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Denver Rebels #1
Wicked Games
From USA Today Bestselling Author Maureen Smith comes a sizzling new interracial romance series featuring four sexy-as-sin hockey stars who lose their hearts on the road to winning the Stanley Cup...
Wicked Games (Book #1)
College recruiter Nadia Warner has sworn off jocks for good. So when her sports reporter brother drags her out to a hockey practice, the last thing she’s looking for is romance. But when she locks gazes with hockey superstar Reid Holden, all bets are off….
Reid is the resident bad boy of the Denver Rebels. On the ice, he delivers bone-crushing hits that often land him in the penalty box. Off the ice, he has a reputation for snubbing reporters, partying hard and breaking hearts. No woman has ever been able to crack his tough shell…until Nadia comes along.
When their eyes meet, the electricity between them is hot enough to melt the ice beneath Reid’s feet. In exchange for giving Nadia’s brother a quote for his column, Reid wants an introduction to Nadia.
But that’s just the beginning….
Wicked Games (Book #1)
College recruiter Nadia Warner has sworn off jocks for good. So when her sports reporter brother drags her out to a hockey practice, the last thing she’s looking for is romance. But when she locks gazes with hockey superstar Reid Holden, all bets are off….
Reid is the resident bad boy of the Denver Rebels. On the ice, he delivers bone-crushing hits that often land him in the penalty box. Off the ice, he has a reputation for snubbing reporters, partying hard and breaking hearts. No woman has ever been able to crack his tough shell…until Nadia comes along.
When their eyes meet, the electricity between them is hot enough to melt the ice beneath Reid’s feet. In exchange for giving Nadia’s brother a quote for his column, Reid wants an introduction to Nadia.
But that’s just the beginning….
506 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2015
389 people are currently reading
1898 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Smith
69 books806 followerspseudonym Naomi Chase
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
January 29, 2016
In the inimitable words of the always fabulous Nina Garcia this was a "taste issue."
Honestly this book was not bad per se. It simply was not to my taste. It is filled with tropes and themes that I usually steer clear of.
The basic storyline is the heroine Nadia accompanies her brother, a sports reporter, to a hockey practice and there she locks eyes with the hero Reid. Reid is a superstar hockey player on a major league NHL team. There is lust at first sight. He, being a superstar hockey player, gets a lot of women and has a lot of sex with said women. But the minute he meets Nadia she is so much it that he goes into Prince Charming mode and pursues her relentlessly with his charm, looks, fame and money. Lots and lots of money.
So this is where it comes down to taste
1) I am not a fan of books where the minute the hero/heroine look at each other they lose control of their bodily functions. You know, breathing ceases. Hairs get prickly. Areas get plump, moist, hard or wet. They can't think. What they were doing just minutes before loses all meaning. Sure, I can understand attraction and even some heightened sexual awareness, but this goes beyond that. I mean based on the description, I believe she had what I am sure had to be a heart arrhythmia. And since her "mouth went strangely dry" and she could no longer feel her phone in her hand once she met his eyes, I think she must have spontaneously contracted Lupus or diabetes or something, just from looking at him. Ha! but seriously, though, I know what the author was going for, but this type of extreme reaction doesn't work for me.
2)I am not a fan of billionaire books. I avoid those like the plague. Mainly because most of them that I read becomes an exercise in how much wealth can be displayed as well as creating some hyper fantasy lifestyle without too much effort. Again, this is not a bad thing. It just isn't to my taste. While the word 'billionaire' is not in the title, the book acts like it is. We are told over and over again that Reid is rich. He signed a 13-year $98 million contract. He has endorsements with Gatorade and Nike amongst other things. He has several high end cars, he charters private planes, he lavishes Nadia with gifts, even slipping her a credit card after only about a week of knowing her. The barrage of his wealth is almost relentless in the book.
3) I hate grand public gestures as a proving point for love and affection. There are multiples of these.
So yeah, this book just wasn't in my wheelhouse of things I enjoy in a book.
That said, there was an actual good romance at the core of it. Even though they get together and fall in love at the speed of light, the author does give Nadia and Reid the page space to develop as a couple (even though from a timeline standpoint they meet in October and the book ends at Christmas) and we do get a lot of quality face time with them. There are some good scenes with just them.
But unfortunately that gets lost in the other stuff.
And beyond just the 'my personal taste' issues there are some things that I think are objectively problematic. There were passages that devolved into speechifying about race. There was one scene that could have easily been an episode of a Real Housewives of Atlanta, I was seriously planning to DNF at that point. And there were points when I had to check the heroine's age. She acted like a tween sometimes.
In the end I think this will be a great book for people who really like money being lavished on the heroine, insta-sexy-lust, grand gestures that make her feel like a princess. But that doesn't really work for me.
Honestly this book was not bad per se. It simply was not to my taste. It is filled with tropes and themes that I usually steer clear of.
