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Bangor Badgers #3
Paxton
As a defenseman on the Bangor Badgers, I know all about initiating offensive plays.
I never thought I’d have to go toe-to-toe with a teammate for hurting my best friend.
But when Monroe gets hurt, there’s nothing I won’t do for her.
Including letting her move in with me.
We’ve been friends since we were kids, so living together should be a breeze.
Only problem?
I’ve been in love with her for years and she doesn’t have a clue.
Monroe is my dream girl in every way—smart, compassionate, adventurous. She’s the complete package, but our friendship means way too much to me to risk crossing that line.
But when I ask her to come with me on a vacation to help her escape her problems, the lines we’ve held in place for years start to fade.
Monroe isn’t a serious relationship person, and all I can see is a happily ever after with her.
I’d never pressure her, so I’m happy to take whatever pieces of herself she’s willing to give.
Soon, we discover that our chemistry is as fire as our friendship. The more we get of each other, the more we need, and now there’s definitely no going back.
And if I can’t convince her I’m fine with her terms, then I’ll lose not only my best friend, but the absolute love of my life.
I never thought I’d have to go toe-to-toe with a teammate for hurting my best friend.
But when Monroe gets hurt, there’s nothing I won’t do for her.
Including letting her move in with me.
We’ve been friends since we were kids, so living together should be a breeze.
Only problem?
I’ve been in love with her for years and she doesn’t have a clue.
Monroe is my dream girl in every way—smart, compassionate, adventurous. She’s the complete package, but our friendship means way too much to me to risk crossing that line.
But when I ask her to come with me on a vacation to help her escape her problems, the lines we’ve held in place for years start to fade.
Monroe isn’t a serious relationship person, and all I can see is a happily ever after with her.
I’d never pressure her, so I’m happy to take whatever pieces of herself she’s willing to give.
Soon, we discover that our chemistry is as fire as our friendship. The more we get of each other, the more we need, and now there’s definitely no going back.
And if I can’t convince her I’m fine with her terms, then I’ll lose not only my best friend, but the absolute love of my life.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
420 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Whiskey
44 books2,790 followersSamantha Whiskey is a wife, mom, lover of her dogs and romance novels. No stranger to hockey, hot alpha males, and a high dose of awkwardness, she tucks herself away to write books her PTA will never know about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 6, 2025
Just not as strong for me as other books in the series. I had a hard time connecting and sympathizing with the FMC. Her absolute panic and fear just made no sense when she had two happy rolemodels in her life. It was distracting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to check my email to snag an ARC of this book and I was so excited because she’s one of my must reads. I was even MORE excited because it looked like a POC as the MFC. But man was I let down.
There are no character descriptions for neither main characters. I wouldn’t have guessed at all the main character looked like because she does anything to tell us what they look like. I’ve read most of this woman’s back catalog. I can’t tell you how much times I’ve see her describe the white MFC from the male POV. Even during sex. This was so disappointing. I don’t know if she didn’t have the words to describe her (the internet is free and I know there are resources out there. I’ve even used it in my own writing as a POC) or if she was worried about saying the wrong thing (see last statement) but what really hit me as fully disappointing is that this was her shortest book at 175 pages. I also don’t believe that mom wouldn’t see that her daughter is seeing only the negative in marriages and not talk to her about it.
Mentally I’ve debating if I want to give this two or three stars. At the time of this review I’ll give it two. Maybe if I have some time to think about it I’ll change it but I really do hope she write more interracial couples but she does need do better about it.
There are no character descriptions for neither main characters. I wouldn’t have guessed at all the main character looked like because she does anything to tell us what they look like. I’ve read most of this woman’s back catalog. I can’t tell you how much times I’ve see her describe the white MFC from the male POV. Even during sex. This was so disappointing. I don’t know if she didn’t have the words to describe her (the internet is free and I know there are resources out there. I’ve even used it in my own writing as a POC) or if she was worried about saying the wrong thing (see last statement) but what really hit me as fully disappointing is that this was her shortest book at 175 pages. I also don’t believe that mom wouldn’t see that her daughter is seeing only the negative in marriages and not talk to her about it.
Mentally I’ve debating if I want to give this two or three stars. At the time of this review I’ll give it two. Maybe if I have some time to think about it I’ll change it but I really do hope she write more interracial couples but she does need do better about it.
