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Vancouver Vice #1
The Tao of Hockey
After being selected in the first-round of the NHL draft, Eric Fairburn was in a car accident that destroyed his career. Now, five years later, he’s getting one last chance. If he can make the Vancouver Vice of the AHL, it could be the first step to making his hockey dreams come true.
There are only two things standing in his way—the coach from hell and his own self-destructive ways.
The one talent he hasn’t lost is his way with women. So he’s surprised to be turned down by a mysterious woman he meets in a bar. Eric finds himself pursuing her when he should be focusing on hockey. Yet he’s drawn to her confidence and independence, believing that might be the key to fixing his own on-ice issues.
This is the first book in a series about the Vancouver Vice.
There are only two things standing in his way—the coach from hell and his own self-destructive ways.
The one talent he hasn’t lost is his way with women. So he’s surprised to be turned down by a mysterious woman he meets in a bar. Eric finds himself pursuing her when he should be focusing on hockey. Yet he’s drawn to her confidence and independence, believing that might be the key to fixing his own on-ice issues.
This is the first book in a series about the Vancouver Vice.
Unknown Binding
First published December 26, 2015
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About the author
Melanie Ting
23 books113 followersMelanie Ting is a U.S.A.Today best-selling author of hockey romances. Her books include: the Vancouver Vice hockey series; the Holiday Hat Trick trilogy of holiday romances; and Hockey is My Boyfriend—a choose your own ending love triangle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 8, 2022
2.5 -3 Stars
I think you may have to be in a certain mindset when you read this book and I don't think I was. Eric was ok as a hero. I liked his perseverance to a degree- he battled his demons and then some to claw back what should have been an illustrious career from the start. However, when he was pursuing Josie, he was persistent to the point of being worryingly so. He was just so intense about things but then he would be all spiritual (talking about animal spirit guides and eating clean etc) . I think he was really not your typical sports hero in many ways and I found it hard to wrap my head around his character at times but I did find him a very interesting character with lots of layers. My big issue in the book was Josie. I just didn't like her very much. She lacked warmth for me. I understood her a bit better as layers were revealed but , no, she wasn't my kind of heroine.
It is a well written book with a real mix of characters and I would read more about them.
I think you may have to be in a certain mindset when you read this book and I don't think I was. Eric was ok as a hero. I liked his perseverance to a degree- he battled his demons and then some to claw back what should have been an illustrious career from the start. However, when he was pursuing Josie, he was persistent to the point of being worryingly so. He was just so intense about things but then he would be all spiritual (talking about animal spirit guides and eating clean etc) . I think he was really not your typical sports hero in many ways and I found it hard to wrap my head around his character at times but I did find him a very interesting character with lots of layers. My big issue in the book was Josie. I just didn't like her very much. She lacked warmth for me. I understood her a bit better as layers were revealed but , no, she wasn't my kind of heroine.
It is a well written book with a real mix of characters and I would read more about them.
April 2, 2016
This is the first book in a new series about the Vancouver Vice, an AHL hockey team that suffers from an image problem and has a host of other things to deal with, including being the last placed team in the league. Their coach is a jerk, their owner is hands off, and their players are a mix of good and not so good guys. But this story that deals with the tryouts for the team features one of the good ones (best to start with a hero, after all). Eric is a player who used to have it all, then squandered his chances at making the NHL after a drunk driving accident he was responsible for resulted in a lot of other issues and him getting kicked off his team at the time. Finally coming to grips with the problems in his life, he’s made a turnaround, spending a year playing in Switzerland, getting his mind and body back into the right mode needed to realize his dreams. At the start of the story he’s been given a last chance ticket to attend the tryouts for the Vancouver Vice and is at an expensive training camp with six weeks to get into peak physical form. While there, he meets a rather mysterious woman at a bar one night, one he just can’t get out of his head. The pursuit is on, eventually resulting in Eric and Josie becoming lovers and friends (in that order). But Eric has a lot on his plate, and a relationship with a new woman may or may not help him in his quest to better his chances at moving up the hockey ladder. With a lousy coach, the demons of his past, and a new relationship, can Eric find the right path to realize his dreams?
