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Houston Baddies Hockey #1
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
I didn't mean to roast Gio Montagalo, goalie and crown jewel of The Houston Baddies hockey team. Honestly, I was screaming at the television in a sports bar like any self-respecting sports junkie! So when his sister sidles up on the stool beside me, laughing at my commentary, I figured I'd made a fan, too. What I didn't expect? For her brother—the guy I called "a flashy ice peacock with the reflexes of a sloth"—to hear about it.
Next thing I know, Gio is in my DMs with a "Hold up a sassy sign at my game and hit me with your best shot. Roast me in front of everyone." For him, it's fun. For me, it's humiliating. But I did it. Glitter included. And because the universe thrives on chaos, the Baddies won. Now Gio thinks I'm his good luck charm, begging me to show up with more signs. He also wants to see me—off the ice. What does a hot, hockey hunk want with a bookish girlie like me?
I try to keep my distance. Mostly. Soon, Gio is showing up at my job for swoony kisses and trying to charm my dog—also named Gio—and failing because my dog hates him. I wonder if this whole "lucky charm" thing has less to do with hockey and more to do with the overwhelming, undeniable pull I feel toward him. Or maybe it's fate's way of showing me that sometimes, the guy you roast on national television can be the one you accidentally fall for.
Next thing I know, Gio is in my DMs with a "Hold up a sassy sign at my game and hit me with your best shot. Roast me in front of everyone." For him, it's fun. For me, it's humiliating. But I did it. Glitter included. And because the universe thrives on chaos, the Baddies won. Now Gio thinks I'm his good luck charm, begging me to show up with more signs. He also wants to see me—off the ice. What does a hot, hockey hunk want with a bookish girlie like me?
I try to keep my distance. Mostly. Soon, Gio is showing up at my job for swoony kisses and trying to charm my dog—also named Gio—and failing because my dog hates him. I wonder if this whole "lucky charm" thing has less to do with hockey and more to do with the overwhelming, undeniable pull I feel toward him. Or maybe it's fate's way of showing me that sometimes, the guy you roast on national television can be the one you accidentally fall for.
Audible Audio
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Sara Ney
70 books6,738 followersSara Ney is an Amazon and USA Today bestselling author of new adult college and adult romance. Sexy and laugh-out-loud funny, her work includes the How to Date a Douchebag and Campus Legends series. Ney’s books have been translated into several languages for markets such as Germany, Italy, Brazil, French, and Portuguese.
Sara lives with her partner, Jeff, in a blended household overrun by four independent teenagers. At their weekly “Cute Date Night,” they discuss TV shows they’re bingeing and plot novels together, something Jeff is freakishly good at. Sara loves traveling, because it’s the only time she has the bathroom to herself.
Sara lives with her partner, Jeff, in a blended household overrun by four independent teenagers. At their weekly “Cute Date Night,” they discuss TV shows they’re bingeing and plot novels together, something Jeff is freakishly good at. Sara loves traveling, because it’s the only time she has the bathroom to herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
March 20, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up because of the sweetness and green flag H
There were some crumbs left on this one. It’s a funny and cute set-up with the hockey fan h talking smack about the famous goalie H when he’s on an off streak. This leads to the two meeting, him being motivated by her, and their banter turning into dating and love, with a surprise along the way.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (neither had dated in a while and not much depth given on their histories; H did have the negative puck bunny experience but this was glossed over since he learned from it).
Some tropes/themes (last one is a spoiler that I tagged):
☆ Hockey MMC with an academic FMC
☆ Lots of banter (in person and via text threads)
☆ She’s his lucky charm
☆ Green flag MMC
☆ Cute animal sidekick (well the cute is in question lol)
☆ Involved twin sister for the MMC
☆ Hockey scenes, plus she’s an actual fan
☆
Gio (H) was fun but not in that typical hockey star way, he had a good sense of humor and a laidback style, even though he could still ego (totally a verb) with the best of them. He loves his sister, doesn’t go out partying, always bonded with fans, and I loved how he immediately appreciates so much about Austin (h), like her snark and intelligence. Austin was a fan of hockey and she does have some moments of feeling intimidated that this player she admires seems into her, but he’s quick to acknowledge that she intimidates him given that she’s a professor at a university. Their dynamic was excellent and even though it's built fairly quickly, it felt like they had a good sense of who they other was. Not a lot of moments of vulnerability but some tender moments are present. There are several spicy scenes, some just making out or trying to sext and others full on getting there. The horny chemistry was real lol.
I did feel like both Gio and Austin came across as younger than they’re written as (both are in their mid to late 20s) and I had more early 20s vibes from them instead of established professionals. Along the same lines, the humor slaps sometimes and other times felt forced or oddly placed. Despite the sweetness, I had trouble maintaining focus, which kinda disappointed me since the main characters were genuinely likable and I wanted to feel more invested in how adorable they were together. Their first date was great and the first time that Gio saw Austin’s pet was hilarious (all the moments with the little guy were funny). However the pacing felt off as the book continued into more of establishing their relationship.
Most of the story is Austin and Gio, with occasional side character appearances. Gio’s twin sister was meant to be funny, but her scenes often fell flat for me personally and it’s a shame because she’s the next FMC in the series and I’m intrigued at the premise but don’t know if I want to read a whole book of her character. Austin’s pet was a bright light and her best friend was great, but didn’t have as much page time. Unfortunately Gio’s parents are deceased and Austin’s mom was barely mentioned. Austin knows all about his background thanks to public knowledge, but hers wasn’t as fleshed out.
There’s no third act breakup or even drama. A surprise does occur and they handle it like adults who communicate. That is something I’d like to celebrate, there was communication throughout the book. Sometimes in funny ways, like Gio encouraging Austin to smack talk with him, and other times in a more earnest and sincere style. As I write this review, I do think that Austin was overshadowed by Gio in the story even though both are obviously on page frequently and equal partners in the relationship. It's just that some of her individual thoughts were still wrapped up in him whereas he also had his sister to worry about and the game.
The ending is HFN with just a few months jump ahead and not enough satisfaction for me even though they’re together and in love. I know they’ll pop up in other books, clearly, but this could have shown them even a bit further along down the road to greater effect. This author wrote one of the sweetest epilogues in one of my comfort reads of hers that still lives in my head and I’d had sort of similar vibes during this book but didn’t get the same level of awwww at the end. The last chapter is from Gio’s sister’s POV with a lead-in to her book (and what appears to be a connection to a prior series by the author).
There were some crumbs left on this one. It’s a funny and cute set-up with the hockey fan h talking smack about the famous goalie H when he’s on an off streak. This leads to the two meeting, him being motivated by her, and their banter turning into dating and love, with a surprise along the way.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (neither had dated in a while and not much depth given on their histories; H did have the negative puck bunny experience but this was glossed over since he learned from it).
Some tropes/themes (last one is a spoiler that I tagged):
☆ Hockey MMC with an academic FMC
☆ Lots of banter (in person and via text threads)
☆ She’s his lucky charm
☆ Green flag MMC
☆ Cute animal sidekick (well the cute is in question lol)
☆ Involved twin sister for the MMC
☆ Hockey scenes, plus she’s an actual fan
☆
Gio (H) was fun but not in that typical hockey star way, he had a good sense of humor and a laidback style, even though he could still ego (totally a verb) with the best of them. He loves his sister, doesn’t go out partying, always bonded with fans, and I loved how he immediately appreciates so much about Austin (h), like her snark and intelligence. Austin was a fan of hockey and she does have some moments of feeling intimidated that this player she admires seems into her, but he’s quick to acknowledge that she intimidates him given that she’s a professor at a university. Their dynamic was excellent and even though it's built fairly quickly, it felt like they had a good sense of who they other was. Not a lot of moments of vulnerability but some tender moments are present. There are several spicy scenes, some just making out or trying to sext and others full on getting there. The horny chemistry was real lol.