July 24, 2025
2.5⭐️ and that’s only cause of Paxton. i was so excited to read this cause Paxton is deffo my favorite boy in the series but i was just so disappointed. first, how can you have basically a 3rd act break up in a book that’s not even 200 pages like that was so annoying and the breakup was genuinely so stupid in my opinion especially since Monroe literally knew about the ring already. secondly, i’m so mad that this book had no flow to it, something is brought up or we’re in the middle of a moment then next thing you know a random time jump of days or sometimes weeks and months like wtf. we could’ve had so many cute and fun moments had it not been for these time jumps like Monroe and Paxton were hanging out with the group then next thing you know Monroe is at branch with the girls like wtf how did we get there???? there was literally no sort of tension or emotions of a friends to lovers like there should be jealousy there should be moments where we see the characters completely yearning but there was none of that since the story was so rushed cause of how short the book was which genuinely makes no sense to me seeing as this is a book that could’ve been 300 pages or more because of the trope especially when the first 2 books were 200 pages plus. but it’s whatever, i genuinely love Paxton so much like he’s just so sweet and i’m excited to read Baylor’s book next, i deffo can’t wait for that. let’s hope it’ll be better cause i’ve kinda liked the series so far.
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed it! Paxton was super cute! He treated Moreno like a princess! It was absolutely adorable! I can’t wait for rest of the series to continue!
July 5, 2025
this was cute, yes. but it was also too short and i was a little disappointed because i expected something... more, i guess.
June 4, 2025
2.5 stars
Paxton and Monroe’s story was underwhelming. I probably wouldn’t have continued with this series after Nash, except that this childhood friends to lovers story has been hyped up for two books now, and I was really looking forward to finally seeing that come to fruition. The writing was too repetitive for me, and I had a really hard time empathizing with the so-called trauma of having a mother who is a divorce lawyer.
Paxton and Monroe’s story was underwhelming. I probably wouldn’t have continued with this series after Nash, except that this childhood friends to lovers story has been hyped up for two books now, and I was really looking forward to finally seeing that come to fruition. The writing was too repetitive for me, and I had a really hard time empathizing with the so-called trauma of having a mother who is a divorce lawyer.
May 30, 2025
3.75 rounded up!!
The issue for me in friends-to-lovers is how scared both people are to say anything. Most times that’s what pisses me off so bad, but I can get over it because both are doing it while staying celibate (both) or fucking around (both). The bigger issue arises when only one of them is celibate while the other is fucking around… and in this case Monroe didn’t only fuck around, she fucked with a teammate, and a shitty person at that.
And then her excuse for not wanting to get married is … that her mom has dealt with a ton of divorces as a divorce attorney? While her parents are happily married? Talk about looking for trauma where there’s none.
Paxton was a saint, but even he got on my nerves. My brother in Christ, tell her how you feel, be brave. And if it doesn’t work out, you get over it and go back to being friends, it’s not hard, I’ve done it.
And once they accept the attraction, both go into it as a “this has an end date”…no wonder it’ll have an end date if that’s the only thing you think about! Why, oh, why didn’t Monroe decide to go to therapy? That would have saved EVERYONE the struggle of her commitment phobia/divorce phobia. And she kept self-sabotaging by thinking up fake scenarios of her getting proposed to or her actual wedding… again, therapy!!!!
And at the same time she fears marriage, she idolizes her parent’s marriage… saying stuff like “they are the exception” or “I want to take my time to settle and have what they have” my sister in Christ, you have been in love with the same man for years and just found out it’s reciprocated? What more do you want? You HAVE what your parents have at your fingertips, but your issues are stopping you!!
They did have a cute relationship, and the spice was perfection. This one didn't hit like the others based on my own dislike for how the friends-to-lovers developed, and mainly for Monroe's reasoning and her character itself.
Quotes:
Paxton means everything to me. He's my center of gravity when I'm threatening to spin right off the planet.
I already know I love him, but I'm pretty sure I've been in love with him for a while.
Because not only is she my best friend, the one person I never want to lose...
It's like Paxton has kissed me a thousand times and knows exactly how to set me ablaze.
"You're perfect. And I'll show you right here and now just how damn desirable you can be. All you have to do is say the word."
His eyes are on me, looking at me in a way I've never seen him look at me before.
And after what he'd just done to me?
I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at him the same either.
"Since when have you ever needed my last name for me to give you what you want?"
"You are my best friend, the love of my life, the one constant I've always clung to. You're my lifeline, the happiness in every single day, and I've loved you for far longer than you've ever known. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
The issue for me in friends-to-lovers is how scared both people are to say anything. Most times that’s what pisses me off so bad, but I can get over it because both are doing it while staying celibate (both) or fucking around (both). The bigger issue arises when only one of them is celibate while the other is fucking around… and in this case Monroe didn’t only fuck around, she fucked with a teammate, and a shitty person at that.
