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Drop the Mitts
Oren Samuels doesn't date; a night with him is a one-time ticket only. It's a system that works—until Rachel Reese. Their one-night stand leaves a mark he didn't realize was there. Until fate throws them back together, and their undeniable chemistry reignites. One night turns into two, ending with Rachel gone before sunrise again, leaving no trace in her wake.
Rachel has spent the past year building a life for her daughter, determined to handle motherhood on her own terms without the father who never wanted this in the first place. But when Oren reenters her world and discovers her baby with his unmistakable green eyes, she can't ignore how he puts his anger aside and throws himself into fatherhood, determined to be the dad he never had.
Oren and Rachel grapple with their new reality as they face challenges on and off the ice. Oren quickly learns that fistfights on the ice only make his problems worse. Rachel offers him a helping head when he needs it most despite how she struggles with her growing feelings for Oren, afraid that he will never truly change.
Can Oren and Rachel move past the secrets she kept and the walls they both built to create a future or will the future derail their chances of winning each other's hearts?
Drop The Mitts is a story of redemption and overcoming the secrets life keeps. Sometimes, the most brutal fights are the ones worth winning. Perfect for fans of spicy sports romances who love a hockey fight that packs a punch more intense than expected!
Rachel has spent the past year building a life for her daughter, determined to handle motherhood on her own terms without the father who never wanted this in the first place. But when Oren reenters her world and discovers her baby with his unmistakable green eyes, she can't ignore how he puts his anger aside and throws himself into fatherhood, determined to be the dad he never had.
Oren and Rachel grapple with their new reality as they face challenges on and off the ice. Oren quickly learns that fistfights on the ice only make his problems worse. Rachel offers him a helping head when he needs it most despite how she struggles with her growing feelings for Oren, afraid that he will never truly change.
Can Oren and Rachel move past the secrets she kept and the walls they both built to create a future or will the future derail their chances of winning each other's hearts?
Drop The Mitts is a story of redemption and overcoming the secrets life keeps. Sometimes, the most brutal fights are the ones worth winning. Perfect for fans of spicy sports romances who love a hockey fight that packs a punch more intense than expected!
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
9 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Tela V.
4 books14 followersBy day, Tela works in a professional setting; by night, she writes smut. She currently lives in the South with her husband and two dogs, chunky meatball and little bit. When not being a boss bitch, she likes to read (more smut, mysteries, and thrillers), watch true crime documentaries, cook, drink wine with her husband and besties, and watch sports!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I’m a slut for the secret baby trope, so even when it’s bad it’s good. Ya feel me?
Not that Drop the Mitts was bad by any means, but it was overly long. Like 150 pages too long 🤣
I’m a slut for the secret baby trope, so even when it’s bad it’s good. Ya feel me?
Not that Drop the Mitts was bad by any means, but it was overly long. Like 150 pages too long 🤣
February 17, 2025
Tela- this was phenomenal!
The spice was incredible!
Let’s start off with - anyone can make a one night stand happen but no one can take the responsibility of what can occur after that one night stand in stride how Rachel did. She took all responsibility and manned up and handled business. Were her choices correct, hey she admitted it as well. Possibly could’ve handled things differently but man - did she and Oren step up and handle business.
OREN took it all like a man. He had some mistakes he had to battle some inner pain, some demons, some hurt, but he also manned up and took it in stride. Never called her out her name. Didn’t hurt her disrespect her. They decided and did what was best for theirs and they overcame it all. Such an incredible love story, amazing supporting characters and character development. I’m excited for more stories in this world. For Nolans character and his world - for Dr. Maria and her world 🤣.. I can wait to see what else is in store ❤️
The spice was incredible!
Let’s start off with - anyone can make a one night stand happen but no one can take the responsibility of what can occur after that one night stand in stride how Rachel did. She took all responsibility and manned up and handled business. Were her choices correct, hey she admitted it as well. Possibly could’ve handled things differently but man - did she and Oren step up and handle business.