I did feel like both Gio and Austin came across as younger than they’re written as (both are in their mid to late 20s) and I had more early 20s vibes from them instead of established professionals. Along the same lines, the humor slaps sometimes and other times felt forced or oddly placed. Despite the sweetness, I had trouble maintaining focus, which kinda disappointed me since the main characters were genuinely likable and I wanted to feel more invested in how adorable they were together. Their first date was great and the first time that Gio saw Austin’s pet was hilarious (all the moments with the little guy were funny). However the pacing felt off as the book continued into more of establishing their relationship.
Most of the story is Austin and Gio, with occasional side character appearances. Gio’s twin sister was meant to be funny, but her scenes often fell flat for me personally and it’s a shame because she’s the next FMC in the series and I’m intrigued at the premise but don’t know if I want to read a whole book of her character. Austin’s pet was a bright light and her best friend was great, but didn’t have as much page time. Unfortunately Gio’s parents are deceased and Austin’s mom was barely mentioned. Austin knows all about his background thanks to public knowledge, but hers wasn’t as fleshed out.
There’s no third act breakup or even drama. A surprise does occur and they handle it like adults who communicate. That is something I’d like to celebrate, there was communication throughout the book. Sometimes in funny ways, like Gio encouraging Austin to smack talk with him, and other times in a more earnest and sincere style. As I write this review, I do think that Austin was overshadowed by Gio in the story even though both are obviously on page frequently and equal partners in the relationship. It's just that some of her individual thoughts were still wrapped up in him whereas he also had his sister to worry about and the game.
The ending is HFN with just a few months jump ahead and not enough satisfaction for me even though they’re together and in love. I know they’ll pop up in other books, clearly, but this could have shown them even a bit further along down the road to greater effect. This author wrote one of the sweetest epilogues in one of my comfort reads of hers that still lives in my head and I’d had sort of similar vibes during this book but didn’t get the same level of awwww at the end. The last chapter is from Gio’s sister’s POV with a lead-in to her book (and what appears to be a connection to a prior series by the author).
May 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐ (Spoilers below!!!)
I'm rounding it up because I really enjoyed it, and I found myself smiling through most of the book. 😂
This really moved quickly, just like the blurb mentioned. It definitely has that insta-love/lust vibe between Gio (26) and Austin (29). It was hilarious overall, and I can only think of a couple of books where I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between the MCs. The LOL moments fit into the story without feeling forced or out of place, and it just seemed right for their characters as well.
Ngl, idk how to handle Gio's cocky personality in the beginning. I’m not typically into MMCs like him, but for some reason, he really grew on me. I even found myself looking forward to his next lines, crazy ideas, and antics. He was really confident, and I appreciate that his personality didn’t turn obnoxious afterwards.
If it took me a while to warm up to Gio, Austin had the opposite effect on me. I really loved her from the get go, especially that night at the bar when she was all fired up watching Gio's game. I love that she's sooo passionate about hockey! 😂 She's just so confident in herself, her job, and just who she is as a person. It's really refreshing to see a FMC who knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to chase after it.
Tbh, there's not much really to the story. If readers looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud while also serving up some romance and a bit of spice, then this one is definitely for them. There will never be a dull moment between these two, and their antics might just drive some readers a little crazy. 😂 Also, if readers are looking for a couple that really knows how to communicate and isn’t afraid to discuss matters that are important to them, this book will provide that and then some.
Overall, it was fun. 🥰 I just wish the epilogue was about them instead of the FMC of the next book. It would've been nice to see a glimpse of their lives years later and to see them as a family.
Book info:
- Sports romance (Hockey)
- Professor (h) x Hockey player (H)
- Insta-lust/love-ish
- Strangers to lovers
- Communication! 💖
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Suprised pregnancy
- No V (no info on h's past, but it's been years I think. As for H, there are few throwaway lines about his past, giving a playboy vibe, but he said he's slowed down since last year 🫠🙃)
- HFN (5 mos later, pregnant and living together)
I'm rounding it up because I really enjoyed it, and I found myself smiling through most of the book. 😂
This really moved quickly, just like the blurb mentioned. It definitely has that insta-love/lust vibe between Gio (26) and Austin (29). It was hilarious overall, and I can only think of a couple of books where I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between the MCs. The LOL moments fit into the story without feeling forced or out of place, and it just seemed right for their characters as well.
Ngl, idk how to handle Gio's cocky personality in the beginning. I’m not typically into MMCs like him, but for some reason, he really grew on me. I even found myself looking forward to his next lines, crazy ideas, and antics. He was really confident, and I appreciate that his personality didn’t turn obnoxious afterwards.
If it took me a while to warm up to Gio, Austin had the opposite effect on me. I really loved her from the get go, especially that night at the bar when she was all fired up watching Gio's game. I love that she's sooo passionate about hockey! 😂 She's just so confident in herself, her job, and just who she is as a person. It's really refreshing to see a FMC who knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to chase after it.
Tbh, there's not much really to the story. If readers looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud while also serving up some romance and a bit of spice, then this one is definitely for them. There will never be a dull moment between these two, and their antics might just drive some readers a little crazy. 😂 Also, if readers are looking for a couple that really knows how to communicate and isn’t afraid to discuss matters that are important to them, this book will provide that and then some.
Overall, it was fun. 🥰 I just wish the epilogue was about them instead of the FMC of the next book. It would've been nice to see a glimpse of their lives years later and to see them as a family.
Book info:
- Sports romance (Hockey)
- Professor (h) x Hockey player (H)
- Insta-lust/love-ish
- Strangers to lovers
- Communication! 💖
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Suprised pregnancy
- No V (no info on h's past, but it's been years I think. As for H, there are few throwaway lines about his past, giving a playboy vibe, but he said he's slowed down since last year 🫠🙃)
- HFN (5 mos later, pregnant and living together)
April 6, 2025
2,5 Estrellas. Me da pena no darle algo más porque los protagonistas me caen bien, pero es que casi no me he reído para ser una comedia romántica. Me ha faltado mayor descripción de los personajes (aun ahora no sé cómo es Gio más allá de su cuerpo), hay 0 conflicto y cuando debería haberlo, no lo hay. ¿Que es eso de darle una noticia así a alguien? Y que se enteren otras personas antes que el principal involucrado?
El adelanto del libro de Nova, la hermana del protagonista, si ha despertado mi curiosidad, así que seguramente lo leeré.
El adelanto del libro de Nova, la hermana del protagonista, si ha despertado mi curiosidad, así que seguramente lo leeré.
March 11, 2025
- H (26) h (29)
- Hockey player x Professor
- Mistaken Identity
- Surprise pregnancy
- There's a dog in it!
H/h meet when she's roasting her favorite player for playing a bad game and the player just happens to be H in this case. She gets invited to the game because her roasting brings him good luck. I loved both the characters, he was such a golden retriever and she was strong and smart. Their banter was so good!
This def isn't for everyone because it's very cheesy and predictable and the age of both mc don't match the vibe of the book. But i love me a corny cheesy romance once in while and this was perfect. Bonus for the lack of third act breakup.
Safety - H used to sleep around but has stopped since the past year. No details on h's sex life. No ow/om drama.
- Hockey player x Professor
- Mistaken Identity
- Surprise pregnancy
- There's a dog in it!
H/h meet when she's roasting her favorite player for playing a bad game and the player just happens to be H in this case. She gets invited to the game because her roasting brings him good luck. I loved both the characters, he was such a golden retriever and she was strong and smart. Their banter was so good!
This def isn't for everyone because it's very cheesy and predictable and the age of both mc don't match the vibe of the book. But i love me a corny cheesy romance once in while and this was perfect. Bonus for the lack of third act breakup.