And then her excuse for not wanting to get married is … that her mom has dealt with a ton of divorces as a divorce attorney? While her parents are happily married? Talk about looking for trauma where there’s none.
Paxton was a saint, but even he got on my nerves. My brother in Christ, tell her how you feel, be brave. And if it doesn’t work out, you get over it and go back to being friends, it’s not hard, I’ve done it.
And once they accept the attraction, both go into it as a “this has an end date”…no wonder it’ll have an end date if that’s the only thing you think about! Why, oh, why didn’t Monroe decide to go to therapy? That would have saved EVERYONE the struggle of her commitment phobia/divorce phobia. And she kept self-sabotaging by thinking up fake scenarios of her getting proposed to or her actual wedding… again, therapy!!!!
And at the same time she fears marriage, she idolizes her parent’s marriage… saying stuff like “they are the exception” or “I want to take my time to settle and have what they have” my sister in Christ, you have been in love with the same man for years and just found out it’s reciprocated? What more do you want? You HAVE what your parents have at your fingertips, but your issues are stopping you!!
They did have a cute relationship, and the spice was perfection. This one didn't hit like the others based on my own dislike for how the friends-to-lovers developed, and mainly for Monroe's reasoning and her character itself.
Quotes:
Paxton means everything to me. He's my center of gravity when I'm threatening to spin right off the planet.
I already know I love him, but I'm pretty sure I've been in love with him for a while.
Because not only is she my best friend, the one person I never want to lose...
It's like Paxton has kissed me a thousand times and knows exactly how to set me ablaze.
"You're perfect. And I'll show you right here and now just how damn desirable you can be. All you have to do is say the word."
His eyes are on me, looking at me in a way I've never seen him look at me before.
And after what he'd just done to me?
I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at him the same either.
"Since when have you ever needed my last name for me to give you what you want?"
"You are my best friend, the love of my life, the one constant I've always clung to. You're my lifeline, the happiness in every single day, and I've loved you for far longer than you've ever known. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
May 31, 2025
Paxton is the definition “if he wanted to, he would”. “Paxton” is a swoony, heartfelt and romantic best friends to lovers hockey romance that was a great addition to the series.
Paxton has been best friends with Monroe for most of his life. Their families vacationed together and they have always been a constant in each other’s life. And when Monroe needs help after being left behind at a concert festival, he drops everything to help her. And when she needs a place to stay, he offers her the spare bedroom in his house for as long as she needs it. Paxton has had feelings for Monroe for as long as he can remember but has never told her about it. However, Monroe has the same feelings for Paxton and when they go on vacation together, those feelings surface to the top.
I loved how long Paxton and Monroe had been friends. They had such a deep connection and that shined out throughout the story. Paxton is a walking green flag with how much he cared for even before they started dating. He’s genuine, kind and cares deeply. He’s also close with his teammates who are all great. Monroe is a kind soul who through no fault of her own had some hang ups on finding anything serious because her mother was a divorce lawyer. But she’s a great friend to Paxton and loves him deeply. They both had some fears of losing each other if their relationship didn’t work and that was so relatable. But once they gave into their feelings, the chemistry came through and showed how compatible they were. Paxton and Monroes truly saw each other for who they were and I loved them as a couple. And the little teaser got for the next book has me counting down the days until we get it.
Paxton has been best friends with Monroe for most of his life. Their families vacationed together and they have always been a constant in each other’s life. And when Monroe needs help after being left behind at a concert festival, he drops everything to help her. And when she needs a place to stay, he offers her the spare bedroom in his house for as long as she needs it. Paxton has had feelings for Monroe for as long as he can remember but has never told her about it. However, Monroe has the same feelings for Paxton and when they go on vacation together, those feelings surface to the top.
I loved how long Paxton and Monroe had been friends. They had such a deep connection and that shined out throughout the story. Paxton is a walking green flag with how much he cared for even before they started dating. He’s genuine, kind and cares deeply. He’s also close with his teammates who are all great. Monroe is a kind soul who through no fault of her own had some hang ups on finding anything serious because her mother was a divorce lawyer. But she’s a great friend to Paxton and loves him deeply. They both had some fears of losing each other if their relationship didn’t work and that was so relatable. But once they gave into their feelings, the chemistry came through and showed how compatible they were. Paxton and Monroes truly saw each other for who they were and I loved them as a couple. And the little teaser got for the next book has me counting down the days until we get it.
