O Captain! My Captain!

To Love a Wildcat #3

by V.L. Locey

Being a single working mother isn`t easy. Just ask Maggie Charles. She`s juggling a job she hates, a rebellious teenage son, and the aftereffects of an abusive first marriage. There isn`t room in her life for a love affair, not that anyone would want to romance someone her age anyway, right? So why, after all these months, when she runs into the strapping Wildcats` captain at a charity event, does the sight of Derrick Andersson leave her so breathless once again? Is that really desire burning in the captain`s green eyes when he looks at her? Is it possible for a couple of been-there-and-done-thats to find love the second time around?

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Hockey Romance

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2014

About the author

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)

She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.

Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

O Captain! My Captain! by V. L. Locey is a contemporary romance between two mature people. I mean, just because a single mom is in her 30's doesn't mean she doesn't deserve to be swept off her feet. I loved the chemistry between them and with the backdrop of hockey, it's a total hat trick. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by V.L. Locey but it definitely won't be the last! I absolutely loved this book. I got to the end and kept hitting the side of the kindle to turn the page... no! It can't be over! I really wasn't ready for it to end. I just love the chemistry between this couple. I loved the fact that it was an older couple and moan of man did I love Derrick. He was a rough around the edges, hard talking man, but with a heart of absolute gold.
When Maggie has a crisis and Derrick drives three hours to to be at her side after a hard day and in the middle of the play off... well that man stole what was left of my heart.
I am not a huge sports fan and I have to tell you, you don't have to be to enjoy O Captain My Captain, IMO the sports is totally peripheral to the love story, and really only impacts into Derricks lifestyle and the changes effecting his life.
Maggie was also a great character, I loved how V.L. had her talking to the reader, like "Yes, I know, wonderful parenting skills on my part, I'll get better, promise." It cracked me up!
I should have been writing myself yesterday, but I decided to play hooky for hockey and I'm glad I did!
I highly recommend this wonderful mature romance!

[Cassandra Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

V.L. Locey has done it again. The 3rd book in her To Love a Wildcat series is by far her best yet. What a refreshing story!! She brings together two people who are truly meant for each other. Maggie is struggling between the job from hell and the strain of mothering a teenage boy. She is in desperate need to balance. Derrick's only game is hockey until life offers them a second chance meeting at a charity event. Get ready to enjoy a sweet love story about a strong hardworking, single mom and her HOT hockey Captain!!!!

[Got Romance! Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novel 
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: July 17, 2014

I have been waiting for this story from the very beginning and Ms. Locey didn’t let me down!

The attraction between these two could be tasted in the air. Derrick the aging sexy Captain of the Wildcats went after Maggie like a man with a mission. Maggie had her sight set on Derrick before she even met him in person. Too bad she stopped everything dead in the water.

Fast forward six months, they have a second chance. Will Maggie let all her hang ups ruin what could be something amazing?

I just adored Derrick. I loved his accent, his determination and oh man his sex appeal. I’ll admit it right now. I’m a little older than Maggie and I enjoyed a story of an older man actually going for someone close to his age. He loved her with all her imperfections and problems. He is an amazing beautiful diamond.

Most women can relate to Maggie. Getting older, having the extra pounds and crushing on a sexy sports figure. She is also a single mother with a passion for saucy romances and Derrick could be any one of her countless book boyfriends. So what is stopping her from enjoying his advancements? A turbulent past and her present…Trevor.

Wow Ms. Locey tossed me up and almost didn’t catch me. Poor Maggie had so many things thrown at her and I loved how Derrick didn’t shy away from her problems. He is such an amazing teddy bear of a man. A true man’s man. Maggie couldn’t be luckier.

O Captain! My Captain! was such a great read. It is a wonderful addition to the To Love a Wildcat series. I loved the older couple, their problems that are true to life and their connections were spectacular. It’s totally worth the time and I would highly recommend.

My only problem with the story is that I want more of them.  I could read a additional book about them with no complaints.  Oh that would be so sweet!  So Ms. Locey can you make that happen please?  You know there is so much more to tell about them.

At the end of the book she mentions there is more to come. I surely can’t wait. The Wildcats have found a place in my heart. Please hurry. I would love some hockey lovin’ as soon as possible.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, Loved, Loved this book and love the series as well.

