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"I don't break hearts. I break headboards . . . "

When it comes to scoring in the pro hockey league, Alex Larue is crushing it-with the hot puck bunnies. He's the life of the party, the guy with all the jokes . . . and the one whose Party Guy mask keeps the real him well hidden. The last thing he needs is anyone finding out about his troubled past, or the nightmares that haunt him still.

Brie Bennett is less than impressed by Alex from the moment she meets him. And even though he insists on volunteering at the charity she runs, she doesn't trust him. He's hiding something...but so is she. She's not just the rich, privileged New York princess he thinks she is. The animosity between them is undeniably addictive and as their worlds keep colliding it becomes supercharged with something else - attraction. But if they stop playing games and let each other in, they both might lose.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2017

61 people are currently reading
581 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Denault

31 books832 followers
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Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,314 reviews13.7k followers
October 1, 2017
5 STARS
...tell me you want this. Take the shot.”
He nuzzles my hand and but then turns his face and kisses my palm. When he turns back to me he looks so serious it’s startling. “I want this.”
I feel my smile from my toes to the roots of my hair. “Game on?”
He smiles back, raw but darkly playful. “Game on.”


This book was not at all what I signed up for, in the best possible of ways. See, this totally one track reader saw the quote on the blurb and thought, "eeee!!! Another manwhore! GIMME!" And then what I got was an engrossing, unforgettable, and beautiful story that was full of depth and meaning.
You’re this amazing, stubborn, gorgeous woman who wants more than the one thing I know I can give. And as much as I suddenly, for the first time in my life, want to try and give more, I’m also so fucking clueless as to how.”

Alex Larue is the darling of the hockey league. He's always got a woman on his arm and a quick smile on his lips. Traded numerous times in his career, his one constant is his love for the game and the love the fans have for him. He's talented, hard-working, and completely shut off emotionally.
I want things from you I shouldn’t want.”

When Alex first notices the gorgeous Brie, she shoots him down in a way that's hard to forget. The sparks of attraction that ignite between them are almost as hot as their opposites attract interactions. When Alex realizes who Brie is, the animosity between them rises. After all, Brie is the complete antithesis to the life he's lived and the demons he hides. Being the darling daughter of two wealthy parents, she hasn't known a struggle in her life. But not is as it seems.
His fingers grip my hips so tight I’ll probably have marks, and I like that idea. That his fingers will leave their imprint on my body the way his soul seems to be leaving an imprint on my heart.

I really don't want to give much more than that away because it makes the story that much better to discover the small details as you read. What I can tell you is this book has so much more depth than the blurb implies. Both of the main characters are incredibly multi-layered and impossible not to love. Alex and his easy smile and hidden vulnerability will pull at your heart strings. Brie with her quiet and understated strength and the way she doesn't give up on Alex will make you smile.

Alex makes it clear to Brie that he can't offer her what she deserves. But after seeing peeks of the man beneath the tenacious flirt, Brie knows what she wants and she knows that she can't give up on him. There's something about Alex that pulls her in, and impossible to forget.
You’re going to wreck me,” he whispers into the crook of my neck. “And I’m going to let you.”


With a wonderful cast of secondary characters, Game On was an unputdownable read from beginning to finish. It was full of meaning, emotion, and so much depth, it was impossible not to love. This just may be my favorite Victoria Denault book yet and I can't recommend it enough.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,287 followers
November 6, 2017
3.5 Two sides on the Same Coin Stars
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Victoria Denault... How are you a new to me author

Like always seems to find like...We have a heart throb Hockey Player Alex Larue... a guy who is great on the ice as well as great with the ladies... He puts out there he is a fun guy... the party fella who always is up for a good time...


But when he tries to play this part with Brie Bennett... it doesn't land like it usually does... Alex is willing and happy to help with Brie's charity. It is a way to get to know her better and be closer to her...

That should have worked for Alex... but Brie senses something about Alex that puts her off. She feels he is hiding something... that this happy-go-lucky sexy fella is not all he seems...

And why would Brie feels this way... Well, Brie has her own dark secrets she keeps hidden...and when someone has worked really hard to hide things... They have that true sense when another is doing the same thing.

This tale follows the two of them getting to know each other and how they learn to trust and reveal all they must.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
October 23, 2017
Alex and Brie were sexy yet soulful…

Thank goodness first impressions are not always correct. Especially for Alex and Brie! From a first meeting that set the tone, as well as a low, low bar, their relationship was going to be confrontational and highly entertaining…

Alex was my kind of hockey player. He was sexy on skates with a reputation on and off the ice. His personal persona didn’t capture all of him and though he earned that reputation what he hid from the world was mesmerizing. He never ever forgot where he came from and showed his true self in his actions as well as his words. He was soulful and deserved more than he thought he did. I’m so glad Brie recognized that because the two of them were perfect in all their #awks togetherness.

Brie was not the stereotypical rich girl with heart and compassion driving her to do all she could for kids that needed it. She was all business but also knew how to admit she was wrong. Hiding her own fears and insecurities, she was going to force Alex to see her and himself in a whole new light…

“Alex, I’m falling in love with you,” I confess and it’s terrifying.”

This series is all about family, love and making it work. Alex and Brie had some pretty big issues to sort out but with humour, heart and some best friends (and new ones) they were going to laugh and love their way to an epilogue that made my heart happy… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
October 16, 2017
Game On was the sixth book in the Hometown Players series by Victoria Denault. Denault did an amazing job with another successful addition to the series.

