for her friend at the therapist office she sees a patient, Cole Hendrix who hits on her. The sparks fly but she lets it go. Now working for the team she is his assigned physiotherapist. She is keeping her distance but it's hard and he has no idea who she is.
Even though he knows he should keep away from her, she helps him forget everything and is calming for him.
What happens when he finds out who she is as well as the coach finding out?

4 stars
This is such an emotional story. He has so much hate and rage that it's sometimes hard for him to get through the day without "help." He hates his brothers and feels like he has no one other than Michele on his side.
Please check the trigger warnings as this could be very hard for some to read.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but found Cole’s attitude ridiculous at times. Believing what he thought was the truth about his dad and Cooper for as long as he did changed his life in ways that harmed him, even if he didn’t realize it at the time. He is given one last chance to win the Cup, but he hates the fact that it is because of Cooper and on Cooper’s team. Throughout the book you know that there is something much deeper going on with him, you just don’t know exactly what.
Michele has worked her whole life for the job she has, even though she knows her dad won’t be happy. When she first meets Cole they flirt, but she is scared to open her heart to him. She regrets it right away, but figures if she sees him again she’ll accept his date request. Until, she realizes he is a player and she is the physiotherapist. Their attraction simmers until it can’t be denied.
I liked how they both brought the other calm and peace and saw each other. Cole’s wounds were much deeper, especially since he didn’t want anyone to know. I wish we would have had more of a discussion between them about their anxiety. I loved how protective he was of her and how he defended her, even knowing how it might affect his career. It was hard for me to believe her dad would do what he did, but it gave Cole another moment to shine.
The cliffhanger was a doozy. The growth of both characters was nice and believable. I was surprised by Ramona’s reaction to Cole’s confession. I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to find out what is going on with Beau. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Sarah Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheap Shot is book 2 of The Portland Timberwolves series and follows the story of hockey player Cole and physiotherapist Michele.
This story was definitely an emotional read and covered several difficult topics, which I thought were written so brilliantly well.

After a loss in the family and forever feeling like he’s living in the shadows of his hockey playing brothers, Cole decides to leave it all behind and signs for a rival hockey team. Cole deals with so many struggles during his time away and it all comes to a head after a potential career ending injury, so with no other option he returns home and takes an offer to sign for his brothers team, The Timberwolves. Michele is headstrong, independent and doesn’t take crap from anyone and when they first meet there is an instant attraction between the pair. But not only is she assigned as his physiotherapist, she is also his coaches very off limits daughter.

Throughout this story both Cole and Michele had so many personal struggles to deal with and the way it was written made it all feel so very real and raw, I definitely felt every emotion the pair were feeling as I read along.
Cole and Michele had such undeniable chemistry and I loved the connection they formed. There was so much personal growth from them both and it was really heartwarming seeing them support each other and work through their issues together. They were certainly a couple that was meant to be.

This was a very emotionally charged, powerful read and that little cliffhanger at the end definitely leaves me wanting more!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Ice: The Coach's Daughter is a Cheap Shot of Undeniable Heat!

"There was just something about the coach's daughter that he could not resist or obey a direct order," and this book is a steamy penalty box of forbidden desire! As a fan of hockey romances and AJ Alexander's incredible storytelling, this one delivers on all counts. I especially appreciate how this is another authentic and heartfelt interracial romance.

Our hero, a hockey player facing an ultimatum after a heartbreaking loss, moves back to his small town to play for the Timberwolves. He's determined to prove himself, but then he literally runs into Michele Mercer.

The spark between them is instant—a blend of frustration and scorching attraction that he can't ignore. Michele is everything the hero needs: headstrong, independent, and unwilling to take crap from anyone. But when she's assigned as his physiotherapist, the stakes get dangerously high. He quickly learns she's the coach's daughter and completely off-limits—with the strict rule: don't touch his daughter or you're off the team.

The heat is deliciously palpable as the hero fights his attraction. He should focus on the starting lineup; he should keep his distance. But the closer he gets to Michele, the more he forgets everything but her. The desperate struggle to maintain distance while their passion ignites is absolutely intense. He can't stop thinking about her, and the last thing he's going to do is let her go. This is a must-read, sexy, brother's best friend, single mom romance that proves some rules are meant to be broken.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap Shot is book two of the Portland Timberwolves Series.