The only downside was that the ending seemed kinda rushed. One thing I would have loved to have seen was Derrick being able to do ALL that he wanted to do even if in only the last minute or so. You'll have to read it yourself to find out what I am talking about since I don't want to give spoilers.

There is a sorta HEA, but not a hearts and flowers type of HEA. Loved Derrick and Maggie. Was happy to see the characters from books 1 and 2 play such an important role in this book but not take over the story. Derrick is such a sweetheart. He is a great role model, kind, caring, firm when needs to be, sexy and a beast in the bedroom. The sex was steamy! I felt so sorry for Maggie. She's had such a rough go of it and she for sure needed someone like Derrick in her corner. I was disappointed in her at first with the way she let her son walk all over her, but was happy when she finally got a backbone and did something about it. Granted, she probably would not have, had it not been for Derrick.

The characters were easy to become invested in, the descriptions to details were done well and easy to visualize and the dialogue between the characters was engaging and entertaining. No heart twinges or teary eyed moments but still a really great read.

This was written as a single POV in first person.

All in all, another great book of the series. This is book three but can be read as a stand alone. Do I recommend that? Absolutely not! All three so far are fantastic, so don't read just one....read them all. As soon as I finish this review I am going to start on book four next! ** Super Excited!! **

So.......

Would I recommend this book? What do you think?! Of course I do!!

Would I read more from this author? Gee....I don't know......All right fine....Of course I would and will (pronto!)

Sassy Beta Reading & Review

www.facebook.com/sassybetareading

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a page turner! I finished it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down!

Derrick and Maggie make such a great couple ::sigh:: You could see the approaching story line from previous books in the To Love a Wildcat series and I really appreciate how both "middle-aged" characters were so lovingly written. It's nice to read a story that isn't romp of single, unfettered 20-somethings.

I love the way that Derrick is physically described and how Maggie is attracted to him just as he is. I love a hairy man but not many romance heroes are written that way so KUDOS to you V.L. Locey for really giving me a hero I can drool over! I'm just as smitten with his looks as Maggie is. I swear that the stuff that went through her head when she looked at him has gone through mine looking at my husband LOL I also appreciate how REAL Maggie is. No matter what is thrown her way she is going to "keep on keepin' on" in the immortal words of Joe Dirt. She is thrown a challenge and she rises to meet it every time. Honestly both of these characters are really inspirational to a woman who is approaching this age way too fast for comfort.

I also love how Trevor is woven right into the story. He isn't an aside, or some random "responsibility." He is the other "love" of Maggie's life and as such is right there in the thick of her relationship with Derrick. And his treatment of the boy makes me love him as a hero even more!

It's also great to see how Liz has grown and changed with Veikko's belief in her and it's good to see Viviana crack just a smidge. I don't want to give anything away but bringing the previous heroines into this story really helps it pack an emotional punch!

I could go on and on about this one...but let's just say I LOVED IT!!!

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored O Captain! My Captain! As Maggie has been with the series since book one, it was nice to see her get her second chance at happiness. That she went the way of her predecessors and fell for a Wildcat makes one wonder what’s in the water at that newspaper for geez sake.

Although I was already familiar with Maggie’s character from the previous two books, I was not prepared to learn exactly how rough she had had it. She’s been a single mom for the past ten years, which she is grateful for because she was able to get out of the abusive marriage she was in. As her story unfolds, you can’t help but feel bad for her as life just seems to be handing her one serving of crap pie after another. Fortunately the light at the end of the tunnel appears in the form of Derrick Andersson. The Wildcats captain is everything she wants in a man but never thought she’d get considering she was a single mother of one rather surly teenage boy.