What a fascinating story! It’s a hockey romance, sure, but it’s a lot more than that, as we go with Eric on his path of self discovery. I really enjoyed how the book started, the training camp that Eric attended and its focus on mind and body – a great reminder that the psychology of sport is as important as its physicality. The story is told entirely from Eric’s point of view, so we know his past, his present and what he hopes to achieve in the future. Eric himself is in a good place now, both mentally and physically. He’s a practitioner of yoga and meditation. He works himself hard physically to keep in shape. He’s acknowledged the mistakes of his past and faces up to them in a mature and honest manner. As a result of his driving under the influence charge, he has a breathalyzer installed in his car, a device he must blow into that records the percentage of alcohol before he is able to drive (and obviously would lock him out if he was over the limit). It’s a sobering reminder for him daily of the chances he used to take and the responsibilities he has to himself and his teammates. As the story progresses, Eric has decisions to make and conflicts to resolve. It was refreshing to see him deal with everything in a mature manner. I just really liked him as a character.
The romance part of the story was a little bit different than any I’d read before, mostly because Josie’s character remains an enigma through much of the story. She comes across as a very contained woman, not expressive emotionally. The first few times that she and Eric meet, you get the feeling that she really doesn’t care much whether or not she and Eric will ever be in a relationship. Though it’s obvious that this is something Eric wants, Josie is much more closed off and doesn’t share her feelings with him. This doesn’t stop them from having some super steamy scenes together though, and while the sex between them is definitely hot, it’s not until later in the story that you get more of a sense that Josie cares for Eric, in her actions more than in her words. She’s definitely a positive presence in his life though, a good listener for him and a woman who asks him the questions that no one else does. Josie’s got some secrets too, ones we don’t find out about until later on. There are some things that happen in the story, interesting twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that definitely made this a real page turner for me. I really wanted to know what would happen, not just with Eric and Josie but also with Eric’s hockey career. We get a good happy for now ending (appropriate for Eric’s age at 23, and the fact this reads as a new adult story) and I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series! 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review
This review appears as a blog post at : http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
What a fascinating story! It’s a hockey romance, sure, but it’s a lot more than that, as we go with Eric on his path of self discovery. I really enjoyed how the book started, the training camp that Eric attended and its focus on mind and body – a great reminder that the psychology of sport is as important as its physicality. The story is told entirely from Eric’s point of view, so we know his past, his present and what he hopes to achieve in the future. Eric himself is in a good place now, both mentally and physically. He’s a practitioner of yoga and meditation. He works himself hard physically to keep in shape. He’s acknowledged the mistakes of his past and faces up to them in a mature and honest manner. As a result of his driving under the influence charge, he has a breathalyzer installed in his car, a device he must blow into that records the percentage of alcohol before he is able to drive (and obviously would lock him out if he was over the limit). It’s a sobering reminder for him daily of the chances he used to take and the responsibilities he has to himself and his teammates. As the story progresses, Eric has decisions to make and conflicts to resolve. It was refreshing to see him deal with everything in a mature manner. I just really liked him as a character.
The romance part of the story was a little bit different than any I’d read before, mostly because Josie’s character remains an enigma through much of the story. She comes across as a very contained woman, not expressive emotionally. The first few times that she and Eric meet, you get the feeling that she really doesn’t care much whether or not she and Eric will ever be in a relationship. Though it’s obvious that this is something Eric wants, Josie is much more closed off and doesn’t share her feelings with him. This doesn’t stop them from having some super steamy scenes together though, and while the sex between them is definitely hot, it’s not until later in the story that you get more of a sense that Josie cares for Eric, in her actions more than in her words. She’s definitely a positive presence in his life though, a good listener for him and a woman who asks him the questions that no one else does. Josie’s got some secrets too, ones we don’t find out about until later on. There are some things that happen in the story, interesting twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that definitely made this a real page turner for me. I really wanted to know what would happen, not just with Eric and Josie but also with Eric’s hockey career. We get a good happy for now ending (appropriate for Eric’s age at 23, and the fact this reads as a new adult story) and I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series! 4.5 stars.
