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Blades and Blood #2
Push Your Luck
Mila Taranova is on the cusp of a fresh start that she never asked for. Forced out of her inheritance by archaic, patriarchal bylaws, she’s rebounded and is advancing to lead a larger Bratva. Her initial success is short-lived, however, as misogyny is rampant in the shadows of her new home. The last thing she needs is a distraction, but when her brother’s best friend needs a place to stay and refuses to fade into the background, it becomes impossible to resist the pull of their attraction. He's fifteen years younger and a ray of sunshine in her dark world, but just as they reach a tenuous equilibrium, forces beyond her control threaten everything she’s fought for.
Thatcher Prescott has it a successful hockey career, generational wealth, and more women than he can count. Or remember. Recently, whether it's a mid-twenties crisis or his best friend finally finding love, all his usual amusements are starting to ring hollow. Just as he's considering if it might be time to settle down, he's forced into the proximity of his most recent obsession. She's his best friend’s sister, a badass Bratva boss, and completely uninterested. When he decides to push his luck, his persistence finally pays off. For a moment, it seems as if things will work out, until the dangerous reality of her life sinks in and threatens the peace he's finally found.
Thatcher Prescott has it a successful hockey career, generational wealth, and more women than he can count. Or remember. Recently, whether it's a mid-twenties crisis or his best friend finally finding love, all his usual amusements are starting to ring hollow. Just as he's considering if it might be time to settle down, he's forced into the proximity of his most recent obsession. She's his best friend’s sister, a badass Bratva boss, and completely uninterested. When he decides to push his luck, his persistence finally pays off. For a moment, it seems as if things will work out, until the dangerous reality of her life sinks in and threatens the peace he's finally found.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 6, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
I had a really good time with this one.
Mila and Thatcher’s dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book. She’s tough, guarded, and carries the weight of her responsibilities with confidence, while he’s warm, loyal, and impossible not to root for. On paper they couldn’t be more different, but together they just made sense.
I especially loved that Mila never had to compromise who she was. Her strength and confidence remained at the forefront, and Thatcher’s unwavering support only made their connection more meaningful. Beyond the chemistry, there was a lot of trust, vulnerability, and emotional growth that gave their relationship real depth.
While I would have liked a bit more focus on the overall plot at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. The banter was fun, the side characters added plenty of charm, and Mila and Thatcher were incredibly easy to become invested in.
Their journey felt rewarding, heartfelt, and worth the ride.
~~~~
Huge thank you to T.K. Drake & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I had a really good time with this one.
Mila and Thatcher’s dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book. She’s tough, guarded, and carries the weight of her responsibilities with confidence, while he’s warm, loyal, and impossible not to root for. On paper they couldn’t be more different, but together they just made sense.
I especially loved that Mila never had to compromise who she was. Her strength and confidence remained at the forefront, and Thatcher’s unwavering support only made their connection more meaningful. Beyond the chemistry, there was a lot of trust, vulnerability, and emotional growth that gave their relationship real depth.
While I would have liked a bit more focus on the overall plot at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. The banter was fun, the side characters added plenty of charm, and Mila and Thatcher were incredibly easy to become invested in.
Their journey felt rewarding, heartfelt, and worth the ride.
~~~~
Huge thank you to T.K. Drake & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 4, 2026
Thank you, author, for ARC.
Who doesn't like Mafia romance?!Eh... For once, MFC was in charge of a strong character. She has to be strong in her Mafia roll, and she has to work harder because she is a woman. Old school Mafia ruls etc. They don't see her as an equal (which is a mistake, hehe).Where MMC is lost puppy playboy but good heart one.
I would recommend reading 1st book too. Its standalone books but, will make more sense. Otherwise, it takes time to understand what it was. And you kind of missing the main plot why she had to leave the spot there she was and take over this spot...It will make better experience by reading 1st book.
Who wants the plot and less shmex, then it's not for you. It's quite a steamy book. Im mood reader, I personally like more plot, dont mind smut there and there. But not as much as in this book, and it depends on my mood. But that does not mean the book is bad. I love the banter between characters pet names were quite cute.
3.5⭐️
Hockey player ✔️🏒
Mafia romance ✔️
Bad ass main female character ✔️
And much more
Well done to the author, and thank you for ARC.
Who doesn't like Mafia romance?!Eh... For once, MFC was in charge of a strong character. She has to be strong in her Mafia roll, and she has to work harder because she is a woman. Old school Mafia ruls etc. They don't see her as an equal (which is a mistake, hehe).Where MMC is lost puppy playboy but good heart one.
I would recommend reading 1st book too. Its standalone books but, will make more sense. Otherwise, it takes time to understand what it was. And you kind of missing the main plot why she had to leave the spot there she was and take over this spot...It will make better experience by reading 1st book.
Who wants the plot and less shmex, then it's not for you. It's quite a steamy book. Im mood reader, I personally like more plot, dont mind smut there and there. But not as much as in this book, and it depends on my mood. But that does not mean the book is bad. I love the banter between characters pet names were quite cute.
3.5⭐️
Hockey player ✔️🏒
Mafia romance ✔️
Bad ass main female character ✔️
And much more
Well done to the author, and thank you for ARC.
June 6, 2026
Passed over initially in favor of her brother as Bratva leader, Mila nonetheless demands respect in a highly misogynistic culture. On discovering the much younger golden retriever hockey player occupying one of her homes, she uncharacteristically grabs a bit of diversion for herself courtesy of her subby houseguest.
After earning the nickname Sunshine, Thatcher is naturally a happy go lucky manwh0r3 up for a good time, but the delicious prickly presence of Domme Mila flips all his possessiveness to the forefront and he’s suddenly and hopelessly all in for her.
As danger closes in on their happy arrangement, can they both stay safe and admit to wanting more than just a physical relationship?
This was more an exploration in BDSM than a mafia-centric story, just FYI. It’s dark-ish, not full on exploration of criminal activity, etc., and I enjoyed the dynamics surrounding both the reverse age gap and Mila as the Domme to Thatcher’s sub.
I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
After earning the nickname Sunshine, Thatcher is naturally a happy go lucky manwh0r3 up for a good time, but the delicious prickly presence of Domme Mila flips all his possessiveness to the forefront and he’s suddenly and hopelessly all in for her.
As danger closes in on their happy arrangement, can they both stay safe and admit to wanting more than just a physical relationship?
This was more an exploration in BDSM than a mafia-centric story, just FYI. It’s dark-ish, not full on exploration of criminal activity, etc., and I enjoyed the dynamics surrounding both the reverse age gap and Mila as the Domme to Thatcher’s sub.
I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
June 2, 2026
This was a solid 4.75 ⭐️ for me!
I have to say when I first signed up for this book, I didnt know entirely what I was signing myself up for! It was for sure hot and swoony but it also had lots of good plot and it ended up being really, really good!
Seems to be I'm attracting a lot of hockey romances here lately but I am thriving from it! Seeing Mila and Thatchers relationship take off after thinking it wasn't going to go anywhere had me so feral and he was so down bad due to her!! So so good.
Definitely take in account its not a light story but it's really impacting nonetheless and definitely made for a fast, but good read!
Thank you to the author for letting me recieve and arc in exchange for an honest review!
I have to say when I first signed up for this book, I didnt know entirely what I was signing myself up for! It was for sure hot and swoony but it also had lots of good plot and it ended up being really, really good!
Seems to be I'm attracting a lot of hockey romances here lately but I am thriving from it! Seeing Mila and Thatchers relationship take off after thinking it wasn't going to go anywhere had me so feral and he was so down bad due to her!! So so good.
Definitely take in account its not a light story but it's really impacting nonetheless and definitely made for a fast, but good read!
Thank you to the author for letting me recieve and arc in exchange for an honest review!
July 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to The Smuthood PR and T.K. Drake for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
I finished this book with one very important thought: Thatcher Prescott deserves a gold star, a juice box, and probably a hug.
I was already invested after book one, but Push Your Luck somehow raised the bar. The mix of hockey, Bratva drama, romance, and suspense kept me turning pages way past the point where I should've gone to bed. Every time I thought things might calm down... they absolutely did not.
Thatcher is peak golden retriever energy, and watching him relentlessly chip away at Mila's icy exterior was ridiculously entertaining. Their dynamic is so different from the typical hockey romance, and that's exactly what made it work. Mila is fierce, intimidating, and impossible not to admire, while Thatcher somehow manages to be charming, hilarious, and completely devoted without losing his own personality.
I also appreciated that the romance never overshadowed the plot. The mafia storyline had real stakes, plenty of twists, and enough tension to keep me wondering who was about to make everyone's lives significantly more complicated.
If you like hockey romance with a darker edge, strong heroines, found family, forced proximity, and a hero who happily volunteers to be the human equivalent of "yes, ma'am," definitely add this one to your TBR.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm impatiently waiting to see who T.K. Drake emotionally manipulates me with next.
Thank you to The Smuthood PR and T.K. Drake for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
I finished this book with one very important thought: Thatcher Prescott deserves a gold star, a juice box, and probably a hug.
I was already invested after book one, but Push Your Luck somehow raised the bar. The mix of hockey, Bratva drama, romance, and suspense kept me turning pages way past the point where I should've gone to bed. Every time I thought things might calm down... they absolutely did not.
Thatcher is peak golden retriever energy, and watching him relentlessly chip away at Mila's icy exterior was ridiculously entertaining. Their dynamic is so different from the typical hockey romance, and that's exactly what made it work. Mila is fierce, intimidating, and impossible not to admire, while Thatcher somehow manages to be charming, hilarious, and completely devoted without losing his own personality.
I also appreciated that the romance never overshadowed the plot. The mafia storyline had real stakes, plenty of twists, and enough tension to keep me wondering who was about to make everyone's lives significantly more complicated.
If you like hockey romance with a darker edge, strong heroines, found family, forced proximity, and a hero who happily volunteers to be the human equivalent of "yes, ma'am," definitely add this one to your TBR.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm impatiently waiting to see who T.K. Drake emotionally manipulates me with next.
