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Redtails Hockey #3
The Enforcer
He's used to making an impression but it’s not always a good one... Veteran player Will MacDonald is a tough guy who’s not afraid to drop his gloves in defense of his teammates. But he’s never met a woman who's made his heart pound as hard as a good fight. Until a chance collision with a curvy brunette who dismisses him makes him want more than she’s willing to give. She's not used to being distracted by a hot hockey hunk... Jess Gardiner has been around hockey all her life. Her dad taught her everything he knows about the game as an NHL scout, and she believes Will is just what the young Redtails team needs. He brings grit and determination and stability. He's just not what she needs in her life, even if he is huge, hot and hard-bodied. Will is used to fighting for what he wants but winning Jess's heart might be the toughest battle of his life.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2017
About the author
Stephanie Julian
168 books1,060 followersStephanie Julian is a USA Today and New York Time best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She writes stories with sultry heat and sweet heart.
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
She is the author of the best-selling Salon Games and Indecent series. INVITE ME IN (previously published as BY PRIVATE INVITATION) was an RT Magazine Top Pick. AN INDECENT PROPOSITION was named by BookBub as one of the 20 Best Erotic Books.
Stephanie is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two hairy sons.
Find out why reviewers call Stephanie's stories "fascinating," "truly fantastic," "intoxicating," "highly imaginative" and "hot enough to peel paint."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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April 4, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (4/4/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Coming into a team in the middle of the season is never easy but veteran hockey player Will MacDonald is a tough guy. He’s not afraid to drop his gloves in defense of his teammates and he’s never met a woman who’s made his heart pound as hard as a good fight. Until he has a chance collision with a curvy brunette.
Jess Gardiner has been around hockey all her life. Her dad, an NHL scout, taught her everything he knows about the game and she believes Will is just what the young Redtails team needs. He’s just not what she needs in her life, even if he is huge, hot and hard-bodied.
Will is used to fighting for what he wants but winning Jess’s heart might be the toughest battle of his life.
Blurb:
Coming into a team in the middle of the season is never easy but veteran hockey player Will MacDonald is a tough guy. He’s not afraid to drop his gloves in defense of his teammates and he’s never met a woman who’s made his heart pound as hard as a good fight. Until he has a chance collision with a curvy brunette.
Jess Gardiner has been around hockey all her life. Her dad, an NHL scout, taught her everything he knows about the game and she believes Will is just what the young Redtails team needs. He’s just not what she needs in her life, even if he is huge, hot and hard-bodied.
Will is used to fighting for what he wants but winning Jess’s heart might be the toughest battle of his life.
September 8, 2019
Although I’m not sure who edited this book (meaning it did not feel edited at all) I still really enjoyed it. Jess and Will had a cute love story albeit a very rushed one. I enjoyed their characters and the Redtails Team. I also like the other books in the series will be about other players and not repetitive of the same two. Overall would recommend to those who are fans of Hockey Romance Novels.
June 9, 2022
Will McDonald comes to the Redtails where he runs into (literally) Jess Gardiner, the Redtails marketing director who is also the daughter of an NHL scout and a good scout herself (she recommended McDonald.) Both are attracted but she thinks a bad idea to act on the attraction. Will has no problem with acting on the attraction, but he'll follow her lead. When she gets the chance to move to the NHL to work in marketing, will she take the chance, or will she stay in Reading where she might get the chance to scout or stay with Will?
I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked Will and Jess. I also liked the rest of the team. I liked the flirting between Will and Jess. I loved when she finally gives in to the attraction. I got mad when they could not be adults over her moving to the NHL. I wanted it to work out. Will had faith in her but she needed faith in herself not to give in to the stereotypes. I look forward to more in this series.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked Will and Jess. I also liked the rest of the team. I liked the flirting between Will and Jess. I loved when she finally gives in to the attraction. I got mad when they could not be adults over her moving to the NHL. I wanted it to work out. Will had faith in her but she needed faith in herself not to give in to the stereotypes. I look forward to more in this series.
September 2, 2019
Sports romance at its best!
She does not do hockey players because the name says it all, players ! There’s something different about Will though, he’s older, more thoughtful and not immature. His smile is irresistible too, but she can’t! She has plans and a player isn’t part of the package.