OREN took it all like a man. He had some mistakes he had to battle some inner pain, some demons, some hurt, but he also manned up and took it in stride. Never called her out her name. Didn’t hurt her disrespect her. They decided and did what was best for theirs and they overcame it all. Such an incredible love story, amazing supporting characters and character development. I’m excited for more stories in this world. For Nolans character and his world - for Dr. Maria and her world 🤣.. I can wait to see what else is in store ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first novel from this author, and while Drop the Mitts is the second in the series, it is a standalone, and you do not need to read book 1.
I do not even know where to begin; this book literally started with a bang and then went from there. When I tell you that I went from happy to heartbroken to angry within a matter of a page turn, that should tell you everything.
Rachel, this FMC drove me absolutely crazy. A lot of her choices had me yelling at my kindle because they were, IMO, not the right choices, and at the same time I could see the choices she was making from her perspective, but there was growth and development from her, which was great to witness. She is a woman used to doing everything on her own, and I can understand how hard it is to put your trust in someone not to mess it all up.
Oren, this MMC was everything. Although, IMO, he went to easy on Rachel! He did not make me want to throw my kindle, but he did break my heart with his feelings of not being enough. His growth into being the person he was ultimately meant to be, not only for himself but for Rachel and their family, was wonderfully portrayed.
The banter and spice hit the spot, and the found family and friendships were well developed to round these characters out.
Thank You Tela V and Naughty PR for the ARC in return for an honest review
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first novel from this author, and while Drop the Mitts is the second in the series, it is a standalone, and you do not need to read book 1.
I do not even know where to begin; this book literally started with a bang and then went from there. When I tell you that I went from happy to heartbroken to angry within a matter of a page turn, that should tell you everything.
Rachel, this FMC drove me absolutely crazy. A lot of her choices had me yelling at my kindle because they were, IMO, not the right choices, and at the same time I could see the choices she was making from her perspective, but there was growth and development from her, which was great to witness. She is a woman used to doing everything on her own, and I can understand how hard it is to put your trust in someone not to mess it all up.
Oren, this MMC was everything. Although, IMO, he went to easy on Rachel! He did not make me want to throw my kindle, but he did break my heart with his feelings of not being enough. His growth into being the person he was ultimately meant to be, not only for himself but for Rachel and their family, was wonderfully portrayed.
The banter and spice hit the spot, and the found family and friendships were well developed to round these characters out.
Thank You Tela V and Naughty PR for the ARC in return for an honest review
April 5, 2025
Thank you Naughty PR team and Tela V. for the opportunity to ARC read.
My first hockey romance, and I DEVOURED it! The chemistry between Rachel and Oren was 👩🏻🍳 💋.
I will say, I normally hate intimate scenes right out of the gate because I'm a slow burn girl, but it made sense in this book, and I loved it! I mean, how could Rachel resist another rendezvous with Oren, whom she had an amazing one night stand with a year(ish) prior?!
Oren was set up as a serious playboy who got an amazing redemption arc when he chose to own his responsibility and step up, above and beyond. And Lily (my goodness) was SO stinking cute!!!
One thing I didn't like- Elliott's treatment of Oren when everyone found out about the big secret. I would hope a best friend would be more understanding. That really bothered me.
Tropes: hockey romance, one bed, bad play boy, one night stand, redemption.
What a scrumptious book!
My first hockey romance, and I DEVOURED it! The chemistry between Rachel and Oren was 👩🏻🍳 💋.
I will say, I normally hate intimate scenes right out of the gate because I'm a slow burn girl, but it made sense in this book, and I loved it! I mean, how could Rachel resist another rendezvous with Oren, whom she had an amazing one night stand with a year(ish) prior?!
Oren was set up as a serious playboy who got an amazing redemption arc when he chose to own his responsibility and step up, above and beyond. And Lily (my goodness) was SO stinking cute!!!
One thing I didn't like- Elliott's treatment of Oren when everyone found out about the big secret. I would hope a best friend would be more understanding. That really bothered me.
Tropes: hockey romance, one bed, bad play boy, one night stand, redemption.