The basic storyline is the heroine Nadia accompanies her brother, a sports reporter, to a hockey practice and there she locks eyes with the hero Reid. Reid is a superstar hockey player on a major league NHL team. There is lust at first sight. He, being a superstar hockey player, gets a lot of women and has a lot of sex with said women. But the minute he meets Nadia she is so much it that he goes into Prince Charming mode and pursues her relentlessly with his charm, looks, fame and money. Lots and lots of money.
So this is where it comes down to taste
1) I am not a fan of books where the minute the hero/heroine look at each other they lose control of their bodily functions. You know, breathing ceases. Hairs get prickly. Areas get plump, moist, hard or wet. They can't think. What they were doing just minutes before loses all meaning. Sure, I can understand attraction and even some heightened sexual awareness, but this goes beyond that. I mean based on the description, I believe she had what I am sure had to be a heart arrhythmia. And since her "mouth went strangely dry" and she could no longer feel her phone in her hand once she met his eyes, I think she must have spontaneously contracted Lupus or diabetes or something, just from looking at him. Ha! but seriously, though, I know what the author was going for, but this type of extreme reaction doesn't work for me.
2)I am not a fan of billionaire books. I avoid those like the plague. Mainly because most of them that I read becomes an exercise in how much wealth can be displayed as well as creating some hyper fantasy lifestyle without too much effort. Again, this is not a bad thing. It just isn't to my taste. While the word 'billionaire' is not in the title, the book acts like it is. We are told over and over again that Reid is rich. He signed a 13-year $98 million contract. He has endorsements with Gatorade and Nike amongst other things. He has several high end cars, he charters private planes, he lavishes Nadia with gifts, even slipping her a credit card after only about a week of knowing her. The barrage of his wealth is almost relentless in the book.
3) I hate grand public gestures as a proving point for love and affection. There are multiples of these.
So yeah, this book just wasn't in my wheelhouse of things I enjoy in a book.
That said, there was an actual good romance at the core of it. Even though they get together and fall in love at the speed of light, the author does give Nadia and Reid the page space to develop as a couple (even though from a timeline standpoint they meet in October and the book ends at Christmas) and we do get a lot of quality face time with them. There are some good scenes with just them.
But unfortunately that gets lost in the other stuff.
And beyond just the 'my personal taste' issues there are some things that I think are objectively problematic. There were passages that devolved into speechifying about race. There was one scene that could have easily been an episode of a Real Housewives of Atlanta, I was seriously planning to DNF at that point. And there were points when I had to check the heroine's age. She acted like a tween sometimes.
In the end I think this will be a great book for people who really like money being lavished on the heroine, insta-sexy-lust, grand gestures that make her feel like a princess. But that doesn't really work for me.
July 23, 2022
DNF. I got weird vibes off this one and I’m sad because I saw edits for this on tiktok and it seemed like it had so much potential. But it was extremely colorist, low key even racist?
When his teammates stay stuff like “she’s black”
and he says “do you not date white boys”
I knew that I had to DNF. Which sucks because this has so much potential. Just give me a good hockey romance with a WOC where she isn’t stereotyped and it isn’t weird racist vibes.
When his teammates stay stuff like “she’s black”
and he says “do you not date white boys”
I knew that I had to DNF. Which sucks because this has so much potential. Just give me a good hockey romance with a WOC where she isn’t stereotyped and it isn’t weird racist vibes.
November 11, 2021
Too much repetition
May 3, 2022
I was gonna give this a 2.5 but my sister in arms said I was being too generous after all my complaining of this book.
For one why is this 500 pages?! I could cut stuff out for free if needed. The pro black, anti black, fatphobic, and weird interracial comments were making me wanna pull my hair out and I can't afford that cause I'm currently growing it out.
I love the idea going in and at up the prologue but throughout it there were different moments I felt like I was staring off into a camera on The Office.
Th smut was kinda good but also some moments completely pulled me out whatever sexy thing was going on and if I got a dollar for everytime the words blonde leggy were used together I could pay for a group meal.
I think this book has some potential I liked the couple when they weren't making weird comments and sometimes I went aww and then they said something that made me go 🥴
Also I'm not one to complain about an epilogue being there. I love them but this one was so long and like went on and on.
Overall this just didn't work for me.
For one why is this 500 pages?! I could cut stuff out for free if needed. The pro black, anti black, fatphobic, and weird interracial comments were making me wanna pull my hair out and I can't afford that cause I'm currently growing it out.
I love the idea going in and at up the prologue but throughout it there were different moments I felt like I was staring off into a camera on The Office.
Th smut was kinda good but also some moments completely pulled me out whatever sexy thing was going on and if I got a dollar for everytime the words blonde leggy were used together I could pay for a group meal.
I think this book has some potential I liked the couple when they weren't making weird comments and sometimes I went aww and then they said something that made me go 🥴
Also I'm not one to complain about an epilogue being there. I love them but this one was so long and like went on and on.
Overall this just didn't work for me.