She does not do hockey players because the name says it all, players ! There’s something different about Will though, he’s older, more thoughtful and not immature. His smile is irresistible too, but she can’t! She has plans and a player isn’t part of the package.
February 1, 2018
I’m enjoying this series. The Enforcer is a great addition to the series that brings with it, instant lightning strikes for Will & Jess. I loved Will’s character, he got under the skin of Jess fast & stayed there. I also loved how he was a champion for Jess to live out her dreams to be a hockey scout. Jess was a strong, smart, sexy woman who brought more than just her marketing skills to the team. Her talent is proven when she suggests the team picks up Will to cover spots left open on the current team. The chemistry between Will & Jess is instant even as Jess tried to keep her distance. I also found it hilarious that the hockey team gossiped more than old ladies out for coffee, everyone knew about Will & Jess before they even knew. I’m looking forward to the next book.
June 21, 2017
This is another great addition to the series. I loved the characters and the story and can't wait to read more about these sexy hockey players.
June 29, 2019
I loved it
I loved it, a great addition to the Reading Readtails series.. Will is a new team member of the Reading Redtail Hockey team, Jess works in the front office in promotions but her father is a NHL scout so she is alway aware of who is a good person to hire and the coaches take her advice. She would love to be a scout herself but it's an old boys club. Will andJess are very attracted to each other but Jess thinks dating a player is not a good idea. Will is very persistant.
I loved it, a great addition to the Reading Readtails series.. Will is a new team member of the Reading Redtail Hockey team, Jess works in the front office in promotions but her father is a NHL scout so she is alway aware of who is a good person to hire and the coaches take her advice. She would love to be a scout herself but it's an old boys club. Will andJess are very attracted to each other but Jess thinks dating a player is not a good idea. Will is very persistant.
March 6, 2020
3 1/2 Stars! Book three in the Redtails Hockey series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Novella length told in dual POV with HEA. Each book about a different hockey player and secondary characters the same throughout the series. Will and Jess take a little time to figure out what they want for their future. I loved that Will was an older player but he always had his teammates backs on the ice!
April 4, 2018
The Enforcer
Love the Redtails and tHese stories. Jess swore off hockey players until Will arrived. Great love story!! Love this series. Each book is stand alone but I love that I know the other characters and they appear in the other books. Can’t wait for more stories. MUST read, great book, love Will!!!!
Love the Redtails and tHese stories. Jess swore off hockey players until Will arrived. Great love story!! Love this series. Each book is stand alone but I love that I know the other characters and they appear in the other books. Can’t wait for more stories. MUST read, great book, love Will!!!!
February 16, 2018
Amazing hockey series!!!
Wow just wow! Stephanie Julian captures the essence of romance with a side of hockey! This book is well written and provides the perfect balance of love and hockey. There is also laughter and drama.The story flowed well and I am ready for the next book!!!
Wow just wow! Stephanie Julian captures the essence of romance with a side of hockey! This book is well written and provides the perfect balance of love and hockey. There is also laughter and drama.The story flowed well and I am ready for the next book!!!
April 17, 2019
Puck worthy
Very enjoyable and entertaining read. All characters were strong and confident. Loved all the hockey aspects and a woman able to do a mans job only better, the icing on the cake.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read. All characters were strong and confident. Loved all the hockey aspects and a woman able to do a mans job only better, the icing on the cake.
May 9, 2019
Usually athletes are given a bad name in real life and in books because of their cockiness and conceit. Will by far erases those prejudices. His big heart and thoughtfulness when it comes to love is truly a breath of fresh air. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thanks!
August 21, 2020
The Enforcer
I’m not into hockey at all but I didn’t read this story bc of the hockey part. What starts out as a challenge for Mac and a “hell no” for Jess ended up being a win for both
I’m not into hockey at all but I didn’t read this story bc of the hockey part. What starts out as a challenge for Mac and a “hell no” for Jess ended up being a win for both
January 18, 2021
Short and sweet
Loved will. He was adorable and funny and a hot hokey book boyfriend. Loved how he was sweet but also had a dirty mouth when it counted. Loved how he was with the team too. Loved. Can’t wait for next one.