June 1, 2025
Paxton has a problem, he has feelings for his best friend, but is afraid if he takes that step and tells her how he feels, that she'll bolt. It's a well known fact his girl doesn't feelings, relationships, and forever kind of things. But now that she has become his roommate keeping his secret is becoming harder by the minute...
The pages of this wonderfully penned romance are certain to keep you captivated and swooning throughout. There is nothing sweeter than two long time friends who are secretly in love with one another unexpectedly finding their forever, and these two prove that page after page. Paxton has been hesitant to tell his best friend Monroe that he has more than friend feelings for her because she isn't the type of girl to do long term relationships, and for him she is his forever. But when they decide to take a vacation together the lines between them start to disappear and those feelings start to take hold. It's something both have secretly wanted for a long time, but are they strong enough to last?
I really enjoyed this newest offering from Ms. Whiskey, the words were engaging and heartfelt and the characters so easy to fall for... they had me at first meet! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of this wonderfully penned romance are certain to keep you captivated and swooning throughout. There is nothing sweeter than two long time friends who are secretly in love with one another unexpectedly finding their forever, and these two prove that page after page. Paxton has been hesitant to tell his best friend Monroe that he has more than friend feelings for her because she isn't the type of girl to do long term relationships, and for him she is his forever. But when they decide to take a vacation together the lines between them start to disappear and those feelings start to take hold. It's something both have secretly wanted for a long time, but are they strong enough to last?
I really enjoyed this newest offering from Ms. Whiskey, the words were engaging and heartfelt and the characters so easy to fall for... they had me at first meet! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 13, 2025
I bought this book because I saw an ad for it on Facebook and I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope. By the looks of it I already knew that it was not going to be a 5 star book for me. I had never heard of this author and wanted to try her out. I think Samantha Whiskey is newer to the hockey romance novel world (I could be wrong though!). Overall I enjoyed Paxton as a character and it is very clear he had been in love with Monroe for years, however I did not appreciate the "trauma" that the author put on Monroe with her being afraid of commitment. I have read other hockey romance books where the main female character has bigger problems than that and the male character sees that and helps her through it (I was also reading The Deal by Elle Kennedy while reading this as well and Paxton is no where near what Garrett Graham is, if you know you know!). I also was unimpressed by all of the grammatical errors in this book as it made it more difficult to read. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a shorter story with a male main character who is completely infatuated with his childhood best friend, then this is the book for you. I did check out the other books in this series and I am willing to give them a read as well, however I would not go out of my way to read them over other hockey and sports romance books.
June 2, 2025
Everytime an author does a best friends to lovers trope well, I remember just why this trope is so popular even if it's not my favorite trope, when it's done well, it's so so good! Paxton and Monroe are best friends from childhood, but have never even considered crossing the line between friendship and dating because they both want very different things. Paxton wants the whole nine yards, but Monroe doesn't want marriage or kids after seeing her mom be on of the best divorce lawyers, she is scared of a failed marriage more than anything!
Paxton and Monroe end up living together and vacationing together and the lines blur slowly until they end up in a full blown relationship without the label. They have the sweetest friendship, really understanding of each other and who they are as a person and they treat each other so well. Its the cutest thing and im obsessed with them so much, but I couldn't put this down and loved every moment of it!
The hockey in this book is subtle, it was mostly the off-season but I loved seeing all the teammate interactions and friendships, they helped love Paxton and Monroe's feelings a little forward and was so helpful in making sure they didn't mess up their lives big time! I cannot wait for the next book!
Paxton and Monroe end up living together and vacationing together and the lines blur slowly until they end up in a full blown relationship without the label. They have the sweetest friendship, really understanding of each other and who they are as a person and they treat each other so well. Its the cutest thing and im obsessed with them so much, but I couldn't put this down and loved every moment of it!
The hockey in this book is subtle, it was mostly the off-season but I loved seeing all the teammate interactions and friendships, they helped love Paxton and Monroe's feelings a little forward and was so helpful in making sure they didn't mess up their lives big time! I cannot wait for the next book!
July 11, 2025
2.5 stars overall but dropping the more I think about it.
From reading other reviews just after starting I noticed a few points they raised that annoyed me throughout. Zero description of either main character, nothing. No mention of eye colour, size, nothing. This made it impossible to visualise them and I hate that because I usually see everything like a movie when reading.
Also, the FMC was just so messed up for absolutely no reason. Panicking over the idea of marriage because she saw so many messed up clients of her mother's growing up? Give me a break. The girls said that her and Paxton had weathered conflicts as best friends but they hadn't. He'd clearly been the most supportive and wonderful best friend to her forever. No mention of any conflicts growing up, he always found her and took care of her. He was the ideal partner and she still freaked out over nothing.