Alex Larue was the gorgeous, laid back jokester of the NHL. He was both a fan and team favorite. His family was the League. He had been traded every couple years so he had a big family. We learned quickly that there was more to Alex than what he shared and he had hidden scars that were guarded with endless layers of armor.

Gabrielle "Brie" Bennett was the strong and beautiful Director of a charity for homeless teens. She disliked Alex immediately but they kept crossing paths through her charity.

Game On's primary storyline was built upon the relationship building between Alex and Brie but it was also so much more. It was a journey of pain, healing, love and hope. It was a serious storyline with deep rooted scars, both internal and external. It was also thought provoking regarding what some children go through and the long lasting affects that are buried deep. But even with the crazy emotional tugs, or maybe because of them, it was an enjoyable and gratifying story.

I loved everything about Game On. The only issue were the numerous editing errors; which is the only reason I gave 4 stars versus 5. Otherwise, the story was well developed providing depth, dimension and complexity to the storyline.

After Game On, I'm craving so much more from Alex and Brie, in a good way. Previously Devin and Callie in The Final Move were my favorites but Alex and Brie may have just trumped them. I'm not sure where Devault is headed next in the series - maybe Chooch and Len. Regardless of the direction, I'm all in and can't wait.
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,646 reviews16k followers
October 11, 2017
I love myself a good hockey romance, so when I discovered Victoria Denault had a hockey romance series, I knew that I had to read the newest release.

Alex Larue might not be the best hockey player in the league, but he knows his dedication and charisma has teams wanting to keep him on their roster. Alex gives his career his all to forget the past that almost broke him. Brie Bennett is not impressed with the Canadian hockey player who hit on her at Starbucks. He has player written all over him and Brie needs to focus on the charity she runs. The handsome hockey player is hard to ignore, though, when he shows up to volunteer. Brie can't stand his judgmental, condescending view of her. But as the two continue to crash into each other's lives, they realize there is more under the surface and they may have more in common than they think.

From the start, I was hooked on Alex's flirty, confident attitude and how Brie completely shut him down. Brie is such a confident woman who is so dedicated to her cause and I admired her drive and heart. While Brie saw Alex as a flighty player who had no care in the world, I really enjoyed seeing his side of the story and how much pain he was still dealing with over his past.

Alex and Brie were really amazing characters, but I also loved the side characters and the new characters that became important to them both. I don't want to spoil anything, but Brie and Alex really opened their hearts to people in this book and it just made my heart warm. Of course, they both had to then spend more time together and realize their preconceptions of one another were very wrong.

Overall, I absolutely loved this hockey romance. We got so much sports talk and play while still getting an emotional romance between our main characters. I loved how foster care was a huge part of Brie's charity and how Alex went out of his way to help those in need. For a sweet romance with a hot hockey player, you need to pick this book up!
Profile Image for Tara.
497 reviews166 followers
November 30, 2018
Originally posted on Slow Readers Blog

3.5 Stars

I have really enjoyed the Hometown Players series by Victoria Denault. She’s a talented writer and the characters she creates are so likeable. And while I don’t think you have to be even remotely a hockey fan to enjoy these books, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Reading this book was even more enjoyable for me now that the hockey season has started. It’s easy to picture my favorite hockey players as these characters and I just love it.

With all of that said, this book wasn’t my favorite in the series, though I did enjoy it. It took me almost a month to read it. That’s unheard of for me. And while a lot of it can be attributed to life – being sick, having a sick kid, work being busy, travel, and a book signing – I feel as though some of it had to do with the lack of engagement at times. This book was one of those that I enjoyed while I was reading it, but when I put it down it wasn’t begging me to pick it back up.

It was well-written, the story was solid, and I really liked Brie and Alex (and Mac!). But there was something about their story that left me wanting just a tad more. I wish I could put my finger on exactly what that was, but I’m having a hard time doing so.

I loved their meet-cute and the tension between Brie and Alex early on in the book. I also enjoyed them kind of getting to know each other. But it seemed they went pretty quickly to love without a lot of groundwork for it being laid. I would have liked some more development there.

All in all, it was enjoyable and if you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. If you haven’t read any of these books, I do recommend them, whether you’re a hockey fan or not. But especially if you are.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,592 reviews113 followers
October 11, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

I love sports romance. And, I have no idea why as I am not a sports fan. Although, I have some guesses and the hot bodies, the alpha male and the pure physicality of the heroes in sports romances probably have something (ok a lot) to do with it.

Alex, however, is so much more than the brawny sports hero. And, this matters a lot to me as a reader. Books about hot men are a dime a dozen, so if I am going to read, and enjoy, a sports romance I need to like the characters, and I need them to seem real. I loved that he was a little insecure, that he was the guy who wasn't the standout player on the team, that he was the one the coach doesn't want on his team...but he still needs to believe in himself. Watching the struggle, to get past this and his childhood was interesting, and compelling and it made me like him, and care what happened to him.

Brie was also interesting. A woman who, from outside, looks like she has it all and has all of the advantages that she possibly could have...but runs a shelter for kids who would be living on the streets otherwise.

Alex and Brie aren't sure what to think of one another, but they know there is an attraction that they have to fight...because neither of them want to be attracted to the other.

This makes for some incredibly hot scenes as they both fight the attraction they have to one another. It also makes the payoff, the time they spend together, even better as you are invested in the characters and like them by the time they become a couple.