Safety - H used to sleep around but has stopped since the past year. No details on h's sex life. No ow/om drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
DNF, sadly I could not finish this book. I really wanted to like it, it had all the things in it that I normally like in a book. BUT it was so childish,their behaviour was so juvenile.I couldn’t take it anymore and ruined the book for me. Such a shame 😭
March 10, 2025
Loved it
Okay, this book was so good that I'm writing this review the day after I finished it and I can't remember if it was open, closed, or cracked door romance. I remember there being some spice, but honestly, it wasn't the star of the show for me and coming from this dark romance reader, that's saying something. This story isn't about steam/spice and it delivers a hilarious romcom reminiscent of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (but without the heartbreak).
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan. Her and I would have so much fun at a game as she and I are the kinda gal who knows our stuff and has no problem loudly making it known during a game regardless of where we are. She finds herself at a bar (instead of using her season tickets) absolutely roasting the goalie (Gio) during a horrible game. Her banter with the bartender and Nova had me cracking up and it was like the first chapter.
Gio and Austin end up meeting and hit it off right away. There's a little bit of fake dating, a game-day superstition beginning, the media (of course) is a circus, there's a Chinese Crested (and when you find out his name, you'll die laughing) who honestly might've stolen the show. The banter in this is so great!
Austin is probably my favorite FMC in a very long time. She's loud, unapologetically herself, a little nerdy, a little awkward, and her inner monologue was something I was able to connect with.
Gio is pure book boyfriend. Not your typical broody, playboy hockey player. He's pure sunshine. His determination to win over Austin (and her dog--who's name I still don't want to give away because it's hilarious) is just endearing. He's charming, funny, quick with some self deprecation, and is emotionally invested from the beginning.
-No third-act break up
-Fake dating
-He falls first
-Text banter
-Good nature roasting
-Meddling twin sister
-Adorable(?) dog
-Game-day superstitions
That epilogue/final chapter from Nova's POV meeting Luca on the dating app? Ugh, I can't wait for book 2!
The ONLY reason this isn't a 5-star book for me is because if Austin is as big a fan as she is in the book, she would definitely know what Gio looks like. I'm sorry, I'm a die-hard SJ Sharks fan and besides the newly acquired players, I could pick out all the players in a crowd no problem. So, her not realizing that hot stranger from the bar daring her to roast the goalie while gifting her amazing seats no questions asked is the goalie for her favorite team isn't realistic for me.
However, regardless of the one issue above, I loved this book so very much and guarantee you'll be swooning and laughing the whole time.
Thank you Sara Ney and The Author Agency for the ARC.
Okay, this book was so good that I'm writing this review the day after I finished it and I can't remember if it was open, closed, or cracked door romance. I remember there being some spice, but honestly, it wasn't the star of the show for me and coming from this dark romance reader, that's saying something. This story isn't about steam/spice and it delivers a hilarious romcom reminiscent of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (but without the heartbreak).
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan. Her and I would have so much fun at a game as she and I are the kinda gal who knows our stuff and has no problem loudly making it known during a game regardless of where we are. She finds herself at a bar (instead of using her season tickets) absolutely roasting the goalie (Gio) during a horrible game. Her banter with the bartender and Nova had me cracking up and it was like the first chapter.
Gio and Austin end up meeting and hit it off right away. There's a little bit of fake dating, a game-day superstition beginning, the media (of course) is a circus, there's a Chinese Crested (and when you find out his name, you'll die laughing) who honestly might've stolen the show. The banter in this is so great!
Austin is probably my favorite FMC in a very long time. She's loud, unapologetically herself, a little nerdy, a little awkward, and her inner monologue was something I was able to connect with.
Gio is pure book boyfriend. Not your typical broody, playboy hockey player. He's pure sunshine. His determination to win over Austin (and her dog--who's name I still don't want to give away because it's hilarious) is just endearing. He's charming, funny, quick with some self deprecation, and is emotionally invested from the beginning.
-No third-act break up
-Fake dating
-He falls first
-Text banter
-Good nature roasting
-Meddling twin sister
-Adorable(?) dog
-Game-day superstitions
That epilogue/final chapter from Nova's POV meeting Luca on the dating app? Ugh, I can't wait for book 2!
The ONLY reason this isn't a 5-star book for me is because if Austin is as big a fan as she is in the book, she would definitely know what Gio looks like. I'm sorry, I'm a die-hard SJ Sharks fan and besides the newly acquired players, I could pick out all the players in a crowd no problem. So, her not realizing that hot stranger from the bar daring her to roast the goalie while gifting her amazing seats no questions asked is the goalie for her favorite team isn't realistic for me.
However, regardless of the one issue above, I loved this book so very much and guarantee you'll be swooning and laughing the whole time.
Thank you Sara Ney and The Author Agency for the ARC.
June 21, 2025
It's been a long time since I enjoyed a book so much!
I was not ready for this book. I was not ready for Gio and Austin. These two were deliciously hilarious together. 🥰
Their texting banter was superb 👌
I have laughed so hard while reading the book and a smile was plastered on my face for two consecutive days. (I kid you not! 🙂↔️)
If you want details of this book please check my dearest friend Lori's lovely review.
I would include quotes but that means I'll literally have to quote half of this book if not more.
It was absolute perfection.
I will still give a high rating despite two things:
One, the author fails dramatically at describing the MCs. I mean I finished this long book without knowing what the MFC looks like. There is no reference whatsoever to what her hair color is, her eye color, her height, her physique or anything about her for that matter. Only that she is hilariously funny and a well respected professor. Also, the MMCs sister is said to have dark hair then it is mentioned that she has platinum blonde hair with green eyes yet at almost the end of the book it mentions her blue gaze! 🤷♀️
Second, SPOILERS AHEAD PLEASE REFRAIN FROM READING IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS....
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🚨🚨🚨
She gets pregnant. Not planed. (Although duh she is not on the pill, they have unprotected sex and then she is dumbfoundedly surprised that she got pregnant)!!! 🙄
Anyway, she gets pregnant before they declare their love for each other and then their relarionship gets all jumbled up. They "agree" that it is better for the baby if they live together! And their HEA is them together without being married.
The ending was rushed. Their feelings were rushed. Their relationship was rushed. And their idea of a family was rushed.
I was thinking 🤔, if they didn't feel so deeply for each other then they'd be another unmarried couple who bring a human to this world who are living separately, who have no intention of being together, yet they expect their child to grow up sane and normal.
Yeah! That ending was not to my liking and that's why I am removing half a ⭐️...
I was not ready for this book. I was not ready for Gio and Austin. These two were deliciously hilarious together. 🥰
Their texting banter was superb 👌
I have laughed so hard while reading the book and a smile was plastered on my face for two consecutive days. (I kid you not! 🙂↔️)
If you want details of this book please check my dearest friend Lori's lovely review.
I would include quotes but that means I'll literally have to quote half of this book if not more.
It was absolute perfection.
I will still give a high rating despite two things:
One, the author fails dramatically at describing the MCs. I mean I finished this long book without knowing what the MFC looks like. There is no reference whatsoever to what her hair color is, her eye color, her height, her physique or anything about her for that matter. Only that she is hilariously funny and a well respected professor. Also, the MMCs sister is said to have dark hair then it is mentioned that she has platinum blonde hair with green eyes yet at almost the end of the book it mentions her blue gaze! 🤷♀️
Second, SPOILERS AHEAD PLEASE REFRAIN FROM READING IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS....
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|
|
|
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🚨🚨🚨
She gets pregnant. Not planed. (Although duh she is not on the pill, they have unprotected sex and then she is dumbfoundedly surprised that she got pregnant)!!! 🙄
Anyway, she gets pregnant before they declare their love for each other and then their relarionship gets all jumbled up. They "agree" that it is better for the baby if they live together! And their HEA is them together without being married.
The ending was rushed. Their feelings were rushed. Their relationship was rushed. And their idea of a family was rushed.
I was thinking 🤔, if they didn't feel so deeply for each other then they'd be another unmarried couple who bring a human to this world who are living separately, who have no intention of being together, yet they expect their child to grow up sane and normal.