This was so disappointing compared to the other books. It was short and easy to read but it felt lacking in so many ways. With pointers about other couples dotted throughout to keep us interested in the series. Paxton deserved more than this.
From reading other reviews just after starting I noticed a few points they raised that annoyed me throughout. Zero description of either main character, nothing. No mention of eye colour, size, nothing. This made it impossible to visualise them and I hate that because I usually see everything like a movie when reading.
Also, the FMC was just so messed up for absolutely no reason. Panicking over the idea of marriage because she saw so many messed up clients of her mother's growing up? Give me a break. The girls said that her and Paxton had weathered conflicts as best friends but they hadn't. He'd clearly been the most supportive and wonderful best friend to her forever. No mention of any conflicts growing up, he always found her and took care of her. He was the ideal partner and she still freaked out over nothing.
This was so disappointing compared to the other books. It was short and easy to read but it felt lacking in so many ways. With pointers about other couples dotted throughout to keep us interested in the series. Paxton deserved more than this.
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level
Paxton and Monroe have been best of friends for years as their families have been friends and traveling together. Monroe has always seen Paxton as her safe space. The book even starts out with him rescuing her from panic at a local event she was left at. Monroe is pretty staunch on no marriage or committed relationships because she watches her mother be the best dang divorce lawyer growing up, which messed with her head.
These two do so many things together, and later, when she needs to move, he offers his spare room. This, of course, leads to close proximity and the vacation where they give in to the proximity. Paxton is a steady presence and is respectful of her boundaries along with her no marriages. You can't but want them to give in and be done with it. These two literally jive and incorporate each other in their lives seamlessly. I enjoyed this shorter book with their happy ending.
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: June 3, 2025
🌶 - Spice Level
Paxton and Monroe have been best of friends for years as their families have been friends and traveling together. Monroe has always seen Paxton as her safe space. The book even starts out with him rescuing her from panic at a local event she was left at. Monroe is pretty staunch on no marriage or committed relationships because she watches her mother be the best dang divorce lawyer growing up, which messed with her head.
These two do so many things together, and later, when she needs to move, he offers his spare room. This, of course, leads to close proximity and the vacation where they give in to the proximity. Paxton is a steady presence and is respectful of her boundaries along with her no marriages. You can't but want them to give in and be done with it. These two literally jive and incorporate each other in their lives seamlessly. I enjoyed this shorter book with their happy ending.
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: June 3, 2025
June 4, 2025
Love Paxton and Monroe’s story to the moon and back!
Paxton and Monroe have been friends since they were children. She had an experience when she was ten years old and can get panic attacks when in a crowd. Paxton has been in love with her forever. Monroe has been going out with Liam. She broke up with him and he left her at a festival alone and a panic attack set in. Paxton to the rescue. He knows her inside and out. Liam lives next door to Monroe. Paxton and Liam are on the hockey team, the Badgers. Paxton gives Liam a warning and takes Monroe home with him. Side Note: Monroe doesn’t do relationships. She’s seen too many divorces because her mother is a divorce lawyer, although her mother and father’s marriage is solid. She actually panics when she thinks of marriage. Secretly, Monroe has been in love with Paxton but never acted on it. Read on to read a wonderful steamy love story that will bring you sadness and joy all at the same time. You won’t be disappointed in the least.
Paxton and Monroe have been friends since they were children. She had an experience when she was ten years old and can get panic attacks when in a crowd. Paxton has been in love with her forever. Monroe has been going out with Liam. She broke up with him and he left her at a festival alone and a panic attack set in. Paxton to the rescue. He knows her inside and out. Liam lives next door to Monroe. Paxton and Liam are on the hockey team, the Badgers. Paxton gives Liam a warning and takes Monroe home with him. Side Note: Monroe doesn’t do relationships. She’s seen too many divorces because her mother is a divorce lawyer, although her mother and father’s marriage is solid. She actually panics when she thinks of marriage. Secretly, Monroe has been in love with Paxton but never acted on it. Read on to read a wonderful steamy love story that will bring you sadness and joy all at the same time. You won’t be disappointed in the least.
June 3, 2025
It takes some time for Paxton and Monroe move from friends to lovers!
Hockey player Paxton Ritchford would do anything for his best friend Monroe so he went to her rescue when a date with a teammate went bad. Paxton moves Monroe in with him when Liam won’t leave her alone and causing problems. Only problem is that he has been in love with Monroe for a while and she has a severe marriage phobia from her mom’s career as a divorce lawyer.