One of the many things I loved about this book was that Maggie and Derrick are adults in their 40s and they’re portrayed realistically with aches and pains from their career (Derrick) and aging. It made it so easy to connect with them. As Ms. Locey does such a great job of infusing the book with humor, I not only got to fall in love with the couple but I got to do so while laughing frequently. O Captain! My Captain! is an excellent addition to the To Love a Wildcat series and I am sooooo looking forward to the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you not love the Wildcats hockey team. Each story centers around a single couple but all the players and previous characters are interwoven into the storyline keeping you in the "KNOW" of what is happening in their lives. Derrick Anderson, captain of the Wildcats is not your typical book boyfriend. He is not a young buck, he is does not have runway model looks but he has a heart and a goodness that just can't be out done. Derrick is a mans, man. He is getting to the end of his hockey career, his body is showing the beatings he has taken on the ice and he is what you would call a "Bear" of a man. Maggie Charles has not had an easy life, she is a nice person who also has a large heart by putting everyone else in front of her own wants. I loved that this storyline dealt with a single parent of a rebellious teen age child. It is tough to date when you have a child but even harder when you are trying to protect your wayward child and yourself from outside criticism. The fact that both the main characters were in the older group proves that you can find love no matter the age. This was well written , easy to follow and a great love story. The characters were well developed, easy to like and I liked that Maggie's son Trevor was involved in the storyline, not just mentioned and not really seen. As each story in the series progresses you can't help become involved in the characters lives. Ms. Locey pulls you into the world she created with awesome characters and situations making the stories come to life and feel real. This is a wonderful series and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the world of Wildcat Hockey.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

O’ Captain! My Captain! Is the third book in the To Love a Wildcat Series. It does work fine as a standalone but I think you would enjoy it more if you have read the other two books,to get a bit more information of the characters.

I think Maggie and Derrick are my favourite characters. Maggie is a great, strong female lead, but as we all do we long for a partner, for another’s touch, someone to share our troubles with. Maggie is the perfect example of this. She is independent, has a sad past, but overcame it, handles all the trouble life throws at her and yet has a softness for a handsome hockey player.

Speaking of handsome hockey players. Derrick is most women’s dream man. He is big, strong, handsome,and yet a caring, compassionate man.

This story has lots of emotion. Maggie is struggling with a troubled teen, her new relationship and her job. Derrick is facing hidden injuries and the worry of being replaced by a new franchise owner. The story is interesting , fast paced, with a touch of humor and also some tragic twists and a real shocker near the end. There is also plenty of really hot sex and sexy hockey players and fabulous friendships.

If you like a really good contemporary romance, hot sexy men, tight friendships, real life issues, troubled teens and steamy hot sex I highly recommend this book and series!

* I received a copy of this book free-of-charge from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Review written for http://naughtytalesreviews.wordpress.... and cathybrockmanromances@wordpress.com All opinions expressed are my own*

[Karlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel bad for Maggie in this book in the beginning. Her son isn't very nice to her and she is still stuck at the wretched job without Liz and Viviana. I don't get thow that Bert still has a job there with all the sexual harassment he does. Oscar is still a character though, I hope one of these books in the series is his story, that's for sure! Maggie is nervous for the big charity event coming up and decides to Skype her two friends, Liz and Viviana, for some advice. Viviana is still unlikable as usual and it really makes me mad to find out that Alain has proposed to her several times and she keeps turning him down. Like what the heck? He seems like such a great guy. I am glad that Liz and Veikko are tying the knot though! But learning about Liz's exciting news, Maggie completely forgot to ask her friends how she should handle the Derrick situation after she blew him off six months prior. But when she runs into him at the charity, will they try to see if there is anything truly there? Or will it just be a one night and a great hook up that leads to nothing? Derrick is a sweat guy, but Maggie has a past that could make it hard for her to trust again. With all the crummy cards that Maggie has been dealt, I sure am rooting for Derrick and Maggie to work out.

[Downward dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

I was given a copy of this book to write an honest review for Cocktails and Books.

This is a compelling, gritty story filled with a lot of passion. Maggie Charles is a divorced forty year old woman who hasn’t had much time for dating, until she meets Derrick, the captain of the Wildcats. I loved everything about Derrick. He’s played hockey a long time and his body shows the wear from years of playing a brutal game. He loves playing hockey and even though his body is falling apart and filled with aches and pains, he never gives up. I especially love the way Derrick treats Maggie. He is always considerate and isn’t afraid of getting involved with a woman who has a troubled teenager. Everything seems to click when Derrick and Maggie are together and there is so much sizzling chemistry between them, I had to fan myself a few times. Derrick and Maggie are both strong individuals and it’s a good thing, because they are each forced to make some tough decisions in this emotionally charged story. This is the third book in To Love a Wildcat Series and each book is a stand-alone.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Charles is a single mother to a teenager that is troubled. Maggie thinks she should put what she wants on hold so she can make the best life for her son, Trevor. Maggie is divorced from an abusive marriage. She wants to protect her son from what they lived through.

I feel for Maggie. Not the abusive marriage, but the struggling to get by. Maggie is a hardworking strong mother, who wants the best for her family. Is Derrick that? Their chemistry is ignitable. They are very attracted to one another, but Maggie has been pushing him away. Will she give into their attraction or will she runaway?

I think Maggie and Derrick are meant for one another. When Maggie met him (book #1), she feels something for Derrick, but can't. She needs to put her son first. But, months go by and she sees him again. All of those feelings are stronger than better. Should she fight those feelings or go for it?

I hope we find out more about Trevor and Ashley in the next book, Reality Check.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

O Captain! My Captain! (To Love a Wildcat # 3) by V.L. Locey Single mom, Maggie Charles doesn’t expect to get a second chance at romance.  However, when she bumps into Wildcats’ captain, Derrick Andersson, at a charity event, she might have to reconsider.
 
Maggie is an earnest heroine.  She is strong for all she has had to endure, having been a part of an abusive marriage and being a single mom. She is brave for putting her heart on the line.
 
Derrick Andersson made a great team captain and hero for the story.  My heart went out to him as his hockey career was ending.   His character seemed very genuine and strong.
 
Being in my forties, I appreciated reading a hockey romance were the main characters are also both in their forties.  It was nice to read about to worthy people getting a second chance at a relationship.  V.L. Locey did an excellent job creating a believable and heartfelt story.  
 
Complimentary copy provided publisher via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.  

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling, gritty story filled with a lot of passion. Maggie Charles is a divorced forty year old woman who hasn’t had much time for dating, until she meets Derrick, the captain of the Wildcats. I loved everything about Derrick. He’s played hockey a long time and his body shows the wear from years of playing a brutal a sport. He loves playing hockey and even though his body is falling apart and filled with aches and pains, he never gives up. I especially love the way Derrick treats Maggie. He is always considerate and isn’t afraid of getting involved with a woman who has a troubled teenager. Everything seems to click when Derrick and Maggie are together and there is so much sizzling chemistry between them, I had to fan myself a few times. Derrick and Maggie are both strong individuals and it’s a good thing, because they are each forced to make some tough decisions in this emotionally charged story. This is the third book in To Love a Wildcat Series and each book is a stand-alone.

Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

V L Locey has done it again with another great book in the To Love a Wildcat series. I love that we get to continue with the lives of the previous books couples, but they don’t overshadow the current story of Maggie and Derrick.
It was refreshing to read about a fortyish couple, their struggles in life, and their pursuit of a second chance at love and lifelong happiness. The dilemmas they face are real challenges and brought their characters to life and added a realism that a lot of books don’t obtain.
Maggie is a strong woman who has been dealt a crappy hand in this game called life, yet she powers through and has a heart of gold. Derrick is a rugged, brute of a man who knows what he wants in life and knows how to treat a woman. Their love story is built on a foundation of compassion, support, strength, and passion -*fans face*.
This series is written in a way that each of these books can be read as stand alones—but with a series this amazing, why would you not want to read all of them! I can’t wait to dive into book 4 with Coach Moore!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in the To Love a Wildcat series just keep getting better! I love the whole Wildcat team, those men are to die for. Maggie and Derrick's story highlights passion, but also a steady love where 2 people can love and support each other through anything and everything. Maggie's trouble with her teen son make her very easy to relate to, one of the things I love about this series is that the heroines come across as everyday, real people. They have their problems, but they still capture the attentions of sports royalty.

I love Derrick's approach to Maggie and how he handles everything thrown at him, but yet still has a need for Maggie to support him. He's not untouchable, and that comes across in the story. I love the support from Liz and Vivianna, there's nothing like best friends ( I also loved catching up with their stories!).