February 27, 2016
Fantastic IR. I was hooked on this from the moment Reid and Nadia saw each other at his hockey practice. Both characters were very likable and realistic. This was a long book and I still wanted more. I can't wait for book 2 that I hope follows Viggo, Reid's teammate and Scarlett Nadia's musician cousin. This is my first book by Maureen Smith, but lucky me, she has a lot more.
December 26, 2015
Wicked
I read the shorter version that was a part of 12 months, 12 alphas, and loved it. I was thrilled when I saw the longer version and it's no surprise that I absolutely love it also
Reid and Nadia are an unlikely but adorable couple. When they had a chance meeting at one of Reid's meetings; there was instant attraction and chemistry. Reid was relentless in his pursuit and was determined to get his girl.
Ms. Smith has done a good job of building these two adorable characters and taking her readers through the ups and downs of their relationship and eventual HEA.
I read the shorter version that was a part of 12 months, 12 alphas, and loved it. I was thrilled when I saw the longer version and it's no surprise that I absolutely love it also
Reid and Nadia are an unlikely but adorable couple. When they had a chance meeting at one of Reid's meetings; there was instant attraction and chemistry. Reid was relentless in his pursuit and was determined to get his girl.
Ms. Smith has done a good job of building these two adorable characters and taking her readers through the ups and downs of their relationship and eventual HEA.
June 2, 2022
Hockey romance blah blah blah player x college recruiter blah blah blah third act breakup blah blah love is love.
I believe that there are books with written characters and then there are books with humans in a story. There in fact is a difference. And this book had the former. I want to be clear and say that I do not mind instant love, I think it's cute. But, I do not understand the point in including instant love if you do not go into depth about the qualities that make the love interest loveable, and this book is an example of this. Past lust and infatuation I did not see why Nadia and Reid loved each other. And yes, Reid was charming, cute, protective, he had a little swag I guess, but that's it. That's all. And I won't spoil it but over time I just disliked him more (but no for real I can't stand a flirty man). And Nadia *sighs*. Lets just say I hate the "I'm not like other girls. I'm not a slut, ew" heroines. Because that's what her character gave, but that ain't my cup of anti slut shaming tea.
In addition to the characters I did not find the writing engaging. The writing and phrases were repetitive. The character's where doing the same things, the descriptions were the same, the monologues were the same, the multiple sex scenes were like unneeded remixes to average songs.
Also, I would say I hate to bring race into it but I honestly don't give a damn. "I know dad. Believe me, I would never deny racism exists. I know it does, and I've personally experienced it. But why should every white person be held responsible for the atrocities that may have been by their ancestors? If Reid makes me happy, why should the color of his skin matter?"
I get what she saying and her daddy was a little dramatic, but I just- no. The first question says she needs to read a book. And this is why interracial books are hit or miss. Because to have an interracial romance and ignore the challenges as a mixed couple is unrealistic in real world settings, but when some authors try to tackle it I just never agree with their politics. It always feels like lets hold hands and sing Africa by Toto, reverse racism is real, and cultural appropriation is fake...Anyways, yea. Not for me.
I believe that there are books with written characters and then there are books with humans in a story. There in fact is a difference. And this book had the former. I want to be clear and say that I do not mind instant love, I think it's cute. But, I do not understand the point in including instant love if you do not go into depth about the qualities that make the love interest loveable, and this book is an example of this. Past lust and infatuation I did not see why Nadia and Reid loved each other. And yes, Reid was charming, cute, protective, he had a little swag I guess, but that's it. That's all. And I won't spoil it but over time I just disliked him more (but no for real I can't stand a flirty man). And Nadia *sighs*. Lets just say I hate the "I'm not like other girls. I'm not a slut, ew" heroines. Because that's what her character gave, but that ain't my cup of anti slut shaming tea.
In addition to the characters I did not find the writing engaging. The writing and phrases were repetitive. The character's where doing the same things, the descriptions were the same, the monologues were the same, the multiple sex scenes were like unneeded remixes to average songs.
Also, I would say I hate to bring race into it but I honestly don't give a damn. "I know dad. Believe me, I would never deny racism exists. I know it does, and I've personally experienced it. But why should every white person be held responsible for the atrocities that may have been by their ancestors? If Reid makes me happy, why should the color of his skin matter?"
I get what she saying and her daddy was a little dramatic, but I just- no. The first question says she needs to read a book. And this is why interracial books are hit or miss. Because to have an interracial romance and ignore the challenges as a mixed couple is unrealistic in real world settings, but when some authors try to tackle it I just never agree with their politics. It always feels like lets hold hands and sing Africa by Toto, reverse racism is real, and cultural appropriation is fake...Anyways, yea. Not for me.
January 8, 2016
Nadia and Reid are so endearing to me it was hard to say goodbye to them. But then again, I feel like Maureen leaves everything on the page so I am completely sated by the end of each book. This felt like two or three different books rolled into one. Yes, it's long but you end up getting a complete picture about these two characters and all the people in their lives. That's actually one of the things I like about Maureen Smith: her thoroughness--especially in her more recent books. In this book we get caught up with old characters from previous stories and they have continuing and...quite involved story lines (girl, tea sipping drama!). We meet and really get to know friends and relatives who will obviously have their own books at some point or play a major part in another story. And we get a clear and intimate picture of who the H/H are as individuals and as a couple--even their strange quirks--which makes it super cute and wonderfully satisfying when they come together; and heartbreaking when they fall apart.