Monroe didn’t know if she could get serious about Paxton with her issues about marriage but the more they were together the more she needed to make a decision about whether or not they had a future together.
I love how Samantha Whiskey shows that Paxton and Monroe had been friends for a long time before realizing that they needed to admit they were in love with their best friend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hockey player Paxton Ritchford would do anything for his best friend Monroe so he went to her rescue when a date with a teammate went bad. Paxton moves Monroe in with him when Liam won’t leave her alone and causing problems. Only problem is that he has been in love with Monroe for a while and she has a severe marriage phobia from her mom’s career as a divorce lawyer.
Monroe didn’t know if she could get serious about Paxton with her issues about marriage but the more they were together the more she needed to make a decision about whether or not they had a future together.
I love how Samantha Whiskey shows that Paxton and Monroe had been friends for a long time before realizing that they needed to admit they were in love with their best friend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
I have read six of Samantha’s hockey romance books and I believe I am hooked on these hockey men.
Paxton and Monroe have been best friends since they were kids only over time they both have secretly kept their secret feelings for each other. Too afraid to let the other know how they feel, they remain the best of friends. But their undeniable chemistry is evident and hot.
Paxton is a great best friend. He knows Monroe so well. He’s protective and knows exactly what she needs as a bestie would know.
Monroe is so hesitant to think about long term relationships but she’s strong and I like that about her. I’ve said this before in previous books in this series, the hockey teammates and their girlfriends are such a perfect entourage! They have great chemistry together. I’m addicted to hockey romance and this story was sweet and so entertaining!
Paxton and Monroe have been best friends since they were kids only over time they both have secretly kept their secret feelings for each other. Too afraid to let the other know how they feel, they remain the best of friends. But their undeniable chemistry is evident and hot.
Paxton is a great best friend. He knows Monroe so well. He’s protective and knows exactly what she needs as a bestie would know.
Monroe is so hesitant to think about long term relationships but she’s strong and I like that about her. I’ve said this before in previous books in this series, the hockey teammates and their girlfriends are such a perfect entourage! They have great chemistry together. I’m addicted to hockey romance and this story was sweet and so entertaining!
June 2, 2025
I love a good best friends who fall in love! Paxton and Monroe’s story was a great read and I could not stop reading.
As best friends for most of their lives, the history between Paxton and Monroe is long, but always been only friendship. Their friends always ask them why they are not a couple, but both always deflect, denying the feelings they secretly have for each other, especially because he wants marriage and kids, and she is very much against them.
After Monroe breaks up with one of Paxton’s teammate, she moves in with Paxton, and their feelings start to emerge while spending more time together. Their attraction is explosive and once the honeymoon stage is over Paxton and Monroe need to figure out if they can align their wants and needs or go back to friends, if that is even possible.
This is a fantastic HEA, I love this series and I am very excited for what comes next!
As best friends for most of their lives, the history between Paxton and Monroe is long, but always been only friendship. Their friends always ask them why they are not a couple, but both always deflect, denying the feelings they secretly have for each other, especially because he wants marriage and kids, and she is very much against them.
After Monroe breaks up with one of Paxton’s teammate, she moves in with Paxton, and their feelings start to emerge while spending more time together. Their attraction is explosive and once the honeymoon stage is over Paxton and Monroe need to figure out if they can align their wants and needs or go back to friends, if that is even possible.
This is a fantastic HEA, I love this series and I am very excited for what comes next!
June 2, 2025
📚 Paxton - ARC Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was super sweet and full of heart! I loved how Paxton and Monroe had such a deep friendship before anything happened, it made their connection feel really real. Paxton gave off all the green flag vibes: kind, caring, and so patient with Monroe. Their chemistry was spot on once they finally gave in to their feelings.
Monroe was sweet too, even if I didn’t always get her reasons for holding back. The hockey part was subtle since it’s mostly off-season, but I enjoyed the team dynamics, they added a nice layer to the story.
The book was a bit short for me and I wished we had more description of the characters, but overall it kept me hooked. And that teaser for the next book? I can’t wait! Bring on more Baylor and Hadley! 🤩
Thanks a lot to @authorsamanthawhiskey for this ARC !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was super sweet and full of heart! I loved how Paxton and Monroe had such a deep friendship before anything happened, it made their connection feel really real. Paxton gave off all the green flag vibes: kind, caring, and so patient with Monroe. Their chemistry was spot on once they finally gave in to their feelings.
