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New England Bay Sharks #2
Shoot Your Shot
For better or for worse.
When I said those words in front of the pastor, I meant them. But that was before everything changed. Before it became clear that my wife would be better off without me. I had no choice but to sabotage us, and that was exactly what I did. Even though I pushed Paige to leave, it still hurt like hell, watching her do it. I’d never love another woman for as long as I lived. She was it for me.
I guess those are the sacrifices we make for the people we love. And if I couldn’t make her dreams come true, I had no right to keep her. Not completely anyway.
Fast-forward to a year and a half later, and not a day has gone by where I don’t miss my wife. But I made my bed, and now, it’s time for me to lie in it. And while the rest of my life might be in ruins, my career on the ice has never been better.
At least, until a direct hit to the chest almost kills me. And just like that, my wife, who is my emergency contact, is back. But she isn’t happy with me—because those divorce papers she sent months ago? Yeah … they somehow landed in the trash.
Realizing I will lose her again before I truly have her back, I offer her a deal. Ten days to prove we should have never separated. Ten days to redeem myself. And ten days to come clean about everything I’ve been hiding.
Should be easy enough, right?
Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
Shoot Your Shot features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. TW include: infertility, substance abuse, mental health, sexual content, and some violence.
When I said those words in front of the pastor, I meant them. But that was before everything changed. Before it became clear that my wife would be better off without me. I had no choice but to sabotage us, and that was exactly what I did. Even though I pushed Paige to leave, it still hurt like hell, watching her do it. I’d never love another woman for as long as I lived. She was it for me.
I guess those are the sacrifices we make for the people we love. And if I couldn’t make her dreams come true, I had no right to keep her. Not completely anyway.
Fast-forward to a year and a half later, and not a day has gone by where I don’t miss my wife. But I made my bed, and now, it’s time for me to lie in it. And while the rest of my life might be in ruins, my career on the ice has never been better.
At least, until a direct hit to the chest almost kills me. And just like that, my wife, who is my emergency contact, is back. But she isn’t happy with me—because those divorce papers she sent months ago? Yeah … they somehow landed in the trash.
Realizing I will lose her again before I truly have her back, I offer her a deal. Ten days to prove we should have never separated. Ten days to redeem myself. And ten days to come clean about everything I’ve been hiding.
Should be easy enough, right?
Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
Shoot Your Shot features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. TW include: infertility, substance abuse, mental health, sexual content, and some violence.
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2024
900 people are currently reading
4037 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gray
30 books1,306 followersHannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews
January 13, 2025
3 stars! 💫 Okay, let me just say... this one was a bit of a letdown. I was super hyped for it, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The story felt kinda boring and dragged on 😕. BUT, there were a couple of major highlights: the smut? H-O-T 🔥, like, scorching 🌶️🔥, and the ending?! I need Smith and Gemma's story!
Now, onto the plot! Kolt and Paige are dealing with a second-chance romance, and things are a mess because of some classic miscommunication (ugh, this trope always gives me major anxiety). Kolt is pushing Paige away, thinking she deserves better than what he can offer, especially with their fertility struggles hanging over them. Honestly, the whole marriage-in-crisis thing made me a bit uncomfortable at times (fertility issues are a tough read), but I do appreciate that the book didn’t shy away from those sensitive topics. The emotional weight these two carry was intense, but it sometimes felt... kinda passive?
Paige was such a queen for calling Kolt out on his nonsense 😤💥. Like, YES, girl, don’t let him off easy! 🙌 And let me just say, the coach? Absolute MVP! Loved the supportive vibes from the team. But, real talk, the lack of communication got a bit old. Like, just talk to each other already! 🤦♀️
But here’s the thing—THE SMUT. 🔥 Chef’s kiss 💋. No surprises there, right? 💁♀️
Overall, this book had some great moments, but it didn’t WOW me the way I hoped. The pacing felt a little off, and the storyline didn’t grab me as much as I wanted it to. I enjoyed it, just not as much as I thought I would!
Now, onto the plot! Kolt and Paige are dealing with a second-chance romance, and things are a mess because of some classic miscommunication (ugh, this trope always gives me major anxiety). Kolt is pushing Paige away, thinking she deserves better than what he can offer, especially with their fertility struggles hanging over them. Honestly, the whole marriage-in-crisis thing made me a bit uncomfortable at times (fertility issues are a tough read), but I do appreciate that the book didn’t shy away from those sensitive topics. The emotional weight these two carry was intense, but it sometimes felt... kinda passive?
Paige was such a queen for calling Kolt out on his nonsense 😤💥. Like, YES, girl, don’t let him off easy! 🙌 And let me just say, the coach? Absolute MVP! Loved the supportive vibes from the team. But, real talk, the lack of communication got a bit old. Like, just talk to each other already! 🤦♀️
But here’s the thing—THE SMUT. 🔥 Chef’s kiss 💋. No surprises there, right? 💁♀️
Overall, this book had some great moments, but it didn’t WOW me the way I hoped. The pacing felt a little off, and the storyline didn’t grab me as much as I wanted it to. I enjoyed it, just not as much as I thought I would!
January 2, 2025
I just found my new favorite Hannah Gray book. Like Hannah delivered with this one. And now that it is over, I'mm like where do we go from here? Everything about this book was perfect. I felt so many emotions for Kolt and Paige. I laughed, cried, and felt frustrated. So be prepared to go along the rollercoaster of a marriage in crisis.
I believe the marriage in crisis trope is one that is both under hyped and not often written and personally I don't know why. I have never read a book with a more realistic storyline with very realistic struggles. The struggles that Kolt and Paige experience in their marriage is unfortunately one that many struggle with and that is infertility. Infertility can cause so much stress between a couple. And this is the cause of the strain between Kolt and Paige which ultimately lead them to their seperation but when Kolt experiences a heart attack and Paige is his emergency contact, it's their second chance to repair their relationship and Kolt refuses to let Paige walk away.
Not only is this one an emotional read but it was so beautifully written. Hannah took a topic that way too many of us have experienced and create a story that is written in a way that will make you realize you are not alone. And to see Kolt and Paige work on their relationship was beautiful. I didn't want this one to end. So to say this was an easy 5 star banger is an understatement. Ugh I loved it so much!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Marriage on Crisis
- Second Chance Romance
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Hockey Romance
*I would like to say thank you to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the pleasure to read Shoot Your Shot as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
I believe the marriage in crisis trope is one that is both under hyped and not often written and personally I don't know why. I have never read a book with a more realistic storyline with very realistic struggles. The struggles that Kolt and Paige experience in their marriage is unfortunately one that many struggle with and that is infertility. Infertility can cause so much stress between a couple. And this is the cause of the strain between Kolt and Paige which ultimately lead them to their seperation but when Kolt experiences a heart attack and Paige is his emergency contact, it's their second chance to repair their relationship and Kolt refuses to let Paige walk away.
Not only is this one an emotional read but it was so beautifully written. Hannah took a topic that way too many of us have experienced and create a story that is written in a way that will make you realize you are not alone. And to see Kolt and Paige work on their relationship was beautiful. I didn't want this one to end. So to say this was an easy 5 star banger is an understatement. Ugh I loved it so much!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Marriage on Crisis
- Second Chance Romance
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Hockey Romance
*I would like to say thank you to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith Publicity for allowing me the pleasure to read Shoot Your Shot as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
January 9, 2025
Shoot Your Shot by Hannah Gray
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"We had to fall apart to come back together, but that's exactly what we did, and we're better for it now. Our story is flawed, but whose isn't?"
My first book by Hannah Gray, and oh my goodness, it was fantastic! I've recently developed a love for hockey romances, and I kept seeing this author's books pop up on my feed, so I thought I'd give one a try. The whole marriage-in-crisis trope isn't something you see too often, and I know it can be tough to pull off, but Hannah nailed it! The journey that the main characters go on is both emotional and full of challenges, but I loved how they worked things out in the end. It’s not easy, but that makes their story so beautiful. There’s so much character growth, and the way the author wrapped up the book was perfect!