Now...this book does not shy away from the race issue AT ALL. In fact, it took front and center quite a bit, which I appreciated because it roped me into the story that much more. It had me and many others deep in our feels! (see previous status update) And if that weren't enough, she's always so great at crafting love scenes no matter who the characters are. MY KINDLE WAS ON FIRE from the jump. This IR romance might be a departure for some Maureen Smith followers, but I promise you will be nothing short of super happy with the read.
Now...this book does not shy away from the race issue AT ALL. In fact, it took front and center quite a bit, which I appreciated because it roped me into the story that much more. It had me and many others deep in our feels! (see previous status update) And if that weren't enough, she's always so great at crafting love scenes no matter who the characters are. MY KINDLE WAS ON FIRE from the jump. This IR romance might be a departure for some Maureen Smith followers, but I promise you will be nothing short of super happy with the read.
January 25, 2016
EXCELLENT READ!
January 19, 2016
**** STOP STOP STOP PAUSE FREEZE*******
Before you go any further reading this review I feel it is my duty to let you know that I am extremely bias when it comes to books with fictional celebs... WHY? Because I LOVE books with any type of celeb meets regular girl.
Now Reid... simply put... WAS EVERYTHING. I really really loved his character AND he almost got added to my book boyfriend list... ALMOST if hockey was my thing he would most def be added but since that is what he does for a living...that means I would have to be in the stand cheering him on and... yeah no I don't do ice cold anything sorry Reid but we still cool ( This is all in great fun I am not really crazy...okay that's a lie I am but whatever!) moving on....
Nadia was pretty great there was of course one point in the book where I was like NOOOOOOOO girl think about things!!! But at the same time I am super glad that she stood her ground... and actually made him grovel some.. sooooo many times these freaking book characters forgive with one flip of the page LIKE DANG make the dude work for it geez... Nadia however held strong and I appreciated that A LOT!
Don't even get me started on Caitlyn... actually I will save that trick (I sure did call her a trick) for you will to enjoy (Insert sarcasm font)
Surprisingly I am looking forward to viggo and scarlett's book. I never really read secondary books featuring other characters.. however I will be checking that one out.
SO... all in all really enjoyed this book... if I could change anything it would be the long drawn out sex scenes.. Yes extremely hot but after a while I am like can we just do a few quickies and get back to the drama.
Signing off "I don't know what the puck too me so long to read this book! hehe)
Before you go any further reading this review I feel it is my duty to let you know that I am extremely bias when it comes to books with fictional celebs... WHY? Because I LOVE books with any type of celeb meets regular girl.
Now Reid... simply put... WAS EVERYTHING. I really really loved his character AND he almost got added to my book boyfriend list... ALMOST if hockey was my thing he would most def be added but since that is what he does for a living...that means I would have to be in the stand cheering him on and... yeah no I don't do ice cold anything sorry Reid but we still cool ( This is all in great fun I am not really crazy...okay that's a lie I am but whatever!) moving on....
Nadia was pretty great there was of course one point in the book where I was like NOOOOOOOO girl think about things!!! But at the same time I am super glad that she stood her ground... and actually made him grovel some.. sooooo many times these freaking book characters forgive with one flip of the page LIKE DANG make the dude work for it geez... Nadia however held strong and I appreciated that A LOT!
Don't even get me started on Caitlyn... actually I will save that trick (I sure did call her a trick) for you will to enjoy (Insert sarcasm font)
Surprisingly I am looking forward to viggo and scarlett's book. I never really read secondary books featuring other characters.. however I will be checking that one out.
SO... all in all really enjoyed this book... if I could change anything it would be the long drawn out sex scenes.. Yes extremely hot but after a while I am like can we just do a few quickies and get back to the drama.
Signing off "I don't know what the puck too me so long to read this book! hehe)
July 16, 2022
Kind of some spoilers.
Okay, this book had so much potential. I really liked the romance between the main characters, it was the only thing that kept me reading. However, there are really bad parts of this book. The first thing I caught onto was the 'not like other girls' stance Nadia had in the first couple of chapters. It was not great to read. Okay, so the bulk of what's wrong with this book has to be the terrible discussions about race. As a BW, I was eager and ready for the representation. However, this book had me rolling my eyes every single chapter.
1. When Nadia said that her dad was too "Afrocentric" to accept Reid as her boyfriend because he was white. It was super super odd to me because there was no justification at all, it really made no sense.
2. When Reid's old fling said that Reid was dating Nadia because he was into slave play? What made the author think that that was something okay to put in?
This book tried to deconstruct stereotypes but only brought them up while writing about the said stereotypes. Like Jess and Caitlyn's fight. And then Caitlyn saying some ish about black men? Like I know it's fiction and some things may happen in real life it just felt so unrealistic and disgusting.