Monroe was sweet too, even if I didn’t always get her reasons for holding back. The hockey part was subtle since it’s mostly off-season, but I enjoyed the team dynamics, they added a nice layer to the story.
The book was a bit short for me and I wished we had more description of the characters, but overall it kept me hooked. And that teaser for the next book? I can’t wait! Bring on more Baylor and Hadley! 🤩
Thanks a lot to @authorsamanthawhiskey for this ARC !
May 31, 2025
Once again, this is a very good book by Samatha Whiskey. Paxton and Monroe, best friends for a long time but secretly in love with each other. When the line is crossed, two things can happen. Become a true team with love and trust, or hurt the other if they don't feel the same. Can they live without each other? This story shows that the fear of losing the other by changing things can be a difficult choice. A well-written, funny and moving story that quickly gets us hooked on Paxton and Monroe. The book is a bit like child's play, but it's no less true that it's not child's play, and it's no less child's play. Monroe loves Pax, but her fear blinds her. Who will prevail, love or fear? I recommend it, as I do all Samantha Whiskey's books!
June 3, 2025
Oh, I couldn't wait for this book. I love a friends to lovers kind of book and this one did not disappoint.
If you want a low angst, high heat and a, I might throttle these two, this is it.
Monroe has always been against marriage, babies and the whole nine yards after growing up with her mother's profession of a divorce attorney, but her parents are happily married. You'll believe anything when your young and dumb.
Paxton and Monroe have been friends, best friends since they were kids. Their families were very close making these two even closer. But at what point did their bestie-ship turn to something more?
What a great book. I can't wait for the next in the series. I think there is going to be some big-time fireworks.
If you want a low angst, high heat and a, I might throttle these two, this is it.
Monroe has always been against marriage, babies and the whole nine yards after growing up with her mother's profession of a divorce attorney, but her parents are happily married. You'll believe anything when your young and dumb.
Paxton and Monroe have been friends, best friends since they were kids. Their families were very close making these two even closer. But at what point did their bestie-ship turn to something more?
What a great book. I can't wait for the next in the series. I think there is going to be some big-time fireworks.
June 4, 2025
This one was interesting, mostly because we, along with all the characters saw Paxton and Monroe would be good together, they just needed to get on the same page. I thought it telling that Monroe realized that Paxton was her safe place and even told him that. Paxton was aware of Monroe's issues and did what he could to work around them. It sucked that they had their little tiff towards the end, all over a misunderstanding. I'm glad that Monroe cooled down enough to listen to Paxton's explanation of things and realize she needed to really take a look at her life and really decide. She made the right choice in the end.
August 22, 2025
Needs a bit of variety
For having moved onto to the third couple in the series, there isn’t much variation in the 🌶️ scenes from other characters in the previous books. The order in which all intimate scenes progress is repeated nearly identically, even the accompanying narrative is similar.
I also couldn’t get why she was so hung up on the fear of divorce due to her moms profession as a divorce lawyer. Did she spend her childhood in her moms office to observe all these broken people that were just her mothers clients? If her parents had a healthy and happy marriage, wouldn’t that be more impactful than strangers her mom represented?
For having moved onto to the third couple in the series, there isn’t much variation in the 🌶️ scenes from other characters in the previous books. The order in which all intimate scenes progress is repeated nearly identically, even the accompanying narrative is similar.
I also couldn’t get why she was so hung up on the fear of divorce due to her moms profession as a divorce lawyer. Did she spend her childhood in her moms office to observe all these broken people that were just her mothers clients? If her parents had a healthy and happy marriage, wouldn’t that be more impactful than strangers her mom represented?
May 31, 2025
I never get tired of reading about hockey players and Paxton is no different. I love the relationship that Paxton and Monroe have. It’s a real gift to be able to be yourself and know that you’re accepted just as you are. It’s understandable that neither Paxton or Monroe wanted to hurt their long time friendship, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Monroe’s aversion to marriage or a long term commitment didn’t always make sense, but, you never what sticks in a person’s mind. I’m looking forward to more Bangor Badgers’ books.
June 4, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I loved the strong foundation of friendship between Paxton and Monroe. I loved how deep the trust was between them, knowing that they would be there for each other no matter what.
When Monroe is forced to move in with Paxton, it changes the trajectory in their relationship to something more. I really enjoyed seeing the slow but steady progression of their relationship throughout the book.
This was another amazing book in the series and I am already looking forward to Baylor’s story next!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I loved the strong foundation of friendship between Paxton and Monroe. I loved how deep the trust was between them, knowing that they would be there for each other no matter what.