Yeah! That ending was not to my liking and that's why I am removing half a ⭐️...
October 29, 2025
Es un libro para pasar el rato, es divertido, tiene spicy, protagonistas graciosos, sin mucho drama pero hasta.
La verdad es que al principio me estaba gustando mucho pero después como que decayó.
La verdad es que al principio me estaba gustando mucho pero después como que decayó.
March 20, 2025
They were so cute! This was the Sara ney I know and 💕 This probably would’ve been 5 stars if there had been an epilogue and if the book hadn’t ended at 88%. The “epilogue” isn’t an epilogue, it’s a sneak peek into Nova’s book
March 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
✅Insanely funny meet-cute
✅Hilarious text and in-person banter
✅Protective & meddling twin sister of MMC
✅Dual POV
Gio the Chinese Crested dog was my fave character 🤣
Fun, goofy, light-hearted read that Sara Ney always does so well. So easy to read & follow along! Recommend for sports romance, reformed playboy, found family, surprise pregnancy lovers 💞
SUPER excited for Nova’s story 👀
✅Insanely funny meet-cute
✅Hilarious text and in-person banter
✅Protective & meddling twin sister of MMC
✅Dual POV
Gio the Chinese Crested dog was my fave character 🤣
Fun, goofy, light-hearted read that Sara Ney always does so well. So easy to read & follow along! Recommend for sports romance, reformed playboy, found family, surprise pregnancy lovers 💞
SUPER excited for Nova’s story 👀
August 1, 2026
Started out suspiciously great, tanked at the end.
I'm going to be up front with you - this is NOT a great book. The characters are over-the-top and on 10 the entire story. There's no plot. There's cringe EVERYWHERE.
But, Aleesha, you gave it 3 stars! I hear you say.
Yes. Yes I did. And it would have been higher, if the ending hadn't pissed me off.
Let me explain.
This book is SO unserious. BUT, the banter is practically top tier. The insults they sling had me HOWLING. I literally laughed my way through this entire book. Is it the best book ever written? No. But maybe it's a case of a book just hitting at the right time - I dunno. But I enjoyed it. Well. 70% of it, anyway.
This is literally one of those stories you're going to have to read with one eye closed. Do things make sense? Not at all.
Like, Austin and Gio's first meeting - I could see a lot of people DNFing right then.
Because how is it that a super fan doesn't recognize a star goalie for the team she's obsessed with? The one she's been roasting alive since the book begins?
I know, I know, it had to be this way for the plot - but a ball cap isn't going to completely obfuscate someone's identity to a SUPER FAN.
Already we're off to a nonsensical start. I chose to overlook this bit of foolishness.
Getting to know Gio and Austin as they got to know one another was the best part of this story for me.
I loved that he fell for her big beautiful brain first.
I also enjoyed that Gio is nothing but upfront about the fact that he wants to date Austin. He spends a large part of the first quarter of this story trying to convince her to give him a shot and it could have been annoying or desperate-sounding; it could have given me the ick - but it didn't. I found it oddly refreshing how boldly open this dude is about his intentions.
And I love that they actually DO go on dates. Thoughtful ones. A lot of 'better written' stories skip over this part of the relationship.
And yes, Gio's a goofus of the highest order. But the man's nothing but green flags.
And Austin's a bit of a spaz and an overthinker. But somehow, they work together.
I love that Gio and Austin have the deep important chats. That they actually communicate with one another openly and honestly. Those lie in the dark and talk about the hard things chats are fantastic ways to grow closer - in stories and in real life.
But listen. You're going to have to wade through an ocean's worth of cringe to see all of this. I'm just being straight with you.
And not everything is sunshine and daisies.
I don't care what the blurb says, this is one of those books that exists for the vibes alone. The premise is just an excuse to get the two in the same room, it's hardly a part of the story.
The story revolves around the two of them dating and the banter they have between them. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - but this book's not something a plot-preferring reader is going to enjoy.
I also knew that as soon as the shower scene happened this was going to be a surprise pregnancy trope situation. So here's your warning.
The last 30% of this book revolves around Austin freaking out EVEN THOUGH she and Gio have already had all the tough conversations.
This is where the story completely lost me. I was willing to let the childishness, the ludicrous behavior and situations, the lack of any real plot or direction go because the comedy had me in stitches.
But the pregnancy trope kills it for me. Not because it exists (even if it's absolutely NOT one of my favorite tropes ever), but because of the way Austin acts and the unnecessary dramatics that follow.
The first interaction between her and Gio after she learns of her pregnancy, she spends the entire time talking about hooking his sister up with one of his teammates. She doesn't think about or even TRY to tell him about the baby.
So we have 2 characters who establish early and often that they are both great communicators - that they both VALUE communication in a partner!!!!!! That they have all the same goals and ambitions in life. That they agree on children and marriage and even at least in their own minds, have admitted that they love one another.
And then Austin gets pregnant and it's like she doesn't know Gio at ALL. The man has to show up at her apartment just to have a conversation with her, because he can sense that she's acting weird.
I'll admit, I've never been pregnant by someone I was just seeing. So I can't relate - but I cannot IMAGINE pushing someone I care about (read: LOVE) away because I accidentally got knocked up. My FIRST inclination would be to tell them, for better or worse, it's half their responsibility. We'd be sitting down with spreadsheets out trying to figure out what our next steps were.
So these fictional women who put off telling their men and push them away? Doesn't make any sense to me AT ALL.
Worse still, and a large part of why this book's getting the stink eye from me:
Austin tells NOVA before she tells GIO that she's pregnant. 😐😐😐 What do you mean you're telling your lover's gossipy twin before you tell the father of your child? I get her telling Dolly - her BFF who was with her when she found out. But telling Nova of all people? It just immediately put me off.
And what does Nova suggest Austin do to tell Gio? Does she suggest just sitting him down and calmly talking it over? OF COURSE NOT.
She suggests making a sign and taking it to a game and announcing it to fucking EVERYBODY at the same time as telling Gio.
This made me so fucking angry I almost didn't finish the story. The way the media alone would take that and run with it. The way that would open Austin (and Gio) up to ridicule from EVERYBODY. She's already worried GIO would think she'd baby-trapped him. But to announce it so flagrantly IN PUBLIC?! She'd be labeled a scheming tramp by everybody who followed hockey ever.
And NOVA of all people should KNOW better!
But it's okay, guys! It's for the bants! It'll be HILARIOUS! 🙄🙄🙄
It was at that point that I was completely over the over-the-top dramatics. The first 70% of this story was great. But clearly Ney doesn't know when to take things seriously. Not everything needs to be at level 10.
Gio finding out when he's on the ice just sucked the joy out of it for me. He finds out and the first thought in his head is "I can't get to her."
Gutting.
Yeah yeah, it's a good time, everybody's super supportive and positive and there's no negative press at all whatsoever, isn't that convenient!
I don't care.
The book also ends on an HFN situation for Austin and Gio. She moves in with him at 6mos pregnant, the end.
The epilogue is focused solely on Nova. Weird way to end a book if you ask me. I didn't care for that much at all, and it left me ambivalent about reading Nova's book - the next in this series.
Would I recommend this one? No. Don't waste your time. I don't really think this book has anything you couldn't find in another, better written hockey romance, to be honest. I had a good time until I didn't, and coming out of it, the negatives are ultimately outweighing the positives for me.
I'm going to be up front with you - this is NOT a great book. The characters are over-the-top and on 10 the entire story. There's no plot. There's cringe EVERYWHERE.
But, Aleesha, you gave it 3 stars! I hear you say.
Yes. Yes I did. And it would have been higher, if the ending hadn't pissed me off.
Let me explain.
This book is SO unserious. BUT, the banter is practically top tier. The insults they sling had me HOWLING. I literally laughed my way through this entire book. Is it the best book ever written? No. But maybe it's a case of a book just hitting at the right time - I dunno. But I enjoyed it. Well. 70% of it, anyway.