This was a very in depth and emotionally charged story. We can really feel all of the pain and suffering Cole goes through mentally. He really has a lot of hatred for his family, and now some of it is misguided, but some of it isn't. I wanted to enter the book and talk to his family so they could see things his way. I read the first book and liked Connor, but after reading this one I kind of had some resentment about him, just like Cole. Everyone felt like the sun rose and set with Connor and didn't or couldn't see the pain Cole was going through.

Now Cole is not perfect. He has his own faults, but everyone seems to want to blame him for everything going on in their lives, instead of properly talking to him about what he is feeling and going through. I was glad he had Michele in his corner, because she helped him through some of his tough times, just by being there for him and putting him first.

While this is a romance story, I felt it was so much more. There is so much pain which can be felt from Cole. I felt it with him. This was a major story on how having so much negativity and hatred impacts your life. We need to be people that helps others. Sometimes just talking helps ease some of the pain and suffering. It helps to lighten the load.

This is by far my favourite A.J. Alexander book I have read. It was emotionally charged and I felt everything Cole was going through. Very well written!

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ Alexander nailed it with this book. So many emotions felt with all the heavy topics discussed.

Cole has suffered a great loss at such a young age. Ever since he lost his father there has been a separation between him and his family. He may have the career he always wanted playing hockey, but deep inside he is broken. He never healed all those years ago and it just keeps piling on. He is hotheaded and has a lot of baggage that follows him. He is also secretly battling an addiction once again.

Michele is a physiotherapist that just scored her dream job with the Timberwolves. Her dad also happens to coach this team, but she got the job on her own. Michele also suffers with severe anxiety and OCD. She is a very independent woman and has some family issues of her own.

The connection between Cole and Michele is instant and electric right away. But the two of them have so much going on, it may not be the best time. And when the two end up with the same team, it’s gets a little messier. Michele is determined to get Cole to heal the right way, even though he is stubborn and trying to rush it.

The two have amazing banter. They have a lot of raw emotional moments. Cole feels comfortable around her and opens up to her. Michele sees Cole for who he is deep down inside.

The family drama is intense. The chemistry and passion is strong. Multiple characters have mental health issues they struggle with.

4⭐️
3🌶️

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness was this a beautiful story of finding love, the other half of your soul, amidst fighting your own battles and struggling to overcome the pain of a broken family. Cole and Michele met one another at a time in both their lives when they both needed someone to see them and love them unconditionally.

AJ Alexander knows how to address sensitive and tough topics in such a beautiful way that you truly feel the pain and heartache from her characters. Cole took the passing of his father the hardest out of his brothers, and distanced himself from all of them, going against the grain. Michele suffered paralyzing anxiety from her toxic family, even though she loves them all.

While Michele initially rejects Cole's advances, these two come to mean everything to each other, calming the storm in one another. Their journey was deeply emotional, but also healing.

Michele being the coaches daughter added a sexy edge to their relationship. Their attraction to each other was insanely hot, and their chemistry was a blazing inferno. I went through all the emotions with Michele and Cole. Cheap Shot will have you feeling everything, laughing, swooning so hard, and getting a little hot and bothered. A definite must read!

I can't wait for more of this series because the ending....need more now!

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole is sidelined with a dangerous injury at this hands of one of his own teammates and find himself with an impossibl choice, get traded to the Timberwolves to play hockey with his estranged brothers or end his career. Cole has a lot more he needs to worry about but is instantly smitten when he meets Michele during his rehab. When he reports to training camp with the Timberwolves he runs into Michelle who is now a rehab specialist with the team. Michelle has her own issues she is dealing with including explaining to her dad she now works for his team.

I loved so much about this book, my only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough, I needed more of Cole and Michelle. This book deals with a lot of issues, affecting both main characters including addiction, ptsd and OCD from trauma, family drama, but at its heart its a story about finding your way when you life turns upside down. Michelle and Cole have a lot of chemistry but they both have internal demons they need to address in order to move forward. I think a lot of readers will connect with both Cole and Michelle’s their individual struggles and journey, They have a lot of baggage and the question becomes can two broken people really make a relationship work under less than ideal circumstances. Another great installment in this hockey/family series.

[Liz Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to AJ Alexander and Literally Yours PR for the chance to read and review this eARC!

This was such a fun and emotional read! Perfect for fans of sports romance with a bit of small-town charm and a whole lot of slow burn! I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters. The chemistry between the grumpy, brooding hockey pro and the no-nonsense coach's daughter was electric right from their (literal) first collision. Their banter, push-and-pull tension, and underlying emotional depth kept me flipping pages.