What a scrumptious book!
March 4, 2025
ARC review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️3/5
📌 Check TW
Drop the Mitts is book two of the Hit Behind the Net Series.
The story follows Rachel, a sports reporter who lives by the rules, and Oren, a hockey player who enjoys breaking them. They agreed on a one-night stand, but what none of them were expecting was that their no-strings attached deal would result in two pink lines.
Since Oren was a known playboy, Rachel had her doubts about him wanting to be involved in the baby’s life, she also had lots of fears and insecurities, which is why she decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. But fate has its ways, and sooner rater than later Oren found out that he had a daughter.
I loved how Oren stepped up into daddy mode. Despite his initial angriness, which was total understandable, he didn’t waste any time and gave Lily all his love. His character’s growth was fantastic, he really surprised me. Becoming a father gave him a new purpose in life, and this was admirable, it definitely melted my heart.
Rachel was great mom, I understood why she acted the way she did. She was used to doing things on her own and was very insecure. She was afraid to let Oren in, but once she surrendered to her feelings, it was great to see her walls break.
Their chemistry was sooo good, they were perfect for each other, and the spice was spicing!
I do feel that the book was longer than necessary, which is the reason of my rating.
If you enjoy sports romances and love reformed playboys, then you should definitely add this book to your TBR!
Thank you, Tela V. & Naughty Nook PR, for a copy of this ARC!
⭐4.5/5
🌶️3/5
📌 Check TW
Drop the Mitts is book two of the Hit Behind the Net Series.
The story follows Rachel, a sports reporter who lives by the rules, and Oren, a hockey player who enjoys breaking them. They agreed on a one-night stand, but what none of them were expecting was that their no-strings attached deal would result in two pink lines.
Since Oren was a known playboy, Rachel had her doubts about him wanting to be involved in the baby’s life, she also had lots of fears and insecurities, which is why she decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. But fate has its ways, and sooner rater than later Oren found out that he had a daughter.
I loved how Oren stepped up into daddy mode. Despite his initial angriness, which was total understandable, he didn’t waste any time and gave Lily all his love. His character’s growth was fantastic, he really surprised me. Becoming a father gave him a new purpose in life, and this was admirable, it definitely melted my heart.
Rachel was great mom, I understood why she acted the way she did. She was used to doing things on her own and was very insecure. She was afraid to let Oren in, but once she surrendered to her feelings, it was great to see her walls break.
Their chemistry was sooo good, they were perfect for each other, and the spice was spicing!
I do feel that the book was longer than necessary, which is the reason of my rating.
If you enjoy sports romances and love reformed playboys, then you should definitely add this book to your TBR!
Thank you, Tela V. & Naughty Nook PR, for a copy of this ARC!
March 6, 2025
A Rollercoaster of Emotions—But I Couldn’t Put It Down
Drop the Mitts had me all over the place—I went from hating it to loving it and back again, more than once.
The FMC, Rachel Reese, keeps her one-night stand, MMC Oren Samuels, in the dark about the fact that he’s now a father. While that’s obviously not great, I could at least understand it at first. But the way she kept dragging it out? That was frustrating. Yes, she has anxiety, but her extreme isolationist tendencies made it hard to root for her after a while.
And Oren? This man spins out when he finds out he has a daughter, and honestly, I felt for him. Yeah, he was a total playboy before, but his reaction was understandable — finding out you’ve been lied to about something this huge? Yeah, I’d spiral too.
Despite my issues with Rachel, Tela V.’s writing kept me hooked. The characters felt real, even when their actions were so frustrating. And I never fall for blond MMCs, but Oren? I loved him. A dirty-talking king, indeed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Hockey romance, one bed, reformed playboy, one-night stand, redemption, accidental/surprise/secret baby, injury (check TWs).
Thank you, Tela V. & Naughty Nook PR, for a copy of this ARC!
Drop the Mitts had me all over the place—I went from hating it to loving it and back again, more than once.