June 7, 2026
Mila is goals! I love a book with a bada$$ FMC and T.K. Drake definitely delivered with Push Your Luck! This is book 2 of the Blades & Blood series and if I wasn't already addicted to this series from book 1, this one would have had me eager for every single book! We met Mila in book 1 but in Push Your Luck we get her story and learn so much about her. We also met Thatcher in book 1 and I absolutely fell in love with his golden retriever personality then but to see him shine in this book and come into himself was more than I could have hoped for.
Mila was raised as the Bratva heir but had to relinquish the title when she discovered she had a brother she didn't know about. In this book, she gets the opportunity to lead the Bratva in New York where Teddy's (her brother) best friend and former hockey teammate lives and plays. Teddy fell for Mila upon first meeting her when he visited Teddy after he was traded to Florida and took over the Florida Bratva branch. So when he learns he gets to stay with Mila after an incident he is willing to pull out all the stops to win her over. What he didn't expect was to discover things about her and himself he never knew he needed.
This book has a Domme FMC, a golden retriever MMC, hockey player, brother's best friend, Bratva Romance, and so much more! I can't wait for book 3 because I have a feeling we're going to be just as impressed as we have been from the beginning of this series!
Mila was raised as the Bratva heir but had to relinquish the title when she discovered she had a brother she didn't know about. In this book, she gets the opportunity to lead the Bratva in New York where Teddy's (her brother) best friend and former hockey teammate lives and plays. Teddy fell for Mila upon first meeting her when he visited Teddy after he was traded to Florida and took over the Florida Bratva branch. So when he learns he gets to stay with Mila after an incident he is willing to pull out all the stops to win her over. What he didn't expect was to discover things about her and himself he never knew he needed.
This book has a Domme FMC, a golden retriever MMC, hockey player, brother's best friend, Bratva Romance, and so much more! I can't wait for book 3 because I have a feeling we're going to be just as impressed as we have been from the beginning of this series!
June 1, 2026
Push Your Luck delivered exactly what I wanted from a dark romance with a unique power dynamic. Between the Bratva politics, reverse age gap romance, and grumpy x sunshine chemistry, I was hooked almost immediately.
Mila was such a refreshing FMC. She’s powerful, emotionally guarded, and constantly forced to prove herself in a world that underestimates her because she’s a woman. I loved that the story never softened her strength to make her more “likable.” She remained intimidating, intelligent, and fully in control throughout the book.
Thatcher balanced her perfectly. Beneath his hockey player charm and sunshine personality was someone genuinely searching for purpose and emotional connection. His devotion to Mila and the way he embraced her dominance without insecurity made their relationship incredibly satisfying to read.
Their chemistry was intense from the beginning, but what really worked for me was the emotional growth underneath the attraction. Watching both characters slowly let their guards down and build trust added depth to the romance beyond just the steam.
The found family elements and protective dynamics added even more emotional weight, and the tension from Mila’s dangerous world kept the pacing engaging throughout.
If you love reverse age gaps, dominant FMCs, emotionally devoted MMCs, and dark romance with heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Mila was such a refreshing FMC. She’s powerful, emotionally guarded, and constantly forced to prove herself in a world that underestimates her because she’s a woman. I loved that the story never softened her strength to make her more “likable.” She remained intimidating, intelligent, and fully in control throughout the book.
Thatcher balanced her perfectly. Beneath his hockey player charm and sunshine personality was someone genuinely searching for purpose and emotional connection. His devotion to Mila and the way he embraced her dominance without insecurity made their relationship incredibly satisfying to read.
Their chemistry was intense from the beginning, but what really worked for me was the emotional growth underneath the attraction. Watching both characters slowly let their guards down and build trust added depth to the romance beyond just the steam.
The found family elements and protective dynamics added even more emotional weight, and the tension from Mila’s dangerous world kept the pacing engaging throughout.
If you love reverse age gaps, dominant FMCs, emotionally devoted MMCs, and dark romance with heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 1, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to arc this book! My star rating is 3.5. I absolutely loved that the woman was the bratva boss because it sets the story apart from a regular mafia one. The age gap between them too, as Mila is nearly 40 and Thatcher is 25 was an interesting choice but as the story progressed you start to see why their dynamics were that way.
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it! Thatcher was the cutest, he really did fit his nickname on and off ice. He really is a ray of sunshine. Mila is as prickly as a pineapple, and has no clue how to connect to people. And coming into the new position of bratva leader in New York it doesn’t help with the misogynist men in their line of work! In comes her very own golden retriever boyfriend (because let’s face it she will not be able to resist him long!!) they’re a match made in heaven/hell, she’s the stormy cloud to his sunshine.
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it! Thatcher was the cutest, he really did fit his nickname on and off ice. He really is a ray of sunshine. Mila is as prickly as a pineapple, and has no clue how to connect to people. And coming into the new position of bratva leader in New York it doesn’t help with the misogynist men in their line of work! In comes her very own golden retriever boyfriend (because let’s face it she will not be able to resist him long!!) they’re a match made in heaven/hell, she’s the stormy cloud to his sunshine.
June 3, 2026
If you follow me on Threads then you already saw my stance about being absolutely enamored with the scene of having a woman tell a man to get on his knees like a good boy. This book though? HIT. IT. ALL. Oh my goodness, I loved this dynamic so freaking much. Thatcher was the bestest boy ever and picturing him on his knees patiently waiting for directions and praise. His complete and utter devotion to Mila was drool-worthy. I don't there is enough time in the day for me to rant and rave about this book. Absolutely recommend.
June 3, 2026
ARC Review
This was such a good read! The FMC is a powerful Bratva boss and a confident Domme. The MMC is the complete opposite in the best way. A hockey player with major golden retriever energy and impossible not to love. The chemistry between the two was fantastic, and their personalities balanced each other perfectly.
I also appreciated the age gap with the FMC being older. It’s not something I see often, but it was an added bonus in this story.
If you’re a fan of spicy BDSM, dominate FMC and submissive MMC who falls hard, I would definitely recommend this book.
This was such a good read! The FMC is a powerful Bratva boss and a confident Domme. The MMC is the complete opposite in the best way. A hockey player with major golden retriever energy and impossible not to love. The chemistry between the two was fantastic, and their personalities balanced each other perfectly.
I also appreciated the age gap with the FMC being older. It’s not something I see often, but it was an added bonus in this story.
If you’re a fan of spicy BDSM, dominate FMC and submissive MMC who falls hard, I would definitely recommend this book.
June 1, 2026
Girlll this book was HOT! 🥵❤️🔥 Omg I loved it! It was funny too! The trans is good, and I love seeing a woman as a Pakhan I love her she’s a bad ass! And omg the way she’s the Dom in the bedroom 10/10 and Teddy is the most adorable golden retriever man ever! I love how submissive he was and at the same time he was so supportive of her! They’re so perfect for each other! I really like this book!
Thank you so much for this arc 🫶🏻
Thank you so much for this arc 🫶🏻
June 7, 2026
First want to thank T.K. Drake and Smuthood for giving me the opportunity to read Push Your Luck.
Who doesn’t love Bratva Mafia, Russian, Hockey, Brothers best friend, age gap !!! Yesss please !!! Any day of the week please!
Mila & Thatcher the dynamics, the tension, the dom/sum between therm was amazing! What a joy to see them together. Mila in her strong and dominant presence! What a sight to see and me crushing on her. And let’s talk about Thatcher our gold retriever, Solnyshko, what a good boy he is!
T.K. Drake you did amazing on the details and the
description of them.
I really enjoyed like really enjoyed reading Push Your Luck. I am excited to for more to come.
Who doesn’t love Bratva Mafia, Russian, Hockey, Brothers best friend, age gap !!! Yesss please !!! Any day of the week please!
Mila & Thatcher the dynamics, the tension, the dom/sum between therm was amazing! What a joy to see them together. Mila in her strong and dominant presence! What a sight to see and me crushing on her. And let’s talk about Thatcher our gold retriever, Solnyshko, what a good boy he is!
T.K. Drake you did amazing on the details and the
description of them.
I really enjoyed like really enjoyed reading Push Your Luck. I am excited to for more to come.
June 5, 2026
3ARC Review of Push Your Luck Book 2 in the Blades and Blood Series by T.K Drake This book is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. This is a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the tension, the kink and spice, and the bratva storyline. This book had me hooked from the first page and the last 90 pages of this book where a whirlwind of action, suspense and twists I didn’t see coming I absolutely loved it. This is Mila and Thatcher's story. I love Thatcher so much he is hilarious. I love his golden retriever personality. He is so charismatic and charming everyone likes him. I love Mila and how strong, intelligent, and fierce she is. I hate the misogyny she has to deal with but I love that she is a badass bratva boss. Mila is always so guarded and is never vulnerable with anyone. I love watching Thatcher slowly get under her defenses and work his way into her heart. I love the tension, connection, and push and pull between Thatcher and Mila. Learning more about things Mila has gone through broke my heart I love that she has Thatcher now they balance each other perfectly. This is a slow burn, very spicy, forced proximity, best friend’s sister, 15 year reverse age gap, grumpy fmc x sunshine mmc, domme fmc, bratva boss fmc, golden retriever mmc, hockey player mmc, found family, forced proximity, housemates, BDSM, “good boy”, dark hockey mafia romance. Mila Taranova is 39 and just moved to NY from Florida to takeover running the NY Branch of the Taranov Bratva. Thatcher Prescott is 25 and is a professional hockey player and captain of his team the New York Phantoms and a notorious playboy. Everyone calls him Sunshine because he’s always smiling, partying and happy go lucky. Mila is Thatcher’s best friend’s older sister. When there’s a fire at his condo Thatcher ends up moving in temporarily with Mila at her compound. There hasn’t been a female Pakhan before and Mila is trying to lead the men in her organization but some of them view her as less than because she is a woman. It’s Thatcher’s post season so he doesn’t have anything to do so he trains with the guys and helps Mila by trying to get the men on her side and weeding out the ones who aren’t. Thatcher is attracted to Mila and usually follows her around like a puppy or tries to find ways to hang out with her. Mila finds Thatcher annoying but is attracted to him too. Mila and Thatcher end up starting a Domme x Sub relationship. Thatcher has never been a submissive before and exploring kink is new for him. Mila is complex and been through a lot in her life she always has to be tough and on guard I love that Thatcher can get her to relax and be spontaneous at times. I absolutely loved Thatcher and Mila’s dynamic and watching their relationship and feelings grow. Mila is complex and has layers she’s not used to having feelings like this for another person besides her second in command and her brother. Threats, danger, and rival families lurking in the background threaten to ruin what they have. Will they be strong enough to make it through. I loved this book and love the ending. I highly recommend this book
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I don't know what it was exactly, but what the fuck? No, seriously, what the fuck?