The writing was strong and the pacing was mostly good, although I would have liked Brie and Alex to be together for a little longer in the book, as I did think it took a little too long for them to start on the portion of the book where they were a couple.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,530 reviews355 followers
September 30, 2017
4.5 stars

I am a huge fan of sports romances and so I knew I didn't want to miss this book. It had plenty of laughs and hockey love, but is was also heartfelt and at times very emotional. Though this is book 6 in the Hometown Players series, it can be read as a stand alone. Characters from the previous books do appear, however, so it would be best enjoyed if you have read those books prior to starting Game On.

Alex was the perfect broken hero. He has so much emotional baggage from his childhood that he refuses to truly connect with others, especially romantically, out of fear of rejection and loss. Instead he uses cocky swagger and charm to mask all that hidden pain. I wanted to hug him so badly through the majority of this book. Sure, he made a few mistakes and stumbled a time or two, but you can't help but cheer him on and hope for his happily ever after. I really enjoyed his enemies to lovers relationship with Brie and they had amazing chemistry. Her background, though not as tragic, made these 2 pretty perfect for each other. There was the inevitable push and pull, but I thought what happened after was very realistic and honest. The demons Alex battles are not something that will go away over night and I appreciated how the author took time to address that. The addition of Mac was also a highlight and I loved the overall message in the book that family is not made only by blood. There were a few things I would have liked to see some resolution to, like what was the fate of Daphne House and if there was meaning behind Alex's tattoo, but overall, this was a great addition to the series! I'm hoping we'll be seeing more of Len and Chooch in the future!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book. Many thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing)*
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
October 10, 2017
description
Game On is definitely sitting at the top as my favorite of the Victoria Denault books I have read so far. Alex and Brie were this perfectly matched couple that I couldn't help but love.

These two started off rocky. Their preconceived notions and assumptions about each other lead to instant conflict despite the attraction. But slowly and surely the two get to know each other through their love of helping children in need. And the attraction grows. But Alex has some serious baggage and Brie has a secret that might prevent them from a happily ever after.

Alex is one of those leading men with a hard past that breaks my heart, endears me to him, and has me wanting him to have love and happiness. Brie could instantly be seen for a woman with a large heart, but her initial run ins with Alex weren't some of her finest moments.

But then there's that moment when they finally get a look at what really is beneath the surface and everything changes. I love those moments in romance stories and this one was so well done.

The whole story was just great for me. I was hooked to my kindle and blew through this in a day because I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely want more from this author, more hockey players, more romance, more great stories.
Profile Image for ~Mandi~.
281 reviews34 followers
November 5, 2017
Game On
Victoria Denault
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Excellent hockey romance story. 2 people with similar backgrounds fall in love and save a homeless teen.
This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. Can't wait to get my hands on more books by Ms. Denault.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jaime Fiction Fangirls.
1,664 reviews153 followers
October 9, 2017
This is the final book in the Hometown Players series and although I’m sad to see one of my favorite series come to an end, I think that Victoria Denault did a fantastic job ending it with such an amazing story.

My biggest fear heading into this book was that Alex was going to live up to his reputation. To my great pleasure he both did and did not. It was clear that his player lifestyle was real but as the story progresses we get to see layer upon layer of who he really is revealed and he’s so much more than I ever could have imagined. My heart broke for him but everything he went through growing up also help form him into the amazing man he is, and I can’t be sorry about that.

When Brie was first introduced, I won’t lie, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like her. I got the impression that she was going to be super judgmental of Alex and it was going to get old really quickly. Strangely enough, it was actually Alex who ended up being judgey. Ultimately I ended up falling in love with both Alex and Brie and their huge, caring and absolutely unselfish hearts.

At 89% of the story there were still so many parts of their story that were left open and so many questions to be answered that I was actually worried that things wouldn’t be resolved or that everything would be wrapped up way to quickly and easily. This was absolutely not the case. The way that Ms. Denault had everything come together in the end felt authentic and kept with the pace with the rest of the story. My only complaint is that it all had to come to an end. This will by far go down as one of my favorite series of all-time and, as for Alex, he just might be right up there with Devin as my favorite hero from it.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
943 reviews35 followers
December 17, 2017
I received a copy via Net Galley and voluntarily left a review

Nothing excites me more than taking another fictional jaunt out onto the ice with more hockey heroes created by Victoria Denault. If there was ever an author that has a talent for combining love, passion, and hockey, it is Victoria. She always gives us the hottest Canadian French heroes that have all the right moves both on and off the ice. So I wasn't surprised in the least to fall head over heels for Alex and be swept away in his whirlwind romance with Gabrielle. I couldn't wait to dig deep and find more than just the playboy that has been hinted at in previous books in the series.

Alex Larue is new to the Brooklyn Barons hockey team and the city is not prepared for the guy who breaks as many hearts as he does rules on the ice. Little did I know that this hot Casanova would have such a moving story or that he would fall as hard as he does when he finally succumbs to love. He had me cheering just as hard for his happy ever after as I was for him to score during games.

Not only does Gabrielle Bennett have a huge heart but she is also a force to be reckoned with, which Alex finds out from their first meeting. Brie is a heroine to admire and emulate. Her charity and heart knows no bounds and she will do whatever she can to help kids who are less fortunate. I love how she never forgets the circumstances she came from and uses those experiences to shape her career and future.