This is literally one of those stories you're going to have to read with one eye closed. Do things make sense? Not at all.
Like, Austin and Gio's first meeting - I could see a lot of people DNFing right then.
Because how is it that a super fan doesn't recognize a star goalie for the team she's obsessed with? The one she's been roasting alive since the book begins?
I know, I know, it had to be this way for the plot - but a ball cap isn't going to completely obfuscate someone's identity to a SUPER FAN.
Already we're off to a nonsensical start. I chose to overlook this bit of foolishness.
Getting to know Gio and Austin as they got to know one another was the best part of this story for me.
I loved that he fell for her big beautiful brain first.
I also enjoyed that Gio is nothing but upfront about the fact that he wants to date Austin. He spends a large part of the first quarter of this story trying to convince her to give him a shot and it could have been annoying or desperate-sounding; it could have given me the ick - but it didn't. I found it oddly refreshing how boldly open this dude is about his intentions.
And I love that they actually DO go on dates. Thoughtful ones. A lot of 'better written' stories skip over this part of the relationship.
And yes, Gio's a goofus of the highest order. But the man's nothing but green flags.
And Austin's a bit of a spaz and an overthinker. But somehow, they work together.
I love that Gio and Austin have the deep important chats. That they actually communicate with one another openly and honestly. Those lie in the dark and talk about the hard things chats are fantastic ways to grow closer - in stories and in real life.
But listen. You're going to have to wade through an ocean's worth of cringe to see all of this. I'm just being straight with you.
And not everything is sunshine and daisies.
I don't care what the blurb says, this is one of those books that exists for the vibes alone. The premise is just an excuse to get the two in the same room, it's hardly a part of the story.
The story revolves around the two of them dating and the banter they have between them. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - but this book's not something a plot-preferring reader is going to enjoy.
I also knew that as soon as the shower scene happened this was going to be a surprise pregnancy trope situation. So here's your warning.
The last 30% of this book revolves around Austin freaking out EVEN THOUGH she and Gio have already had all the tough conversations.
This is where the story completely lost me. I was willing to let the childishness, the ludicrous behavior and situations, the lack of any real plot or direction go because the comedy had me in stitches.
But the pregnancy trope kills it for me. Not because it exists (even if it's absolutely NOT one of my favorite tropes ever), but because of the way Austin acts and the unnecessary dramatics that follow.
The first interaction between her and Gio after she learns of her pregnancy, she spends the entire time talking about hooking his sister up with one of his teammates. She doesn't think about or even TRY to tell him about the baby.
So we have 2 characters who establish early and often that they are both great communicators - that they both VALUE communication in a partner!!!!!! That they have all the same goals and ambitions in life. That they agree on children and marriage and even at least in their own minds, have admitted that they love one another.
And then Austin gets pregnant and it's like she doesn't know Gio at ALL. The man has to show up at her apartment just to have a conversation with her, because he can sense that she's acting weird.
I'll admit, I've never been pregnant by someone I was just seeing. So I can't relate - but I cannot IMAGINE pushing someone I care about (read: LOVE) away because I accidentally got knocked up. My FIRST inclination would be to tell them, for better or worse, it's half their responsibility. We'd be sitting down with spreadsheets out trying to figure out what our next steps were.
So these fictional women who put off telling their men and push them away? Doesn't make any sense to me AT ALL.
Worse still, and a large part of why this book's getting the stink eye from me:
Austin tells NOVA before she tells GIO that she's pregnant. 😐😐😐 What do you mean you're telling your lover's gossipy twin before you tell the father of your child? I get her telling Dolly - her BFF who was with her when she found out. But telling Nova of all people? It just immediately put me off.
And what does Nova suggest Austin do to tell Gio? Does she suggest just sitting him down and calmly talking it over? OF COURSE NOT.
She suggests making a sign and taking it to a game and announcing it to fucking EVERYBODY at the same time as telling Gio.
This made me so fucking angry I almost didn't finish the story. The way the media alone would take that and run with it. The way that would open Austin (and Gio) up to ridicule from EVERYBODY. She's already worried GIO would think she'd baby-trapped him. But to announce it so flagrantly IN PUBLIC?! She'd be labeled a scheming tramp by everybody who followed hockey ever.
And NOVA of all people should KNOW better!
But it's okay, guys! It's for the bants! It'll be HILARIOUS! 🙄🙄🙄
It was at that point that I was completely over the over-the-top dramatics. The first 70% of this story was great. But clearly Ney doesn't know when to take things seriously. Not everything needs to be at level 10.
Gio finding out when he's on the ice just sucked the joy out of it for me. He finds out and the first thought in his head is "I can't get to her."
Gutting.
Yeah yeah, it's a good time, everybody's super supportive and positive and there's no negative press at all whatsoever, isn't that convenient!
I don't care.
The book also ends on an HFN situation for Austin and Gio. She moves in with him at 6mos pregnant, the end.
The epilogue is focused solely on Nova. Weird way to end a book if you ask me. I didn't care for that much at all, and it left me ambivalent about reading Nova's book - the next in this series.
Would I recommend this one? No. Don't waste your time. I don't really think this book has anything you couldn't find in another, better written hockey romance, to be honest. I had a good time until I didn't, and coming out of it, the negatives are ultimately outweighing the positives for me.
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March 10, 2025
This book is one big green flag and honestly was a joy to read. 4½ stars
April 21, 2025
DNF @30%....this book was not edited. At all. There are so many inconsistencies here but when I got to the part where the FMC said she brought the SAME poster to the second game that she brought to the first I had to quit bc the poster says something different than it did at the first game...like the author changed it at some point and forgot to update the other scene?? How does that happen? Also the tone of the FMC completely changed from the first few scenes as a totally crazy fan to all of a sudden she's an uptight professor...just all over the place and no worth the time to continue.
April 1, 2025
Sara never fails to deliver sweet, hilarious, and wholesome every single damn time.
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan who inherited her pops season tickets to their favourite team. In doing her good deed of this life, she had to sacrifice her tickets and watch the game at a bar..
That is where it all gets interesting.
Austin is smart, sassy, and an allround good time. She had me rocking with the roasting she gave her favourite player and the no shame routing and shouting at the telly. She's all heart, soul, and snark.
Gio was not having a good time until he was not so subtly nudged in the direction of a spitfire diehard hockey fan. There was never a dull moment after. He was so sweet. All kinds of delish and super attentive.
They just made me so happy together. The chemistry, the banter... it had me laughing hard and swooning fast.
I loved Nova too and am so invested in her story!!.
Also, dog Gio... STOP IT. I COULD NOT BREATHE FROM LAUGHING SO HARD.
Another fabulous read filled with all the sweet romancing, hilarious roasting, and a surprise of two along the way.
My only issue is that I'd have loved more at the end.
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan who inherited her pops season tickets to their favourite team. In doing her good deed of this life, she had to sacrifice her tickets and watch the game at a bar..
That is where it all gets interesting.
Austin is smart, sassy, and an allround good time. She had me rocking with the roasting she gave her favourite player and the no shame routing and shouting at the telly. She's all heart, soul, and snark.
Gio was not having a good time until he was not so subtly nudged in the direction of a spitfire diehard hockey fan. There was never a dull moment after. He was so sweet. All kinds of delish and super attentive.
They just made me so happy together. The chemistry, the banter... it had me laughing hard and swooning fast.
I loved Nova too and am so invested in her story!!.
Also, dog Gio... STOP IT. I COULD NOT BREATHE FROM LAUGHING SO HARD.
Another fabulous read filled with all the sweet romancing, hilarious roasting, and a surprise of two along the way.
My only issue is that I'd have loved more at the end.
April 12, 2025
3.25 Stars
The beginning of this book….the scene in the bar was LOL hilarious. I had high hopes. It started strong, then sorta stalled out. I liked both MC’s. Low on drama. No third act breakup.
I think the “surprise” should have been written sooner. Once that’s out there, we skip a few months to see what they’re doing. Then the epilogue is from the sister’s POV.
NOTE: I have no idea what the heroine looks like. Sara forgot to include this detail. Not sure how one of her beta readers didn’t catch/point this out to her.
The beginning of this book….the scene in the bar was LOL hilarious. I had high hopes. It started strong, then sorta stalled out. I liked both MC’s. Low on drama. No third act breakup.
I think the “surprise” should have been written sooner. Once that’s out there, we skip a few months to see what they’re doing. Then the epilogue is from the sister’s POV.
NOTE: I have no idea what the heroine looks like. Sara forgot to include this detail. Not sure how one of her beta readers didn’t catch/point this out to her.
March 30, 2025
2/5⭐️
Simplemente no ha sido mi libro, me aburrí bastante y no logró engancharme a la historia.
La sentí básica pero a un nivel extremo, no sé si está influyendo la especie de bloqueo que tengo. Pero no siento que hubiese algo con lo que pudiera conectar, así mismo de momento sentía que iba rápido, luego lento y se quedaba en lo mismo siempre.
Simplemente no ha sido mi libro, me aburrí bastante y no logró engancharme a la historia.
La sentí básica pero a un nivel extremo, no sé si está influyendo la especie de bloqueo que tengo. Pero no siento que hubiese algo con lo que pudiera conectar, así mismo de momento sentía que iba rápido, luego lento y se quedaba en lo mismo siempre.
March 1, 2025
If you're looking for a quick, laugh-out-loud rom-com with a sizzling hockey romance, This one is the perfect pick! This book had me grinning like an idiot and literally cackling at times.
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan with a sharp tongue, and Gio is the hotshot goalie who takes her public roasting as a personal challenge. What starts as a playful dare quickly turns into flirty DMs, swoony gestures, and a whole lot of hilarious banter. The chemistry? Off the charts. The humor? Top-tier. And let’s not forget the dog—because, of course, there’s a stubborn, scene-stealing pup involved.
This book delivers a fast-paced, feel-good romance that’s the perfect mix of spice, sass, and sports. If you love a cocky but sweet hockey hero and a heroine who keeps him on his toes, this one is a must-read!
Austin is a die-hard hockey fan with a sharp tongue, and Gio is the hotshot goalie who takes her public roasting as a personal challenge. What starts as a playful dare quickly turns into flirty DMs, swoony gestures, and a whole lot of hilarious banter. The chemistry? Off the charts. The humor? Top-tier. And let’s not forget the dog—because, of course, there’s a stubborn, scene-stealing pup involved.
This book delivers a fast-paced, feel-good romance that’s the perfect mix of spice, sass, and sports. If you love a cocky but sweet hockey hero and a heroine who keeps him on his toes, this one is a must-read!
April 17, 2026
I had high hopes for this hockey romance with a fun premise. Austin is a College Professor and a hockey fanatic. Through a series of funny moments she meets the sister of a famous hockey player, who encourages Gio to pursue Austin, and he falls first. Its clear he has no idea what he's doing. He acts like a 20 year old and I think the only reason Austin is interested in him as an older successful woman is due to the great sex and time out from reality. I don't buy them working out long term without circumstances intervening like they did.
March 10, 2025
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Because if it isn’t love then what the heck hit Gio in the chest when he first met Austin? It’s all so fast, but it feels so right.
I lovedddddd these two and I usually am not an insta love fan but this didn’t feel like that. It just felt. Right. Gio is the sweetest. He melted my heart and I loved just how spunky and smart Austin is. And, as always, Sara’s humor has me laughing out loud. Another win for me! 4.5 stars.
Because if it isn’t love then what the heck hit Gio in the chest when he first met Austin? It’s all so fast, but it feels so right.
I lovedddddd these two and I usually am not an insta love fan but this didn’t feel like that. It just felt. Right. Gio is the sweetest. He melted my heart and I loved just how spunky and smart Austin is. And, as always, Sara’s humor has me laughing out loud. Another win for me! 4.5 stars.
March 12, 2025
"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" is a perfect blend of humor, heat, and heart. It's a delightful read for anyone looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance with a dash of sports drama. The question of whether the heroine is truly Gio's lucky charm, or if their connection is simply fate, keeps the reader engaged until the very end. This book is a definite win for fans of contemporary romance and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best shots are the ones that lead to unexpected love.
March 10, 2025
Hit Me with Your Best Shot was such a fun, laugh out loud, fast paced rom-com. It had everything you think of in a Sara Ney novel. It has fun banter, quick wit and a whole lot of feel good moments.
I fell in love with Gio and Austin. Gio is a professional hockey player not having his best couple of games. Austin is a die hard fan who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is smart, sassy and beautiful. Gio’s sister meets Austin in a bar and tells him about her. And as the saying goes the rest is history.
These two will have you smiling, laughing and just feeling good. Their banter is perfection. And they have amazing chemistry!
Gio is so smitten with Austin, he becomes the perfect, romantic boyfriend.
This is a hockey romance, he falls first, kind of fake dating, media circus and a weird dog romance.
It’s a great hockey romance filled with swoony moments, spice, sass and a whole lot of fun!
I fell in love with Gio and Austin. Gio is a professional hockey player not having his best couple of games. Austin is a die hard fan who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is smart, sassy and beautiful. Gio’s sister meets Austin in a bar and tells him about her. And as the saying goes the rest is history.
These two will have you smiling, laughing and just feeling good. Their banter is perfection. And they have amazing chemistry!
Gio is so smitten with Austin, he becomes the perfect, romantic boyfriend.
This is a hockey romance, he falls first, kind of fake dating, media circus and a weird dog romance.
It’s a great hockey romance filled with swoony moments, spice, sass and a whole lot of fun!
March 12, 2025
Hit Me With Your Best Shot by @saraneyauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In all honesty I didn’t even realize I was going to be reading this as soon as I did until it showed up in my kindle. Let me just say I am glad it did because it was absolutely hilarious.
Austin and Gio and the other Gio😂. Let’s not forget to mention Nova and Austin’s heckling that got this all started.
I can’t freaking wait for Nova’s book!
10/10 would recommend.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In all honesty I didn’t even realize I was going to be reading this as soon as I did until it showed up in my kindle. Let me just say I am glad it did because it was absolutely hilarious.
Austin and Gio and the other Gio😂. Let’s not forget to mention Nova and Austin’s heckling that got this all started.
I can’t freaking wait for Nova’s book!
10/10 would recommend.
March 10, 2025
This stellar story is a reminder of why I love Sara Ney and her hilarious rom-coms!
From the start I was laughing at Austin and her passion for her favorite sport. Girl did not hold back but little did she know that, that tirade was about to change her life. Austin and Gio’s meeting is a little of fate and a little bit of meddling sister. They hit it off instantly and when Gio gets his groove back on the ice he makes Austin a proposition she can’t refuse!!
I loved getting to see the text exchanges and being able to experience first hand how these two grew from acquaintances to friends to sooo much more!
A very funny, light hearted and steamy book!
From the start I was laughing at Austin and her passion for her favorite sport. Girl did not hold back but little did she know that, that tirade was about to change her life. Austin and Gio’s meeting is a little of fate and a little bit of meddling sister. They hit it off instantly and when Gio gets his groove back on the ice he makes Austin a proposition she can’t refuse!!
I loved getting to see the text exchanges and being able to experience first hand how these two grew from acquaintances to friends to sooo much more!
A very funny, light hearted and steamy book!
May 18, 2026
Apart from how boring this book was, and how bland and uninteresting both characters felt, it also contains one of the worst quotes I’ve ever read:
"He is not from America!" my sister shouts in his defense. "He's from Ukraine, of course he doesn't know you can't put metal in the microwave!"
I genuinely cannot imagine what the author was thinking while writing this and deciding, “Yes, people outside the U.S. probably don’t know how microwaves work in 2025.”
Honestly, if we’re going with stereotypes, it’s far more believable that an American would put metal in the microwave.
"He is not from America!" my sister shouts in his defense. "He's from Ukraine, of course he doesn't know you can't put metal in the microwave!"
I genuinely cannot imagine what the author was thinking while writing this and deciding, “Yes, people outside the U.S. probably don’t know how microwaves work in 2025.”
Honestly, if we’re going with stereotypes, it’s far more believable that an American would put metal in the microwave.
March 17, 2026
5 ⭐️ All the stars for their text messages that kept me smiling and laughing from beginning to end!
🏒 hockey goalie x his biggest fan
🏒 adorable texting thru out the whole book
🏒 he pursues her
🏒 they play strip Connect Four
🏒 he gives HER a lap dance
🥅 Gio - MMC, 26-yrs old, goalie for the Houston Baddies, had lost the last three games in a row and was feeling pretty frustrated about it. Turns out he just needed an adorable fan to roast and heckle him to lift his spirits.
👩🏼🏫 Austin - FMC, 29-yrs old, sociology professor, a hockey fan extraordinaire that accidentally and unknowingly roasts Gio to his face in a dark neighborhood sports bar after a particularly bad game. She was all sorts of sassy and witty without being annoying or bitchy.
This hockey romance stood out from all of the others I’ve read recently due to the hero being a genuine nice guy. He was confident, yet not arrogant. He was flirty, charming, polite, and yet still very strong and masculine. He had a dirty mind and mouth at times, but never ott vulgar. He didn’t have daddy issues with a mean former pro father off to the sides making him feel incompetent. He had a hilarious reaction to Austin’s Chinese Crested dog. Most of all, he was in awe of Austin the moment he met her and he sweetly pursued her, being completely honest with feelings at all times. She was into him too, but she didn’t give in too easy. The perfect amount of push and pull.
The side characters were all great, supportive friends. I was going to include quotes, but it ended up basically being the whole book. So I trimmed it down to just one.
Gio to Austin:
“You were exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for.”
Only nitpicks: silly ass names that slowed my reading down. I kept thinking Austin was the hero, and Gio was the heroine. And there was a very minimal amount given to describe any of the characters looks. I only had the book cover to guess what the fmc looked like. But! I was engaged from page one and loved this love story!
🏒 hockey goalie x his biggest fan
🏒 adorable texting thru out the whole book
🏒 he pursues her
🏒 they play strip Connect Four
🏒 he gives HER a lap dance
🥅 Gio - MMC, 26-yrs old, goalie for the Houston Baddies, had lost the last three games in a row and was feeling pretty frustrated about it. Turns out he just needed an adorable fan to roast and heckle him to lift his spirits.
👩🏼🏫 Austin - FMC, 29-yrs old, sociology professor, a hockey fan extraordinaire that accidentally and unknowingly roasts Gio to his face in a dark neighborhood sports bar after a particularly bad game. She was all sorts of sassy and witty without being annoying or bitchy.
This hockey romance stood out from all of the others I’ve read recently due to the hero being a genuine nice guy. He was confident, yet not arrogant. He was flirty, charming, polite, and yet still very strong and masculine. He had a dirty mind and mouth at times, but never ott vulgar. He didn’t have daddy issues with a mean former pro father off to the sides making him feel incompetent. He had a hilarious reaction to Austin’s Chinese Crested dog. Most of all, he was in awe of Austin the moment he met her and he sweetly pursued her, being completely honest with feelings at all times. She was into him too, but she didn’t give in too easy. The perfect amount of push and pull.
The side characters were all great, supportive friends. I was going to include quotes, but it ended up basically being the whole book. So I trimmed it down to just one.
Gio to Austin:
“You were exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for.”
Only nitpicks: silly ass names that slowed my reading down. I kept thinking Austin was the hero, and Gio was the heroine. And there was a very minimal amount given to describe any of the characters looks. I only had the book cover to guess what the fmc looked like. But! I was engaged from page one and loved this love story!
October 13, 2025
a lot of nothing
I used to like Sara Ney’s books but I just don’t like them anymore. There is nothing to them. Her characters are caricatures of people rather than having any depth. Just a lot of “OMG,!!! You did not!!!!” And it’s all text messages. Yes. This is how people in the age group communicate but it’s really boring. This really could have been a fun novella.
Spoilers
I also hated the big moment in this book. You’re announcing your pregnancy to the world that early on and you haven’t even seen a doctor? And for people who are “good communicators” it’s just asinine. I get what Sara Ney was trying to do but it was just dumb. And dumb to get bummed about a conversation about love at first sight. These characters are actually 15 years old.
I used to like Sara Ney’s books but I just don’t like them anymore. There is nothing to them. Her characters are caricatures of people rather than having any depth. Just a lot of “OMG,!!! You did not!!!!” And it’s all text messages. Yes. This is how people in the age group communicate but it’s really boring. This really could have been a fun novella.
Spoilers
I also hated the big moment in this book. You’re announcing your pregnancy to the world that early on and you haven’t even seen a doctor? And for people who are “good communicators” it’s just asinine. I get what Sara Ney was trying to do but it was just dumb. And dumb to get bummed about a conversation about love at first sight. These characters are actually 15 years old.
June 1, 2025
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Something that always makes me enjoy Sara Ney's books is how fun her characters are, and of course Gio & Austin were no exception! Their love story is peculiar, intense, and very sweet, I also loved reading them with Nova, having the funniest, most intense, and also bizarre conversations.
Austin is a huge hockey fan; she has supported the Houston Baddies since she was little because it's the team her dad loved, and they both went to games together, a part of her story that I loved and found very moving, besides rooting for her favorite team, Austin is also a huge fan of Gio Montagalo, the goalie. She isn't afraid to speak her mind or let herself be carried away by the game she loves, this girl is a very peculiar and charming character who stole my heart easily. I love that she's a university professor, that Sara gave me a glimpse of her serious & strict side, because that way I was able to enjoy her crazier and funnier side much more.
Gio is going through a rough patch; he feels guilty about failing at his job, but I love that Nova, his twin sister, is always there for him, supporting him unconditionally, loving him in a very fun way, worrying about his happiness, and playing Cupid. Gio is coky at times, with a truly charming personality, and I fell in love with his obsession with Austin since he met her and how sure he's of his feelings for her.
Austin & Gio's love story is very funny: Nova sees Austin insult Gio for his poor performance during a game and runs to tell her brother, Gio is curious about the girl Nova describes to him, he looks for her and from that moment on he can't stop thinking about her, and I loved reading him falling madly in love with this girl so different from him, giving me moments that made me laugh and have a great time with these characters.
🏒Gio: 4.5/5
🏒Austin: 4/5
🏒Love story: 5/5
🏒Plot: 3.5/5
🏒Secondary characters: 5/5
🏒Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Algo que siempre me hace disfrutar de los libros de Sara Ney es lo divertidos que son sus personajes, y claro que Gio & Austin no fueron la excepción! Su historia de amor es peculiar, intensa y muy dulce, además, me encantó leerlos con Nova, teniendo las conversaciones más divertidas, intensas y también bizarras.
Austin es una gran fanática del hockey, apoya a los Houston Baddies desde pequeña porque es el quipo que su papá amaba y ambos iban a los juegos juntos, una parte de su historia que me encanto y conmovió muchísimo, y Austin, además de apoyar a su equipo favorito, es la más fan del Goalie, Gio Montagalo, tiene una personalidad intensa, que no teme a decir lo que piensa ni dejarse llevar por el juego que ama. Esta chica es un personaje muy peculiar y encantador que se robó mi corazón muy fácilmente, me encanta que sea profesora universitaria, que Sara me haya dado un vistazo a su lado serio, estricto y más recatado, porque así pude disfrutar mucho más de su lado más loco y divertido.