Loved will. He was adorable and funny and a hot hokey book boyfriend. Loved how he was sweet but also had a dirty mouth when it counted. Loved how he was with the team too. Loved. Can’t wait for next one.
November 1, 2022
Best place.
This author really knows her hockey. Stephanie Julian is not just an author she knows the game and can totally write the story to go with the romance. Very realistic story lines. I can't wait to read her next hockey romance.
This author really knows her hockey. Stephanie Julian is not just an author she knows the game and can totally write the story to go with the romance. Very realistic story lines. I can't wait to read her next hockey romance.
April 26, 2019
Read : April 24th 2019
Rating : 4 Stars
This was very cute and while I normally don't really like sport romances, I really like the ice hockey ones.
May 10, 2019
Ahh ice hockey.
A great read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Will and Jess. Their belief in each others potential is very heartwarming.
A great read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Will and Jess. Their belief in each others potential is very heartwarming.
June 1, 2019
Enjoyed the book
It was quick read. Romantic,funny and kept my interest. Not to deep and enjoyable.
Great for a light summer read on the 🌴
It was quick read. Romantic,funny and kept my interest. Not to deep and enjoyable.
Great for a light summer read on the 🌴
June 3, 2019
Great story,want to read more...and will.😍.org😀😀
Great story, want to read more...and will.this was good enough for me to take the time to write a review, thx😃
Great story, want to read more...and will.this was good enough for me to take the time to write a review, thx😃
June 6, 2020
Great story
April 14, 2021
3,5 stars
September 24, 2021
Sweet story with enjoyable h/h. I love a sports romance. It was a little instalove for me but ymmv.
April 12, 2022
Wow wow wow!!
I totally enjoyed reading this book. Loved the story line and characters were hot! I will continue to read more of this author work.
I totally enjoyed reading this book. Loved the story line and characters were hot! I will continue to read more of this author work.
August 5, 2022
Quick and hot!
Another quick but steamy hockey read. Again, minimal angst and plenty of plenty of banter and heat make this an enjoyable read.
Another quick but steamy hockey read. Again, minimal angst and plenty of plenty of banter and heat make this an enjoyable read.
May 15, 2019
Smh
This is a short story about Will and Jess. Then there’s the adjectives used in this book and it’s varying degrees.
Danger
Dangerous, repeat that at least six times in one chapter. Then sexy and beautiful several times. Then there’s damn. Chant it three times at least four times in one chapter. Then f**k several times plus sex multiple times and that’s your story. Plus obsessed story of age. Instant lust turned into instant love in less than a month. Didn’t like Will nor Jess. Not to mention it needed editing. It doesn’t make sense how this was not noticed when reviewing a book: My heart hearts.” How does your heart hearts??
This is a short story about Will and Jess. Then there’s the adjectives used in this book and it’s varying degrees.
Danger
Dangerous, repeat that at least six times in one chapter. Then sexy and beautiful several times. Then there’s damn. Chant it three times at least four times in one chapter. Then f**k several times plus sex multiple times and that’s your story. Plus obsessed story of age. Instant lust turned into instant love in less than a month. Didn’t like Will nor Jess. Not to mention it needed editing. It doesn’t make sense how this was not noticed when reviewing a book: My heart hearts.” How does your heart hearts??
May 31, 2019
Cute, quick read
There were a couple of places where Julian contradicts her own story in the beginning and she gets a little repetitive in spots, but this was a decent hockey romance.
There were a couple of places where Julian contradicts her own story in the beginning and she gets a little repetitive in spots, but this was a decent hockey romance.
March 31, 2017
Jess Gardiner has hockey in her blood. With the best scout in the NHL for a father, Jess learned the game inside and out at a young age. The problem is, women aren’t scouts in the NHL. So she works as the promotion manager for the Redtails, honestly loving her job, and feeds her scouting side by making recommendations to the coach on the side.
Will is a veteran player without much time left playing the sport he loves. However, after a recommendation to give him a look, the Redtails pick him up to be a leader for its young team. And from the moment he meets the intriguing Jess, he’s hoping he’ll stay with the Redtails for a while.