Victoria Denault delivers a story full of not only desire and love, but passion for helping others. I highly recommend Game on for romance that is big on both heart and heat. Victoria outdid herself with this power house hero and heroine that are connected in ways that I could have never imagined. She never fails to solidify my place as one of her die hard fans with each new couple that she introduces that always score big with me and leave me panting after yet another of Victoria's hockey player hotties!
Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
October 10, 2017

Alex Larue is a total ladies man and the life of any party. However, it seems that Brie Bennett is immune to his charm and when she discovers that he's her new volunteer at the charity she runs, she isn't going to make things easy for him. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more they find they have more in common than they thought. Will Alex be able to win Brie over, so they have a chance at happy ever after; or will he lose the one woman that can help him overcome his troubled past?

Although I haven't read the previous books of this series, this story can easily be read as a stand-alone, and I've got to say that it's a story that provides utterly entertaining reading due to the wonderful main characters with their painful back stories and compelling dialogue that had me loving the hero and how he shows the heroine that there's more to him than being a guy that loves the attention he gets from women. The way this story started had me liking the hero immediately, because of how he is with his fans and then because of what happens with the heroine that teaches him that using a language besides English doesn't necessarily mean he's going to get away with talking about someone without their knowing. However, it was soon after the hero and heroine met that had me laughing, because of what the heroine says to the hero.

Both the main characters were enchanting and I loved the way they interacted, as they go from the heroine thinking he's a total player that she wants nothing to do with to Brie realizing there's more to Alex than meets the eye. Really, his past makes him the kind, caring man he is that would do anything to help others that had the kind of life he had growing up, which is proven by what he does for one of the secondary characters. Furthermore, the hero is confident and cocky when it comes to women and hockey, persuasive when he's determined to help someone and I liked how he won the heroine over with his honesty and passion for the charity Brie runs. While the heroine, she's resilient, kind, caring and I liked all that she's achieved when it comes to her charity. I also liked how she gets the hero to open up, especially when she realizes that they're not so different when it comes to what they've been through in their pasts.

Overall, Ms. Denault has penned a fascinating and wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was special and off-the-charts; the romance wonderful; the secondary characters were just as engaging as the main characters with their advice; and the ending had me liking what the hero was willing to do to make certain he didn't lose Brie, especially since opening up to her about his past sets him free in a way. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of what Alex and Brie are wanting to do for one of the secondary characters and the surprise Alex has for Brie. I would recommend Game On by Victoria Denault, if you enjoy sports romances, the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Kelly Jamieson, Jamie Davenport, Kate Meader and Helena Hunting.
Profile Image for Kayla (In Between The pages).
250 reviews18 followers
September 4, 2017
first off, I need to send a huge shot out to Forever Romance for sending out the ARC to this one. y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough.

so let's get into this review shall we?

I have to admit that this is the first book from Victoria's Hometown Players series I've read (yes I know. bad bad me. But let me tell you. I want them all now. I fell in love with these guys and I want to see all the stories I've been missing out on)

But this book had almost everything I look for in a good sports romance. (I could have maybe used a bit more actual hockey in it. But Victoria did good incorporating at least some of the sport. So we weren't left with one of those "sports romances" that's just about an athlete with none of the actual sports going on. If that makes seense haha)

But anywho. we got the sports, the brooding hockey player, some sexy time, and a whole bunch of other stuff I won't say here so I don't spoil anything for ya'll. And it just all worked so well together to create a great story.

I loved seeing the journey that Brie and Alex went on durikng this book. both characters met in the funniest way. And then the build up between them was super interesting and even a bit touching at times. they both had such sad pasts, and to see how it shaped them and made them who they are was quite beautiful and heartbreaking to read.

here we have Alex. this big tough hockey player, who's always starting crap with other teams during games. And when you see him off the ice he's a completely diffrent person. much more reserved and funny. defiently a playboy of sorts. but he also has the kindest heart. And you can't help but feel a little sad for him at how he came to be like that. But also amazed by how much he's overcome and turned his life I to something so successful and awesome.

And then there's Brie. you can't help but not like her. She's fiesty and strong willed. And seriously has a heart of gold and a passion not many people have in their lives. She doesnt take anything life has given her for granted. And takes no crap. including that dished out from a certain broody hockey hunk.
she was down to earth and funny. And not afraid to put someone in their place when they needed it (cough cough Alex hehe)

Plus Victoria just touches on a subject that I tho k we need to see more of out there. And she writes it in a way that makes you not just feel sorry about it. But want to get out and go help. to make a difference much the same way the characters are.
Honestly she touches on a couple different things. and I'm glad she did. we need more authors who aren't afraid to get into the stuff society sees as things we need to be hush hush about and pretends like it doesn't happen.

I really truly enjoyed this book. And hope ya'll pick up a copy when it releases.

I give GAME ON
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 STARS🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
October 10, 2017
Alex was a diamond in the rough. He had a hard childhood that has made him wary of love and feeling safe. he doesn’t believe anyone could care for him and all will leave. when you hear of what he did as a child to help another it will break your heart. He is so kind and caring but scared so he hides it behind his cockiness.

Brie is a strong character as well. She was lucky as a child and now she is paying if forward. Her and Alex don’t get off on the right foot but man the attraction is palpable. The banter between them is sarcastic, biting and entertaining. We also get some very in depth and intimate talks between them as well that helps Alex to heal.