3.Let's not forget the blatant fatphobic comments Jess made about Bianca because she had a crush on Nelson. I genuinely thought Jess and Nadia would stop being friends after that, but she kinda just accepted it.
4. The worst part of the book was when Nadia met Reid's mom and she was extremely racist towards Nadia. And then it went away like two chapters later and the justification was that "she just wanted the best for Reid." WHAT???? If people have the gall to make such comments, they are racist. They just don't un-racist overnight. How can she be okay with Reid and Nadia getting married like a week after she told Nadia that their biracial kids will be inferior? This is what I mean when I say that this book had terrible racial discussions. How can every character in this book harbor some sort of racism? At least make the characters consistent!
5. When Avery says she doesn't date black guys. Like c'mon! In the same sentence, she was saying how her parents shouldn't be racist.
6.Okay so the main plot, the romance. It was the ONLY thing keeping this book together, and it wasn't that great! Nadia and Reid got together too quickly. I know that it seems more prolonged because Nadia resisted at first, but two weeks? The author could've put some time in between.
When Reid allowed the woman to sit on him and saw her out, I understand Nadia's frustration. However, instead of addressing that, the author makes it so that Nadia believed that Reid slept with her, and they break up for like a month or something. It angered me because I feel like there could've been a better way to introduce the reason why Reid doesn't like the paparazzi/media.
There may be things I am not remembering, but this book wasn't very good. However, the author is great at writing romance because I did feel the chemistry between the characters. The problem was that any adversity or most of the plot was centered around race. Every single twist and turn was someone commenting about Nadia's race, reid's race, "puck bunnies," etc. It was literally gross.
Okay, this book had so much potential. I really liked the romance between the main characters, it was the only thing that kept me reading. However, there are really bad parts of this book. The first thing I caught onto was the 'not like other girls' stance Nadia had in the first couple of chapters. It was not great to read. Okay, so the bulk of what's wrong with this book has to be the terrible discussions about race. As a BW, I was eager and ready for the representation. However, this book had me rolling my eyes every single chapter.
1. When Nadia said that her dad was too "Afrocentric" to accept Reid as her boyfriend because he was white. It was super super odd to me because there was no justification at all, it really made no sense.
2. When Reid's old fling said that Reid was dating Nadia because he was into slave play? What made the author think that that was something okay to put in?
This book tried to deconstruct stereotypes but only brought them up while writing about the said stereotypes. Like Jess and Caitlyn's fight. And then Caitlyn saying some ish about black men? Like I know it's fiction and some things may happen in real life it just felt so unrealistic and disgusting.
3.Let's not forget the blatant fatphobic comments Jess made about Bianca because she had a crush on Nelson. I genuinely thought Jess and Nadia would stop being friends after that, but she kinda just accepted it.
4. The worst part of the book was when Nadia met Reid's mom and she was extremely racist towards Nadia. And then it went away like two chapters later and the justification was that "she just wanted the best for Reid." WHAT???? If people have the gall to make such comments, they are racist. They just don't un-racist overnight. How can she be okay with Reid and Nadia getting married like a week after she told Nadia that their biracial kids will be inferior? This is what I mean when I say that this book had terrible racial discussions. How can every character in this book harbor some sort of racism? At least make the characters consistent!
5. When Avery says she doesn't date black guys. Like c'mon! In the same sentence, she was saying how her parents shouldn't be racist.
6.Okay so the main plot, the romance. It was the ONLY thing keeping this book together, and it wasn't that great! Nadia and Reid got together too quickly. I know that it seems more prolonged because Nadia resisted at first, but two weeks? The author could've put some time in between.
When Reid allowed the woman to sit on him and saw her out, I understand Nadia's frustration. However, instead of addressing that, the author makes it so that Nadia believed that Reid slept with her, and they break up for like a month or something. It angered me because I feel like there could've been a better way to introduce the reason why Reid doesn't like the paparazzi/media.
There may be things I am not remembering, but this book wasn't very good. However, the author is great at writing romance because I did feel the chemistry between the characters. The problem was that any adversity or most of the plot was centered around race. Every single twist and turn was someone commenting about Nadia's race, reid's race, "puck bunnies," etc. It was literally gross.
October 30, 2017
All In My Feels
I'm usually not a fan of insta love, but this story was fiyah!!!
Maureen Smith was not afraid to go there when it comes to race, colorism, and everything in between. The chemistry between Reid and Nadia was explosive from beginning to end.
Can't wait for Viggo and Scarlett's story! Whew...
I'm usually not a fan of insta love, but this story was fiyah!!!
Maureen Smith was not afraid to go there when it comes to race, colorism, and everything in between. The chemistry between Reid and Nadia was explosive from beginning to end.
Can't wait for Viggo and Scarlett's story! Whew...
December 28, 2015
Absolutely loved the short version of this story when it appeared in '12 Months, 12 Alphas'; it was, without a doubt, the best story in the whole collection. But this longer version? Very well done. And smoking hot!!!
I enjoyed Reid and Nadia's love story, and how real it was. I'm glad that the author didn't gloss over the fact that they were an interracial couple, but showed how, I'm sure, real families often react to these relationships. One of the big things missing from the short story was the fact that we didn't get to see the parents reactions, although Nadia was worried about her father's reaction since he is very pro-black. Glad we got to see the family introductions here; believe me when I say, they didn't disappoint.
The absolute best thing, hands down, about this book though, was the comeuppance that Caitlyn finally got. She had been clearly begging for it for a long time, and I'm so glad that we were allowed to see her get her a** handed to her in this one. That's all I'm gonna say, because I don't want to ruin anybody's enjoyment of it.
Loved all of the side characters in this one. Well, with the exception of Jess. I liked her one minute, and the next I was giving her the serious side-eye.
Can't wait for Scarlett and Viggo's story. And dying to know if Mason Wolfe is gonna end up with one of Nadia's cousins/crew.
I enjoyed Reid and Nadia's love story, and how real it was. I'm glad that the author didn't gloss over the fact that they were an interracial couple, but showed how, I'm sure, real families often react to these relationships. One of the big things missing from the short story was the fact that we didn't get to see the parents reactions, although Nadia was worried about her father's reaction since he is very pro-black. Glad we got to see the family introductions here; believe me when I say, they didn't disappoint.
The absolute best thing, hands down, about this book though, was the comeuppance that Caitlyn finally got. She had been clearly begging for it for a long time, and I'm so glad that we were allowed to see her get her a** handed to her in this one. That's all I'm gonna say, because I don't want to ruin anybody's enjoyment of it.
Loved all of the side characters in this one. Well, with the exception of Jess. I liked her one minute, and the next I was giving her the serious side-eye.
Can't wait for Scarlett and Viggo's story. And dying to know if Mason Wolfe is gonna end up with one of Nadia's cousins/crew.
November 10, 2016
Reid and Nadia's story was so sweet and super hot. Young Nadia is a college recruiter who is participating in a college fair when she meets super hot hockey player Reid and they both feel the heat, but Nadia shy's away. Reid is a man who is on a mission and soon he get what he wants. This love story was very cute, funny , hot and romantic!. The secondary characters where amazing and I loved the interactions they had with the main Reid and Nadia. I just now there will be more with these guys and I cannot wait. Great read!
Merged review:
Good book
The bw/wm romance genre is not new,but I was like a Hockey player and a black woman? How was that going to work. Well I'm glad to say it did. Nadia and Reid, had a very sweet,hot romance. This was a really romantic story. I know nothing about hockey,I'm a football fan,but I was really interested to see how this would play out. I was surprised,it was really good and so sweet. I will definitely check out the rest of the series.
Merged review:
Good book
The bw/wm romance genre is not new,but I was like a Hockey player and a black woman? How was that going to work. Well I'm glad to say it did. Nadia and Reid, had a very sweet,hot romance. This was a really romantic story. I know nothing about hockey,I'm a football fan,but I was really interested to see how this would play out. I was surprised,it was really good and so sweet. I will definitely check out the rest of the series.
July 12, 2022
the way i ate this book up… miss maureen smith did the damn thing w this book right here and the way she didn’t come to play when bringing up sooo many racial issues when dealing with interracial love from both sides of the relationship..there were so many moments/quotes were my jaw was on the floor i was so shocked but also not surprised by how certain characters reacted but we love character growth and calling people out!! now i’m sad that it’s over but luckily there’s more to the series 🤪
p.s i’m definitely making all 100+ of my highlights available #sorrynotsorry
p.s i’m definitely making all 100+ of my highlights available #sorrynotsorry
July 19, 2022
sports romance is usually my thing but there was entirely too much race discussion in a book about sex. We fucking get it. She’s black, he’s white, it’s interracial!! Just get naked!!!
Also why tf was this 500 pages?? They only dated for 2 months. No reason for it. Next time cut out all the hotep speaking points!
Boring and repetitive and Nadia was an idiot. Tiktok had its foot on my throat to read this and sadly this one just wasn’t it.
Also why tf was this 500 pages?? They only dated for 2 months. No reason for it. Next time cut out all the hotep speaking points!
Boring and repetitive and Nadia was an idiot. Tiktok had its foot on my throat to read this and sadly this one just wasn’t it.
January 19, 2016
This Book Was EVERYTHING!!!!! I Love Reid & Nadia! It was great she wasn't a sports lover, and didn't just go along with getting to know him. I liked the fact that Nadia held him accountable for his actions, although he didn't sleep with the chic, he still went to far allowing her to sit on his lap....He had to realize that his actions could have lost him the Love Of His Life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
Self-hating-ish IRR.
Too tired to bother explaining but I don't think much of this author nor these types of books containing this sort of plot line, characters, perspectives and behaviors.
Also, so sugary. Uh.