Kolt and Paige are high school sweethearts who have been together since they were 17. After graduation, they decided to elope, but fast forward a few years, and their marriage hangs by a thread. Things come to a head when Paige has had enough and chooses to leave. A year and a half later, she gets an unexpected phone call regarding her estranged husband, and suddenly they find themselves living together again, finally facing the conversations they’d both been avoiding.
"Being apart from you taught me one thing: I can do without a lot of things, but you aren't one of them."
Kolt is a bit of a grump and closed off, due to a traumatic childhood. But the one thing that brings him joy is Paige. To him, she’s everything—his anchor, his light, his home. The love he has for her is so pure and genuine, and you feel it in your heart as you read. He would do anything for her, even if it means letting her go so she can find her happiness. On the flip side, Paige is more outgoing; she loves to talk and sing. I loved seeing how she built her career up to become one of the best in her field, even while she and Kolt were apart. I also appreciated that she makes Kolt work for her forgiveness; she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to let him prove himself.
Their journey is filled with ups and downs, and it feels very relatable and realistic. The way they communicate when they realize they still love each other and want to repair their marriage is beautifully done! I was so impressed with how the author portrayed their reunion. Overall, this book was such a great read, and I can't wait to see more of Kolt and Paige's journey in the future books of this series. The sneak peek for the next book has me so excited! Huge thanks to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith for this amazing eARC!
"Let's go home."
"As long as you're there, it will always be home."
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️
"We had to fall apart to come back together, but that's exactly what we did, and we're better for it now. Our story is flawed, but whose isn't?"
My first book by Hannah Gray, and oh my goodness, it was fantastic! I've recently developed a love for hockey romances, and I kept seeing this author's books pop up on my feed, so I thought I'd give one a try. The whole marriage-in-crisis trope isn't something you see too often, and I know it can be tough to pull off, but Hannah nailed it! The journey that the main characters go on is both emotional and full of challenges, but I loved how they worked things out in the end. It’s not easy, but that makes their story so beautiful. There’s so much character growth, and the way the author wrapped up the book was perfect!
Kolt and Paige are high school sweethearts who have been together since they were 17. After graduation, they decided to elope, but fast forward a few years, and their marriage hangs by a thread. Things come to a head when Paige has had enough and chooses to leave. A year and a half later, she gets an unexpected phone call regarding her estranged husband, and suddenly they find themselves living together again, finally facing the conversations they’d both been avoiding.
"Being apart from you taught me one thing: I can do without a lot of things, but you aren't one of them."
Kolt is a bit of a grump and closed off, due to a traumatic childhood. But the one thing that brings him joy is Paige. To him, she’s everything—his anchor, his light, his home. The love he has for her is so pure and genuine, and you feel it in your heart as you read. He would do anything for her, even if it means letting her go so she can find her happiness. On the flip side, Paige is more outgoing; she loves to talk and sing. I loved seeing how she built her career up to become one of the best in her field, even while she and Kolt were apart. I also appreciated that she makes Kolt work for her forgiveness; she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to let him prove himself.
Their journey is filled with ups and downs, and it feels very relatable and realistic. The way they communicate when they realize they still love each other and want to repair their marriage is beautifully done! I was so impressed with how the author portrayed their reunion. Overall, this book was such a great read, and I can't wait to see more of Kolt and Paige's journey in the future books of this series. The sneak peek for the next book has me so excited! Huge thanks to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith for this amazing eARC!
"Let's go home."
"As long as you're there, it will always be home."
January 10, 2025
This is the second book in the New England Bay Sharks series, but can be read as a standalone.
I freaking LOVED this book. Every heartbreaking moment was written with such beauty and care, I could feel the passion behind the words with this one. Hannah exceeded any and all of my exceptions. I don’t even care that it’s only the second week of January, this is without a doubt one of my top reads of 2025.
Marriage in crisis is seriously such an underrated trope, imo. (side note: if anyone who takes the time to read this review has more recs, please send them my way!) Part of me hates how much I related to Paige, but having gone through similar struggles to her made me love and appreciate her strength that much more. And Kolt, oh man, Uncle Kolty will have you swooning, even if occasionally you want to reach into the book and shake the communication out of the man lol.
Thank you to Hannah Gray and WordsmithPublicity for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
*TW - infertility
I freaking LOVED this book. Every heartbreaking moment was written with such beauty and care, I could feel the passion behind the words with this one. Hannah exceeded any and all of my exceptions. I don’t even care that it’s only the second week of January, this is without a doubt one of my top reads of 2025.
Marriage in crisis is seriously such an underrated trope, imo. (side note: if anyone who takes the time to read this review has more recs, please send them my way!) Part of me hates how much I related to Paige, but having gone through similar struggles to her made me love and appreciate her strength that much more. And Kolt, oh man, Uncle Kolty will have you swooning, even if occasionally you want to reach into the book and shake the communication out of the man lol.
Thank you to Hannah Gray and WordsmithPublicity for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
*TW - infertility
January 10, 2025
♾️/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
I don’t know how to accurately describe the perfection that is this book so I’m going to keep it short & sweet.
It’s no secret Hannah is one of my favorite authors & now she’s written one of my absolute favorite books EVER. This book deals with some really heavy topics & Hannah did such an amazing job telling Kolt & Paige’s story. It was painful yet beautiful all at the same time.
Highly recommend! Thank you Hannah for the eARC 🩵
- Pro Hockey
- Marriage in Crisis
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
3/5 🌶️
I don’t know how to accurately describe the perfection that is this book so I’m going to keep it short & sweet.
It’s no secret Hannah is one of my favorite authors & now she’s written one of my absolute favorite books EVER. This book deals with some really heavy topics & Hannah did such an amazing job telling Kolt & Paige’s story. It was painful yet beautiful all at the same time.
Highly recommend! Thank you Hannah for the eARC 🩵
- Pro Hockey
- Marriage in Crisis
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
June 29, 2025
3.5⭐️ You know what the best kind of second chance romances are? The ones where both main characters remained celibate during their separation, while desperately missing each other during that time. Where you could literally feel their heartache because they were apart from each other. And this book was exactly that!
The mutual pining in this book was done really well and the love and devotion these two had for one another was so deep.
That being said, there were things that I didn’t enjoy:
- I didn’t like the way Kolt (the mmc) would snap at Paige when something annoyed or angered him. He even called her a Bitch once. True, he did ask for forgiveness after calling her that, but given that he was portrayed as an angry grump with an abusive childhood and unresolved issues, I didn’t like some of his outbursts, idk..it didn’t sit right with me.
- „My wife“ was used waaaay too often, to be specific, it was used 91 freaking times! We get it, she is your wife!😒
- The nickname „Buttercup“ was not IT for me, especially if being used during dirty talk. It was…weird, to say the least. And speaking of dirty talk, theirs gave me the ick for some reason!!
Examples:
“Spit on my cock, Buttercup.
OR
“Spread those legs, Buttercup. I’m ready to eat,” I say gruffly.
OR
“Soak my hand, Buttercup. Make my palm drip so I can fuck my hand before I drive my dick inside of you.”
See? This constant Buttercup dirty talk just wasn’t IT! Every time I read those phrases I was like „EWWWWW stop saying that!“ 😂
The mutual pining in this book was done really well and the love and devotion these two had for one another was so deep.
That being said, there were things that I didn’t enjoy:
- I didn’t like the way Kolt (the mmc) would snap at Paige when something annoyed or angered him. He even called her a Bitch once. True, he did ask for forgiveness after calling her that, but given that he was portrayed as an angry grump with an abusive childhood and unresolved issues, I didn’t like some of his outbursts, idk..it didn’t sit right with me.
- „My wife“ was used waaaay too often, to be specific, it was used 91 freaking times! We get it, she is your wife!😒
- The nickname „Buttercup“ was not IT for me, especially if being used during dirty talk. It was…weird, to say the least. And speaking of dirty talk, theirs gave me the ick for some reason!!
Examples:
“Spit on my cock, Buttercup.
OR
“Spread those legs, Buttercup. I’m ready to eat,” I say gruffly.
OR
“Soak my hand, Buttercup. Make my palm drip so I can fuck my hand before I drive my dick inside of you.”
See? This constant Buttercup dirty talk just wasn’t IT! Every time I read those phrases I was like „EWWWWW stop saying that!“ 😂
January 13, 2025
I'm jealous of all of the people who have never read this book.