As Alex is adjusting to his new city and teammates, he ends up at a charity that is near to Brie’s heart. She is skeptical but slowly he shows her his passion for the subject. Watching them learn who the other is is so intimate and yet quiet in the way it happens. Alex is so vulnerable in this area and he does portray this.

this is a slow burning attraction. They begin to learn about the other and see who they are behind the facade. Alex softens and matures. He no longer wants the puck bunnies but rather a talk with Brie and someone like her to be there with him. His views on himself begin to change and he starts to truly trust Brie and let her in. There are times he messes up but I think for the most part Brie understands. he is trying and that is more than he ever thought he would do.

The ending with the interview sleighed me that and the beach scene. These two just are so alike yet far apart in personalities. You see them struggle through love and at the end find themselves where they belong in each others arms. alex is able to hold his head high and remove the shame of his past and accept it but also show those it is a badge of courage and survival that he went through a terrible childhood and came out a better person for it. He came out stronger and more driven. He also comes out with a family and love that knows no bounds to an amazing woman.

A character driven story that lures you in and has Alex capture your heart from the start while giving us some witty banter, intimate moments and tender times as well.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,756 reviews37 followers
October 14, 2017
I have read the previous five books before this one and I must say Victoria Denault the author once again delivered a very good book. She grab my attention from the opening scene when you are introduced to Alex Laurie, he is in a coffee shop in Brooklyn talking to one of his teammates having just been traded. He is speaking French and talking about the women a little in front of him and the way she looks in her pencil skirt, and just overall a beautiful women. Brie Bennet figures the two men behind are hockey players and after getting her coffee she says back in French thanks for the complement and that she always likes the way he fills out his jeans, all in French. The story goes along and you begin to find out about Alex’s past and that when he was younger he was homeless. He wants to give back and volunteers in every town that he has played in and when he walks in to the place he has chosen you guessed it Brie is the director. Their first meeting is not so good but it does get better. Each have opinions about the other one that are not fact and begin to change. Brie is dealing with a boyfriend who wants to change her and when she over hears him talking not so well about her she must decide to take action. The more you get into the story and the characters all of them begin to take shape the author is reviling the past of both Alex and Brie and you the reader are drawn into them as someone who has gone days without water. When she describes his tattoo you are left with and ache and you as the reader want happiness if possible. When Mac is taken in by Brie because of Alex you can see maybe there is hope, but work still must be done. There are characters from the other books and of course you are brought up with the characters from the first three books the original series which were very good. This book falls in line and does not disappoint. An excellent story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Profile Image for Melisa.
506 reviews61 followers
October 9, 2017
I meet Victoria Denault at this year’s Romantic Times Convention. She was so sweet and kind even though someone accidentally knocked over her Starbucks while I was talking to her. I discovered her books in the middle of a two month long hockey romance kick. Her Hometown Players series is excellent and I was excited for a chance to visit with old characters as well as watch Alex Larue fall in love. Alex and his heroine, Brie, have such an awkward and adorable first meeting. He’s behind her in line at Starbucks and starts talking to his teammate in French about how cute her butt is. She shocks him by responding in French and turning down a date. While this could have been the end for them, Alex turns up to volunteer at a home for homeless teens and discovers it is run by Brie.
Both Alex and Brie have hard pasts that unite them in their caring for the homeless teens. Alex grew up in foster care and was homeless himself for a while. Brie was adopted from foster care and sees what her future could have been in those teens if she hadn’t been adopted. Both Alex and Brie are willing to give their all to help the teens, and Mac in particular. Mac is homeless girl that Alex recuses and Brie agrees to foster. The more time Brie and Alex spend together, the clearer their attraction is. After a while, Alex has to put aside his “no-relationship” fears and accept Brie into his life.
What was excellent about this book was the issues Alex and Brie work through. Their becoming a couple didn’t automatically solve all their problems. Rather, it made them into a team in facing those problems. Both carried scars from their pasts that had to be worked through. It was a pleasure to see them face those problems and come out stronger on the other side. This was a book about two genuinely good people and it was lovely to read.
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
October 11, 2017
The last book in the Hometown Players Series does not disappoint. All the books in the series are interconnected but each can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading this series from the start. It's one of my absolute favorite hockey romance series and I will definitely miss these characters!

Alex is well knows as a playboy and has made his rounds with the bunnies of the hockey circuit. But when he meet Brie, there is something there that he has never felt before - a connection.

Alex didn't make the best impression on Brie when he first sets eyes on her in a Starbucks, making comments to Luc in French thinking he's being sly. But when Brie turns around and replies in French herself, Alex is a taken aback. Little did he know that the charity he was to be volunteering at who be ran by the beautiful woman he hit and missed on at Starbucks.

Brie is surprised to see the gorgeous man from the Starbucks show up at Daphne's House - the charity she runs to help teens trying to stay out of the foster care system. But he seems sincere, even if he is a celebrity with a rep. She just doesn't get why he would volunteer here. But as she spends more time with Alex and starts to see the true side of the mysterious hockey player, she feels this connection to him she just can't explain.