Too tired to bother explaining but I don't think much of this author nor these types of books containing this sort of plot line, characters, perspectives and behaviors.
Also, so sugary. Uh.
December 28, 2015
Review to come
December 17, 2018
Oh, Maureen Smith, you've ruined me!!
Review to come
Review to come
May 26, 2023
Really hate the whole “I didn’t know you liked black girls” thing, like black women are some acquired taste. A lot of the race comments from many characters felt unnecessary. I get it’s an IR romance but the unnecessary comments when that isn’t the focus of the book is weird.
I hated the whole puck bunny thing, the whole slut-shaming was weird and they had worse problems than some thirsty fans.
His mother is racist and they tried to give her character development by making us feel sorry for her.
Truly surprise I finished this book, should’ve given it one star but I feel bad so 1.5 stars. TikTok edits made this book look good I’ll never fall for that again.
I hated the whole puck bunny thing, the whole slut-shaming was weird and they had worse problems than some thirsty fans.
His mother is racist and they tried to give her character development by making us feel sorry for her.
Truly surprise I finished this book, should’ve given it one star but I feel bad so 1.5 stars. TikTok edits made this book look good I’ll never fall for that again.
June 10, 2022
I think I've read one too many sports romances to last me a liftime, especially hockey and football related. This was your basic sports romance and by basic I mean his the hot shot player who meats the girl(Nadia) and he falls for her at first site and wants to change his ways because he feels something special for her etc....Y'all know how these stories go.
Things i disliked
•The Racists comments 😤 this an interracial romance she's black his white and i think the author tried to hard to make this about Race.
•I hated how the author described Nadia the first time Reid saw her. I quote "She was beautiful, a fallen angel with silky brown skin, luscious bee-stung lips and big dark doe eyes a man could drown in."
As a black person if someone described me like that it's on site cause I'm losing shit. I thought it was rude period!
•The sex scenes gosh😭😭cringe. I just wanted them not to talk while having sex and i don't think it's possible to be quiet while having sex. But the dirty talk in here was not it lemme just drop a few sentences that were said during the so called sex.
Spank me, papi!” this was unnecessary and screamed trying to hard.
Such a big, beautiful dick, Mmm,” she purred. “This dick is everything.”. I was left speachless cause why as a woman would i say such😭😭
Things i Liked
•SCARLET I can't wait to read her book ♡
•Nadia and her brothers relationship.
Things i disliked
•The Racists comments 😤 this an interracial romance she's black his white and i think the author tried to hard to make this about Race.
•I hated how the author described Nadia the first time Reid saw her. I quote "She was beautiful, a fallen angel with silky brown skin, luscious bee-stung lips and big dark doe eyes a man could drown in."
As a black person if someone described me like that it's on site cause I'm losing shit. I thought it was rude period!
•The sex scenes gosh😭😭cringe. I just wanted them not to talk while having sex and i don't think it's possible to be quiet while having sex. But the dirty talk in here was not it lemme just drop a few sentences that were said during the so called sex.
Spank me, papi!” this was unnecessary and screamed trying to hard.
Such a big, beautiful dick, Mmm,” she purred. “This dick is everything.”. I was left speachless cause why as a woman would i say such😭😭
Things i Liked
•SCARLET I can't wait to read her book ♡
•Nadia and her brothers relationship.
December 25, 2015
Let me just state that I love good reads & I wouldn't have found this little gem, if I wasn't for my friend liking someone else's page.
Where do I begin, Nadia is like every other self respecting black woman who only watches hockey when football isn't playing. Nadia is dragged to Hockey practice because her twin brother a sports reporter is called in to cover for a fellow reporter.
Reid is a famous hockey player she needs to google. I loved it.
The book was great. You had parents with some bigoted views. You had that friend trying to catch what she can't have. You have a black relative who hates being black. You would think with all this drama, I would hate it. But, I didn't because it wasn't over the top. The friend wasn't back stabbing she clearly stated who she was, so you either loved her or you didn't. That friend was one of my favorite friend character. The parents were little over the top, someone should told them to take several seats years ago.
I enjoy the book.
Where do I begin, Nadia is like every other self respecting black woman who only watches hockey when football isn't playing. Nadia is dragged to Hockey practice because her twin brother a sports reporter is called in to cover for a fellow reporter.
Reid is a famous hockey player she needs to google. I loved it.
The book was great. You had parents with some bigoted views. You had that friend trying to catch what she can't have. You have a black relative who hates being black. You would think with all this drama, I would hate it. But, I didn't because it wasn't over the top. The friend wasn't back stabbing she clearly stated who she was, so you either loved her or you didn't. That friend was one of my favorite friend character. The parents were little over the top, someone should told them to take several seats years ago.
I enjoy the book.
December 25, 2015
OMG!!!
Totally hot....totally awesome...totally sexy!!!
Swoon worthy is how I describe Reid; my goodness! I loved his chemistry with Nadia; his assertiveness; his sex appeal. I want a hockey player too!