I loved how the story wasn't just about romance, but also about carving your own path and stepping out of someone else's shadow. The hockey setting felt authentic without being overwhelming, and the small-town vibes added a cozy layer to the whole thing.

While there were a couple of moments where I wished for a bit more from the secondary characters or tension build-up, overall it was a really satisfying and heartfelt story. Michele was a standout! Strong, smart, and exactly the kind of heroine I love rooting for.

Looking forward to more from AJ Alexander! If you're into forbidden romance with real heart and heat, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap Shot is so much more than a hockey romance. It does deal with some heavy topics, so make sure you check out the authors note at the start.

Cole may have a career playing a sport he loves, but he is also struggling. Michele just landed her dream job working for the Timberwolves, but she also has some things going on in her life. From the moment these two cross paths there is a spark of chemistry between them. Despite that instant chemistry neither of them crossed the line, even though Cole was head over skates for Michele already. There was a lot of build up for them and their slow burn was absolutely worth the wait.

I absolutely loved these two. Their story was an emotional one that had me crying, laughing, and swooning. You can’t help but root for Cole and Michele as a couple, but also as individuals.The love and support they gave each other is something special and such a major part of their stories.

Excuse me though….that ending!? I need book 3 ASAP. I can’t wait for more of the Hendrix family.

If you’re looking for a brothers best friend, forbidden, small town, sports romance check this one out.

[Kendra Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this book for its character-centric development and steamy chemistry between Cole and Michele! I knew I was in for a good time from the dedication: "To all the ladies who have thought, 'But Daddy, I can fix them!' You can in fact NOT fix him, but you can help them find the will to fix themselves." It's so true! Their story illustrates the kind of love story we need to see more often because of the ways in which they challenge each other and grow side-by-side.
I love it when main characters have genuine baggage and mental health issues to work through and, as a result, you see the development between them that much clearer. At the beginning of the book, Cole is hard to like because he doesn't like himself, so watching that evolution is a gratifying slow burn. It can be tough to read when Michele struggles with her OCD and Cole struggles with his rage, even if you read the content warnings. That and the slow burn knocked a star off for me, but if you're looking for a deeper, slower burn, this is the book for you!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left with no option but to move back home to prove that he can make it on his own from under his brother’s shadow ,he must ice his own way. Running into Michelle Mercer. Well sparks ignite to dizzy heights but.. No Pucking chance with the coach’s daughter ! He doesn’t know that his Michelle who it turns out is his assigned physio is a no go .But oh no the last scenario he expected. He’s enamoured ,can’t help falling but his coach is stalling a true proposition,he’s put in a hell of a position. Off the team if he touches his daughter. Cole knows he didn’t oughta but the lure is strong and what’s also nice is they get along so well…. Who’s gonna tell? Oops! Michelle has her own demons with her mental health and she’s wanting to stand up herself and been counted for her own merit and not her family connection remit. They both have their vulnerability which makes them strong not weak and in each other’s arms they seek to be . Held close with the one they love the most.. This is truly beautiful storytelling and is so compelling too . Loved these characters so much . Well written and a divine storyline.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole is a professional hockey player who struggles with believing that he can’t live up to the reputations of his brothers who are also professional hockey players. As a result, he isn’t close to his brothers, physically or emotionally, as he tries to find his own place. This struggle has led to some less-than-ideal choices so when he is injured he is not only dealing with that but the fact that he has been traded to the team his brothers play for.

Michele is not only the physiotherapist for Cole’s new team, but her father is also the coach, even if she prefers that others don’t know that. She too is dealing with tumultuous family relationships which are impacting her life. She knows that keeping her relationship with Cole strictly would be best for both their careers however the way they understand and support each other makes that difficult.

Michele and Cole take us on an emotional journey as they are both going through a difficult time and feel alone and unsupported. They are there for each other when they need someone the most and their love for each other made them stronger both as individuals and as a couple.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap Shot ; Portland Timberwolves Book 2 ) Small Town , Pro Hockey Player / Coaches Daughter, Forbidden, Hockey Romance, Brothers best Friend Cole and Michelle !! Oh my gosh guys the degree to which I'm just falling completely in love with this series no words can even start to describe.. Cole and Michele were everything together just absolutely everything. Sure the chemistry between them was insane , I mean sparkly flew every time they were together, but it really was so much more than that . The connection I felt to both , the way their journey pulled on all my heartstrings and had me reeling with so many unexpected emotions . The struggles both are going through and the way they helped each heal while falling in love , was so darn beautiful and emotional. I smiled , I laughed out loud, I cried like a baby , I even screamed outta pure frustration. But what never wavered was how genuinely invested I was and how hard I rooted from start to finish. Cheap Shot was so much more then I ever expected and everything i never knew I. Needed
3 minutes ago

[ReadMeRough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap Shot by A.J. Alexander

Wow--what a ride! Cheap Shot was my first ever read from A.J. Alexander, and let me tell you, it definitely won't be the last.