In the morning, I woke up early. Josie was lying beside me, and I got up on one elbow to stare at her. She looked beautiful. It was like she was this talisman for me— I could relax when she was around.
Everyone thought that I was pretty laid back. But I had this constant low-grade worry about the future, specifically my hockey future. Right now, things were great because I was training hard and the only pressure was to get into better shape. But in a couple of weeks, I’d be at the Vice training camp. The pressure would be amped up then. Even the idea was starting to twist up my stomach.
I slipped out of bed and pulled on sweats and a t-shirt. I grabbed my flip-flops and wallet, then went out into the backyard. I stretched slowly, and then moved into a sun salutation. This was the best time of day, when the sun was rising and the neighbourhood was quiet. It was getting colder though, and the leaves were turning golden shades and falling. Then I sat down to meditate. Time to quiet my worries. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing, on the sunlight on my eyelids, and on the peace I was still feeling. Calm.
Once I was finished my meditation, I put on my sandals and tucked my wallet in my pocket. I walked briskly to this nearby bakery. We had found it one evening when Josie got sugar cravings after I made her dinner.
When I got back inside with a paper bag of pastries, the bed was empty and the drawer where I’d stashed her stuff was slightly ajar. Shoot. How like her to take off. I had been looking forward to spending the morning with her.
Then I heard a voice in the bathroom. “Cat, you are weird.” The bathroom door opened. Misty exited first and then Josie. She was dressed, and towelling her hair dry. She smiled at me, and I grinned back.
“Misty watched me shower too,” Josie said.
Sounded like something I’d like to do myself. “Really? She’s never done that to me.”
“Maybe she’s a lesbian cat, and your body is not turning her crank.”
I pulled her in for hug. “As long as my body turns your crank.”
Josie kissed me. “Oh, definitely. I borrowed your toothbrush.”
“No problem. I’ll get you one of your own for next time.”
She shook her head. “Oh, Eric. Is your middle name Commitment?”
“No, it’s Sky.”
Her eyes widened, and she laughed.
I frowned at her. “What? That’s normal where I come from.”
“Yes, mythical, mystical Nelson, B.C.”
“I want to take you there, you’ll like it. It’s a beautiful place— spiritual and welcoming.”
“One sleepover and I have to meet the parents.” Josie was smiling though, she didn’t seem to mind my scheming.
“My mom will love you,” I said.
“Apparently not your dad,” she observed.
Shit. Nothing escaped her. “Well, my dad wants me to concentrate on hockey all the time. He keeps telling me it’s my last chance to make it. So, he doesn’t approve of any extracurricular activities.”
“Ahh, like me? Awesome, I’m the sexual equivalent of taking jazz band.”
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review
This review appears as a blog post at : http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
December 13, 2015
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*
BUNCH OF GIFs, SPOILERS, and RANTING UP AHEAD
Finally finished my university final exams last Friday
First impressions of Eric.
I'm going to admit it. He struck me as a granola version of Jimmy (See Hockey is my boyfriend (Part One)) that became an extreme version of Jake Cookson (See How the Cookie Crumbles) and kept getting handed the wrong sided stick in life.
As for Josie, she was a more of a
kind of person.
The insta-lust didn't really work for me. I know I've read a bunch of those types of books and kinda just dealt with it, but I wasn't expecting sexy time a third of the way into this book. I needed more of the connection and the humor to loosen me up.
The hockey talk was great and all, since I love the visuals that come to mind with Melanie Ting's writing, but when there's a non-sports person involved, I just needed some REAL CONNECTION to bring them together, you know? I mean, if they talked about accidents they had gotten into and laughed about it. I would have been "Great! You forgot about getting into each other's pants for one minute and laughed about that one time you got hit and you said 'Oh look a tooth'"
I just couldn't get into this book as easily as the others. The beginning was a shot of insta , the middle was getting a little better, and towards the end began the fit of rage quits. I'm going to let the gifs do the talking for me.