There are so many elements in play in this story; interracial dating being at the forefront. I loved how the author tackled this issue; straight with no chasers! Love is colorblind and true love conquers all.
The family element is great on both sides. The real life issue of divorce and gay relations were on point. The crossover reference with the Wolf pack was awesome too.
The author took a short story from a book set and gave it more life and depth that's part of what she's known for; kudos!!
Totally hot....totally awesome...totally sexy!!!
Swoon worthy is how I describe Reid; my goodness! I loved his chemistry with Nadia; his assertiveness; his sex appeal. I want a hockey player too!
There are so many elements in play in this story; interracial dating being at the forefront. I loved how the author tackled this issue; straight with no chasers! Love is colorblind and true love conquers all.
The family element is great on both sides. The real life issue of divorce and gay relations were on point. The crossover reference with the Wolf pack was awesome too.
The author took a short story from a book set and gave it more life and depth that's part of what she's known for; kudos!!
March 30, 2019
Started off strong.....
This book had great potential but fell flat for me. I loved the initially chemistry between the two. She was resistant to him, and he actually pursued her hard for like a couple days. She says yes only after he buys $35,000 of Chanel purses. Then sleeps with him on the first date. He proves to be incredible to her but then he gets photographed with a bunny on his lap and not only does she not allow him to explain but completely utterly bans him from her life. Then HE not her has to go above and beyond to prove too her he’s worth it. So, typical. I’d actually like to see a woman who admits she was actually wrong and then goes the extra mile!
This book had great potential but fell flat for me. I loved the initially chemistry between the two. She was resistant to him, and he actually pursued her hard for like a couple days. She says yes only after he buys $35,000 of Chanel purses. Then sleeps with him on the first date. He proves to be incredible to her but then he gets photographed with a bunny on his lap and not only does she not allow him to explain but completely utterly bans him from her life. Then HE not her has to go above and beyond to prove too her he’s worth it. So, typical. I’d actually like to see a woman who admits she was actually wrong and then goes the extra mile!
September 25, 2024
Nadia is spineless and Reid is giving “if you break up with me I’ll kill myself”. There’s also a ton of ragebait in this book. Why does every conflict in this book have roots in race? Why are we spending pages (plural) bashing black men to uplift white men? Huh. And the way Nadia’s race was constantly mentioned in “positive” light was giving fetish.
It’s such a shame because the book is so well written and I really like the authors style, and I can get over Nadia not making him grovel and taking him back immediately. But the ragebaites did my head in.
It’s such a shame because the book is so well written and I really like the authors style, and I can get over Nadia not making him grovel and taking him back immediately. But the ragebaites did my head in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2018
Wicked Games Indeed
Reid spotted Nadia during his hockey practice and decided then that he had to have. They were an unlikely pair that ended up together and went through hardships that some interracial couples face. I really enjoyed this book and Maureen really brought the heat during those lovemaking scenes. I learned a lot about hockey and I'm definitely ready for more from Reid's teammates upcoming stories!
Reid spotted Nadia during his hockey practice and decided then that he had to have. They were an unlikely pair that ended up together and went through hardships that some interracial couples face. I really enjoyed this book and Maureen really brought the heat during those lovemaking scenes. I learned a lot about hockey and I'm definitely ready for more from Reid's teammates upcoming stories!
April 27, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOKK. They Way Miss Smith Wasn’t Afraid To Go Into Race YEAHHH. THIS BOOK HAS THE BEST EPILOGUE I HAVE EVER READ. REID IS SO SURE AND CONFIDENT ABOUT HIMSELF THEN HE WAS SO SURE ABOUT NADIA TOO. OH MY GOSH. I Loved How The Epilogue Gave Us The Transition Of Their Lives Afterwards. MY BEST READ OF 2022.
REID IS MY BOOK BOYFRIEND NOW. HE WAS EVERYTHING.
I’m Also Glad Roark And Arlene Are Getting Back Together.
REID IS MY BOOK BOYFRIEND NOW. HE WAS EVERYTHING.
I’m Also Glad Roark And Arlene Are Getting Back Together.
January 27, 2016
Hockey is looking better and better......
I have never been a fan of hockey but Maureen Smith has changed my mind. I fell for Rocket once he made a decision he was all in. When Nadia & Reid locked eyes he was a goner. I loved how close they were to their families. I'm a sucker for a HEA, a hot alpha male and this book has it in spades. Looking forward to the next installment.
I have never been a fan of hockey but Maureen Smith has changed my mind. I fell for Rocket once he made a decision he was all in. When Nadia & Reid locked eyes he was a goner. I loved how close they were to their families. I'm a sucker for a HEA, a hot alpha male and this book has it in spades. Looking forward to the next installment.
February 5, 2016
I ENJOYED the start of this new series...couldn't put it down...a bit repetitive w/the descriptions of our hero's ruggedly handsome looks and his gazillion dollars...but just the right amount of SPICY heat, passion and romance between Reid and Nadia. The full cast of characters kept me engaged and entertained...looking forward to the next book in this series! KUDOS Maureen Smith!
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