I don't think I have enough words to describe how obsessed I am with this book and how much I love Mila and Thatcher.
This is so unconventional no wonder it caught my attention. She is a Bratva badass boss bitch, very black cat energy, very lethal. He is a goofy, sunshiny hockey player. Together they are absolute perfection. Her being a Domme and him the submissive took the crown tho. The dynamic between these two was so fire and amazing, I can't.
This book is such a feminist, if feminism was a book. I swear. This added points. Because of their dynamic I realized that this book challenged the way I was influenced to see the world. I can't explain, but I am happy it did because I was already thinking those things myself but finally seeing it in a book was something I didn't know I needed.
I usually hate the FMCs, but Mila? Mila is such a Goddess I can't even... she is everything I wanna be when I grow up. Period.
Thatcher... if there is something that I loved the most about him was not that he was submissive, or goofy, or a golden retriever, or the way he treated Mila or talked about her. No... it was the way he was THINKING about her. You know, in those moments when you are with your own thoughts an no one else can find out what you really think? Yeah, those... those moments made me love him so much. The way he sees Mila and feels about her is so pure and wholesome. He is the definition of "worshiping the ground she walks on" and he is proud of it.
Mila is, as I mentioned badass and lethal, but the way she fell for Thatcher was so sweet and beautiful. Her being older I think played a big role in this, and she was exactly what Thatch needed. Not in a dubios way, no, but in the sense that he needed someone mature to ground him and guide him. Our boy is lost everyone, lost. Mila is his home, and he desperately needed one.
There is plot in the book btw, and everything surrounding Thatch and Mila's relationship is chaotic as fuck, but the balance is good and I never felt like something was missing.
Now, we also got to see/meet ( in my case since I haven't read book one ) Misha, and let me tell you, that guy gives me the biggest Bi Daddy Dom energy ever and I will be sitting here in my corner praying for him to find a bratty boy because I can't see him with a girl. Idk why. It is fine if it doesn't happen, but the whole time I was reading the book and saw him as a Daddy Dom with a bratty subby boy to keep him on his toes. And then when I met those two mafiosos hockey player brothers... yeah, my mind couldn't let go.
Anyway, this is neither here nor there since the author decides what they'll do next, but a girl can dream, and if that won't happen I at least will have this beauty to come back to and relieve over and over again the perfection that is Mila and Thatcher together.
I don't think I have enough words to describe how obsessed I am with this book and how much I love Mila and Thatcher.
This is so unconventional no wonder it caught my attention. She is a Bratva badass boss bitch, very black cat energy, very lethal. He is a goofy, sunshiny hockey player. Together they are absolute perfection. Her being a Domme and him the submissive took the crown tho. The dynamic between these two was so fire and amazing, I can't.
This book is such a feminist, if feminism was a book. I swear. This added points. Because of their dynamic I realized that this book challenged the way I was influenced to see the world. I can't explain, but I am happy it did because I was already thinking those things myself but finally seeing it in a book was something I didn't know I needed.
I usually hate the FMCs, but Mila? Mila is such a Goddess I can't even... she is everything I wanna be when I grow up. Period.
Thatcher... if there is something that I loved the most about him was not that he was submissive, or goofy, or a golden retriever, or the way he treated Mila or talked about her. No... it was the way he was THINKING about her. You know, in those moments when you are with your own thoughts an no one else can find out what you really think? Yeah, those... those moments made me love him so much. The way he sees Mila and feels about her is so pure and wholesome. He is the definition of "worshiping the ground she walks on" and he is proud of it.
Mila is, as I mentioned badass and lethal, but the way she fell for Thatcher was so sweet and beautiful. Her being older I think played a big role in this, and she was exactly what Thatch needed. Not in a dubios way, no, but in the sense that he needed someone mature to ground him and guide him. Our boy is lost everyone, lost. Mila is his home, and he desperately needed one.
There is plot in the book btw, and everything surrounding Thatch and Mila's relationship is chaotic as fuck, but the balance is good and I never felt like something was missing.
Now, we also got to see/meet ( in my case since I haven't read book one ) Misha, and let me tell you, that guy gives me the biggest Bi Daddy Dom energy ever and I will be sitting here in my corner praying for him to find a bratty boy because I can't see him with a girl. Idk why. It is fine if it doesn't happen, but the whole time I was reading the book and saw him as a Daddy Dom with a bratty subby boy to keep him on his toes. And then when I met those two mafiosos hockey player brothers... yeah, my mind couldn't let go.
Anyway, this is neither here nor there since the author decides what they'll do next, but a girl can dream, and if that won't happen I at least will have this beauty to come back to and relieve over and over again the perfection that is Mila and Thatcher together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun reverse on the usual mafia setup and I LOVED it!
Mila is the bratva boss and I loved her. She’s strong, closed off, confident, muscular, total black cat energy, and she is the one calling the shots. In the bratva and in the bedroom. She’s a domme, she knows who she is, and she doesn’t shrink herself to make anyone else comfortable.
I loved seeing a female pakhan actually leading the men and holding that kind of power, especially when she is dealing with bratva leaders who still don’t believe a woman should be in that position. There are men around her waiting for her to fail, and Mila is still standing there like she belongs there. Because she does.
Then we have Thatcher, who is basically the complete opposite of Mila. Golden retriever energy, submissive, sweet, gentle, and with the biggest heart. He gets along with everyone, he just wants to make people happy, and when it comes to Mila, he is infatuated with her the first time they meet.
His relationship with his parents was really sad, so seeing him build real connections with Misha and some of the other men at the compound was actually so lovely. He found people who accepted him as he was, and I loved that for him.
I really loved Thatcher. It was nice to see a man who loved his woman without being toxic about it. He wasn’t trying to control her or take over. He just went out of his way to make sure no one dimmed her light in any situation.
The way he loved Mila, supported her, and always had her back was everything. He just wanted to be there for her, make her happy, and help her however he could. Even when that meant trying new things just to help ease her stress levels.
The whole dynamic between them was such a good switch up from the standard mafia romance. Instead of the big scary mafia man and the softer FMC, we get Mila as the tough Bratva boss who runs everything, and Thatcher as the sweet, devoted man who is happy to give her whatever she needs.
Also, callout to Misha. Her second in charge. I absolutely fell in love with him and I am really hoping he is next, because that man needs his own book. I wish I was the one giving him that love, but sadly its not real life haha!
The story had a great plot, but Mila and Thatcher’s relationship was the part I loved most. I loved that she was the boss. I loved that she was so sure of herself. And I loved that Thatcher backed her completely without needing to be the one in control.
I love my dark romances, but this was such a nice breather from the usual toxic alpha male setup. Thatcher was soft, devoted, and so secure in who he was. He wasn’t scared to be submissive, he wasn’t threatened by Mila’s power and strength, and he never tried to make himself bigger by making her smaller.
No toxic masculinity here. Just a beautiful golden retriever man who knew exactly who his woman was and loved every part of her.
Strong FMC, submissive MMC, Bratva boss muscle mommy, golden retriever man, black cat/golden retriever energy, and a proper reverse mafia romance setup.
Definitely one to add to your TBR if you want something that flips the usual mafia romance roles.
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Mila is the bratva boss and I loved her. She’s strong, closed off, confident, muscular, total black cat energy, and she is the one calling the shots. In the bratva and in the bedroom. She’s a domme, she knows who she is, and she doesn’t shrink herself to make anyone else comfortable.
I loved seeing a female pakhan actually leading the men and holding that kind of power, especially when she is dealing with bratva leaders who still don’t believe a woman should be in that position. There are men around her waiting for her to fail, and Mila is still standing there like she belongs there. Because she does.
Then we have Thatcher, who is basically the complete opposite of Mila. Golden retriever energy, submissive, sweet, gentle, and with the biggest heart. He gets along with everyone, he just wants to make people happy, and when it comes to Mila, he is infatuated with her the first time they meet.
His relationship with his parents was really sad, so seeing him build real connections with Misha and some of the other men at the compound was actually so lovely. He found people who accepted him as he was, and I loved that for him.
I really loved Thatcher. It was nice to see a man who loved his woman without being toxic about it. He wasn’t trying to control her or take over. He just went out of his way to make sure no one dimmed her light in any situation.
The way he loved Mila, supported her, and always had her back was everything. He just wanted to be there for her, make her happy, and help her however he could. Even when that meant trying new things just to help ease her stress levels.
The whole dynamic between them was such a good switch up from the standard mafia romance. Instead of the big scary mafia man and the softer FMC, we get Mila as the tough Bratva boss who runs everything, and Thatcher as the sweet, devoted man who is happy to give her whatever she needs.
Also, callout to Misha. Her second in charge. I absolutely fell in love with him and I am really hoping he is next, because that man needs his own book. I wish I was the one giving him that love, but sadly its not real life haha!
The story had a great plot, but Mila and Thatcher’s relationship was the part I loved most. I loved that she was the boss. I loved that she was so sure of herself. And I loved that Thatcher backed her completely without needing to be the one in control.
I love my dark romances, but this was such a nice breather from the usual toxic alpha male setup. Thatcher was soft, devoted, and so secure in who he was. He wasn’t scared to be submissive, he wasn’t threatened by Mila’s power and strength, and he never tried to make himself bigger by making her smaller.
No toxic masculinity here. Just a beautiful golden retriever man who knew exactly who his woman was and loved every part of her.
Strong FMC, submissive MMC, Bratva boss muscle mommy, golden retriever man, black cat/golden retriever energy, and a proper reverse mafia romance setup.
Definitely one to add to your TBR if you want something that flips the usual mafia romance roles.