The reason behind the rage quits
People can be dicks. I have seen this first hand. But when people are MASSIVE, NEEDS TO BE CASTRATED DICKS is what makes my blood boil.
(1) The coach.
(2) The captain.
(3) The tie for third place in 90% ASSHOLERY and 10% NICE goes to the MacMillan siblings and Eric's dad
The ending was ok, but seemed a little rushed and justice wasn't exactly served to balance out all the anger I feel the characters felt. Maybe they're just too zen to care or something. At least it was happy ending, right?
BUNCH OF GIFs, SPOILERS, and RANTING UP AHEAD
Finally finished my university final exams last Friday
and I thought what better way to start the winter break than with HOCKEY and ROMANCE NOVELS.
I had the kindle file looking all *NEW* and I seriously had to restrain myself all week from reading it. It was killing me. Just like the SJ Sharks playing right now. 
Anyways... I don't think this book was good for my mood or blood pressure because I honestly rage quit like 3 times in this book. One was unnecessary and probably because I saw the final score on a Sharks game, but in all seriousness, this book made me put it down and pick it up after a few hours. 
Then after I calmed down I opened the kindle app again and mentally prepared myself: 
Here's a quick play by play of my reading journey through The Tao of Hockey
First few paragraphs: WHOA. ALREADY?? WHAT?! SEXY TIME...oh wait, he's just exercising. Sad, deprived lower brain calm down.
First impressions of Eric.
I never read a book about a Yogi-health-nut-hockey player with a pretty sordid past before and I thought what kind of seduction techniques would this guy even have???? 
I'm going to admit it. He struck me as a granola version of Jimmy (See Hockey is my boyfriend (Part One)) that became an extreme version of Jake Cookson (See How the Cookie Crumbles) and kept getting handed the wrong sided stick in life.
As for Josie, she was a more of a
kind of person. She has that reserved secretive side that made think of a more mature, aloof Kelly (See Hockey is my Boyfriend)
I mean for one, she had a lovesick puppy following her around and Josie was a real carpe diem type of lady with style and spunk.The insta-lust didn't really work for me. I know I've read a bunch of those types of books and kinda just dealt with it, but I wasn't expecting sexy time a third of the way into this book. I needed more of the connection and the humor to loosen me up.
The hockey talk was great and all, since I love the visuals that come to mind with Melanie Ting's writing, but when there's a non-sports person involved, I just needed some REAL CONNECTION to bring them together, you know? I mean, if they talked about accidents they had gotten into and laughed about it. I would have been "Great! You forgot about getting into each other's pants for one minute and laughed about that one time you got hit and you said 'Oh look a tooth'"
Otherwise, I know I'm headed into ONE-NIGHT-STAND-TURNS-TO-MULTIPLE-TRIPS-TO-THE-BEDROOM-TURNS-TO-THAT-PERSON-WHO-SAYS-THE-L-WORD-TURNS-TO-CONFLICT-TURNS-TO-MAKEUP-SEX territory.
I just couldn't get into this book as easily as the others. The beginning was a shot of insta , the middle was getting a little better, and towards the end began the fit of rage quits. I'm going to let the gifs do the talking for me.
The reason behind the rage quits
People can be dicks. I have seen this first hand. But when people are MASSIVE, NEEDS TO BE CASTRATED DICKS is what makes my blood boil.
(1) The coach.
(2) The captain.
The sabotage and lack of regard to other people's LIVES just got to me. WHO DOES THAT????
(3) The tie for third place in 90% ASSHOLERY and 10% NICE goes to the MacMillan siblings and Eric's dad
The ending was ok, but seemed a little rushed and justice wasn't exactly served to balance out all the anger I feel the characters felt. Maybe they're just too zen to care or something. At least it was happy ending, right?
A solid FOUR and wanting more. Keep up the awesome hockey romance writing, Melanie Ting! 
December 26, 2015
The Tao of Hockey by Melanie Ting The Tao of Hockey by Melanie Ting is a contemporary hockey romance that takes place in Vancouver Canada and is suitable for a new adult and adult audience. Eric Fairburn had a promising career ahead of him after being selected in the first round of the NHL draft. His dreams are shattered after a car accident. The book takes place five years later from Eric’s point of view. Eric is given an opportunity to try out for the worst team in the AHL, the Vancouver Vice. In order to make his dreams a reality he needs to clean up his act and convince the coach that seems not to like him to select him for the team.
Melanie Ting scores with the Tao of Hockey. As in all her books, it is obvious, she knows her stuff when it comes to hockey. I loved all the philosophical aspect of this story. There are many interesting conversations between the players and fascinating viewpoints about the sport. I also loved that Eric is so into clean eating, yoga, and a healthy lifestyle. In the last year, my twelve-year-old son has been big on only eating things that are good for him to help him improve as a hockey player. The results have been noticeable, so I appreciated Eric’s eating choices. Eric is a refreshing hero. He has made mistakes and doing everything in his power to become a better hockey player to achieve his goal. I adored Eric’s relationship with, Josie. She is an extraordinary individual who is perfect for him and vice versa. I love that she is a challenge and calls him out on stuff. The Tao of Hockey is a great onset to the Vancouver Vice Series. I will definitely want to continue this series. This is the perfect book for people that enjoy contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie Ting scores with the Tao of Hockey. As in all her books, it is obvious, she knows her stuff when it comes to hockey. I loved all the philosophical aspect of this story. There are many interesting conversations between the players and fascinating viewpoints about the sport. I also loved that Eric is so into clean eating, yoga, and a healthy lifestyle. In the last year, my twelve-year-old son has been big on only eating things that are good for him to help him improve as a hockey player. The results have been noticeable, so I appreciated Eric’s eating choices. Eric is a refreshing hero. He has made mistakes and doing everything in his power to become a better hockey player to achieve his goal. I adored Eric’s relationship with, Josie. She is an extraordinary individual who is perfect for him and vice versa. I love that she is a challenge and calls him out on stuff. The Tao of Hockey is a great onset to the Vancouver Vice Series. I will definitely want to continue this series. This is the perfect book for people that enjoy contemporary sports romances.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2016
this is not my usual read, but i have to say i really like it more than i was thinking.
this one makes me remember about the teen weekends movies, but with a major difference, it is the guy that tell the story.
Eric is a hockey player that had bad stuff going on, he has been in a car accident, because he has driving drunk, and all his brilliant career was turn apart. Now his last chance of playing professional is the vince team, but first he has to make the tryouts.
During his training seasion he meets Josie, a girl in a pub that turn in down, and here begin the love story of these two.
the story is sweet, i love josie and eric together and i love them separated, i have to say that the end of the book was the better part for me.
so the sport game type is not my usual read, but this one is well written and it was a light read for a complicated time of work.
this one makes me remember about the teen weekends movies, but with a major difference, it is the guy that tell the story.
Eric is a hockey player that had bad stuff going on, he has been in a car accident, because he has driving drunk, and all his brilliant career was turn apart. Now his last chance of playing professional is the vince team, but first he has to make the tryouts.
During his training seasion he meets Josie, a girl in a pub that turn in down, and here begin the love story of these two.
the story is sweet, i love josie and eric together and i love them separated, i have to say that the end of the book was the better part for me.
so the sport game type is not my usual read, but this one is well written and it was a light read for a complicated time of work.
August 3, 2018
I almost didn’t finish it. A dozen chapters in, I didn’t are a need for more story. Chapter 21 made me want to stop. Eric was annoying. Josie was okay but I couldn’t connect with her.