0/5 Why would you punish your wife if you mistakenly believe you have weak swimmers. Get a journal, go to therapy, and shut the fuck up and have an iced caramel macchiato, in that order.
i'm so tired of reading these weak ass second chance reasonings. it's literally excusing shitty behavior from men even in writing. goddamn.
0/5 Why would you punish your wife if you mistakenly believe you have weak swimmers. Get a journal, go to therapy, and shut the fuck up and have an iced caramel macchiato, in that order.
i'm so tired of reading these weak ass second chance reasonings. it's literally excusing shitty behavior from men even in writing. goddamn.
February 7, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Kolt x Paige
Hockey player (pro) x physical therapist
Marriage in crisis
Second chance
Forced proximity
“Wife”
Cat parents
Infertility struggles
The thing I love most about Hannah Grays books is she’s never one to shy away from a tough topic.
And this was a rough one.
This is one couple I’ll be looking forward to seeing in the rest of the series.
Kolt x Paige
Hockey player (pro) x physical therapist
Marriage in crisis
Second chance
Forced proximity
“Wife”
Cat parents
Infertility struggles
The thing I love most about Hannah Grays books is she’s never one to shy away from a tough topic.
And this was a rough one.
This is one couple I’ll be looking forward to seeing in the rest of the series.
January 8, 2025
RATING : ♾️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
First: please check trigger warning when it comes to this book! It is absolutely beautifully written, but it deals with heavy topics that affect so many woman everyday. If you suffer from infertility in any form, please know it is a huge topic of this book, and that you are not alone 🫶🏻
Second, Hannah absolutely knocked it out of the park with this book. Kolt and Paige are absolutely fantastic characters and they stole my heart because they were real, they were raw, and their struggles were so relatable! They will rip your heart out and put it back together again! I promise.
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Marriage in Crisis
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Injury Recovery
✨ Broody x Sunshine
✨ TW: infertility struggles
Okay, so this book packs a punch and gets you in all the feels. Paige is so relatable and I wanted to wrap her in a hug and tell her everything would be okay. Kolt is flawed and loyal and loves his wife, and when their marriage is on the verge of collapse, he is determined to save it!
I love the idea that two people are truly meant to be through both the good and the bad, and that’s Kolt and Paige. I sobbed when they were working out their issues and I cried happy tears why they found their way back.
And even though this one packs a punch, the spice hits at all the right points. And boy does that spice hit! 🥵 This one could be classified as a slow burn but it’s absolutely every moment you have to wait for it.
This book is still a hockey romance at its core, but it so so so much more. And I absolutely loved it!
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
First: please check trigger warning when it comes to this book! It is absolutely beautifully written, but it deals with heavy topics that affect so many woman everyday. If you suffer from infertility in any form, please know it is a huge topic of this book, and that you are not alone 🫶🏻
Second, Hannah absolutely knocked it out of the park with this book. Kolt and Paige are absolutely fantastic characters and they stole my heart because they were real, they were raw, and their struggles were so relatable! They will rip your heart out and put it back together again! I promise.
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Marriage in Crisis
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Injury Recovery
✨ Broody x Sunshine
✨ TW: infertility struggles
Okay, so this book packs a punch and gets you in all the feels. Paige is so relatable and I wanted to wrap her in a hug and tell her everything would be okay. Kolt is flawed and loyal and loves his wife, and when their marriage is on the verge of collapse, he is determined to save it!
I love the idea that two people are truly meant to be through both the good and the bad, and that’s Kolt and Paige. I sobbed when they were working out their issues and I cried happy tears why they found their way back.
And even though this one packs a punch, the spice hits at all the right points. And boy does that spice hit! 🥵 This one could be classified as a slow burn but it’s absolutely every moment you have to wait for it.
This book is still a hockey romance at its core, but it so so so much more. And I absolutely loved it!
January 7, 2025
• Marriage in crisis
• High school sweethearts
• Hockey Romance
• My wife
• Crawls to him
• Infertility rep
• Cat Parents
I seriously LOVE marriage in crisis romances. Hannah Gray handled this topic so well. It was so beautifully and uniquely done! Hannah covered so many topics perfectly in this book! And I loved it so much!
Kolt and Paige's relationship took some hard hits, and watching these two get ripped apart was a hard start to this book in the best, most broken way!! Instantly you're rooting for them in similarly different ways! As much as I hated them being ripped apart the way Hannah handled them coming back together and repairing what was broken in their marriage was AMAZING!
Kolt was a grumpy SOB! But damn, you want the world for this man. And the way he loves his wife with every piece of himself has you swooning so hard for him! Even when they're apart, hidden feelings for her never change! And once he has her again, you just know the mistakes that he previously made are never going to happen again!
Paige had the most tender soul with such a badass personality. She fought so hard to keep herself afloat after everything with Kolt, and she did a wonderful job putting herself first and furthering her career! After everything she went through, I feel like she's such a wonderful example for women who have gone through what she has been through.
I also love the community that Hannah built around these two! It gives an amazing found family vibe!
This book was beautiful! And Hannah truly did take two very broken MCs and show us exactly what it's like to fight for what we want and the ones we love. But also that there are things outside of our control that can sometimes pull us apart. And as someone who was married VERY young, this book is a great example of what it's like to grow together as you age through your 20s. And the ups and downs that come with miscommunication. Especially when you're learning to become an adult.
• High school sweethearts
• Hockey Romance
• My wife
• Crawls to him
• Infertility rep
• Cat Parents
I seriously LOVE marriage in crisis romances. Hannah Gray handled this topic so well. It was so beautifully and uniquely done! Hannah covered so many topics perfectly in this book! And I loved it so much!
Kolt and Paige's relationship took some hard hits, and watching these two get ripped apart was a hard start to this book in the best, most broken way!! Instantly you're rooting for them in similarly different ways! As much as I hated them being ripped apart the way Hannah handled them coming back together and repairing what was broken in their marriage was AMAZING!
Kolt was a grumpy SOB! But damn, you want the world for this man. And the way he loves his wife with every piece of himself has you swooning so hard for him! Even when they're apart, hidden feelings for her never change! And once he has her again, you just know the mistakes that he previously made are never going to happen again!
Paige had the most tender soul with such a badass personality. She fought so hard to keep herself afloat after everything with Kolt, and she did a wonderful job putting herself first and furthering her career! After everything she went through, I feel like she's such a wonderful example for women who have gone through what she has been through.
I also love the community that Hannah built around these two! It gives an amazing found family vibe!
This book was beautiful! And Hannah truly did take two very broken MCs and show us exactly what it's like to fight for what we want and the ones we love. But also that there are things outside of our control that can sometimes pull us apart. And as someone who was married VERY young, this book is a great example of what it's like to grow together as you age through your 20s. And the ups and downs that come with miscommunication. Especially when you're learning to become an adult.
January 28, 2025
♾️⭐️ 3🌶️
The first “marriage on the rocks” book I have read and it has set very high standards for this trope. Hannah did such a beautiful job with this book in showing the raw and messy parts of marriage and it takes those hard conversations to get through the tough times. A truly emotional read from the start. Hannah had me in my feels from the prologue.
Kolt and Paige both dealt with some pretty heavy things and one thing they struggled with was communicating those struggles until it ultimately drove them apart. Kolt thought he was doing the right thing and Paige was at her breaking point and finally left. They were apart for a year and a half until Kolt goes through something life altering and Paige comes back to help him.
The struggles these two went through with their infertility issues was truly heartbreaking. The way Hannah expresses these struggles pull at your heart strings. There was so much hurt between both of them and the way they found their way back to each other, and went through all the conversations to get there. Kolt was that grump broken boy that you can’t help but love.
You could feel the emotions in this book. I lost count of how many times I teared up while reading this book. I cried while reading it. I. CRIED. I legit never cry while reading, it takes A LOT. But between things in my own personal life and how raw and real Kolt and Paige were with each other, oof. It brought me to my knees.
And the spice in this book? MY GOD. Hannah, babe. We thank you for Kolt’s dirty mouth. He was FILTHY and I was here for it. I loved their relationship so much and the banter between them, so good. Thank you Hannah for this book and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us with the rest of the series!
Please if you decide to read this book, which I hope you do, please check the trigger warnings. This book touches on some pretty heavy topics so many women struggle with.
Read if you love
🖤Hockey romance
🖤Marriage in trouble
🖤Second chance
🖤Tattooed MMC
🖤Forced proximity
🖤“My wife”
Thank you @authorhannah_gray and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review!
The first “marriage on the rocks” book I have read and it has set very high standards for this trope. Hannah did such a beautiful job with this book in showing the raw and messy parts of marriage and it takes those hard conversations to get through the tough times. A truly emotional read from the start. Hannah had me in my feels from the prologue.
Kolt and Paige both dealt with some pretty heavy things and one thing they struggled with was communicating those struggles until it ultimately drove them apart. Kolt thought he was doing the right thing and Paige was at her breaking point and finally left. They were apart for a year and a half until Kolt goes through something life altering and Paige comes back to help him.
The struggles these two went through with their infertility issues was truly heartbreaking. The way Hannah expresses these struggles pull at your heart strings. There was so much hurt between both of them and the way they found their way back to each other, and went through all the conversations to get there. Kolt was that grump broken boy that you can’t help but love.
You could feel the emotions in this book. I lost count of how many times I teared up while reading this book. I cried while reading it. I. CRIED. I legit never cry while reading, it takes A LOT. But between things in my own personal life and how raw and real Kolt and Paige were with each other, oof. It brought me to my knees.
And the spice in this book? MY GOD. Hannah, babe. We thank you for Kolt’s dirty mouth. He was FILTHY and I was here for it. I loved their relationship so much and the banter between them, so good. Thank you Hannah for this book and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us with the rest of the series!
Please if you decide to read this book, which I hope you do, please check the trigger warnings. This book touches on some pretty heavy topics so many women struggle with.
Read if you love
🖤Hockey romance
🖤Marriage in trouble
🖤Second chance
🖤Tattooed MMC
🖤Forced proximity
🖤“My wife”
Thank you @authorhannah_gray and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review!
January 14, 2025
♾️/5 ⭐️ 3/5🌶️
THIS BOOK IS PERFECTION!
THIS BOOK IS PERFECTION!
January 25, 2025
First book of 2025 being a HG book REALLY sets off the new year right. 😍. You guys, did I finish this book or did it finish me? Marriage in crisis will always always be a top trope for me. This book ripped me up and put me back together. Infinity stars!!!!! ♾️⭐️
Full review:
eARC review
Shoot Your Shot by Hannah Gray
♾️ ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
Oh. My. Dayum.
Hannah Marie Gray, you WROTE THAT BOOK GIRL.
Did I finish it, or did it finish me? 🤔🤧
It’s been a long time since I ugly cried through a book, but boy I sure did with this one.
Getting that snippet of SYS at the end of TML, I knew this was gonna hurt.
Marriage in crisis is SO underrated, but you did it so much freaking justice. Watching Kolt and Paige have to navigate rough waters after being brought back together to potentially resurrect their marriage was so beautiful. This story flowed flawlessly, my girl.
This is 100000% a top read of 2025 for me. No question. 💯
Tropes: pro hockey • second chance • marriage in crisis • hurt/comfort • angsty/emotional • forced proximity • it’s always been you
Full review:
eARC review
Shoot Your Shot by Hannah Gray
♾️ ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
Oh. My. Dayum.
Hannah Marie Gray, you WROTE THAT BOOK GIRL.
Did I finish it, or did it finish me? 🤔🤧
It’s been a long time since I ugly cried through a book, but boy I sure did with this one.
Getting that snippet of SYS at the end of TML, I knew this was gonna hurt.
Marriage in crisis is SO underrated, but you did it so much freaking justice. Watching Kolt and Paige have to navigate rough waters after being brought back together to potentially resurrect their marriage was so beautiful. This story flowed flawlessly, my girl.
This is 100000% a top read of 2025 for me. No question. 💯
Tropes: pro hockey • second chance • marriage in crisis • hurt/comfort • angsty/emotional • forced proximity • it’s always been you
January 10, 2025
Marriage in trouble. Second chance. Hockey romance.
Kolt and Paige have been married for years. They were deeply in love and had a great marriage. They risked her dads wrath to be together. When they decided to start trying for children, that's when the cracks started forming. Kolt finds out something devastating and decides the best thing to do is to push Paige away instead of breaking her heart later.
It's a year and a half later, and Paige has really taken her life back. She's settled in a new place and has a job she's passionate about. Kolt is... still living but not thriving.
When a direct hit in the chest causes a heart attack, Paige rushes to his side... because she's still his emergency contact. Because he hasn't signed the divorce papers.
With Paige back by his side, Kolt realizes he wants them back together. He knows he made a huge mistake, but can he convince the one he made leave? The one he didn't fight for?
There's always something more ansty about second chances. One or both the characters got really hurt. And besides their current situation, they have to heal the past, too. We're rooting for Kolt and Paige, but we also understand how they got where they are.
We also see some of our favorite people too. I love to see previous characters flourishing.
Kolt and Paige have been married for years. They were deeply in love and had a great marriage. They risked her dads wrath to be together. When they decided to start trying for children, that's when the cracks started forming. Kolt finds out something devastating and decides the best thing to do is to push Paige away instead of breaking her heart later.
It's a year and a half later, and Paige has really taken her life back. She's settled in a new place and has a job she's passionate about. Kolt is... still living but not thriving.
When a direct hit in the chest causes a heart attack, Paige rushes to his side... because she's still his emergency contact. Because he hasn't signed the divorce papers.
With Paige back by his side, Kolt realizes he wants them back together. He knows he made a huge mistake, but can he convince the one he made leave? The one he didn't fight for?
There's always something more ansty about second chances. One or both the characters got really hurt. And besides their current situation, they have to heal the past, too. We're rooting for Kolt and Paige, but we also understand how they got where they are.
We also see some of our favorite people too. I love to see previous characters flourishing.
April 16, 2025
This was a sweet and spicy, second chance hockey romance!
May 15, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
Whenever I hear second chance and/or marriage in crisis I know it’s going to be a good read! Add in its written by Hannah Gray. And I know I’m in for some heartbreak and a undeniable love 💕
Kolt + Paige are the real deal. They are an endgame couple. The rawness of this story, the heartbreak. The yearning.. omg I was swooning all over the place.
This touches on a tough subject that sadly so many couples are dealing with or have dealt with when trying to start a family. I absolutely LOVED how Hannah chose to write this storyline.
Whenever I hear second chance and/or marriage in crisis I know it’s going to be a good read! Add in its written by Hannah Gray. And I know I’m in for some heartbreak and a undeniable love 💕
Kolt + Paige are the real deal. They are an endgame couple. The rawness of this story, the heartbreak. The yearning.. omg I was swooning all over the place.
This touches on a tough subject that sadly so many couples are dealing with or have dealt with when trying to start a family. I absolutely LOVED how Hannah chose to write this storyline.
January 10, 2025
“Well then…shoot your shot, big guy. See what happens.”
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Hannah Gray is the queen of raw truth and graceful writing.
Kolt and Paige have been in love since they were in high school and like every normal married couple have had some ups and downs. The main problem for them was communication,which became their down fall. After a year and a half of being separated, Kolt sustained an injury. Paige was contacted, since she still was his emergency contact ,and she agreed to help him with his recovery. Kolt saw this as his second chance to win his wife back. He asked for 10 days to show her he has what it takes to build this marriage back up. Can they get past every secret and every hurt in 10 days?
This book was deep. Powerful. Raw. So real. Paige and Kolt were each other’s person. The love they shared was intense. The struggles these two went through with infertility was heartbreaking. The banter between them was hilarious. The chemistry was so hot and Kolt has a FILTHY mouth with a spit on it appetite. Hannah has a gift of writing intense topics so beautifully. This story is an easy infinite star banger! Check TW’s before reading this, due to sensitive subjects.
Tropes: hockey, marriage in trouble, second chance, forced proximity, my wife, tattooed MMC, infertility rep, cat parents.
Thank you so much Hannah & Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC!
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Hannah Gray is the queen of raw truth and graceful writing.