This book hit me straight in the feels while also delivering laugh- out-loud moments that kept things delightfully balanced.

Cole Hendrix is a complex storm of hurt, pride, and determination, and watching him navigate the chaos of family drama, career struggles, and unexpected romance was honestly gripping.

Michele? Loved her. Strong, independent, and the calm in Cole's emotional hurricane.

Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts

What really made this book shine for me was how real it felt. The pain, the miscommunication, the healing--it wasn't just a romance, it was a journey through emotional growth and resilience. And let's not even talk about that ending. Actually, let's-WTF?! I need the next book like yesterday.

A heart-tugging, funny, and powerful read. If you haven't picked up anything by A.J. Alexander yet, start here-but be warned, you'll want the sequel on standby!

⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3/5

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheap Shot is the second book in AJ Alexander's Portland Timberwolves series. I loved reading and following Cole and Michele's small town sports romance. With both of them having different hurts from their past that affects their present. This book is perfect for anyone who loves sports romance and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ~Dawn



"I felt this book was a bit slow and wordy but I really liked the concept behind the storyline. I loved that Michele and Cole had personal challenges they lived with that are relatable and realistic for so many, but I wasn’t a fan of Cole himself. I really tried to like him and thought that Michele was a good yin to his yang, but I couldn’t get past some of his hang ups. I understood why he had them but it was hard to notice any growth in him.
Overall I loved the idea of this storyline but I couldn’t connect fully with the characters.

Hockey, Physiotherapist, work romance, coaches daughter, challenges, ARC for Honest voluntary review," ~Lindsay

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc review✨
I absolutely loved this book from the very first page until the end
It had me hooked and who doesn't like a good hockey romance but this book is different it covers topics I've never read I a book before.

I laughed and I felt every emotion while reading this book

I love the chemistry build up between Cole and Michele and the hockey tension between everyone

I love the hendrix brothers. Can't wait for the next one

This book specifically touches on these neurodivergent disorders
⚫generalized anxiety, ⚫anxiety disorder with comorbid substance use disorder, ⚫depression, ⚫sensory processing disorder (SPD), ⚫attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a focus on cleanliness. . This book also ⚫covers alcohol (in the past) and prescription drug abuse,⚫ self-harm, ⚫suicidal thoughts,⚫ anger management,⚫ minor violence (on page), ⚫ parental loss in the past and how it affects the main characters' lives in the present

I had this copy from literally yours pr

Thankyou so much for allowing me to be an arc reader.

[Jennifer Epling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always be in my hockey romance era, and you can never tear me away from them. I am a sucker for a hot hockey star

Meet Cole: He's the broken NHL star, that used hockey as a means of escape and expression. A way of getting out of the shawdows of his brothers, until a playoff loss and upsetting trade sends him to play with the brothers he's worked so hard to outrun.

then enter his new psysiotherapsit, Michele Mercer, and coach's daughter, and completely off limits, that is, if he wants to save his career

but can he stay away? Michele looks at him with adoring eyes, like he isn't broken or second best. She challenges him to be better and cuts through his NHL bad boy ego and sees him in ways he never thought he could be seen.

Coach has one rule: don't touch my daughter. But Cole has never been good at following rules


This book was so much fun to read. It was full of banter and heartfelt moments. I laughed and cried. The chemistry between these two was amazing!

Can't wait for the next book!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheap Shot is the second novel in the Portland Timberwolves series. This novel focuses on Cole Hendrix, a hockey player, whom has been injured and also struggles with competing against his brothers. Cole has a lot to deal with not only professionally but also personally. Cole struggles with most aspects of his job and those around him.

Michele is independent and has her own fair share of familial issues. She is headstrong, and applies for the job as the team’s physiotherpist. Michele fights the urge and temptation she has for Cole but she becomes one of the staff members assigned to him and is comforting and calm for him. Knowing that she should keep away she chooses not to, until the coach finds out.


This was a very emotionally provoking story. There was hate, rage and yet a sense of calm. This was a great romance, however a reader should check the triggers before starting this one as it could quickly be too much.