July 5, 2016
4.5 stars! I loved this. It's one of a handful of romances I've found which was told by the male POV, and this slice of Eric's life was a wild ride. Imagine having your future lined up in front of you at the end of a road paved with gold, and losing it all before you take your first step on it. Eric's road to redemption is a long with, with a few missteps - or should I say mis-skates (It is a hockey romance, after all) - but you'll cheer like I did when he crosses the finish line with the love of his life. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
September 10, 2018
Not for me. I was unable to connect with the heroine. Not sure why the hero wanted her so desperately. I did not get it!! You may love it.
September 29, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable hockey romance. Loved the quirky characters and, of course, the hockey.
July 22, 2019
I just couldn't get into this one. Lots of little (and some big) things adding up to kill this one for me.
Eric. He was a hard one to get a handle on. I get that he's still young and figuring out a lot in life, and that's part of what I liked. His perseverance was good, as was his growth. That perseverance when it came to Josie, however, was bordering on uncomfortable for me. His character seemed a grab-bag of traits, though - super obsessive, but very Zen, etc. Was a hard one to relate to sometimes.
Josie. Just didn't like her. Cool and aloof. Very, very cool and aloof. Even when they're going out, it feels like all the emotion is on Eric's side and Josie just feels flat. It's hard to see why he's so obsessed with her. She's like a Manic Pixie Dream Girl (or whatever the cool and aloof equivalent is), only there to push the main character into life changes. We do eventually get her back story, but it's pretty late in the book and by then, it's too little, too late to care. She'd have been much more relatable if this was an alternating POV instead of just Eric's view. And actually, understanding Josie would have made Eric more relatable too.
The Vice coach. Personal prejudices much? I'd think that if a team is allowing personal bias to affect hiring that much, then it would be a winning team. If a team is (as described) the worst in the league, wouldn't they be too desperate for the talent to be putting up with that nonsense?
The Vice captain. WTF?? Really, I have no words.
In short, 2 stars - it was OK. Did finish it, didn't lose brain cells, and didn't hate it, plus it was free. Not one I'd reread, though, and have no desire to read the rest of the series.
Eric. He was a hard one to get a handle on. I get that he's still young and figuring out a lot in life, and that's part of what I liked. His perseverance was good, as was his growth. That perseverance when it came to Josie, however, was bordering on uncomfortable for me. His character seemed a grab-bag of traits, though - super obsessive, but very Zen, etc. Was a hard one to relate to sometimes.
Josie. Just didn't like her. Cool and aloof. Very, very cool and aloof. Even when they're going out, it feels like all the emotion is on Eric's side and Josie just feels flat. It's hard to see why he's so obsessed with her. She's like a Manic Pixie Dream Girl (or whatever the cool and aloof equivalent is), only there to push the main character into life changes. We do eventually get her back story, but it's pretty late in the book and by then, it's too little, too late to care. She'd have been much more relatable if this was an alternating POV instead of just Eric's view. And actually, understanding Josie would have made Eric more relatable too.
The Vice coach. Personal prejudices much? I'd think that if a team is allowing personal bias to affect hiring that much, then it would be a winning team. If a team is (as described) the worst in the league, wouldn't they be too desperate for the talent to be putting up with that nonsense?
The Vice captain. WTF?? Really, I have no words.
In short, 2 stars - it was OK. Did finish it, didn't lose brain cells, and didn't hate it, plus it was free. Not one I'd reread, though, and have no desire to read the rest of the series.
December 26, 2015
Eric Fairburn has been given a second chance for a professional hockey career in North America. Five years earlier he was involved in a drunk driving accident and after playing in Switzerland as well making himself stronger physically,mentally and emotionally he is ready for his tryout with the Vancouver Vice of the American Hockey League. During this training, he meets a mysterious beautiful woman who will change him in other ways as well.
That is the premise of this excellent hockey romance by Melanie Ting. Not only does she portray Eric as a man whom everyone wants to succeed, but she also shows her knowledge of the sport of hockey and the training involved to make a team. The scenes with Eric and his trainer Tony are great as well as the sequences during training camp.