Gio está en medio de una mala racha, se siente culpable de fallar en su trabajo, pero me encanta que Nova, su hermana melliza, siempre esté ahí para él, apoyándolo incondicionalmente, amándolo de una manera muy divertida, preocupándose por su felicidad y haciendo de cupido. Gio es un hombre engreído por momentos, con una personalidad realmente encantadora y me enamoró su obsesión con Austin desde que la conoció y como está seguro de lo que siente por ella.
La historia de amor de Austin & Gio es muy divertida: Nova ve a Austin insultar a Gio por su mal desempeño durante un juego y corre a contarle a su hermano, Gio siente curiosidad por la chica que Nova le describe, la busca y desde ese momento no puede dejar de pensar en ella, y a mi me encantó leerlo enamorándose perdidamente de esta chica tan distinta a él dándome momentos que me hicieron reír y pasar un muy buen rato con estos personajes.
🏒Gio: 4.5/5
🏒Austin: 4/5
🏒Historia de amor: 5/5
🏒Trama: 3.5/5
🏒Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏒Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Something that always makes me enjoy Sara Ney's books is how fun her characters are, and of course Gio & Austin were no exception! Their love story is peculiar, intense, and very sweet, I also loved reading them with Nova, having the funniest, most intense, and also bizarre conversations.
Austin is a huge hockey fan; she has supported the Houston Baddies since she was little because it's the team her dad loved, and they both went to games together, a part of her story that I loved and found very moving, besides rooting for her favorite team, Austin is also a huge fan of Gio Montagalo, the goalie. She isn't afraid to speak her mind or let herself be carried away by the game she loves, this girl is a very peculiar and charming character who stole my heart easily. I love that she's a university professor, that Sara gave me a glimpse of her serious & strict side, because that way I was able to enjoy her crazier and funnier side much more.
Gio is going through a rough patch; he feels guilty about failing at his job, but I love that Nova, his twin sister, is always there for him, supporting him unconditionally, loving him in a very fun way, worrying about his happiness, and playing Cupid. Gio is coky at times, with a truly charming personality, and I fell in love with his obsession with Austin since he met her and how sure he's of his feelings for her.
Austin & Gio's love story is very funny: Nova sees Austin insult Gio for his poor performance during a game and runs to tell her brother, Gio is curious about the girl Nova describes to him, he looks for her and from that moment on he can't stop thinking about her, and I loved reading him falling madly in love with this girl so different from him, giving me moments that made me laugh and have a great time with these characters.
🏒Gio: 4.5/5
🏒Austin: 4/5
🏒Love story: 5/5
🏒Plot: 3.5/5
🏒Secondary characters: 5/5
🏒Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Algo que siempre me hace disfrutar de los libros de Sara Ney es lo divertidos que son sus personajes, y claro que Gio & Austin no fueron la excepción! Su historia de amor es peculiar, intensa y muy dulce, además, me encantó leerlos con Nova, teniendo las conversaciones más divertidas, intensas y también bizarras.
Austin es una gran fanática del hockey, apoya a los Houston Baddies desde pequeña porque es el quipo que su papá amaba y ambos iban a los juegos juntos, una parte de su historia que me encanto y conmovió muchísimo, y Austin, además de apoyar a su equipo favorito, es la más fan del Goalie, Gio Montagalo, tiene una personalidad intensa, que no teme a decir lo que piensa ni dejarse llevar por el juego que ama. Esta chica es un personaje muy peculiar y encantador que se robó mi corazón muy fácilmente, me encanta que sea profesora universitaria, que Sara me haya dado un vistazo a su lado serio, estricto y más recatado, porque así pude disfrutar mucho más de su lado más loco y divertido.
Gio está en medio de una mala racha, se siente culpable de fallar en su trabajo, pero me encanta que Nova, su hermana melliza, siempre esté ahí para él, apoyándolo incondicionalmente, amándolo de una manera muy divertida, preocupándose por su felicidad y haciendo de cupido. Gio es un hombre engreído por momentos, con una personalidad realmente encantadora y me enamoró su obsesión con Austin desde que la conoció y como está seguro de lo que siente por ella.
La historia de amor de Austin & Gio es muy divertida: Nova ve a Austin insultar a Gio por su mal desempeño durante un juego y corre a contarle a su hermano, Gio siente curiosidad por la chica que Nova le describe, la busca y desde ese momento no puede dejar de pensar en ella, y a mi me encantó leerlo enamorándose perdidamente de esta chica tan distinta a él dándome momentos que me hicieron reír y pasar un muy buen rato con estos personajes.
🏒Gio: 4.5/5
🏒Austin: 4/5
🏒Historia de amor: 5/5
🏒Trama: 3.5/5
🏒Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏒Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
March 11, 2025
Austin is a die hard sports fan, an when she is in a bar watching her favorite team on a downslide, she rants at the team especially the goalie, and she mistakes Gio’s matchmaking twin sister as a fan. Gio is intrigued with Austin and he convinces her to attend the next home game sitting in the best seats in the house, and to wave a glittery sign at the goalie, where she finds out that Gio is the goalie at whom she was ranting at.
This is a well written story which is a slow burn, fast paced story, with family, friendships, emotions, drama, tension, enemies / lovers, humor, witty banter, fake dating, challenges, matchmaking, superstition, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, sweet, and fun addictive sports romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written story which is a slow burn, fast paced story, with family, friendships, emotions, drama, tension, enemies / lovers, humor, witty banter, fake dating, challenges, matchmaking, superstition, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, sweet, and fun addictive sports romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 12, 2025
4.5 STARS
This story has such adorable, opinionated characters that are so much fun!
The humor is great, not over the top.
The attraction between Gio and Austin is spicy and kinda sweet, too. I love their playful banter and shenanigans. It’s such a fun story with awesome characters.
Sports romance is one of my favorites and this had just enough of the team camaraderie, the gameplay and then, the romance is the star of the story.
I love the fiery nature of both characters, there is never a dull moment with them. They also really spice it up in the bedroom, out of the bedroom….. They are HOTTTTT!
This is such a great balance of all the things I love about this authors style. Her humor is fantastic, the characters are hilarious and the story kept me engaged, laughing and swooning. Such a good story!! I loved it!!
I hope Gio’s hilarious sister gets a book, she’s a fantastic character.
This story has such adorable, opinionated characters that are so much fun!
The humor is great, not over the top.
The attraction between Gio and Austin is spicy and kinda sweet, too. I love their playful banter and shenanigans. It’s such a fun story with awesome characters.
Sports romance is one of my favorites and this had just enough of the team camaraderie, the gameplay and then, the romance is the star of the story.
I love the fiery nature of both characters, there is never a dull moment with them. They also really spice it up in the bedroom, out of the bedroom….. They are HOTTTTT!
This is such a great balance of all the things I love about this authors style. Her humor is fantastic, the characters are hilarious and the story kept me engaged, laughing and swooning. Such a good story!! I loved it!!
I hope Gio’s hilarious sister gets a book, she’s a fantastic character.
March 10, 2025
Sara Ney always manages to make me laugh and melt my heart! With Austin and Gio, I did both. They have been an absolute delight to get to know. From the crazy beginning in the bar, we quickly learn that Austin adores ice hockey, has a potty mouth, is crazy articulate and witty, and totally adorable. Nova setting her up is a master stroke in match making and just adds to the tone of fun and games! And Gio's reaction to Gio...priceless! Gio is just gorgeous, inside and out. Their banter is brilliant.
I have never read a Sara Ney book I didn't love and this is my new favourite. Well written, it has heart and warmth that I appreciate enormously as an antidote to things I cannot control in this world. I am so grateful for clever people who can bring light and laughter into my life. Oh, and Nova next!!
💖💖💖💖💖
I have never read a Sara Ney book I didn't love and this is my new favourite. Well written, it has heart and warmth that I appreciate enormously as an antidote to things I cannot control in this world. I am so grateful for clever people who can bring light and laughter into my life. Oh, and Nova next!!
💖💖💖💖💖
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