The FMC, Rachel Reese, keeps her one-night stand, MMC Oren Samuels, in the dark about the fact that he’s now a father. While that’s obviously not great, I could at least understand it at first. But the way she kept dragging it out? That was frustrating. Yes, she has anxiety, but her extreme isolationist tendencies made it hard to root for her after a while.
And Oren? This man spins out when he finds out he has a daughter, and honestly, I felt for him. Yeah, he was a total playboy before, but his reaction was understandable — finding out you’ve been lied to about something this huge? Yeah, I’d spiral too.
Despite my issues with Rachel, Tela V.’s writing kept me hooked. The characters felt real, even when their actions were so frustrating. And I never fall for blond MMCs, but Oren? I loved him. A dirty-talking king, indeed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Hockey romance, one bed, reformed playboy, one-night stand, redemption, accidental/surprise/secret baby, injury (check TWs).
Thank you, Tela V. & Naughty Nook PR, for a copy of this ARC!
February 17, 2025
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR & Tela V. for the chance to read the eARC early in exchange for my honest review!
Overall I enjoyed this book, the characters were real, relatable, and complicated (in a good way lol) Oren is everything I love about cocky, playboy hockey players who end up falling for the perfect-for-them girl. Rachel is strong and such a relatable character. She makes mistakes and owns up to them.
For me, there was just so much detail where it became too much so I would skim ahead to the meat of the story. At times it felt like we were too deep into either each detail of a character's day or too much of their internal thoughts. It felt like some of the hard conversations Oren and Rachel had we're never given to us, and just described and glossed over. I'm the type of reader where I want to be in that conversation because it's hard and builds the tension between the MCs. There were also certain situations that I just didn't vibe with when it came to Oren and how he was treated.
Overall I enjoyed this book, the characters were real, relatable, and complicated (in a good way lol) Oren is everything I love about cocky, playboy hockey players who end up falling for the perfect-for-them girl. Rachel is strong and such a relatable character. She makes mistakes and owns up to them.
For me, there was just so much detail where it became too much so I would skim ahead to the meat of the story. At times it felt like we were too deep into either each detail of a character's day or too much of their internal thoughts. It felt like some of the hard conversations Oren and Rachel had we're never given to us, and just described and glossed over. I'm the type of reader where I want to be in that conversation because it's hard and builds the tension between the MCs. There were also certain situations that I just didn't vibe with when it came to Oren and how he was treated.
February 24, 2025
I am so happy I was given this opportunity to read it as an arc.
Rachel is a "single mother" single in the aspect of having a one-night stand and ends up pregnant. Does not tell the father since he is not the type to settle down therefore Rachel thought that was the best way to handle it. Needless to say, she and Oren the father eventually cross paths and he finds out he has a child. He wants nothing more than to be in his child's life. A bad injury makes it so that he cannot play hockey anymore. Not being able to play hockey, allows him to stay with Rachel and not only get to know his child but his feelings for Rachel grow even more.
This book was amazing, it shows how someone who never thought they would settle down would. Showing how one incident can change a whole life and when two people want to make something work it can work.
Rachel is a "single mother" single in the aspect of having a one-night stand and ends up pregnant. Does not tell the father since he is not the type to settle down therefore Rachel thought that was the best way to handle it. Needless to say, she and Oren the father eventually cross paths and he finds out he has a child. He wants nothing more than to be in his child's life. A bad injury makes it so that he cannot play hockey anymore. Not being able to play hockey, allows him to stay with Rachel and not only get to know his child but his feelings for Rachel grow even more.
This book was amazing, it shows how someone who never thought they would settle down would. Showing how one incident can change a whole life and when two people want to make something work it can work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
I lived for this book. All of it. I felt for Rachel in the beginning, trying to just get by in life. I understand the not wanting to ruin everything for Oren when he had led her to believe he wanted a one-time thing. Also, I could feel all the emotion when his world turned upside down.
The passion and spice 🔥🔥🔥 were hot. I love that when he tried to be soft and gentle, Rachel is vocal enough to tell him to be how he was.