When Monroe is forced to move in with Paxton, it changes the trajectory in their relationship to something more. I really enjoyed seeing the slow but steady progression of their relationship throughout the book.
This was another amazing book in the series and I am already looking forward to Baylor’s story next!
June 15, 2025
Mid
The story is mid, but they are a young couple, so I'm not surprised at the lack of depth.
Monroe and Paxton are best friends and have been since they were kids. Shenwas with a guy who wasn't the best for her, and after he messes up, Paxton tells her that she can move in with him to recoup and get back on her feet. Close proximity leads to emotions growing between them. They become lovers, but she is afraid of commitment, so this slows the progress to ever after. They have a misunderstanding because of a ring that she found, but they work it out and have their HEA.
The story is mid, but they are a young couple, so I'm not surprised at the lack of depth.
Monroe and Paxton are best friends and have been since they were kids. Shenwas with a guy who wasn't the best for her, and after he messes up, Paxton tells her that she can move in with him to recoup and get back on her feet. Close proximity leads to emotions growing between them. They become lovers, but she is afraid of commitment, so this slows the progress to ever after. They have a misunderstanding because of a ring that she found, but they work it out and have their HEA.
June 17, 2025
a great friends to lovers story
I love hockey romance and this author never fails to give me an amazing story to read. Pax and Monroe have been a couple that I needed to read about since they showed up on the page of another story. The author gave us best friends to lovers and dealing with internalized issues but without detracting from the story. I enjoyed how she incorporated real hockey games into the story. It felt like I was on the ice. As always I never get tired of the stories this author tells and I binged this one so fast.
I love hockey romance and this author never fails to give me an amazing story to read. Pax and Monroe have been a couple that I needed to read about since they showed up on the page of another story. The author gave us best friends to lovers and dealing with internalized issues but without detracting from the story. I enjoyed how she incorporated real hockey games into the story. It felt like I was on the ice. As always I never get tired of the stories this author tells and I binged this one so fast.
May 23, 2025
always love reading Samantha Whiskey books and Paxton was just was just as great as all the others. loved the best friendship between Paxton and Monroe. I was sad to see Monroe go through her issues she had due to her mom's occupation even though her mom was happily married. but Paxton didn't let that stop him from being with the love of his life and make Monroe she what life could be like with him ..
can't wait for baylor's book!!!
can't wait for baylor's book!!!
June 3, 2025
Paxton and Monroe's story was an easy story to devour.
Their connection has been obvious to everyone else, and yet, these two kept wavering. It was quite frustrating at times.
Their chemistry, even as friends, was off the charts.
I adored the way Paxton treated Monroe. How he made her his first priority, was supportive and not overbearing...what's that saying? If he wanted to, he would? That's the definition of Paxton.
Monroe's worries and hang-ups definitely put a damper on their story. However, I was pleasantly surprised by her recovery.
If you are after a steamy, swoony, slightly angsty friends to lovers story, then you will want to pick up this book.
Their connection has been obvious to everyone else, and yet, these two kept wavering. It was quite frustrating at times.
Their chemistry, even as friends, was off the charts.
I adored the way Paxton treated Monroe. How he made her his first priority, was supportive and not overbearing...what's that saying? If he wanted to, he would? That's the definition of Paxton.
Monroe's worries and hang-ups definitely put a damper on their story. However, I was pleasantly surprised by her recovery.
If you are after a steamy, swoony, slightly angsty friends to lovers story, then you will want to pick up this book.
June 16, 2025
Friends to Lovers but in a seamless way. The third act break up wasn't as painful as the others in the series either. Monroe has years of negative feelings to overcome, and Paxton is trying to be what he thinks she needs. When Monroe finally accepts the positives, what a beautiful story.
Paxton has always and will always be there for her, and we could all be so lucky to have a Paxton in our lives ❤️
Paxton has always and will always be there for her, and we could all be so lucky to have a Paxton in our lives ❤️
June 20, 2025
Oh my god!
Or should I say I say it with an I like they do?
This book was ok.
Not great, the begging I liked but her whole marriage and divorce thing made me so mad.
I was actually comparing so much about her marriage issues.
He said you could just not get married but that’s not good enough for her.
I really want to read the next book.
It’s wasn’t terrible.
Really short read.
Interesting book.
Good book.
Or should I say I say it with an I like they do?
This book was ok.
Not great, the begging I liked but her whole marriage and divorce thing made me so mad.
I was actually comparing so much about her marriage issues.
He said you could just not get married but that’s not good enough for her.
I really want to read the next book.
It’s wasn’t terrible.
Really short read.
Interesting book.
Good book.
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