This was a heartwrenching read. As Alex's past is revealed and his heart opened to in a way that he never has before, your heart breaks for the boy he was and the restrictions it's placed on him as an adult. But Brie opens his eyes to things he never had before - especially love. Now the only thing Brie has to do is convince Alex he's worthly on it and so much more.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
October 10, 2017
I loved the uniqueness of this story and the topic it touched.. it was refreshing to see something new in the book world!
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
October 11, 2017
Victoria Denault is on a winning streak with book six of the Hometown Players series, GAME ON.  Hockey star for the Brooklyn Barons, Alex Larue, doesn’t want anyone to know about his past. He decides to volunteer at a charity dedicated to a cause important to him that is run by Brie Bennett.  The two bump heads and immediately judge each other, not realizing everything they have in common.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
 
I loved this story.  My heart broke for Alex and everything he went through.  I love that he makes so much of an effort to help those who were in similar situations he was, especially Mackenzie.  I also appreciated that Brie knew what her life could have been like and dedicated her life to helping others that were not as fortunate as her.  I thought it was clever how their lives intertwined.  GAME ON is an excellent example of why you shouldn’t judge people that you don’t really know.
 
Once again, Victoria Denault does a phenomenal job with both her character development and plot.  GAME ON is skillfully written and impossible to put down.  I love the trades that happened in this series.  I enjoyed that the characters from the previous books had pivotal roles in this story.  The ending was perfect and felt well resolved.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,106 reviews135 followers
October 14, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ga...

Game On
Hometown Players, Book #6
By Victoria Denault
ISBN# 9781538727010
Author’s Website: http://www.victoriadenault.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

*Beware of possible Spoilers*

Alex Larue has never had an easy life. Growing up in an abusive foster home, and then running away and living on the streets has scarred him in ways that nobody realizes, even those that call him friend. Luckily some coaches saw the potential in him when he was a kid, and made sure to keep developing his skill. He didn’t make it into the NHL the normal way, but clawed his way in fighting and kicking! Now, he’s been traded once again. At least he has friends on his new team, The Brooklyn Barons. Unfortunately, the coach is not among them! He didn’t want Alex on his team, and makes sure Alex knows it!

Alex doesn’t believe he’s relationship material, with all the demons he has from his past. Instead he’s become the stereotypical playboy athlete, bragging about having the most sleepovers in the league and stating that he breaks headboards, not hearts!

Alex meets Brie in the local Starbucks. Unfortunately, she heard his crass remarks about her body, spoken in French, and understood every word! So imagine his dismay to discover that she runs the charity that he’s decided to volunteer at, Daphne’s House, that helps get homeless kids off the streets. Brie doesn’t like him, and is quite blunt about it! However, he grows on her once she sees how he is with the kids. He even brings a girl to her that desperately needs the help of Daphne’s House, if only the courts would cooperate.

And, as time passes, Brie and Alex learn that they have more in common than either could have ever dreamed of.

I wasn’t going to read this book. I was worried that it would be too similar to Jaci Burton’s Play-by-Play series, and I didn’t want to get the two confused! But I’m so glad I gave this book a chance! I absolutely loved it!!

The characters are engaging and well-developed! I loved our tortured hero, Alex! He hides his pain with a cocky smile and humor.

“Every house needs a party to break it in, make it feel loved.”

“She’s a crazy person,” Luc informs me with a grin that says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “But if you don’t plan one, she’ll plan it for you.”

“I’ll have one, but I can’t this weekend,” I explain. “I’m attending a fund-raiser tomorrow and besides, I don’t have any furniture other than a bed. I could still have a party with just that, but it’s not a party I’d invite old married people like you to.”

Luc laughs. Rose turns pink and shakes her head. “You single hockey players are the worst.”

None of Alex’s friends or team mates know the horrible past he has led, and Alex likes it that way. He’s ashamed and doesn’t want their pity. But he does what he can to help other kids in the same situation, he just likes to keep his charity work to himself.

Brie is a tough cookie as well. She hasn’t been through the hell that Alex has known, but she could have easily been in the same shoes, if her parents hadn’t seen her on the news and adopted her. It’s the reason she created Daphne’s House, but the charity’s financial situation is in dire straits.

I really enjoyed all the couples from the previous books that I hadn’t met since this is the first book I’ve read in the series! They were all engaging and fun! And, I love that it was Alex that figured out Callie was pregnant! Who would have figured the playboy would be the one to make the connection?

“With Ashleigh we had to try forever. But Callie and I .. we were just going to see what happens.”

“Babies.” I grin at him because he’s a doofus right now. “Babies are what happens, Captain.”

I also loved seeing how Alex was with the kids, especially Mac!

Another reason I love this book is that it’s about a hockey player, and I’m a HUGE hockey fan! In fact, I wish Alex was real so he could be on my favorite team, The St. Louis Blues! Based on the description in the book, I picture him as a Ryan Reaves or Scottie Upshall type of player, the ones that bait the other teams into taking stupid penalties!

I loved when Alex invited the kids to a game, gave them the full tour, and they even got jerseys to keep. This is something that the Blues would have totally done, making me feel like he would be a good fit for my team … if he was real (details, details). It reminds me so much of Vladimir Tarasenko and Ari! If you don’t know the story you should definitely follow the link and read up. Basically Vladi met Ari during one of the events the Blues did to help sick kids feel good and meet their favorite players and he fell in love with young Ari, who had been fighting cancer since she was three. He and his wife stayed in touch with her and her family. He then won an item the Blues had donated at a charity auction (outbidding a very determined fan in the process), The prize was to travel with the team for a two game road trip, and he gifted the trip to Ari for her birthday! The video of his surprise is below and is pretty sweet. During the trip she got to ride on the plane with the team, and go to the games as a special guest. The fan base is as smitten with Ari as Vladi is and consider her a lucky charm of sorts!

Oh the feels!

Of all the sports, I truly feel that hockey players have the biggest hearts. The things they do, make me proud to be a fan, even though it’s a truly underappreciated sport.

Back to the book though. The hockey itself took up very little of this book, as the main focus was really on the emotional side of things, specifically Alex’s horrible childhood. And, of course I love a good emotional story, which made me love the book that much more.

This book has impressed me enough that I feel I really need to go read the previous installments.

I’m also sad to report that per Denault’s website this is the final book of the series! NOOOO!!! Say it isn’t so!! I just found this series and I’m not ready for it to be over!! And, honestly this book didn’t read like a series finale, but apparently it is. Sadness.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,953 reviews172 followers
September 29, 2017
Game On (Hometown Players) by Victoria DeNault  
The shallowest of ponds hide the deepest of emotions.  Alex is brash, sexy and the life of the party.  A puzzle with jerk tendencies is my description for him. What lies beneath the ladies man skills is the broken heart of a child.  A man afraid to expose his darkest secrets and his deepest moments.  Brie is a woman with a short fuse and a big heart.  She has no trouble speaking her mind, but will not risk giving anyone her heart. Game On is a mass of contradictions.  The emotions are chaotic, the attraction is electric and the drama is magnetic.
 
 
Profile Image for Jennifer.
929 reviews24 followers
October 10, 2017
To the world Alex Larue is the charismatic hockey star who scores more off the ice then on the ice. Brie Bennett, brought up in privilege and devoted to helping the underprivileged with the charity she runs has no time for playboys. When Alex's misconduct in a Starbucks with Brie puts him in the no date zone with only his coffee to warm him their next chance encounter puts them both on the defensive with their preconceived notions of who they are dealing with. As circumstances bring them together again and again they find that maybe their initial impressions were way off and the love they both long for might just be possible.

Game On, book six in the Hometown Players series, was so much more than a romance. It was about facing fears, helping others, being an inspiration and fighting for success when the odds are stacked against you. The story of Alex and Brie takes off from the start with Victoria Denault's strong storytelling and characters hard not to get attached too. This author has a knack for exposing her portrayals, giving her readers a view of their inner selves versus the side they share with the world, making for telling and sensitive works. The dynamic between the leads of this book while rocky at first and being thrown some challenging and gut-wrenching disclosures, little by little built on found common footing. Ironically Alex's trying to escape his past brought it right to him for a reckoning that freed him to ultimately live his life to the fullest. Brie in many ways was Alex if he had been given the opportunities that she had received. As these two pieced together their connections the love that developed carried this story to a happy teary finish that really was a new beginning for these two wonderful characters. Victoria Denault will leave her audience cheering as she delivers another successful Home Town Players story in Game On!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this work can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for LJT.
1,258 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
GAME ON by new to me author Victoria Denault, is not your typical sports romance. Both the professional game of hockey and the Canadian system of foster care, share equal billing in this meaningful read. The two main characters have a lot in common, which they each discover as the learn to trust each other. At times this story is heartbreaking, while other parts made me smile from ear to ear.

When Brie Bennett was four years old, she was adopted by a very wealthy and loving couple. She was lucky, and spent only a short time in Quebec's foster care system. However, she did witness more than one atrocity while she was there. With the help of her wonderful parents, she is now the director of a foundation that helps older kids stay off the streets and out of foster care. Brie is loaded with goodwill and kindness, so she works tirelessly and endlessly for the foundation's survival. She would love to settle down and find her forever love.

When Alex Larue was five, his parents died in a car accident. From that point forward his life was spent in various foster homes, which were all bad news. Hockey was his only salvation, so he immersed himself in all the free hockey programs that Quebec had to offer. Luckily he was talented, and a junior league coach put him on the path to success. He has some very good friends, and does not believe in commitment or love. Even though the tabloids have a field day with his dating practices, he is a very private person. Alex is forever donating his time and money to worthy causes, and that's how he and Brie meet.

GAME ON is filled with raw emotions and discoveries from both main characters. Brie and Alex are intelligent and real, and the author intertwines their pasts quite cleverly. Their romantic chemistry is off the charts, which evolves into much more than either of them anticipated. This is the sixth novel from the HOMETOWN PLAYERS BOOK series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

LJT, Romance Junkies, 4 Hearts
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,944 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2017
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com

I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.

This is the sixth book in the the Hometown Players series and each one is a standalone, although there are recurring characters. This book caught my attention because I love stories about hockey players. It is the first Victoria Denault I have read and I really enjoyed it and now I want to read all the other books in this series.

Alex Larue has just been traded to the Brooklyn Barons hockey team. He is a cocky playboy with a sexy French accent but Alex has deep, emotional scars he doesn't share with anyone. He is vulnerable and has low self esteem but hides it behind a cocky attitude. Outside he seems like a player but he is a nice guy who has a had a lot of bad breaks. He can be caring and sensitive but he keeps that side of himself hidden from most people. Outwardly, he appears to have everything but inside, he is a broken man and he thinks he is incapable of love.

Brie Bennett is a strong, caring and beautiful woman and doesn't trust Alex from the moment he unsuccessfully tries to pick her up in Starbucks. They are brought together again when Alex volunteers at a homeless teen program. Brie, a psychologist is in charge of the organization and totally committed to helping kids.