The raw emotion of Oren and all he goes through with everything in this story mixed with Rachel trying to figure out her own emotions really made this a 5 star for me. Lily really made not only them but everyone involved come together. Tela did such a wonderful job with this book.
The passion and spice 🔥🔥🔥 were hot. I love that when he tried to be soft and gentle, Rachel is vocal enough to tell him to be how he was.
The raw emotion of Oren and all he goes through with everything in this story mixed with Rachel trying to figure out her own emotions really made this a 5 star for me. Lily really made not only them but everyone involved come together. Tela did such a wonderful job with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
Drop The Mitts is book two of the Hit Behind the Net Series.
Rachel and Oren go through a bit of a whirlwind relationship. They have a one night stand and reconnect again, but this time Rachel has a big secret she has been keeping from Oren. I got her reasonings for her decisions. I also get why Oren is hurt and angry about that decision. It was very realistic reactions to the situation they were in. This made the story more relatable as it was realistic in their reactions.
This story gives them a second chance at reconnecting and seeing if they can be a family together or if they are better off being apart. They had a lot of chemistry together, which made for a few spicy moments. They had their problems trying to work together but it made it realistic and believable.
Rachel and Oren go through a bit of a whirlwind relationship. They have a one night stand and reconnect again, but this time Rachel has a big secret she has been keeping from Oren. I got her reasonings for her decisions. I also get why Oren is hurt and angry about that decision. It was very realistic reactions to the situation they were in. This made the story more relatable as it was realistic in their reactions.
This story gives them a second chance at reconnecting and seeing if they can be a family together or if they are better off being apart. They had a lot of chemistry together, which made for a few spicy moments. They had their problems trying to work together but it made it realistic and believable.
February 24, 2025
Drop The Mitts ARC Review
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up to 5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow. This was great. Oren was a character I was drawn to in the first book even as a minor character, but oh my god. His actual story was so good. Rachel and Oren and their whole dynamic of "once and never again" only to be drawn together again for other circumstances, was pulling at my heart strings. Like I was devouring their story. The little bits of Ziggy and Elliot given were nice too. Ziggy very much seemed the same but I don't know, Elliot fell flat for me. I think I reverted back to hating him at one point but he kind of redeemed himself.
Oren and his journey was really nice to see. I think putting more of his growing up would have been nice since it was so seldom put into the story and with how he was close to his mom. That just felt lacking to me. Again, I really enjoyed this journey of growth from Oren, and Rachel as well since she had to overcome her own fears and anxieties.
Thank you Tela V. and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed it.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up to 5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow. This was great. Oren was a character I was drawn to in the first book even as a minor character, but oh my god. His actual story was so good. Rachel and Oren and their whole dynamic of "once and never again" only to be drawn together again for other circumstances, was pulling at my heart strings. Like I was devouring their story. The little bits of Ziggy and Elliot given were nice too. Ziggy very much seemed the same but I don't know, Elliot fell flat for me. I think I reverted back to hating him at one point but he kind of redeemed himself.
Oren and his journey was really nice to see. I think putting more of his growing up would have been nice since it was so seldom put into the story and with how he was close to his mom. That just felt lacking to me. Again, I really enjoyed this journey of growth from Oren, and Rachel as well since she had to overcome her own fears and anxieties.
Thank you Tela V. and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed it.
March 3, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the book. I am much more of a dark romance reader than this book was and that is no fault to it. The characters were relatable and who doesn't love a playboy hockey player? But there was a lot of down time in this book and it felt like Rachel was just on repeat (at times a little whiney) about their relationship. Oren has a dirty filthy mouth on him when requested and is the king of consent.
If you are in to a more contemporary sports read this is a good one especially if you are good with a slow burn longer read.
If you are in to a more contemporary sports read this is a good one especially if you are good with a slow burn longer read.
March 30, 2025
It took me a minute to get through this book. It’s too long and there wasn’t enough happening to truly hold my interest.