The woman to whom Eric opens up, Josie, is a little more mysterious but also a well developed character as well. She has had her own issues and is now a successful stuntwoman on movie sets. Together she and Eric make an interesting pair that the reader can't help but cheer for both of them.
The story is written from Eric's point of view, something that impressed me with Ting's writing. I have felt that it is difficult to write a story from the point of view from a character the opposite gender of the author. To do so effectively the author has to have done his or her homework to know the thoughts and feelings of the other gender, something not easy to do. That, along with nearly everything else about this story, makes it a must read for those who enjoy sports romances.
I wish to thank Ms. Ting for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
That is the premise of this excellent hockey romance by Melanie Ting. Not only does she portray Eric as a man whom everyone wants to succeed, but she also shows her knowledge of the sport of hockey and the training involved to make a team. The scenes with Eric and his trainer Tony are great as well as the sequences during training camp.
The woman to whom Eric opens up, Josie, is a little more mysterious but also a well developed character as well. She has had her own issues and is now a successful stuntwoman on movie sets. Together she and Eric make an interesting pair that the reader can't help but cheer for both of them.
The story is written from Eric's point of view, something that impressed me with Ting's writing. I have felt that it is difficult to write a story from the point of view from a character the opposite gender of the author. To do so effectively the author has to have done his or her homework to know the thoughts and feelings of the other gender, something not easy to do. That, along with nearly everything else about this story, makes it a must read for those who enjoy sports romances.
I wish to thank Ms. Ting for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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March 3, 2019Content Warnings
This didn't work for me; the romance arc felt forced and while I love a prickly heroine with lots of emotional armor, and I really liked Josie as a character, the way he pursued her was creepy and I couldn't root for them as a couple. I never warmed to or connected with the MC, unfortunately, and I think that made it a hard read for me. I found it difficult to read about the intensely toxic team environment and the hero's arc was not satisfying; it didn't feel like a full arc to me. The late plot twist leading into the black moment felt forced and like it fractured the story instead of moving it to completion in a way that worked. (It's possible that I felt that way because I put the book down at that moment and waited a while to pick it up again, though.)
This didn't work for me; the romance arc felt forced and while I love a prickly heroine with lots of emotional armor, and I really liked Josie as a character, the way he pursued her was creepy and I couldn't root for them as a couple. I never warmed to or connected with the MC, unfortunately, and I think that made it a hard read for me. I found it difficult to read about the intensely toxic team environment and the hero's arc was not satisfying; it didn't feel like a full arc to me. The late plot twist leading into the black moment felt forced and like it fractured the story instead of moving it to completion in a way that worked. (It's possible that I felt that way because I put the book down at that moment and waited a while to pick it up again, though.)
December 28, 2015
*I received a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest thoughts/opinions of the author's book.*
Eric is working hard at his second chance in hockey when he meets Josie. She's tough, blunt, and thoroughly unimpressed by his hockey talents, which only leaves Eric wanting her even more. Does romance and hockey mix for Eric?
I loved this book! Melanie Ting's characters are lovable with just the right amount of sassy wit, which made this such a great read! I really love that she creates these characters that are resilient and spunky, yet have a sweet, vulnerable side.
As a reader of several different hockey romances, I like that Melanie wrote about the AHL experience. The players are in a strange limbo of having to be teammates and yet need to be fiercely competitive in hopes of moving on to the NHL. I'm excited to see this series continue and can't wait to see the different personalities of the players of the Vancouver Vice! I definitely recommend this book!
Eric is working hard at his second chance in hockey when he meets Josie. She's tough, blunt, and thoroughly unimpressed by his hockey talents, which only leaves Eric wanting her even more. Does romance and hockey mix for Eric?
I loved this book! Melanie Ting's characters are lovable with just the right amount of sassy wit, which made this such a great read! I really love that she creates these characters that are resilient and spunky, yet have a sweet, vulnerable side.