Everything about this series just keeps getting better! I can't wait to see where V.L. Locey takes us next with Coach Moore and Isabelle.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot, heart-warming, love story of real people. I love the quirks of Maggie and Derrick. Both being 40+, they didn't have perfect bodies but did have perfect hearts. Maggie, the single mom, struggling to do the right thing and take care of her teenage son is a character any woman could relate to. Derrick is sexy, loving, warm and funny -- a dream come true. Together they encounter some big bumps in the road of life but are there supporting each other. I loved this story and couldn't stop reading it. Locey's writing is evocative, with just the right amount of description. The dialogue is spot on --I swear I can hear the characters in my head. This whole series is wonderful. I've gobbled up each book, wanting more. I can't wait for the next one to come out. Don't miss this series if you love great love stories of hot sports heroes and the women who love them.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series and it just gets better and better. I think these characters are my favorite so far. Derrick is the rugged Wildcats captain who won't give up despite playing with pain and Maggie is the sweet single mother with a troubled teen.
It is great seeing a hot, steamy, and realistic romance with characters over 40. Even if you don't like hockey you will love this story. It even brought tears to my eyes in places and to me that is the test of a great story. Great job and I can't wait for the next Wildcat match!!!

[Toni]

Please see my review at Got Romance! Reviews.

[Amy Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wildcats series continues to make me happy! Derrick Andersson is a sexy, veteran player for the Wildcats on the verge of retirement. As a single mother, the way he swept in to help Maggie with her teenage son just melted my heart. Once again, Locey wrote a fast-paced story with all the hot bells and whistles needed for a sexy story while plucking on heart strings. I preordered book #4 and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. :)

[Jeanine McAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. V.L. is a terrific writer. The pace moves along, the conflict is interesting and the hero is hot!! Both the hero and heroine were older with a few life experiences which made the story believable. Plus the heroine's teenage son was real. I could hear the things he was saying come out of my own kid's mouths.

[Khenta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable right up to the last chapter, which felt very rushed and in which we are told about what happens instead of shown.

[Anett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, these books just gets better and better.

[The Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! it was a fast paced read, but so worth it! seriously a fan of this author now! it has everything I like!

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you just have to read if you like romance. Author V.L.Locey has done such a great job with this lovely short book that we will remember for long time, it's a story that we need to cling to while raising teenagers. If your a single mother raise children you know the drill. I know I do you have to up,get ready, feed children, go to work ,go shopping, come home, get supper, clean up, and then you realize that your teenager is playing video game ,texting, or watching television,then you say What the hell am I doing wrong. This story is about single mother Maggie who escaped from her abusive husband Travis ,to living with her son Trevor. Where Maggie feels quilt because of the way her son is currently acting, the only thing he is doing is playing video games and watching the Wildcats hockey team. Then there Derrick Anderson ,who once was Maggie's gorgeous handsome sexy boyfriend and the captain of the hockey team,who Maggie ran from years ago. But with some extra pounds ,a lot of stress on her, she try's her hardness to avoid watching Derrick and his team at any cost , memory are just painful for her. Derrick doesn't believe that there isn't any second chances in life, and all he would like is to have Maggie back in his life. He doesn't care about the age,weight, or the baggage non of it manners to him. All he sees is the beautiful woman that he has always been in love with . This story will grab you and hold you from start to finish and it will tug at very bone in your body that believes in second chances.I could go on and tell you more about this touching story, but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend you read this story ,you won't be disappointed.

[Meg Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh this was just awful. I saw the hot cover, the super-high reviews, the lengthy series, and got my hopes up. I was so horribly disappointed by this one.

In a nutshell: the writing was amateurish, the style was annoying as hell, and the characters were, on the whole, unlikable. The sex scenes, though scarce, managed to make me cringe a couple of times (seriously, who uses the word teat and expects it to be sexy???).

Maggie is a pushover, a ditz, and a shit mother to boot. Derrick was a cardboard cutout of what a hockey player must look like to someone who knows nothing about hockey players. The secondary characters were just as bad, and I won't go into how literally unbearable Viviana is - I started skimming pages when I saw that name.

There is what I call accent-writing in this, and the author did it badly. It's so unnecessary and distracting.

All in all, I regret buying this and I regret wasting my time reading it.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie has been ignoring her feelings for the Wildcat captain for a while. She had a very abusive marriage and now she has a really difficult teenage boy to deal with. When Derrick and she are thrown together again, she takes a chance.

I love that Derrick never totally gave up on Maggie. I love how she was patient with her, but tough on her son. Lord knows that boy needed someone to knock some sense into him. There is part of the plot that comes out of left field, and shows me how Maggie takes what is thrown at her and goes with it. Having Derrick there with her as she deal is just the silver lining and support she needs.