Rachel and Oren have a ONS which results in a baby. Rachel doesn’t tell Oren about the baby and he finds out by chance when they meet again some months later. He doesn’t really hold her accountable for not even trying to tell him and I struggled to feel the love between these two. He is an out and out playboy and happy about it and I just didn’t truly believe he changed for Rachel.
Rachel and Oren have a ONS which results in a baby. Rachel doesn’t tell Oren about the baby and he finds out by chance when they meet again some months later. He doesn’t really hold her accountable for not even trying to tell him and I struggled to feel the love between these two. He is an out and out playboy and happy about it and I just didn’t truly believe he changed for Rachel.
March 12, 2025
I wanted to like this. It's hockey. I just couldn't stay in the story. There were too many words for getting the point of cross. The spice scenes were just that. Scenes. I'm not even sure why some of them were even there.
If you're a spice heavy reader, this will work for you. Unfortunately, it did not work for me.
If you're a spice heavy reader, this will work for you. Unfortunately, it did not work for me.
April 24, 2025
1.5 ⭐
I was expecting more but holy shit the FMC is so annoying, I think that so far she's the FMC I've hated the most through my reading journey. But since Oren was there the book didn't always suck, like I liked the parts from his POV when she wasn't around.. and ig I sort of kind of didn't completely hate the start?
I was expecting more but holy shit the FMC is so annoying, I think that so far she's the FMC I've hated the most through my reading journey. But since Oren was there the book didn't always suck, like I liked the parts from his POV when she wasn't around.. and ig I sort of kind of didn't completely hate the start?
June 30, 2025
my favourite quote:
" To all the ladies who wnat to be treated like a princess and then pounded into the mattress. Oren Samuels is for you! " (another book boyfriend coming right up!)
This book was soo very addictive and i couldn't get enough of it! It had me dealing with a roller coaster of emotions but i was instantly hooked from the beginning .
" To all the ladies who wnat to be treated like a princess and then pounded into the mattress. Oren Samuels is for you! " (another book boyfriend coming right up!)
This book was soo very addictive and i couldn't get enough of it! It had me dealing with a roller coaster of emotions but i was instantly hooked from the beginning .
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. At times i felt the FMC was to stuck in her own head but it turned out beautifully! Will be interesting to see how the next stories come about :)
February 28, 2025
I love a good hockey romance and this was another one i couldn’t put down. it was so well written and i didn’t want it to end. I’m excited to see what’s next
January 8, 2026
oren and Rachel's relationship starts out rocky but I loved their dynamic and chemistry
March 16, 2025
3.5 star
Thank you to the author for an opportunity to read and review this hockey romance. I found I was able to connect well with the FMC, Rachel and the decision that she had to make that was in the best interest for her and her young daughter. the MMC Oren who is the Playboy hockey player finds himself attracted Rachel, but not knowing that he has more in common with Rachel and her daughter then he realizes. A chance counter brings Oren, Rachel and her daughter together and sets them on a course that could possibly change everything they thought they knew about each other. I did like how the author added couple twists that gave a story some depth to the storyline and the French Canadian language of some of the characters. The book was a little long and some parts could have been shorter. However if you love a good sports romance with complicated characters you’ll enjoy Drop the Mitts.
Thank you to the author for an opportunity to read and review this hockey romance. I found I was able to connect well with the FMC, Rachel and the decision that she had to make that was in the best interest for her and her young daughter. the MMC Oren who is the Playboy hockey player finds himself attracted Rachel, but not knowing that he has more in common with Rachel and her daughter then he realizes. A chance counter brings Oren, Rachel and her daughter together and sets them on a course that could possibly change everything they thought they knew about each other. I did like how the author added couple twists that gave a story some depth to the storyline and the French Canadian language of some of the characters. The book was a little long and some parts could have been shorter. However if you love a good sports romance with complicated characters you’ll enjoy Drop the Mitts.
February 26, 2025
I beta read Drop the Mitts and devoured it in one sitting. It is an incredible hockey romance with some of the best tropes- tons of angst, fulfilling redemption, super hot chemistry, and a playboy who steps up in the best way possible. I was completely hooked on Rachel and Oren’s roller coaster of a journey.