Kolt and Paige have been in love since they were in high school and like every normal married couple have had some ups and downs. The main problem for them was communication,which became their down fall. After a year and a half of being separated, Kolt sustained an injury. Paige was contacted, since she still was his emergency contact ,and she agreed to help him with his recovery. Kolt saw this as his second chance to win his wife back. He asked for 10 days to show her he has what it takes to build this marriage back up. Can they get past every secret and every hurt in 10 days?
This book was deep. Powerful. Raw. So real. Paige and Kolt were each other’s person. The love they shared was intense. The struggles these two went through with infertility was heartbreaking. The banter between them was hilarious. The chemistry was so hot and Kolt has a FILTHY mouth with a spit on it appetite. Hannah has a gift of writing intense topics so beautifully. This story is an easy infinite star banger! Check TW’s before reading this, due to sensitive subjects.
Tropes: hockey, marriage in trouble, second chance, forced proximity, my wife, tattooed MMC, infertility rep, cat parents.
Thank you so much Hannah & Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC!
December 26, 2024
Shoot Your Shot is an emotional read, including real issues that a lot of women and couples face every day. Kolt and Paige have been in love since high school, and have been through so many ups and downs. But where they both seem to struggle as they deal with some heavier issues is just by communicating with each other - this ultimately drives them apart.
After being separated for a year and a half, Kolt ends up with an injury and Paige is notified as she is still his emergency contact. While she agrees to help him recover, Kolt is on a mission to save his marriage and win Paige back. Eventually both of them lay all their secrets out on the table and they have to decide how they want to go from here.
Despite all the past hurt and the issues they were hiding from each other, I loved reading how they still care for each other and it’s obvious neither has really moved on. The tension between these two is high, even when they are angry. And the spicy scenes between them are so delicious.
What to expect:
✨Hockey romance
✨Marriage in crisis
✨High school sweethearts
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Forced proximity
✨Second chance
Thank you so much to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith Publicity for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
After being separated for a year and a half, Kolt ends up with an injury and Paige is notified as she is still his emergency contact. While she agrees to help him recover, Kolt is on a mission to save his marriage and win Paige back. Eventually both of them lay all their secrets out on the table and they have to decide how they want to go from here.
Despite all the past hurt and the issues they were hiding from each other, I loved reading how they still care for each other and it’s obvious neither has really moved on. The tension between these two is high, even when they are angry. And the spicy scenes between them are so delicious.
What to expect:
✨Hockey romance
✨Marriage in crisis
✨High school sweethearts
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Forced proximity
✨Second chance
Thank you so much to Hannah Gray and Wordsmith Publicity for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 8, 2025
If you are looking for a book that is going to pull on your heartstrings and make you a blubbering mess...then this is the book for you. This book had my attention from the beginning and I binged the whole thing in one sitting and I CRIED the entire book. I don't cry...that's not a regular thing I do and I was a baby. Even sitting here thinking about this book again to write this review, has me in tears. So have the tissues ready.
This book packs such an emotional punch. Kolt and Paige were so beautifully written. They were so raw and all their struggles I felt down to my core. Hannah ripped my heart out and put it back together and I thank her for it. I absolutely loved these characters and the journey we see them go on, through their ups and downs, working out their issues, and finding their way back to one another. SO much pain between these too but they growth they endure was so beautiful. I seriously will never be over this book and will probably cry every time I think about it.
And the spice in this one...if you thought this was just an emotional read with no spice, you would be mistaken. I am obsessed with Kolt and his dirty mouth...like absolutely filthy. I ate it up!
This is by far my new favorite Hannah book. Hannah took topics that can be incredibly difficult and hard to write about and did it so beautifully and makes you realize that you are not alone. Ugh. I love it so much and will never be over it. Thank you Hannah for giving me a story I didn't know I needed.
If you decide to read this one please check trigger warnings before diving in.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 3
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Marriage in Crisis
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
“My wife” moments
This book packs such an emotional punch. Kolt and Paige were so beautifully written. They were so raw and all their struggles I felt down to my core. Hannah ripped my heart out and put it back together and I thank her for it. I absolutely loved these characters and the journey we see them go on, through their ups and downs, working out their issues, and finding their way back to one another. SO much pain between these too but they growth they endure was so beautiful. I seriously will never be over this book and will probably cry every time I think about it.
And the spice in this one...if you thought this was just an emotional read with no spice, you would be mistaken. I am obsessed with Kolt and his dirty mouth...like absolutely filthy. I ate it up!
This is by far my new favorite Hannah book. Hannah took topics that can be incredibly difficult and hard to write about and did it so beautifully and makes you realize that you are not alone. Ugh. I love it so much and will never be over it. Thank you Hannah for giving me a story I didn't know I needed.
If you decide to read this one please check trigger warnings before diving in.
Overall: ♾️
Spice: 3
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Marriage in Crisis
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
“My wife” moments
January 10, 2025
Shoot Your Shot
By: Hannah Gray
Infinity stars
3.5 spice
When I opened Shoot Your Shot- even the first few chapters rocked me to my core. It is and will always be, one of the BEST and DEEPEST SECOND CHANCE BOOKS I’ve ever read.
Kolt finds out some life changing news and decides instead of talking to his wife, he was going to push her to leave him. When she can’t take anymore she leaves. After realizing he has royally messed up it’s too late. 18 months later, it just so happens Paige is still his emergency contact and after seeing her again- he knows he has to do everything to keep her. Paige is as strong as they come. Shes my favorite kind of FMC- witty, with a smart mouth! She pushes Kolt and he pushes right back. He has 10 days. 10 DAYS to convince her to stay- but he sure does have a lot to make up for.
If you want depth, emotion, marriage in crisis, a TRUE SECOND CHANCE.. a whole lot of spice- this one’s for you babes.
By: Hannah Gray
Infinity stars
3.5 spice
When I opened Shoot Your Shot- even the first few chapters rocked me to my core. It is and will always be, one of the BEST and DEEPEST SECOND CHANCE BOOKS I’ve ever read.
Kolt finds out some life changing news and decides instead of talking to his wife, he was going to push her to leave him. When she can’t take anymore she leaves. After realizing he has royally messed up it’s too late. 18 months later, it just so happens Paige is still his emergency contact and after seeing her again- he knows he has to do everything to keep her. Paige is as strong as they come. Shes my favorite kind of FMC- witty, with a smart mouth! She pushes Kolt and he pushes right back. He has 10 days. 10 DAYS to convince her to stay- but he sure does have a lot to make up for.
If you want depth, emotion, marriage in crisis, a TRUE SECOND CHANCE.. a whole lot of spice- this one’s for you babes.
January 9, 2025
4.25 ⭐️|| 2 🌶️
kolt & paige had me in my feels from the first page of this book- i was so intrigued by kolt’s story when we met him in tell me lies because i love a broken, broody MMC. we learn a bit of where kolt comes from in the beginning & learn about the broken household he grew up in. kolt found solace in paige & hockey. However, after getting married young paige & Kolt find themselves separated after struggling to have a family.
this was such a different take on your typical hockey romance. this book tackles the reality of what many couples unfortunately face while struggling through infertility. your heart breaks for both kolt & paige separately and as a couple. this was truly a beautiful second chance romance that I devoured in basically 24 hours. Hannah handled delicate subject matter with respect & I love seeing topics like this spoken about in books.
hannah about killed me with that ending & I just felt like I need more. I am so excited for the next book though and can’t wait to see if we maybe get some answers about kolt & paige’s journey there!
kolt & paige had me in my feels from the first page of this book- i was so intrigued by kolt’s story when we met him in tell me lies because i love a broken, broody MMC. we learn a bit of where kolt comes from in the beginning & learn about the broken household he grew up in. kolt found solace in paige & hockey. However, after getting married young paige & Kolt find themselves separated after struggling to have a family.
this was such a different take on your typical hockey romance. this book tackles the reality of what many couples unfortunately face while struggling through infertility. your heart breaks for both kolt & paige separately and as a couple. this was truly a beautiful second chance romance that I devoured in basically 24 hours. Hannah handled delicate subject matter with respect & I love seeing topics like this spoken about in books.
hannah about killed me with that ending & I just felt like I need more. I am so excited for the next book though and can’t wait to see if we maybe get some answers about kolt & paige’s journey there!
December 31, 2024
The one thing I love about Hannah Gray is that she doesn’t shy away from hard topics. She takes highly sensitive topics and writes about these delicately with care and respect. Kolt and Paige’s story was no different. Knowing this though, please check your triggers going into this one.
Kolt and Paige’s story is raw, emotional and beautiful. Marriage isn’t smooth sailing for the best of us, and Hannah has written this real life situation in a way that gives you hope. I was rooting for Kolt and Paige the whole time, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give them both big cuddles.
A few special mentions:
- Kolts relationship with Amelia was adorable.
- Kolt was such a sweetheart under the tattoos and grumpy face.
- The cat 🍆blocks cos how FOR REAL this is.
- Kolt’s dirty mouth; the “my wife” moments melted me.
- Their willingness to be honest with each other and communicate their feelings.
- The way they chose each other and put each other first.
- The LOVE that just oozed from them for each other.
Add to your tbr if you like:
- NHL hockey
- marriage in trouble
- forced proximity
- grumpy/broody x sunshine
- injury recovery x caretaking
- plenty of “my wife” moments
Thank you for the arc, Hannah! It’s a pleasure to be on your team!
Kolt and Paige’s story is raw, emotional and beautiful. Marriage isn’t smooth sailing for the best of us, and Hannah has written this real life situation in a way that gives you hope. I was rooting for Kolt and Paige the whole time, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give them both big cuddles.
A few special mentions:
- Kolts relationship with Amelia was adorable.
- Kolt was such a sweetheart under the tattoos and grumpy face.
- The cat 🍆blocks cos how FOR REAL this is.
- Kolt’s dirty mouth; the “my wife” moments melted me.
- Their willingness to be honest with each other and communicate their feelings.
- The way they chose each other and put each other first.
- The LOVE that just oozed from them for each other.
Add to your tbr if you like:
- NHL hockey
- marriage in trouble
- forced proximity
- grumpy/broody x sunshine
- injury recovery x caretaking
- plenty of “my wife” moments
Thank you for the arc, Hannah! It’s a pleasure to be on your team!
November 8, 2025
This book would not exist if this to could just talk to each other like proper adults after 10 years of marriage
January 9, 2025
Holy marriage in crisis rollercoaster! If you're looking for a feel all the feels until you're crying into your kindle, this is it.
Paige and Kolt are so raw and real as soul mates who grow apart for *reasons* and find their way back to each other. They will tear your heart open and put it back together because their struggles are everyone's struggles. Communication. Infertility. A love so deep that while trying to do what you think is best, you tear it all to pieces.
Watching them build their relationship and their marriage back together piece by piece was so emotional, and seeing the way that these two love each other was everything. Paige and Kolt are the absolute definition of soul mates, and seeing them finally get their happy ending was beautiful.
Paige and Kolt are so raw and real as soul mates who grow apart for *reasons* and find their way back to each other. They will tear your heart open and put it back together because their struggles are everyone's struggles. Communication. Infertility. A love so deep that while trying to do what you think is best, you tear it all to pieces.
Watching them build their relationship and their marriage back together piece by piece was so emotional, and seeing the way that these two love each other was everything. Paige and Kolt are the absolute definition of soul mates, and seeing them finally get their happy ending was beautiful.
June 25, 2025
~~~~~°°○°°○°°《《♡♡🩷♡♡》》°°○°°○°°~~~~~
Every once in a while, along comes a book that pulls at your heart strings and makes you sit in wonder analysing your existence and what you want and need from it.
This is one of those books. sigh
It's the story of highschool sweethearts, who against all odds, elope, get married and live happily for 8 years. Then society's unforgiving pressure and nature's relentless desire storm into their lives wearing them down and testing their unconditional love for each other.
You see, Paige and Kolt have been trying to have a baby for a while now. The mission has become so tedious that it has turned their love into an experiment and their patience is getting close to none while their desperation has put both of them through the wringer.
Thinking they're doing the right thing, they both step back and offer their partner a clean slate to find a HEA (including kids) with someone else.
Some readers have criticised the book by saying that the solution was as easy as having proper communication. I tell those readers when someone is truly and deeply in love, logic flies out the window and the people in love are willing to sacrifice their own happiness so that their loved ones can have the life they deserve. It's called selfless and unconditional love.
This book has made me cry a lot and I love how Hannah Gray took her time to bring these two back together where they belong.
_Best thing about all of it, is that during their separation, they both were celibate. 🌟_
She's whole. I'm .. fucking broken. I have been since I was a kid, and the only person who could ever make things better is clearly happier without me in her life.
I'm not a noble man. I fuck up everything I touch. I'm not doing that anymore. It's time to let her go.
I roll my window down and drag my hand down my face, wiping tears away with my palm to clear my eyes. My mind wanders back to eleven years ago, ind I wish so fucking badly I had a time machine to take me back. I don't know what I'd do differently. I can't say I regret her because I
love her too much for that. But, fuck, I've never felt pain like this in my life.
______________________________
Moving my hand, I hover it above his before fnally taking it into mine. It's such a simple gesture holding hands. And yet I can feel it everywhere.
Tears well in my eyes as every inch of my skin awakens to the familiarity of his touch. I let my eyes roam his handsome face, swallowing thickly.
It's like I've been homesick for so long, and now, my home is so close that I can touch it, yet I can't fully walk inside. So, instead, I'm stuck looking through a window and admiring from afar. It's painful as hell, and even though I know it won't, I swear this sensation might kill me.
______________________________
"Let go of the pain for the next fifteen minutes, baby," he says in my ear, his head against the side of mine. "Just let me be your man again until this boat docks. Okay?"
My heart melts inside of my chest from his words, and even though it's stupid, tears cloud my eyes, but I keep them at bay, knowing we have an audience.
______________________________
Bringing my hand to her cheek, I stop her. "I understand if you want to find a man who can give you everything you want. It would destroy me, but to make your dreams come true, I would let you go."' I swipe a tear away from her face after it spills from her eye. "I might never be able to give you a baby, Paige. And I know more than anything, you want to be a mom." I scrub the back of my free hand against my eyes to wipe away the wetness.
"You'd be the best mother, I know you would. And while I can't promise anything, I swear this to you: if you stay, I'll do anything I can to make that dream come true. I'll stop at nothing.
______________________________
📝 ticking another Bingo square
28) "Book that represents autumn season" The MFC loves watching the last leaves of autumn fall before winter comes
Squares Count: 72
🔴┃🔴┃87┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃85┃🔴
88┃51┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃64┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃73┃🔴┃🔴┃90┃77
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃🔴┃20┃🔴┃🔴┃83
Every once in a while, along comes a book that pulls at your heart strings and makes you sit in wonder analysing your existence and what you want and need from it.
This is one of those books. sigh
It's the story of highschool sweethearts, who against all odds, elope, get married and live happily for 8 years. Then society's unforgiving pressure and nature's relentless desire storm into their lives wearing them down and testing their unconditional love for each other.
You see, Paige and Kolt have been trying to have a baby for a while now. The mission has become so tedious that it has turned their love into an experiment and their patience is getting close to none while their desperation has put both of them through the wringer.
Thinking they're doing the right thing, they both step back and offer their partner a clean slate to find a HEA (including kids) with someone else.
Some readers have criticised the book by saying that the solution was as easy as having proper communication. I tell those readers when someone is truly and deeply in love, logic flies out the window and the people in love are willing to sacrifice their own happiness so that their loved ones can have the life they deserve. It's called selfless and unconditional love.
This book has made me cry a lot and I love how Hannah Gray took her time to bring these two back together where they belong.
_Best thing about all of it, is that during their separation, they both were celibate. 🌟_
She's whole. I'm .. fucking broken. I have been since I was a kid, and the only person who could ever make things better is clearly happier without me in her life.
I'm not a noble man. I fuck up everything I touch. I'm not doing that anymore. It's time to let her go.
I roll my window down and drag my hand down my face, wiping tears away with my palm to clear my eyes. My mind wanders back to eleven years ago, ind I wish so fucking badly I had a time machine to take me back. I don't know what I'd do differently. I can't say I regret her because I
love her too much for that. But, fuck, I've never felt pain like this in my life.
______________________________
Moving my hand, I hover it above his before fnally taking it into mine. It's such a simple gesture holding hands. And yet I can feel it everywhere.
Tears well in my eyes as every inch of my skin awakens to the familiarity of his touch. I let my eyes roam his handsome face, swallowing thickly.
It's like I've been homesick for so long, and now, my home is so close that I can touch it, yet I can't fully walk inside. So, instead, I'm stuck looking through a window and admiring from afar. It's painful as hell, and even though I know it won't, I swear this sensation might kill me.
______________________________
"Let go of the pain for the next fifteen minutes, baby," he says in my ear, his head against the side of mine. "Just let me be your man again until this boat docks. Okay?"
My heart melts inside of my chest from his words, and even though it's stupid, tears cloud my eyes, but I keep them at bay, knowing we have an audience.
______________________________
Bringing my hand to her cheek, I stop her. "I understand if you want to find a man who can give you everything you want. It would destroy me, but to make your dreams come true, I would let you go."' I swipe a tear away from her face after it spills from her eye. "I might never be able to give you a baby, Paige. And I know more than anything, you want to be a mom." I scrub the back of my free hand against my eyes to wipe away the wetness.
"You'd be the best mother, I know you would. And while I can't promise anything, I swear this to you: if you stay, I'll do anything I can to make that dream come true. I'll stop at nothing.
______________________________
📝 ticking another Bingo square
28) "Book that represents autumn season" The MFC loves watching the last leaves of autumn fall before winter comes
Squares Count: 72
🔴┃🔴┃87┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃85┃🔴
88┃51┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃64┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃73┃🔴┃🔴┃90┃77
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃🔴┃20┃🔴┃🔴┃83
January 12, 2025
4 ⭐
2.5 🌶️
🏒 Second Chance
🖤 "My Wife"
🏒 Forced Proximity
🖤 Marriage In Crisis
🏒 Tatted MMC
⚠️ Please read Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Paige and Colt definitely had their issues from the very beginning of the book. They grew up as childhood sweethearts and knew from a young age that they were meant to be. What they didn't anticipate were the struggles they would deal with along the way.
Kolt came from a home that dealt with domestic abuse but he was able to move away from the situation. He was a very talented hockey 🏒 player and was drafted to the NFL. Although he had the fame he didn't know how to deal with the harder things in life. He struggled to deal with those and I'm turn pushed his wife away.
I struggled to really like this character in the least. The way he treated his wife before she left and even after she came back. I feel as if he never really even apologized or groveled enough for the way he acted. I honestly expected him to be a little softer in the bedroom considering he came from a domestic abuse situation growing up. I just felt like he was a bit too rough.
Paige was a character that I really started to feel for as the story unfolded. The further the story unfolded I felt as if she hadn't truly dealt with her issues. I truly felt for her because it really takes a strong woman to restart her life all over again from the ground up.
I also felt like Paige hadn't truly seen Kolt for who he was and how he treated her. Yes she got tired of how he treated her so she left, but she went right back to him as soon as she had the chance. She never truly dealt with what happened or what happened within their marriage.
Both of these characters had a huge communication issue. Neither one of them wanted to talk to each other about what was going on until it was almost too little too late. I felt as if it was a hail Mary pass at that point. Even at that point Paige didn't even want to really talk about it. She tried to take responsibility for everything so that she could just be done with the conversation. I also felt at times that sex was more important to her than the conversation that needed to be had between her and Kolt.
Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ STEAMY- If it's not for you- Skip Through
These two were feral animals in the bedroom and other places 😉.
They definitely weren't shy about where they were intimate and what they did in those places.
This couple were huge fans of "spitting" on that thang (hawk that style 🤣). It didn't matter to them, they found this the sexiest of way to keep it wet.
By the time we go to the end of the book I felt like we had finally gotten the comraderie with Kolt's teammates. I had been looking for that in the beginning of the book for him to look for his friendships or to his brother for help with everything that was going on.
In the end I think this book was okay, I felt as if this could have used more hockey play within the book. When I'm reading a book about a hockey player I really look forward to the hockey scenes to go along with the rest of the book. I feel like this could have used a couple more sprinkled in somewhere.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publishing and Hannah Gray for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
2.5 🌶️
🏒 Second Chance
🖤 "My Wife"
🏒 Forced Proximity
🖤 Marriage In Crisis
🏒 Tatted MMC
⚠️ Please read Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Paige and Colt definitely had their issues from the very beginning of the book. They grew up as childhood sweethearts and knew from a young age that they were meant to be. What they didn't anticipate were the struggles they would deal with along the way.
Kolt came from a home that dealt with domestic abuse but he was able to move away from the situation. He was a very talented hockey 🏒 player and was drafted to the NFL. Although he had the fame he didn't know how to deal with the harder things in life. He struggled to deal with those and I'm turn pushed his wife away.
I struggled to really like this character in the least. The way he treated his wife before she left and even after she came back. I feel as if he never really even apologized or groveled enough for the way he acted. I honestly expected him to be a little softer in the bedroom considering he came from a domestic abuse situation growing up. I just felt like he was a bit too rough.
Paige was a character that I really started to feel for as the story unfolded. The further the story unfolded I felt as if she hadn't truly dealt with her issues. I truly felt for her because it really takes a strong woman to restart her life all over again from the ground up.
I also felt like Paige hadn't truly seen Kolt for who he was and how he treated her. Yes she got tired of how he treated her so she left, but she went right back to him as soon as she had the chance. She never truly dealt with what happened or what happened within their marriage.
Both of these characters had a huge communication issue. Neither one of them wanted to talk to each other about what was going on until it was almost too little too late. I felt as if it was a hail Mary pass at that point. Even at that point Paige didn't even want to really talk about it. She tried to take responsibility for everything so that she could just be done with the conversation. I also felt at times that sex was more important to her than the conversation that needed to be had between her and Kolt.
Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ STEAMY- If it's not for you- Skip Through
These two were feral animals in the bedroom and other places 😉.
They definitely weren't shy about where they were intimate and what they did in those places.
This couple were huge fans of "spitting" on that thang (hawk that style 🤣). It didn't matter to them, they found this the sexiest of way to keep it wet.
By the time we go to the end of the book I felt like we had finally gotten the comraderie with Kolt's teammates. I had been looking for that in the beginning of the book for him to look for his friendships or to his brother for help with everything that was going on.
In the end I think this book was okay, I felt as if this could have used more hockey play within the book. When I'm reading a book about a hockey player I really look forward to the hockey scenes to go along with the rest of the book. I feel like this could have used a couple more sprinkled in somewhere.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publishing and Hannah Gray for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
January 17, 2025
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
“I hadn’t even gotten the chance to know her that well and yet … I just wanted to keep her safe. And even more … I wanted her to feel safe too.”
“Even after everything, he’s still my person. He will always be my person.”
“You’ve waited eighteen months to end this marriage. Can you spare ten more days so I can prove to you that it’s worth saving? I know I fucked up, but you’re no angel either. So, stay. And let’s figure out if we can fucking fix this because, Paige, all I want is my wife.” He swallows so roughly that his Adam’s apple bobs. “I want to show you why you should stay.”
“Trust me, for the first time in a long time, my heart is just fine.”
“I haven’t been with anyone but you since we were seventeen, and I don’t want to either. You’re my wife. All I want is you.” My throat burns with emotion, and tears blur my vision. “All I have ever wanted is you.”
“Feels so good to be home.” When he pulls back, I frown. “You never left.” “Yeah, that’s true. But you did. Without you, this wasn’t home.”
Kolt always had to mention that Paige’s cat had three legs😂
“You can just say cat, Kolt,” she deadpans. “The missing-a-leg thing seems a little unnecessary.” “Builds character though.”
Such a good freaking book 😍🥰 Gave me all the feels and I devoured every second of it! Kolt and Paige’s story is one that sooooo many people can relate to and it’s beautifully written with such care and love. I highly recommend Shoot Your Shot and can’t wait for the rest of the series!!!!🤍🤍
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Found Family
“I hadn’t even gotten the chance to know her that well and yet … I just wanted to keep her safe. And even more … I wanted her to feel safe too.”