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Push Your Luck by T.K. Drake
ARC REVIEW
Book Two in the Blades and Blood Series
★★★★☆
Tropes
Domme FMC
Reverse Age Gap
Bratva Boss FMC
Hockey Player MMC
BDSM
Brother’s Best Friend
Emotional Awakening
Found Family
Touch Him and Die
Initial Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reverse Fifty Shades of Grey vibe with a dominant FMC, a golden retriever hockey player MMC, and enough spice to melt your Kindle, this book is absolutely for you.
What surprised me the most wasn't the spice. It was how emotional Thatcher’s story became. Going into this book, I expected a fun, spicy romance. What I got was a lonely hockey player desperately searching for a place to belong, a powerful woman learning that love isn’t a weakness, and a relationship that slowly became much deeper than either of them expected.
Writing
The book balances spice, humor, emotional growth, and relationship development surprisingly well. While the plot itself is relatively straightforward, the emotional journeys of both characters kept me invested from beginning to end.
Characters
Thatcher
On the surface, he appears to be the classic hockey playboy. Underneath that, though, is an incredibly lonely man who has spent most of his life searching for connection, family, and somewhere he truly belongs.
Honestly, he was basically a human golden retriever wrapped in NHL player packaging.
Mila
Mila was such a refreshing FMC.
She’s powerful, intelligent, intimidating, and completely unapologetic about who she is. Watching her navigate leadership, responsibility, and vulnerability made her feel like such a layered character.
I especially appreciated that her strength was never softened to make her more “likeable.” She remains formidable throughout the story while still allowing herself to grow emotionally.
Her struggle between duty and personal happiness added a lot of emotional depth to her character.
Misha
I have to mention Misha. I LOVE HIM. This man was the emotional backbone of the entire story.
He supported both Thatcher and Mila without judgement (well, sometimes lol), gave great advice when needed, and constantly showed up for the people he loved.
I’m not even exaggerating when I say he nearly stole the entire book for me.
Book boyfriend status? Achieved.
Final Verdict
Push Your Luck was spicy, emotional, surprisingly heartfelt, and packed with fantastic character growth.
If you enjoy dominant heroines, devoted MMCs, found family, hockey/mafia romance, and relationships where emotional vulnerability is just as important as physical chemistry, I highly recommend picking this one up.
And yes, a new book boyfriend has been added to the list. (aka. Misha ♥️)
Favourite Quote
“You are my light, my everything, and I would be honoured to be yours. In this life and the next.”
ARC REVIEW
Book Two in the Blades and Blood Series
★★★★☆
Tropes
Domme FMC
Reverse Age Gap
Bratva Boss FMC
Hockey Player MMC
BDSM
Brother’s Best Friend
Emotional Awakening
Found Family
Touch Him and Die
Initial Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reverse Fifty Shades of Grey vibe with a dominant FMC, a golden retriever hockey player MMC, and enough spice to melt your Kindle, this book is absolutely for you.
What surprised me the most wasn't the spice. It was how emotional Thatcher’s story became. Going into this book, I expected a fun, spicy romance. What I got was a lonely hockey player desperately searching for a place to belong, a powerful woman learning that love isn’t a weakness, and a relationship that slowly became much deeper than either of them expected.
Writing
The book balances spice, humor, emotional growth, and relationship development surprisingly well. While the plot itself is relatively straightforward, the emotional journeys of both characters kept me invested from beginning to end.
Characters
Thatcher
On the surface, he appears to be the classic hockey playboy. Underneath that, though, is an incredibly lonely man who has spent most of his life searching for connection, family, and somewhere he truly belongs.
Honestly, he was basically a human golden retriever wrapped in NHL player packaging.
Mila
Mila was such a refreshing FMC.
She’s powerful, intelligent, intimidating, and completely unapologetic about who she is. Watching her navigate leadership, responsibility, and vulnerability made her feel like such a layered character.
I especially appreciated that her strength was never softened to make her more “likeable.” She remains formidable throughout the story while still allowing herself to grow emotionally.
Her struggle between duty and personal happiness added a lot of emotional depth to her character.
Misha
I have to mention Misha. I LOVE HIM. This man was the emotional backbone of the entire story.
He supported both Thatcher and Mila without judgement (well, sometimes lol), gave great advice when needed, and constantly showed up for the people he loved.
I’m not even exaggerating when I say he nearly stole the entire book for me.
Book boyfriend status? Achieved.
Final Verdict
Push Your Luck was spicy, emotional, surprisingly heartfelt, and packed with fantastic character growth.
If you enjoy dominant heroines, devoted MMCs, found family, hockey/mafia romance, and relationships where emotional vulnerability is just as important as physical chemistry, I highly recommend picking this one up.
And yes, a new book boyfriend has been added to the list. (aka. Misha ♥️)
Favourite Quote
“You are my light, my everything, and I would be honoured to be yours. In this life and the next.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun and unexpected pairing. On one side, we have Mila, a nearly 40-year-old Bratva boss trying to prove herself in a male-dominated world while taking over the New York organization. On the other, Thatcher, a 25-year-old professional hockey player with golden retriever energy, a huge crush, and absolutely no intention of giving up on her.
I loved Mila. She's tall, powerful, intimidating, and completely devoted to the Bratva. Taking over New York was never going to be easy, especially with so many men questioning her authority simply because she's a woman. Watching her navigate those challenges while refusing to back down made her such a compelling heroine.
And then there's Thatcher. This man was down bad from the moment he arrived. After finding himself without a place to stay following an apartment fire, he ends up crashing with Mila, and from there, his persistence is honestly impressive. He was sweet, loyal, endlessly patient, and willing to give Mila the time and space she needed even when she kept trying to push him away. Beneath all the charm, there was also a surprising amount of vulnerability as he struggled with feelings of loneliness, family issues, and uncertainty about what he wanted from life beyond hockey.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was watching Mila slowly lower her walls. She had spent so much of her life focused on responsibility, power, and survival that allowing herself to depend on someone else felt almost impossible. Thatcher's determination and unwavering support gradually chipped away at those defenses, and seeing their connection deepen was incredibly satisfying.
The supporting cast was fantastic as well. Misha was a top-tier meddler who seemed determined to help these two get together, and every scene involving Teddy had me smiling. The family dynamics, friendships, and Bratva politics added plenty of entertainment outside of the romance.
The final stretch had me turning pages as fast as possible. The threats against Mila, the "wedding plans", the misunderstandings, and all the political maneuvering created a lot of tension. I was especially invested in seeing Mila finally get the respect she deserved after constantly being undermined throughout the story.
I am not even going to touch on the spice, but let me tell you it was HOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!
Overall, this was an entertaining blend of romance, Bratva intrigue, humor, and emotional growth. If you enjoy age-gap romances, persistent golden retriever heroes, powerful heroines, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to the author and Smuthood for the ARC!
I loved Mila. She's tall, powerful, intimidating, and completely devoted to the Bratva. Taking over New York was never going to be easy, especially with so many men questioning her authority simply because she's a woman. Watching her navigate those challenges while refusing to back down made her such a compelling heroine.
And then there's Thatcher. This man was down bad from the moment he arrived. After finding himself without a place to stay following an apartment fire, he ends up crashing with Mila, and from there, his persistence is honestly impressive. He was sweet, loyal, endlessly patient, and willing to give Mila the time and space she needed even when she kept trying to push him away. Beneath all the charm, there was also a surprising amount of vulnerability as he struggled with feelings of loneliness, family issues, and uncertainty about what he wanted from life beyond hockey.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was watching Mila slowly lower her walls. She had spent so much of her life focused on responsibility, power, and survival that allowing herself to depend on someone else felt almost impossible. Thatcher's determination and unwavering support gradually chipped away at those defenses, and seeing their connection deepen was incredibly satisfying.
The supporting cast was fantastic as well. Misha was a top-tier meddler who seemed determined to help these two get together, and every scene involving Teddy had me smiling. The family dynamics, friendships, and Bratva politics added plenty of entertainment outside of the romance.
The final stretch had me turning pages as fast as possible. The threats against Mila, the "wedding plans", the misunderstandings, and all the political maneuvering created a lot of tension. I was especially invested in seeing Mila finally get the respect she deserved after constantly being undermined throughout the story.
I am not even going to touch on the spice, but let me tell you it was HOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!
Overall, this was an entertaining blend of romance, Bratva intrigue, humor, and emotional growth. If you enjoy age-gap romances, persistent golden retriever heroes, powerful heroines, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to the author and Smuthood for the ARC!
June 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to The Author Agency and T. K. Drake for the early eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It seems that dominate energy runs in the family and both Teddy and now Mila has me SAT.
Push Your Luck gave me something that felt so refreshing compared to a lot of romance I’ve read so far. Mila and Thatcher’s dynamic was hard NOT to fall into and I loved how different they felt from typical romance pairings.
Mila was such a standout FMC for me. She’s powerful, guarded, intimidating, and carrying the weight of constantly proving herself as Pakhan in spaces that constantly underestimate her. Watching her navigate leadership, expectations, and people questioning her position simply because she’s a woman made me root for her even harder. I knew there was something that was going to happen to threaten Mila's position and I just could not wait to see how she was going to handle it and to finally get that respect she deserves in this Bratva.
And Thatcher… I was not prepared for how much I would love him.
He could have easily been written as someone intimidated by Mila’s power, status, or age difference, but instead he admired her, respected her, and never tried to change who she was. He brought this lighter energy that balanced Mila so well, and seeing him slowly realize what he wanted and then show up for her without needing to take over made me love him even more.
One of my favorite parts of this book was getting to see Mila slowly lower her walls and let someone into her world. Their relationship was different from anything she's ever had and it wasn’t about saving each other. It was about trust, respect, and finding someone who sees you fully and chooses you anyway.
In a life where the men around Mila try to make her feel less than in this business because she is a woman, Thatcher sees the opposite and worships the ground she walks on and realizes she does not need a man to cater to her, to save her, or to control her. He respects that in their relationship that she needs to be the one in control. I love that so much about Thatcher. I cannot tell you how much this was a treat to me to meet Thatcher. I also LOVED how Mila was just dark, cold, and broody on the outside and then became a sensual dom when she was in the bedroom with Thatcher and not only that but she was very caring and made sure he was okay through it all, it was SOOO HOT!
Overall, this ended up being such a fun surprise for me and definitely felt different from a lot of romances I’ve picked up lately. I came for the concept but stayed for Thatcher, Mila, and the way their relationship unfolded.
Thank you to The Author Agency and T. K. Drake for the early eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It seems that dominate energy runs in the family and both Teddy and now Mila has me SAT.
Push Your Luck gave me something that felt so refreshing compared to a lot of romance I’ve read so far. Mila and Thatcher’s dynamic was hard NOT to fall into and I loved how different they felt from typical romance pairings.
Mila was such a standout FMC for me. She’s powerful, guarded, intimidating, and carrying the weight of constantly proving herself as Pakhan in spaces that constantly underestimate her. Watching her navigate leadership, expectations, and people questioning her position simply because she’s a woman made me root for her even harder. I knew there was something that was going to happen to threaten Mila's position and I just could not wait to see how she was going to handle it and to finally get that respect she deserves in this Bratva.
And Thatcher… I was not prepared for how much I would love him.
He could have easily been written as someone intimidated by Mila’s power, status, or age difference, but instead he admired her, respected her, and never tried to change who she was. He brought this lighter energy that balanced Mila so well, and seeing him slowly realize what he wanted and then show up for her without needing to take over made me love him even more.
One of my favorite parts of this book was getting to see Mila slowly lower her walls and let someone into her world. Their relationship was different from anything she's ever had and it wasn’t about saving each other. It was about trust, respect, and finding someone who sees you fully and chooses you anyway.
In a life where the men around Mila try to make her feel less than in this business because she is a woman, Thatcher sees the opposite and worships the ground she walks on and realizes she does not need a man to cater to her, to save her, or to control her. He respects that in their relationship that she needs to be the one in control. I love that so much about Thatcher. I cannot tell you how much this was a treat to me to meet Thatcher. I also LOVED how Mila was just dark, cold, and broody on the outside and then became a sensual dom when she was in the bedroom with Thatcher and not only that but she was very caring and made sure he was okay through it all, it was SOOO HOT!
Overall, this ended up being such a fun surprise for me and definitely felt different from a lot of romances I’ve picked up lately. I came for the concept but stayed for Thatcher, Mila, and the way their relationship unfolded.
June 7, 2026
There are certain authors where you pick up their newest release and already know you’re going to have a good time. After reading another ARC from T.K. Drake and loving it, I went into Push Your Luck with high expectations—and it absolutely delivered.
As the second book in the Blades and Blood series, this story was everything I hoped it would be. If you enjoyed book one and are wondering whether book two lives up to it, my answer is a very enthusiastic yes.
This story follows Mila and Thatcher, and from the beginning their dynamic stood out from so many other mafia romances I’ve read. Mila is powerful, intelligent, and fully in control of her world. As a Bratva leader trying to establish herself in a world filled with men who constantly underestimate her, she refuses to back down from anyone. Watching her navigate that power struggle while still allowing herself moments of vulnerability made her an incredibly compelling heroine.
Then there’s Thatcher.
On paper, he shouldn’t fit into Mila’s world at all. He’s a professional hockey player, sunshine wrapped in confidence and charm, while Mila operates in shadows and danger. Yet somehow they work perfectly together. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and every interaction between them made me want to keep reading.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the relationship dynamic. Seeing Mila as the domme and Thatcher as the sub was such a refreshing change from the typical mafia romance setup. It felt natural for who these characters were, and it added another layer to an already fascinating relationship.
Beyond the romance, the mafia elements kept the tension high throughout the story. There are power struggles, dangerous threats, family loyalties, and constant reminders that Mila’s position comes with risks that extend far beyond her personal life. Every time it felt like the characters might find a moment of peace, something new appeared to threaten everything they had built.
The balance between romance, suspense, and danger was incredibly well done. I found myself completely invested in both the relationship and the larger story unfolding around them.
If you’re a fan of mafia romance, brother’s best friend dynamics, age-gap romance, hockey players, strong heroines, and relationships that challenge traditional power expectations, this is definitely a book worth adding to your TBR.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5
Thank you to The Smuthood and T.K. Drake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the second book in the Blades and Blood series, this story was everything I hoped it would be. If you enjoyed book one and are wondering whether book two lives up to it, my answer is a very enthusiastic yes.
This story follows Mila and Thatcher, and from the beginning their dynamic stood out from so many other mafia romances I’ve read. Mila is powerful, intelligent, and fully in control of her world. As a Bratva leader trying to establish herself in a world filled with men who constantly underestimate her, she refuses to back down from anyone. Watching her navigate that power struggle while still allowing herself moments of vulnerability made her an incredibly compelling heroine.
Then there’s Thatcher.
On paper, he shouldn’t fit into Mila’s world at all. He’s a professional hockey player, sunshine wrapped in confidence and charm, while Mila operates in shadows and danger. Yet somehow they work perfectly together. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and every interaction between them made me want to keep reading.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the relationship dynamic. Seeing Mila as the domme and Thatcher as the sub was such a refreshing change from the typical mafia romance setup. It felt natural for who these characters were, and it added another layer to an already fascinating relationship.
Beyond the romance, the mafia elements kept the tension high throughout the story. There are power struggles, dangerous threats, family loyalties, and constant reminders that Mila’s position comes with risks that extend far beyond her personal life. Every time it felt like the characters might find a moment of peace, something new appeared to threaten everything they had built.
The balance between romance, suspense, and danger was incredibly well done. I found myself completely invested in both the relationship and the larger story unfolding around them.
If you’re a fan of mafia romance, brother’s best friend dynamics, age-gap romance, hockey players, strong heroines, and relationships that challenge traditional power expectations, this is definitely a book worth adding to your TBR.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5
Thank you to The Smuthood and T.K. Drake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was SUCH a fun mix of mafia tension, hockey romance, and grumpy/sunshine perfection 🖤🏒✨ The second installment in the Blades and Blood series follows Mila and Thatcher, and honestly? Their dynamic completely stole my heart.
Mila is absolutely not your typical FMC 👏 She’s the daughter of a feared mafia leader and after the events of the first book, she’s expected to step into power and take control of the New York operation. She’s cold, guarded, intimidating, and keeps everyone at arm’s length because of the darkness she’s survived. Mila gives off total “don’t test me” energy and I loved every second of it 😮💨🔪
Then there’s Thatcher ☀️🏒 — Teddy’s best friend, professional hockey player, and the literal definition of sunshine energy. Even with his difficult family background and constant feeling of not truly belonging anywhere, he still manages to bring warmth and humor everywhere he goes. He’s younger than Mila, endlessly charming, and somehow keeps breaking through her walls little by little.
The forced proximity setup was SO good 👀 Thatcher needing somewhere to stay and ending up living with Mila created the perfect tension. At first she can barely tolerate him because he completely disrupts her carefully controlled life 😂 But slowly Thatcher starts winning over everyone around him… including the one woman determined not to let him close.
I loved that this romance flipped the usual power dynamic often seen in mafia stories 🔥 Mila is the one in control, the feared boss, the emotionally unavailable one, while Thatcher brings softness, patience, and light into her dark world. Their chemistry worked so well because he never tried to overpower her — he simply accepted every complicated part of her.
And can we talk about Mila in the intimate scenes for a second??? 🥵 I was OBSESSED with the way her preferences and confidence were written. It felt refreshing and fit her personality perfectly.
Beyond the romance, the mafia storyline kept the stakes high too ⚔️ The Russian mafia refusing to accept a woman leading the New York operation added danger and pressure throughout the story, constantly forcing Mila to prove herself while trying to protect everything her father built.
This book delivered so many elite tropes all at once: grumpy FMC x sunshine MMC, reverse age gap, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, hockey player romance, mafia drama, and emotionally unavailable woman meets obsessed golden retriever man 😩❤️
Mila and Thatcher were chaotic in the best way possible and I loved every second of watching them fall for each other.
Mila is absolutely not your typical FMC 👏 She’s the daughter of a feared mafia leader and after the events of the first book, she’s expected to step into power and take control of the New York operation. She’s cold, guarded, intimidating, and keeps everyone at arm’s length because of the darkness she’s survived. Mila gives off total “don’t test me” energy and I loved every second of it 😮💨🔪
Then there’s Thatcher ☀️🏒 — Teddy’s best friend, professional hockey player, and the literal definition of sunshine energy. Even with his difficult family background and constant feeling of not truly belonging anywhere, he still manages to bring warmth and humor everywhere he goes. He’s younger than Mila, endlessly charming, and somehow keeps breaking through her walls little by little.
The forced proximity setup was SO good 👀 Thatcher needing somewhere to stay and ending up living with Mila created the perfect tension. At first she can barely tolerate him because he completely disrupts her carefully controlled life 😂 But slowly Thatcher starts winning over everyone around him… including the one woman determined not to let him close.
I loved that this romance flipped the usual power dynamic often seen in mafia stories 🔥 Mila is the one in control, the feared boss, the emotionally unavailable one, while Thatcher brings softness, patience, and light into her dark world. Their chemistry worked so well because he never tried to overpower her — he simply accepted every complicated part of her.
And can we talk about Mila in the intimate scenes for a second??? 🥵 I was OBSESSED with the way her preferences and confidence were written. It felt refreshing and fit her personality perfectly.
Beyond the romance, the mafia storyline kept the stakes high too ⚔️ The Russian mafia refusing to accept a woman leading the New York operation added danger and pressure throughout the story, constantly forcing Mila to prove herself while trying to protect everything her father built.
This book delivered so many elite tropes all at once: grumpy FMC x sunshine MMC, reverse age gap, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, hockey player romance, mafia drama, and emotionally unavailable woman meets obsessed golden retriever man 😩❤️
Mila and Thatcher were chaotic in the best way possible and I loved every second of watching them fall for each other.
June 7, 2026
Push Your Luck completely stole my heart.
From the very beginning, I was hooked by the unique dynamic between Mila and Thatcher. Mila is a badass Bratva boss, powerful, intimidating, disciplined, and unapologetically in charge. She commands every room she walks into, and I absolutely loved seeing a FMC who is genuinely allowed to hold power and keep it throughout the story.
And then there's Thatcher, a famous hockey player, complete sunshine, and an absolute menace.
The contrast between them was perfection. Mila is cold, calculated, and always in control, while Thatcher is warm, chaotic, and determined to get under her skin whenever possible. Their banter had me laughing out loud more times than I can count, and watching Thatcher continuously annoy a literal Bratva boss was pure entertainment.
But what truly made their relationship stand out was the emotional depth behind it. Nothing felt rushed. Both characters needed time to lower their walls, build trust, and learn to rely on each other. Their emotional growth felt natural and earned, making every step forward in their relationship that much more rewarding. Watching them navigate challenges, slowly let their guards down, and choose each other again and again added so much depth to the story.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was Thatcher's unwavering devotion to Mila. He never felt threatened by her power, her success, or her dominance. Instead, he admired her for it. Seeing a secure MMC who embraces a strong, powerful woman rather than competing with her was incredibly refreshing. Thatcher doesn't try to change Mila; he loves her because of who she is, and that made me love him even more.
The reverse age gap added another layer to their dynamic that I absolutely adored, and the brother's best friend trope was executed so well. Add in the chaotic humour, Bratva politics, and tension-filled power plays, and I was completely invested from start to finish.
I also have to mention Misha and Mila's dynamic because every scene between them was gold. Even though they aren't siblings, they gave off the most chaotic sibling energy. The constant provoking, teasing, and banter brought so much life to the story and balanced the heavier moments perfectly.
This book delivers so much more than romance. It's packed with emotional growth, loyalty, family, trust, political drama, humour, and a relationship that develops in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply satisfying.
Mila and Thatcher completely won me over, and I won't be forgetting them anytime soon❤️✨
From the very beginning, I was hooked by the unique dynamic between Mila and Thatcher. Mila is a badass Bratva boss, powerful, intimidating, disciplined, and unapologetically in charge. She commands every room she walks into, and I absolutely loved seeing a FMC who is genuinely allowed to hold power and keep it throughout the story.
And then there's Thatcher, a famous hockey player, complete sunshine, and an absolute menace.
The contrast between them was perfection. Mila is cold, calculated, and always in control, while Thatcher is warm, chaotic, and determined to get under her skin whenever possible. Their banter had me laughing out loud more times than I can count, and watching Thatcher continuously annoy a literal Bratva boss was pure entertainment.
But what truly made their relationship stand out was the emotional depth behind it. Nothing felt rushed. Both characters needed time to lower their walls, build trust, and learn to rely on each other. Their emotional growth felt natural and earned, making every step forward in their relationship that much more rewarding. Watching them navigate challenges, slowly let their guards down, and choose each other again and again added so much depth to the story.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was Thatcher's unwavering devotion to Mila. He never felt threatened by her power, her success, or her dominance. Instead, he admired her for it. Seeing a secure MMC who embraces a strong, powerful woman rather than competing with her was incredibly refreshing. Thatcher doesn't try to change Mila; he loves her because of who she is, and that made me love him even more.
The reverse age gap added another layer to their dynamic that I absolutely adored, and the brother's best friend trope was executed so well. Add in the chaotic humour, Bratva politics, and tension-filled power plays, and I was completely invested from start to finish.
I also have to mention Misha and Mila's dynamic because every scene between them was gold. Even though they aren't siblings, they gave off the most chaotic sibling energy. The constant provoking, teasing, and banter brought so much life to the story and balanced the heavier moments perfectly.
This book delivers so much more than romance. It's packed with emotional growth, loyalty, family, trust, political drama, humour, and a relationship that develops in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply satisfying.
Mila and Thatcher completely won me over, and I won't be forgetting them anytime soon❤️✨
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
T.K. Drake delivers another dangerously addictive romance in the second book of the Blades and Blood series, where ice hockey collides with the brutal world of the Bratva in one scorching dark reverse age-gap romance that completely consumed me. Push Your Luck is the kind of book you are not entirely sure what to expect from until you dive in… and then suddenly you cannot look away.
What instantly hooked me was Mila Taranova. I absolutely love a strong FMC, and Mila is power personified. As the head of the Bratva, she carries the weight of an empire on her shoulders in a world where being a woman in charge is constantly challenged. Watching her dominate both in business and in the bedroom felt so refreshing for this genre. So often in mafia romance, powerful women surrender control behind closed doors, but Mila never loses who she is. She commands every scene she is in with confidence, intelligence, and pure feminine power.
Then there is Thatcher. On the surface, he is the cocky, swoon-worthy hockey player who dominates on the ice with ease, but underneath that sexy grin is a man carrying years of emotional damage and pressure from his family. T.K. Drake slowly peels back his layers, making it impossible not to fall for him. When he ends up staying at the compound during the off-season, the chemistry between him and Mila absolutely explodes. Their connection is intense, fiery, and filled with tension that practically drips off the page.
What I really loved about this story was how brilliantly the author balanced the darker mafia elements with the emotional depth of the characters. The world-building around Mila running the empire added something extra special to the story and gave the romance even more weight. It was fascinating seeing the power dynamics play out both inside and outside the Bratva world.
And I have to give a special mention to Misha. Yes, he may be second-in-command, but this man completely commands every page he appears on. He has such a magnetic presence that I genuinely need his story next.
The banter throughout also brought moments of lightness that balanced the darker themes perfectly, making the emotional and spicy moments hit even harder.
Push Your Luck is dark, seductive, emotional, and ridiculously addictive. T.K. Drake has created another mafia romance that feels fresh, fierce, and impossible to put down.
What instantly hooked me was Mila Taranova. I absolutely love a strong FMC, and Mila is power personified. As the head of the Bratva, she carries the weight of an empire on her shoulders in a world where being a woman in charge is constantly challenged. Watching her dominate both in business and in the bedroom felt so refreshing for this genre. So often in mafia romance, powerful women surrender control behind closed doors, but Mila never loses who she is. She commands every scene she is in with confidence, intelligence, and pure feminine power.
Then there is Thatcher. On the surface, he is the cocky, swoon-worthy hockey player who dominates on the ice with ease, but underneath that sexy grin is a man carrying years of emotional damage and pressure from his family. T.K. Drake slowly peels back his layers, making it impossible not to fall for him. When he ends up staying at the compound during the off-season, the chemistry between him and Mila absolutely explodes. Their connection is intense, fiery, and filled with tension that practically drips off the page.
What I really loved about this story was how brilliantly the author balanced the darker mafia elements with the emotional depth of the characters. The world-building around Mila running the empire added something extra special to the story and gave the romance even more weight. It was fascinating seeing the power dynamics play out both inside and outside the Bratva world.
And I have to give a special mention to Misha. Yes, he may be second-in-command, but this man completely commands every page he appears on. He has such a magnetic presence that I genuinely need his story next.
The banter throughout also brought moments of lightness that balanced the darker themes perfectly, making the emotional and spicy moments hit even harder.
Push Your Luck is dark, seductive, emotional, and ridiculously addictive. T.K. Drake has created another mafia romance that feels fresh, fierce, and impossible to put down.
June 7, 2026
Push Your Luck was a fast-paced mafia romance centered on power, acceptance, found family, and the exploration of trust and boundaries in relationships. Mila has spent her entire life proving she is worthy of leading her father’s bratva, only to be passed over because she’s a woman. Instead, leadership is handed to her long-lost brother despite Mila clearly being the obvious choice. When she’s offered the opportunity to take over the New York bratva, she jumps at the chance to finally prove herself. While navigating dangerous mafia politics and constant misogyny from the men around her, she also finds herself growing closer to Thatcher, her brother’s best friend, who unexpectedly enters her world in more ways than one.
I really connected with both characters. Mila is powerful, dominant, intelligent, and fiercely capable, but underneath all of that strength is someone deeply guarded because of trauma from her past. She’s spent so long fighting to survive in a world that constantly underestimates her that emotional vulnerability feels almost impossible for her. Thatcher, meanwhile, was such a sweetheart. Beneath his sunshine personality and desire to please everyone around him are very real abandonment issues tied to his parents, and all he really wants is connection and acceptance.
Their dynamic worked really well for me. The book blends mafia romance with grumpy x sunshine energy, found family, reverse age gap, and domme/sub relationship dynamics in a way that felt emotionally grounded while still being very hot.
The pacing was quick and kept things moving consistently. My biggest critique is that I wish the story had spent more time developing the actual mafia plotline. Mila taking over leadership and fighting back against the misogynistic men trying to force her out was incredibly interesting, and I wanted even more focus on that side of the story.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this and would recommend it to readers looking for a mafia romance with a strong FMC, emotional relationship dynamics, and themes of self-acceptance and belonging. One word: Hot.
Thank you to T.K. Drake and The Smuthood Inc. for the opportunity to read Push Your Luck for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I really connected with both characters. Mila is powerful, dominant, intelligent, and fiercely capable, but underneath all of that strength is someone deeply guarded because of trauma from her past. She’s spent so long fighting to survive in a world that constantly underestimates her that emotional vulnerability feels almost impossible for her. Thatcher, meanwhile, was such a sweetheart. Beneath his sunshine personality and desire to please everyone around him are very real abandonment issues tied to his parents, and all he really wants is connection and acceptance.
Their dynamic worked really well for me. The book blends mafia romance with grumpy x sunshine energy, found family, reverse age gap, and domme/sub relationship dynamics in a way that felt emotionally grounded while still being very hot.
The pacing was quick and kept things moving consistently. My biggest critique is that I wish the story had spent more time developing the actual mafia plotline. Mila taking over leadership and fighting back against the misogynistic men trying to force her out was incredibly interesting, and I wanted even more focus on that side of the story.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this and would recommend it to readers looking for a mafia romance with a strong FMC, emotional relationship dynamics, and themes of self-acceptance and belonging. One word: Hot.
Thank you to T.K. Drake and The Smuthood Inc. for the opportunity to read Push Your Luck for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
May 27, 2026
Push Your Luck by TK Drake is book two in the Blades & Blood series. Bratva tension, hockey romance, brother's best friend, grumpy/sunshine energy, with a bad a$$ domme!
We met Mila and Thatcher in book one. She was supposed to take the place of the Bratva leader until her brother Teddy was found in book one. She’s cold, guarded, intimidating, and keeps everyone at a distance because of everything she’s endured. The powerful, feared boss, emotionally closed off to everyone.But deep down this woman is so much more. She deals daily with the misogyny of the mafia world even though she was raised from the beginning to step into this role. And due to trauma in her past, the desire to love and be loved is so hard for her.
Thatcher, Teddy’s best friend, NHL playboy, rich, hockey player. The perfect golden retriever. Despite his rough family history and never really feeling like he belongs anywhere, he still is so kind and caring. He truly lives up to his nickname, “sunshine”, and he brings that to those around him. He’s younger than Mila, ridiculously adorable and slowly chips away at every wall she’s built.
These two couldn't be more opposite. Needing a place to stay, he ends up living with Mila. This man fell for her in book one and wasn't intimated by her fierce personality. I loved how he just loved her unconditionally. I loved how confident and unapologetic she was, especially when it came to the bedroom. And I loved even more that he fully trusted her to take the lead. And it was HOT!
I love all the side characters and getting to see old friends! And Misha, this man needs a book!
Mila and Thatcher were messy, chaotic, intense, and somehow perfect together. They showed that communication and a level of respect goes so far. And that being vulnerable can grow your relationship.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩷 Grumpy FMC × Sunshine MMC
🩷 Hockey Player MMC
🩷 Bratva Boss FMC
🩷 Domme FMC
🩷 Reverse Age Gap
🩷 Brother’s Best Friend
🩷 Emotional Awakening
🩷 Found Family
🩷 BDSM
🩷 Touch Him & ☠️
🦋Thank you TK Drake for the privilege of being a part of your street team and The Author Agency for my arc!
We met Mila and Thatcher in book one. She was supposed to take the place of the Bratva leader until her brother Teddy was found in book one. She’s cold, guarded, intimidating, and keeps everyone at a distance because of everything she’s endured. The powerful, feared boss, emotionally closed off to everyone.But deep down this woman is so much more. She deals daily with the misogyny of the mafia world even though she was raised from the beginning to step into this role. And due to trauma in her past, the desire to love and be loved is so hard for her.
Thatcher, Teddy’s best friend, NHL playboy, rich, hockey player. The perfect golden retriever. Despite his rough family history and never really feeling like he belongs anywhere, he still is so kind and caring. He truly lives up to his nickname, “sunshine”, and he brings that to those around him. He’s younger than Mila, ridiculously adorable and slowly chips away at every wall she’s built.
These two couldn't be more opposite. Needing a place to stay, he ends up living with Mila. This man fell for her in book one and wasn't intimated by her fierce personality. I loved how he just loved her unconditionally. I loved how confident and unapologetic she was, especially when it came to the bedroom. And I loved even more that he fully trusted her to take the lead. And it was HOT!
I love all the side characters and getting to see old friends! And Misha, this man needs a book!
Mila and Thatcher were messy, chaotic, intense, and somehow perfect together. They showed that communication and a level of respect goes so far. And that being vulnerable can grow your relationship.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩷 Grumpy FMC × Sunshine MMC
🩷 Hockey Player MMC
🩷 Bratva Boss FMC
🩷 Domme FMC
🩷 Reverse Age Gap
🩷 Brother’s Best Friend
🩷 Emotional Awakening
🩷 Found Family
🩷 BDSM
🩷 Touch Him & ☠️
🦋Thank you TK Drake for the privilege of being a part of your street team and The Author Agency for my arc!
June 9, 2026
I was completely hooked by Mila and Thatcher's story! ❤️🔥
Mila is a force to be reckoned with. After being pushed aside because of outdated traditions and rampant misogyny, she refuses to back down and fights for everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Watching her navigate the dangerous world around her while trying to maintain control was both frustrating and inspiring.
Then there's Thatcher. Hockey star, charmer, and professional ray of sunshine. He seems to have everything anyone could want, but beneath the confidence is a man searching for something more meaningful. The moment he sets his sights on Mila, I knew I was in for a treat.
I absolutely loved the brother's best friend dynamic, but what really made this story shine was the age gap reversal. Seeing the younger Thatcher completely captivated by the powerful, older Mila was refreshing and incredibly swoon-worthy. His persistence, loyalty, and unwavering support had me falling right alongside her.
The chemistry between these two practically leapt off the pages. Every interaction was packed with tension, banter, and undeniable attraction, but there was also a genuine emotional connection that made their relationship feel real. Thatcher brought light into Mila's dark and dangerous world, while Mila challenged him to become more than the carefree playboy everyone expected him to be.
Of course, life in the Bratva is never simple. Just when it feels like these two might find their happily ever after, outside forces threaten everything they've built. The danger, suspense, and high stakes kept me glued to the pages and constantly wondering what would happen next.
This book delivered the perfect combination of romance, steam, heart, and suspense. Mila and Thatcher's journey was emotional, exciting, and impossible not to root for.
If you love brother's best friend romance, reverse age gap, strong heroines, golden retriever heroes, Bratva drama, and plenty of chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mila is a force to be reckoned with. After being pushed aside because of outdated traditions and rampant misogyny, she refuses to back down and fights for everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Watching her navigate the dangerous world around her while trying to maintain control was both frustrating and inspiring.
Then there's Thatcher. Hockey star, charmer, and professional ray of sunshine. He seems to have everything anyone could want, but beneath the confidence is a man searching for something more meaningful. The moment he sets his sights on Mila, I knew I was in for a treat.
I absolutely loved the brother's best friend dynamic, but what really made this story shine was the age gap reversal. Seeing the younger Thatcher completely captivated by the powerful, older Mila was refreshing and incredibly swoon-worthy. His persistence, loyalty, and unwavering support had me falling right alongside her.
The chemistry between these two practically leapt off the pages. Every interaction was packed with tension, banter, and undeniable attraction, but there was also a genuine emotional connection that made their relationship feel real. Thatcher brought light into Mila's dark and dangerous world, while Mila challenged him to become more than the carefree playboy everyone expected him to be.
Of course, life in the Bratva is never simple. Just when it feels like these two might find their happily ever after, outside forces threaten everything they've built. The danger, suspense, and high stakes kept me glued to the pages and constantly wondering what would happen next.
This book delivered the perfect combination of romance, steam, heart, and suspense. Mila and Thatcher's journey was emotional, exciting, and impossible not to root for.
If you love brother's best friend romance, reverse age gap, strong heroines, golden retriever heroes, Bratva drama, and plenty of chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
**Bratva Queen and Her Sunshine!**
The second book in the Blades & Blood series is titled *Push Your Luck*. I am completely obsessed with Mila and Thatcher; they are a classic case of opposites attracting, coming from two different worlds that no one would ever expect to come together. Mila is a true Bratva badass boss, while Thatcher is the hockey playboy.
As Mila settles in and takes over the New York operation from her cousin Ivan, she also finds herself hosting her brother’s best friend, Thatcher, for the summer. The tension between Mila and Thatcher is thick and delicious, as you can genuinely feel their connection and longing, despite Mila's attempts to resist Thatcher’s charm. It's Thatcher’s charismatic personality that begins to break through Mila's guarded heart, and before she realizes it, he becomes someone important to her—someone she feels she must protect.
The femdom/sub relationship between Mila and Thatcher is beautifully portrayed, showcasing how raw and vulnerable they are with each other as they explore new parts of themselves and open up to new kinks and pleasures. This dynamic also aids in healing pieces of their past traumas.
When another Russian family tries to move in because they don’t want a woman taking over, they soon discover what a real Bratva woman is capable of when they cross her.
T.K. Drake knows how to leave me emotionally drained yet charged. I found myself reading until I woke up the next morning with my e-reader on the floor, only to pick it up and keep reading.
Mila and Thatcher are incredible characters, and it's a joy to see everyone else again, including a special appearance by Ivan and Blanche from the Sinclairs series. This new journey is wild, filled with brutal chaos in the best possible way, and I am totally here for every minute of it all. I can’t wait to see who’s next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in the Blades & Blood series is titled *Push Your Luck*. I am completely obsessed with Mila and Thatcher; they are a classic case of opposites attracting, coming from two different worlds that no one would ever expect to come together. Mila is a true Bratva badass boss, while Thatcher is the hockey playboy.
As Mila settles in and takes over the New York operation from her cousin Ivan, she also finds herself hosting her brother’s best friend, Thatcher, for the summer. The tension between Mila and Thatcher is thick and delicious, as you can genuinely feel their connection and longing, despite Mila's attempts to resist Thatcher’s charm. It's Thatcher’s charismatic personality that begins to break through Mila's guarded heart, and before she realizes it, he becomes someone important to her—someone she feels she must protect.
The femdom/sub relationship between Mila and Thatcher is beautifully portrayed, showcasing how raw and vulnerable they are with each other as they explore new parts of themselves and open up to new kinks and pleasures. This dynamic also aids in healing pieces of their past traumas.
When another Russian family tries to move in because they don’t want a woman taking over, they soon discover what a real Bratva woman is capable of when they cross her.
T.K. Drake knows how to leave me emotionally drained yet charged. I found myself reading until I woke up the next morning with my e-reader on the floor, only to pick it up and keep reading.
Mila and Thatcher are incredible characters, and it's a joy to see everyone else again, including a special appearance by Ivan and Blanche from the Sinclairs series. This new journey is wild, filled with brutal chaos in the best possible way, and I am totally here for every minute of it all. I can’t wait to see who’s next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed Push Your Luck. It delivered an interesting twist on several familiar romance tropes by giving us a heroine who is unapologetically powerful and a hero who isn't threatened by that power in the slightest.
Mila was easily my favorite part of the book. As a Bratva leader constantly fighting against misogyny and outdated expectations, she's strong, intelligent, and determined to carve out her place in a world that doesn't make it easy for women. I loved seeing her refuse to shrink herself for anyone.
Thatcher was the perfect counterpart to her. On the surface, he's a successful hockey player with money, charm, and endless options, but underneath all of that is a man who simply wants to be valued for who he is rather than what he can provide. His golden retriever energy balanced Mila's intensity beautifully, and I found myself rooting for him almost immediately.
One aspect I appreciated most was how their dynamic challenged traditional romance roles. Thatcher's desire to support Mila rather than compete with her felt refreshing, and I loved seeing a powerful woman surrounded by people who respected her strength instead of trying to diminish it. Their chemistry was strong, the spice delivered, and their emotional connection felt believable as the story progressed.
The plot kept me engaged throughout; while there were moments where I wanted a little more depth and development in certain areas, I was still invested in both the romance and the larger story.
Overall, Push Your Luck was an entertaining read with a memorable couple, solid chemistry, and a relationship dynamic that stood out from many others in the genre. If you enjoy brother's best friend, age-gap romance, hockey players, mafia intrigue, strong FMCs, and golden retriever heroes who adore powerful women, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for an ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed Push Your Luck. It delivered an interesting twist on several familiar romance tropes by giving us a heroine who is unapologetically powerful and a hero who isn't threatened by that power in the slightest.
Mila was easily my favorite part of the book. As a Bratva leader constantly fighting against misogyny and outdated expectations, she's strong, intelligent, and determined to carve out her place in a world that doesn't make it easy for women. I loved seeing her refuse to shrink herself for anyone.
Thatcher was the perfect counterpart to her. On the surface, he's a successful hockey player with money, charm, and endless options, but underneath all of that is a man who simply wants to be valued for who he is rather than what he can provide. His golden retriever energy balanced Mila's intensity beautifully, and I found myself rooting for him almost immediately.
One aspect I appreciated most was how their dynamic challenged traditional romance roles. Thatcher's desire to support Mila rather than compete with her felt refreshing, and I loved seeing a powerful woman surrounded by people who respected her strength instead of trying to diminish it. Their chemistry was strong, the spice delivered, and their emotional connection felt believable as the story progressed.
The plot kept me engaged throughout; while there were moments where I wanted a little more depth and development in certain areas, I was still invested in both the romance and the larger story.
Overall, Push Your Luck was an entertaining read with a memorable couple, solid chemistry, and a relationship dynamic that stood out from many others in the genre. If you enjoy brother's best friend, age-gap romance, hockey players, mafia intrigue, strong FMCs, and golden retriever heroes who adore powerful women, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for an ARC.
June 5, 2026
✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐓.𝐊. 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐑 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂! 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. ✨
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚
In PYL, hockey player mansl*t Thatcher “Sunshine” Prescott moves in with Bratva boss Mila Taranov when he accidentally burns down his condo, and they find a simmering chemistry they can’t ignore
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔
⁀➷ I’ve read all of T.K.’s book so far and just like the others, PYL keeps things moving along quickly and nicely; this one comes in at just over 300 pages.
⁀➷ You don’t have to wait for things to get rolling; your attention’s grabbed from the first chapter and the fast pace keeps you locked in all the way to the end.
⁀➷ Thatcher is the textbook definition of a golden retriever MMC— goofy and lovable. His teammates call him Sunshine, after all. And that’s just what we get from his relationship with Mila, a solid reverse grumpy-sunshine dynamic. She’s become an ice queen out of necessity; she’s surrounded by misogyny as a female leader in an intensely patriarchal society, and she has to constantly fight for respect, much less obedience.
⁀➷ We learn almost as soon as the story starts the Mila’s a Domme and as it turns out, she and Thatcher make a perfect match in that regard. They slowly let down their walls and trust blooms between them.
⁀➷ It’s definitely not a lighthearted story, but if you’re at all experienced with dark romance, you’ll have a great time. If you’re unsure, you can always check trigger/content warnings— I believe they’re available on the authors’ website.
𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟:
⁀➷ reverse grumpy-sunshine
⁀➷ reverse age gap
⁀➷ bad*ss FMCs with atypical bodies (she’s 6’ tall with lots of muscles)
⁀➷ down-bad hockey player MMCs who work hard to win over the FMC
⁀➷ Bratva subplot/setting
⁀➷ Sports (hockey) subplot
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒔
Overall: 4.25 ⭐️
Emotional damage rating: 💔💔
Darkness: 💀💀
Character chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚
In PYL, hockey player mansl*t Thatcher “Sunshine” Prescott moves in with Bratva boss Mila Taranov when he accidentally burns down his condo, and they find a simmering chemistry they can’t ignore
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔
⁀➷ I’ve read all of T.K.’s book so far and just like the others, PYL keeps things moving along quickly and nicely; this one comes in at just over 300 pages.
⁀➷ You don’t have to wait for things to get rolling; your attention’s grabbed from the first chapter and the fast pace keeps you locked in all the way to the end.
⁀➷ Thatcher is the textbook definition of a golden retriever MMC— goofy and lovable. His teammates call him Sunshine, after all. And that’s just what we get from his relationship with Mila, a solid reverse grumpy-sunshine dynamic. She’s become an ice queen out of necessity; she’s surrounded by misogyny as a female leader in an intensely patriarchal society, and she has to constantly fight for respect, much less obedience.
⁀➷ We learn almost as soon as the story starts the Mila’s a Domme and as it turns out, she and Thatcher make a perfect match in that regard. They slowly let down their walls and trust blooms between them.
⁀➷ It’s definitely not a lighthearted story, but if you’re at all experienced with dark romance, you’ll have a great time. If you’re unsure, you can always check trigger/content warnings— I believe they’re available on the authors’ website.
𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟:
⁀➷ reverse grumpy-sunshine
⁀➷ reverse age gap
⁀➷ bad*ss FMCs with atypical bodies (she’s 6’ tall with lots of muscles)
⁀➷ down-bad hockey player MMCs who work hard to win over the FMC
⁀➷ Bratva subplot/setting
⁀➷ Sports (hockey) subplot
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒔
Overall: 4.25 ⭐️
Emotional damage rating: 💔💔
Darkness: 💀💀
Character chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
ARC Review —Push Your Luck by @tkdrakeauthor 🤍
Release Date: June 1 2026
I loved this book SO much. This series has completely pulled me in. I’ve already recommended my friends pre order and add to their TBR ASAP.
Mila was EVERYTHING I want in a FMC — strong, ruthless, intelligent, emotionally guarded, and constantly fighting to prove herself in a male-dominated world. She’s powerful without losing the small glimpses of softness she only shows to the people she trusts most, and I was obsessed with her from the beginning.
And Thatcher Prescott??? Golden retriever hockey captain perfection. He’s sweet, loyal, charming, completely gone for Mila, and honestly follows her around like the most devoted puppy ever. He falls first HARD and I loved every second of it.
The forced proximity in this book was incredible and the chemistry between these two absolutely exploded once the tension finally snapped. I also really appreciated how the Domme/submissive dynamic focused heavily on communication, trust, and vulnerability while still being insanely hot.
The mix of mafia politics, hockey romance, emotional moments, tension, action, and character growth had me completely hooked. Every side character added something to the story too — especially Misha, who completely stole scenes whenever he appeared.
This book had me smiling, stressed, emotional, and fully invested the entire time. T.K. Drake really knows how to pull you into this world and make you obsessed with every character.
🖤 Tropes:
🏒 Mafia Romance
🖤 Hockey Romance
🏒 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 He Falls First
🏒 Forced Proximity
🖤 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Powerful FMC
🖤 BDSM / Domme x Sub
🏒 Found Family
🖤 Protective MMC
🏒 Touch Him & Die
Ps. I need Misha to have his own book. Nikki and/ or Gabri are available 🙊🤍
ARC Review —Push Your Luck by @tkdrakeauthor 🤍
Release Date: June 1 2026
I loved this book SO much. This series has completely pulled me in. I’ve already recommended my friends pre order and add to their TBR ASAP.
Mila was EVERYTHING I want in a FMC — strong, ruthless, intelligent, emotionally guarded, and constantly fighting to prove herself in a male-dominated world. She’s powerful without losing the small glimpses of softness she only shows to the people she trusts most, and I was obsessed with her from the beginning.
And Thatcher Prescott??? Golden retriever hockey captain perfection. He’s sweet, loyal, charming, completely gone for Mila, and honestly follows her around like the most devoted puppy ever. He falls first HARD and I loved every second of it.
The forced proximity in this book was incredible and the chemistry between these two absolutely exploded once the tension finally snapped. I also really appreciated how the Domme/submissive dynamic focused heavily on communication, trust, and vulnerability while still being insanely hot.
The mix of mafia politics, hockey romance, emotional moments, tension, action, and character growth had me completely hooked. Every side character added something to the story too — especially Misha, who completely stole scenes whenever he appeared.
This book had me smiling, stressed, emotional, and fully invested the entire time. T.K. Drake really knows how to pull you into this world and make you obsessed with every character.
🖤 Tropes:
🏒 Mafia Romance
🖤 Hockey Romance
🏒 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 He Falls First
🏒 Forced Proximity
🖤 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Powerful FMC
🖤 BDSM / Domme x Sub
🏒 Found Family
🖤 Protective MMC
🏒 Touch Him & Die
Ps. I need Misha to have his own book. Nikki and/ or Gabri are available 🙊🤍
Review of advance copy
This is the second book in the Blades and Blood series. I loved the first one. This one I enjoyed but I had some mixed feelings about one of the characters. Mila who met in the first book has left Florida to become phakan in New York. The Bratva was run by a cousin who is stepping away. Mila is eager to take over but she has to deal with exerting her power and influence over men who still think a woman can’t run stuff. Mila is my favorite kind of female character, tough, strong, assertive, confident and basically a bad ass. She knows who she is and makes no apologies. Now along comes Thatcher a hockey player with the summer off, he is a big puppy dog with his tongue hanging out. Thatcher burns down his place by leaving candles lit. He assumes his parents will let him stay in their Hampton’s home but, they say no stay in a hotel or buy you own (Grow up). Teddy who use to play hockey with Thatcher tells him he’s welcome to stay with Mila. Thatcher ignores rules and hosts slip and slide parties, he opens doors he has been forbidden too. Thatcher is twenty five to Mila’s forty but he acted eighteen. His bumbling behaviors and smirks really started to irritate me. He doesn’t come across as a man but a boy. Misha, Mila’s trusted friend said he would be great in the Bratva he has skills and talent but Mila is quick to say he needs someone to tell him what to do. This made me appreciate the book a little better. Mila is a domme and Thatcher was her sub. She controlled the relationship and the spicy moments too. Thatcher is not the kind of man I like to read about but I could appreciate how much he loved and cared for Mila. I loved how he thought of her first and when they were together it worked. This is a great book for women’s empowerment and I was here for it. I want more books with female mafia leaders.
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