Rachel is really an incredible heroine- strong, fiercely independent, and devoted to her daughter. She’s been burned before, and I completely understood why she kept her secret. And Oren? This man was a complete train wreck, but his transformation from reckless bad boy to devoted father melted my heart. His determination to be there for Rachel and their daughter, despite his struggles on and off the ice, made his character arc one of the best I’ve EVER read. And watching Rachel slowly lower her walls as Oren fights to prove himself was oh so rewarding.
The chemistry between Rachel and Oren is the stuff dreams are made of, while fueled with angst and tension. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the steamy ones which were absolutely perfect. And I loved seeing old friends from the Phoenix Red Wolves hockey team! It gave the story even more heart and plenty of memorable moments.
Drop the Mitts is an incredible sports romance with a ton of heart that is a nearly perfect read. Tela V. knows her hockey players and I'm here for each and every one! Five stars all the way!
Rachel is really an incredible heroine- strong, fiercely independent, and devoted to her daughter. She’s been burned before, and I completely understood why she kept her secret. And Oren? This man was a complete train wreck, but his transformation from reckless bad boy to devoted father melted my heart. His determination to be there for Rachel and their daughter, despite his struggles on and off the ice, made his character arc one of the best I’ve EVER read. And watching Rachel slowly lower her walls as Oren fights to prove himself was oh so rewarding.
The chemistry between Rachel and Oren is the stuff dreams are made of, while fueled with angst and tension. The emotional moments hit just as hard as the steamy ones which were absolutely perfect. And I loved seeing old friends from the Phoenix Red Wolves hockey team! It gave the story even more heart and plenty of memorable moments.
Drop the Mitts is an incredible sports romance with a ton of heart that is a nearly perfect read. Tela V. knows her hockey players and I'm here for each and every one! Five stars all the way!
April 4, 2025
I really appreciate how real the characters are. There is someting that sets them apart from the traditional characters. They aren't automatically loved but they aren't bad people either, they just don't make decisions that make sense to everyone and that is so real and refreshing.
June 26, 2025
ARC review
DNF @ 38%
I really wanted to like this book but there were a lot of things I didn’t enjoy as a reader.
The book was entirely too long for the story it told. Over 500 pages with the same repetitive scenario over and over with our FMC. The description of the characters day to day took over the majority of the plot and a lot of conversations between our main MCs were told took place but were not privy of it. And these were the conversations we SHOULD’VE been present in as it would’ve built the angst and relationship between the two.
I also really disliked the fact that the FMC literally has a second one night stand with her baby’s father who DOESN’T KNOW HE’S THE BABY’S FATHER. 😵
Girl…what!??? WHO DOES THAT.
That just did NOT sit right with me.
I will say. The spice was certainly spicing and that along with Oren & Lily were about the ONLY things I enjoyed about this book. For being a “playboy” he stepped right up to the mark when he found out he was a dad and his moments with Lily all but melted my heart.
Everything else…hard pass.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR & the author for the ARC, unfortunately this author and story was just not for me.
DNF @ 38%
I really wanted to like this book but there were a lot of things I didn’t enjoy as a reader.
The book was entirely too long for the story it told. Over 500 pages with the same repetitive scenario over and over with our FMC. The description of the characters day to day took over the majority of the plot and a lot of conversations between our main MCs were told took place but were not privy of it. And these were the conversations we SHOULD’VE been present in as it would’ve built the angst and relationship between the two.
I also really disliked the fact that the FMC literally has a second one night stand with her baby’s father who DOESN’T KNOW HE’S THE BABY’S FATHER. 😵
Girl…what!??? WHO DOES THAT.
That just did NOT sit right with me.
I will say. The spice was certainly spicing and that along with Oren & Lily were about the ONLY things I enjoyed about this book. For being a “playboy” he stepped right up to the mark when he found out he was a dad and his moments with Lily all but melted my heart.
Everything else…hard pass.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR & the author for the ARC, unfortunately this author and story was just not for me.
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