“Even after everything, he’s still my person. He will always be my person.”
“You’ve waited eighteen months to end this marriage. Can you spare ten more days so I can prove to you that it’s worth saving? I know I fucked up, but you’re no angel either. So, stay. And let’s figure out if we can fucking fix this because, Paige, all I want is my wife.” He swallows so roughly that his Adam’s apple bobs. “I want to show you why you should stay.”
“Trust me, for the first time in a long time, my heart is just fine.”
“I haven’t been with anyone but you since we were seventeen, and I don’t want to either. You’re my wife. All I want is you.” My throat burns with emotion, and tears blur my vision. “All I have ever wanted is you.”
“Feels so good to be home.” When he pulls back, I frown. “You never left.” “Yeah, that’s true. But you did. Without you, this wasn’t home.”
Kolt always had to mention that Paige’s cat had three legs😂
“You can just say cat, Kolt,” she deadpans. “The missing-a-leg thing seems a little unnecessary.” “Builds character though.”
Such a good freaking book 😍🥰 Gave me all the feels and I devoured every second of it! Kolt and Paige’s story is one that sooooo many people can relate to and it’s beautifully written with such care and love. I highly recommend Shoot Your Shot and can’t wait for the rest of the series!!!!🤍🤍
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Found Family
December 26, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Shoot your Shot by Hannah Gray
“I haven’t been living my life, Paige. You are my f***ing life.”
“My dear, the heart wants what it wants. You can fight it, but you can’t stop it.”
“I haven’t been with anyone but you since we were seventeen, and I don’t want to either. You’re my wife. All I want is you. All I have ever wanted is you.”
“You’re my person. You’ve always been my person. Yet when you found something like that out, instead of confiding in me and letting me help you through it, you sabotaged us.”
“Maybe…this is just another piece to our story. Even though it seems like a chapter we wish would could tear out. Maybe, one day, we’ll look back and be thankful for these pages.”
Clay and Paige’s story shows how marriage isn’t always pretty and easy like in the books. It’s raw, messy and takes a lot of hard work and communication on both sides. I love that Hannah wrote this book to show that part of marriage! It also discusses infertility and the strain that can put on ever the strongest of marriages. Their story just pulls at your heart, knowing they are both struggling and love each other so much, they just want to see the other person happy.
This book is good!! 👏🏼
Tropes:
Hockey Romance 🖤
Second Chance🖤
Forced Proximity 🖤
Marriage in Crisis🖤
Spice Starts at 44%🌶️
Spice: 2.5/4 🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️♾️
Available on Kindle Unlimited Available January 9th, 2025
Shoot your Shot by Hannah Gray
“I haven’t been living my life, Paige. You are my f***ing life.”
“My dear, the heart wants what it wants. You can fight it, but you can’t stop it.”
“I haven’t been with anyone but you since we were seventeen, and I don’t want to either. You’re my wife. All I want is you. All I have ever wanted is you.”
“You’re my person. You’ve always been my person. Yet when you found something like that out, instead of confiding in me and letting me help you through it, you sabotaged us.”
“Maybe…this is just another piece to our story. Even though it seems like a chapter we wish would could tear out. Maybe, one day, we’ll look back and be thankful for these pages.”
Clay and Paige’s story shows how marriage isn’t always pretty and easy like in the books. It’s raw, messy and takes a lot of hard work and communication on both sides. I love that Hannah wrote this book to show that part of marriage! It also discusses infertility and the strain that can put on ever the strongest of marriages. Their story just pulls at your heart, knowing they are both struggling and love each other so much, they just want to see the other person happy.
This book is good!! 👏🏼
Tropes:
Hockey Romance 🖤
Second Chance🖤
Forced Proximity 🖤
Marriage in Crisis🖤
Spice Starts at 44%🌶️
Spice: 2.5/4 🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️♾️
Available on Kindle Unlimited Available January 9th, 2025
December 30, 2024
Hannah Gray delivers a wonderfully emotional story about a marriage in crisis. This is about two people who deeply love each other but struggle to communicate, especially when dealing with real & relatable issues (TW: infertility).
This story is about Kolt & Paige - high school sweethearts who have been through ups & downs. They approach this latest difficult bout differently, as Kolt pushes Paige away & this time she leaves. Separated for a year & a half, Paige returns to Kolt when he has a medical emergency as she is still his wife. As she helps him recover, they are forced to face the issues that tore them apart. Kolt, now having his wife back refuses to let her go again & knows he's on borrowed time - he has 10 days to show her that they belong together.
This story is emotionally raw but balanced with great banter woven throughout. Amid their marriage in crisis, Kolt & Paige have a second chance romance where they do their best to breach their communication barriers & break down the walls they resurrected despite their never-ending love for one another. It's steamy, tugs at the heartstrings & there's a uniqueness about this I haven't seen.
I really love the marriage in crisis trope & Hannah Gray does it so well. I literally devoured this story within a night - it's relatable, witty & throw in the added bonus of this being a hockey romance with some delicious spicy bits, it's just an overall great read. I am still on my journey to read Hannah Gray's backlog but this so far is my favorite from her yet.
🏒 Hocket Romance
💍 Marriage in Crisis
💖 High School Sweethearts
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Second Chance
🏡 Forced Proximity
✌🏻 Dual POV
This story is about Kolt & Paige - high school sweethearts who have been through ups & downs. They approach this latest difficult bout differently, as Kolt pushes Paige away & this time she leaves. Separated for a year & a half, Paige returns to Kolt when he has a medical emergency as she is still his wife. As she helps him recover, they are forced to face the issues that tore them apart. Kolt, now having his wife back refuses to let her go again & knows he's on borrowed time - he has 10 days to show her that they belong together.
This story is emotionally raw but balanced with great banter woven throughout. Amid their marriage in crisis, Kolt & Paige have a second chance romance where they do their best to breach their communication barriers & break down the walls they resurrected despite their never-ending love for one another. It's steamy, tugs at the heartstrings & there's a uniqueness about this I haven't seen.
I really love the marriage in crisis trope & Hannah Gray does it so well. I literally devoured this story within a night - it's relatable, witty & throw in the added bonus of this being a hockey romance with some delicious spicy bits, it's just an overall great read. I am still on my journey to read Hannah Gray's backlog but this so far is my favorite from her yet.
🏒 Hocket Romance
💍 Marriage in Crisis
💖 High School Sweethearts
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Second Chance
🏡 Forced Proximity
✌🏻 Dual POV
January 1, 2025
Hannah has a knack for getting me to fall in love with the characters she creates and Shoot Your Shot is no exception.
Kolt and Paige’s story is so raw, it tackles real life topics and showcases that hope is there even when you feel maybe hope has run out.
I knew that going into Shoot Your Shot that Hannah was tackling infertility as part of her storyline and after struggling in my own journey since the middle of last year, I didn’t want to shy away and I am so glad I didn’t. Hannah’s writing helped me heal from events out of my control.
There are so many small moments intertwined into Kolt and Paige’s story that showcases a real marriage, how small little gestures create the foundations of a strong marriage.
“Little things are always big things.”
Kolt and Paige may loose their way and struggle with communication but they willingness to try and mend the pieces they each broke, was a beautiful approach to their Second Chance storyline.
“Do you love me lots?” — I ask my husband this on the most random of occasions and seeing this intertwined made my heart squeeze.
Kolt and Paige’s story is so raw, it tackles real life topics and showcases that hope is there even when you feel maybe hope has run out.
I knew that going into Shoot Your Shot that Hannah was tackling infertility as part of her storyline and after struggling in my own journey since the middle of last year, I didn’t want to shy away and I am so glad I didn’t. Hannah’s writing helped me heal from events out of my control.
There are so many small moments intertwined into Kolt and Paige’s story that showcases a real marriage, how small little gestures create the foundations of a strong marriage.
“Little things are always big things.”
Kolt and Paige may loose their way and struggle with communication but they willingness to try and mend the pieces they each broke, was a beautiful approach to their Second Chance storyline.
“Do you love me lots?” — I ask my husband this on the most random of occasions and seeing this intertwined made my heart squeeze.
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