This is a captivating story full of heartbreak and emotion and it also has fun, flirty parts to it. The characters are realistic and I enjoyed all the characters in this story, including the secondary ones. Victoria Denault is a great storyteller. There is a lot chemistry sparking between Alex and Brie as they go from disliking each other to falling in love. Brie is just what Alex needs.
Profile Image for Francoise.
768 reviews34 followers
October 10, 2017
4.5 Stars

A chance meeting leads to so much more in this new installment in Victoria Denault’s Hometown Players series. The author definitely caught my interest with this series about famous hockey players and the women in their lives.

Alex Larue is a popular French-Canadian athlete, known for his grit, determination and his irresistible charm, he is the heartthrob hockey fangirls want to date. He has it all, the looks, the money and the media attention. Despite his questionable womanizing ways, he is a romantic at heart and a genuinely generous person. His personal history inspired him to get involved in charity work. He is a hero you won’t forget, delightfully cocky, selfless and caring. He really is a sincere and no-nonsense hero.

Alex has a troubled past, he overcame childhood adversity to go from rags to riches, thanks to his hard work and perseverance. He focused on growing as a person and becoming unbeatable in the game he loved. And yet, his fear of rejection is overwhelming.
Brit Bennett manages a living facility for teenagers without family. Through a difficult childhood, she was blessed when a wealthy couple adopted her and showed her true affection. She is privileged and she is is aware of it.

The attraction between Alex and Brit is instant, but both of them are practical and neither wants to deal with a relationship. I loved watching these two very pragmatic characters fall for each other against their better judgement. They both had to overcome prejudices and deal with emotional issues. But they couldn’t pretend their mutual feelings didn’t exist. There is much more to both of these characters than meets the eye. The chemistry between them was tangible, their romance was sweet and touching. This was a great read that really tugged at my heartstrings, I definitely recommend it!

ARC generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Vonetta Young.
465 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2017
It's always interesting when you read an author that you are not familiar with. You never know what to expect. But I am a cover whore and the first thing to intrigue me was the cover! The cover is appealing and clearly you can tell this is a sport romance and Ding, Ding, Ding! I am a sucker for a sports romance now add to that a hockey romance and I have to a least check it out.

This Story has all key components that I love in a sports romance. First, you have Alex who has just been traded to a new team . He is sexy, cocky and funny and everyone likes him especially the ladies!

" I don't break hearts, i break headboards."

You have Brie who has it all; she is pretty, wealthy and a great job! Little does Alex know that the director of the charity that he is trying to volunteer for is Brie.  The plot makes you want to keep turning the pages so much I didn't even want to go to sleep! The story that builds between these two is sweet. They both annoy each other but we all know what that means when the boy is mean or bothers you in school? Yep, there are feelings that are about to get involved. Alex has a past that slowly Brie is trying to unravel but Alex does not know if he can open up. Throw in a troubled teen off the streets and the story is heartwarming.  The chemistry right away is funny and sexy.  You really feel for the characters. This book is refreshing and it hit a jackpot with me! I've found a new author to love and I can't wait to read the others in the series!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,517 reviews43 followers
October 16, 2017
I adored this story! Who would have guessed that bad boy hockey player Alex Larue would be turn out to be such a nice guy? He's smooth, he's gritty, he's the player to end all players ... most likely to score -- off the ice! ... and more damaged than anyone could ever imagine. He plays the party guy just right and even though he's made some great friends in the league, he's hidden his true life from them all. When an apparent rich girl princess comes into his life, he never thinks she'll be the one that brings him to his knees ... but with more in common than either of them think, they are drawn to each other. It's a fast paced read with hockey as the back drop, but more important in this particular book in the series is the underlying healing of bringing two scarred hearts together to help each other and another. Really great read!

Brie Bennett is totally put off by the latest guy to stop by and "pretend" he wants to volunteer at her charity for teens. She's sure he's just one more pro athlete that wants the glamour he thinks he'll rake in by devoting a little time to a bunch of down on their luck kids and then will never show up again after a time or two. She's seen her fill of guys like him!

Alex Larue can't figure out quite what it is about him that makes Brie so irritated, but he's happy to see the sparks fly in her eyes because he thinks she's hot! He's more than happy to inspire her ire a little more if it means making her mad enough that she won't be able to resist the fact that she's attracted to him!
Profile Image for Dena.
479 reviews108 followers
October 8, 2017
Game on is Alex's story. The man I thought was a playboy bachelor in previous books was definitely not the man I thought he was. Alex LaRue has a whole different side to him that I loved getting to know. The man has a past nobody knows about including his friends and teammates. He decides to help out at a charity, this charity is one Brie Bennett runs. When Brien meets Alex, she thinks he's a player and doesn't have patience for his type. When Alex keeps showing up to help out, Brie starts to get to know more about Alex. When Alex brings someone to Brie for her help, I think that's when Alex starts to open his eyes and see there are good people in the world and just because someone seems entitled, you never know if that's really the case.

What I loved most about this story is the feelings it brought out in me. Ms. Denault brings us the sexy hotties but she also evokes the feelings in you to make you feel like you are right inside the story, inside their minds and feel everything the characters feel along with them. If you haven't read these books yet, you need to get on it. I was so excited to see previous characters come back in Game On and get a peak into their lives and how their happily ever afters are. 5 brilliant and heartbreaking stars!!! 
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