The Enforcer is a quick, enjoyable story with equal parts romance and hockey. Hockey isn’t just a setting for the book, but rather the story is infused with the ins and outs of the sport. It’s clear that Ms. Julian understands and loves hockey as much as her heroine, Jess.
Right from the start, Jess and Will experience a strong pull and mutual attraction, accompanied by the sudden realization that something has been missing in their lives. However, Jess was burned by immature hockey players in the past, and she’s worried about the impacts to her credibility on the job if she dates someone on the team. Yet, she cannot deny herself the joy of being around Will. Similarly, Will recognizes he’s getting older and doesn’t want to play games when meets a woman he really likes. Yet, he is respectful of her concerns and willing just to be friends because he enjoys her company - totally swoon-worthy. Their romance is quick, sexy, and sweet, and I really enjoyed their story.
My biggest issue with The Enforcer is the number of apparent continuity errors within the storyline. I can adjust to one or maybe two issues, but I found a handful of situations that seemed in clear conflict with something stated later in the story. For example, in a scene early in the book, Will discusses an upcoming game with teammate Justin and how a player named Mason will cause Will problems. Mason plays for Syracuse. Yet later in the text, we find out that the Redtails are playing Milwaukee. While not important to the overall story, continuity issues like this drive me nuts, and I am compelled to go back and check. Additionally, there was a mention of Will having an ex-fiancee and it was never brought up again… when an apparent bombshell like an ex is brought up in thought, I want follow up. Why is she an ex? What are the details? I would have been able to overlook one or two of these conflicts, but I spent too much time checking and rechecking facts, causing a disruption in my reading flow.
In the end, I found The Enforcer to be an entertaining story. The book is short, but the story flows well, with the exception of the issues I mentioned above. The romance is quick, but the author makes it believable and real. The fact that both Will and Jess are in a place in their lives to start this relationship, coupled with their openness and honesty, allows for the fast-paced romance.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Originally posted at That's What I"m Talking About
Will is a veteran player without much time left playing the sport he loves. However, after a recommendation to give him a look, the Redtails pick him up to be a leader for its young team. And from the moment he meets the intriguing Jess, he’s hoping he’ll stay with the Redtails for a while.
The Enforcer is a quick, enjoyable story with equal parts romance and hockey. Hockey isn’t just a setting for the book, but rather the story is infused with the ins and outs of the sport. It’s clear that Ms. Julian understands and loves hockey as much as her heroine, Jess.
Right from the start, Jess and Will experience a strong pull and mutual attraction, accompanied by the sudden realization that something has been missing in their lives. However, Jess was burned by immature hockey players in the past, and she’s worried about the impacts to her credibility on the job if she dates someone on the team. Yet, she cannot deny herself the joy of being around Will. Similarly, Will recognizes he’s getting older and doesn’t want to play games when meets a woman he really likes. Yet, he is respectful of her concerns and willing just to be friends because he enjoys her company - totally swoon-worthy. Their romance is quick, sexy, and sweet, and I really enjoyed their story.
My biggest issue with The Enforcer is the number of apparent continuity errors within the storyline. I can adjust to one or maybe two issues, but I found a handful of situations that seemed in clear conflict with something stated later in the story. For example, in a scene early in the book, Will discusses an upcoming game with teammate Justin and how a player named Mason will cause Will problems. Mason plays for Syracuse. Yet later in the text, we find out that the Redtails are playing Milwaukee. While not important to the overall story, continuity issues like this drive me nuts, and I am compelled to go back and check. Additionally, there was a mention of Will having an ex-fiancee and it was never brought up again… when an apparent bombshell like an ex is brought up in thought, I want follow up. Why is she an ex? What are the details? I would have been able to overlook one or two of these conflicts, but I spent too much time checking and rechecking facts, causing a disruption in my reading flow.
In the end, I found The Enforcer to be an entertaining story. The book is short, but the story flows well, with the exception of the issues I mentioned above. The romance is quick, but the author makes it believable and real. The fact that both Will and Jess are in a place in their lives to start this relationship, coupled with their openness and honesty, allows for the fast-paced romance.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Originally posted at That's What I"m Talking About
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews