Bets & Blades

by Colleen Charles

Genres: Contemporary

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hockey romance is such a lovely and heartwarming read. It combines a neuro-spicy, wonderfully nerdy heroine with an absolute cinnamon roll of a hero—and the result is just pure sweetness.
The female main character is refreshingly different. She’s smart, a little awkward in her own charming way, and very much shaped by the expectations and influence of her parents. Watching her slowly liberate herself, step into her own strength, and claim her independence is one of the most satisfying parts of the story. Her journey feels genuine and empowering.
And then there’s the hero. He is truly the definition of a cinnamon roll—supportive, kind, patient, and endlessly adorable. Instead of trying to “fix” her, he simply stands beside her, cheering her on and giving her the space and encouragement she needs to grow. Their relationship feels balanced and healthy, built on mutual respect and affection.
The hockey backdrop adds a nice dynamic energy to the story without overshadowing the romance. At its core, this book is about two people growing—individually and together.
Overall, it’s a very lovely hockey romance with strong character development, emotional warmth, and a relationship you can’t help but root for. If you love supportive heroes and heroines finding their voice, this one is definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this next gen read! I loved the way Minerva and her big beautiful mind works, the way Tristan appreciated it was sweet and kinda sexy, and the green flags were flying everywhere as Tristan really sees Minera, goes out of his way to accommodate what she needs, and does it with nothing but the purest of intentions and a whole lot of love.
I am so into how much Minerva blossoms and grows in this book, from finally standing up for herself to making her own friends and figuring out what she wants to do rather than being forced to by her family, it's just all so heart warming and wonderful. Tristan is the perfect MMC for her, with his own big heart, his own little quirks, and this super cute way of seeing Minerva and consistently finding himself in awe of her and completely charmed by her sexy nerdiness and for the the first time ever I loved Dante, he was nothing but one hundred percent kind and supportive for Minera when she needed it most and when he confronts her dad, let's just say I am officially a Dante fan. Just another great and super solid read for the Venom Next Gen series and Colleen Charles.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minerva Marino walked away from not only an arranged marriage, but also from her toxic family. She doesn't fit the description of a mafia daughter because she has goals and dreams of her own. When she runs from her "intended," Luca, she takes refuge at the home of her godparents, Dante and Linda Giovanetti. This is priceless to me because Dante is the owner of the Las Vegas Venom hockey team, a formerly arrogant, dastardly hotel owner who, apparently, has had a change of heart. Dante realizes that Minerva needs a job but it won't be in her field of expertise. She's trained as a scientist, much to her family's chagrin, but what Dante has in mind is the personal assistant to Tristan Dubois, the Venom power forward. They turn out to be the perfect pair because she fills a part of him that had been empty and he comforts and takes care of her when she feels overwhelmed. This is a particularly sweet and sexy story and a wonderful addition to the Venom Next Gen series.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Minerva wrecked me in the best way. The emotional build-up and sexy tension were everything. This was such a sweet read with just the right amount of spice.

Tristan is the biggest green flag golden retriever hero. I loved how obsessed and protective he was of Minerva. Boy was down bad and I ate it up.

I love the neurodivergent representation we got with Minerva. She's a STEM girlie and brilliant. I really related to her character.

I also really enjoyed the other characters and found the family created in this book.

Tropes:
Hockey player + Assistant
Workplace
Forced proximity
Cinnamon roll MMC
Neurodivergent FMC
Obsessed/Protective
Found Family
Slow-burn

Dual POV

Book 6 in the Venom Next Gen series can be read as a standalone though characters are interconnected.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in Charles' Venom Next Gen series. A great addition to the series that can easily be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Minerva and Tristan. Well written romance with a captivating and smooth flowing storyline that's well paced, great character and beautifully balanced with sweet and steam. Definitely looking forward to more from Charles!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt a connection to both Min and Tristan, I loved seeing them get to know each other and the support and acceptance they had. Kepler was such a great character and I really liked seeing him and Tristan bond. This story was a little sad, had plenty of humour, family drama, good friends, connection, chemistry and love. I have enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the next generation of the Vegas Venom hockey series. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone read but has connected characters. The story is about Tristan and Minera. He really sees her for who she is and she brightens his world up. This is such a good hockey romance that is sweet, touching, emotional and cute. I so loved the characters and enjoyed the plot tremendously. I especially love how the story develops between the characters.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story. I loved Minerva and Tristan. I think that they had some cute interactions in the beginning and that grew into something truly special. The author does a good job of showing his desire for her. She also does a good job writing Minerva's anxiety. All in all, I was entertained.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally seen
Minerva and Tristan both know about the pressure of not being who you are but following the demands of what others expect from you, they are lucky they´ve found each other and it really annoyed me that some people think they have the right to interfere with other peoples´ lives

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

Colleen Charles has done it again.
This story has all feels, ferrets as well as good and bad families.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Recommend to all

[Mary McClurg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been interested in Hockey before, nor have I been a fan of Dante. But I think I've been converted into a fan of both. Well done Colleen!

[Linda Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science meets ice.

I really enjoyed Tristan and Minerva’s story. Great research into the technical jargon. Dante to the rescue. I loved Kepler too. Thanks Colleen!