As a reader of several different hockey romances, I like that Melanie wrote about the AHL experience. The players are in a strange limbo of having to be teammates and yet need to be fiercely competitive in hopes of moving on to the NHL. I'm excited to see this series continue and can't wait to see the different personalities of the players of the Vancouver Vice! I definitely recommend this book!
January 7, 2016
Ah, hockey. Couple it with sexy times and romance and I'm all sorts of happy!
Ms. Ting brings us a wonderful story, filled with compelling characters who aren't your cookie cutter romance leading man and lady. I was especially impressed with how well such seemingly different personalities clicked in and out of bed. Just goes to show that not every hero and heroine has to be pure Splenda. These people have flaws, some darn big ones, and still they steal your heart.
The plot is brisk and compelling and the dialog is crisp. I mean it snaps like well-fried bacon! The romance moves at a nice rate and the secondary characters are realistic. The sex is so hot you will need asbestos gloves to hold onto your e Reader.
Also, stick taps for well-paced and realistic hockey action and the inclusion of yoga, two of my favorite things right after Swedish goalies and Norwegian wingers. A fantastic read from start to finish. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author brings us next.
Ms. Ting brings us a wonderful story, filled with compelling characters who aren't your cookie cutter romance leading man and lady. I was especially impressed with how well such seemingly different personalities clicked in and out of bed. Just goes to show that not every hero and heroine has to be pure Splenda. These people have flaws, some darn big ones, and still they steal your heart.
The plot is brisk and compelling and the dialog is crisp. I mean it snaps like well-fried bacon! The romance moves at a nice rate and the secondary characters are realistic. The sex is so hot you will need asbestos gloves to hold onto your e Reader.
Also, stick taps for well-paced and realistic hockey action and the inclusion of yoga, two of my favorite things right after Swedish goalies and Norwegian wingers. A fantastic read from start to finish. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author brings us next.
July 16, 2016
This was my first Melanie Ting book and I couldn't have enjoyed it more!
Eric Fairburn was destined to be in the NHL until an accident threatened to derail his dream. Five years after the accident, he's still trying to put the pieces of his life back together and he has one final shot to make it in the AHL with the Vancouver Vice to see if his bigger dream can ever be realized. Can he clean up his act and make it? And, when he encounters the mysterious Josie, can he bring a woman into his life and not be distracted while he tries to right the other parts of his life?
I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. It was refreshing to not only have a hero that was into yoga, clean eating and meditation, but our heroine was a no nonsense, confident, woman who isn't afraid to call it like she sees it. These two characters complemented one another so well and they were truly each other's other half.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
Eric Fairburn was destined to be in the NHL until an accident threatened to derail his dream. Five years after the accident, he's still trying to put the pieces of his life back together and he has one final shot to make it in the AHL with the Vancouver Vice to see if his bigger dream can ever be realized. Can he clean up his act and make it? And, when he encounters the mysterious Josie, can he bring a woman into his life and not be distracted while he tries to right the other parts of his life?
I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. It was refreshing to not only have a hero that was into yoga, clean eating and meditation, but our heroine was a no nonsense, confident, woman who isn't afraid to call it like she sees it. These two characters complemented one another so well and they were truly each other's other half.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 6, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review... what can I say.. I loved this couple!!! this is not your typical book where the heroine is sweet, loving and quiet.. nope Josie is as bad ass as you can think of!! Hell she even has a Ducatti I mean come on??? can she get better than that?? Then we have Eric who's not your typical arrogant, pain in the ass jock.. we have a sensitive guy who truly cares and loves those around him.. add them together and you get a powerful combination.. this book teaches you that being a hockey player is more than playing.. there's bumps in the road to become a hockey player and it tells you that you don't give up until you reach your goal! I loved Josie and Eric together because they really complemented each other! this was a new author for me, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on her other books!
December 22, 2015
Eric Fairburn was in a car accident that wrecked his hockey career, five years later and he's getting another chance with the AHL. Getting turned down in a bar by a mysterious woman leaves him wanting more.
Wow. I loved this book, the characters are lovable and a perfect fit for each other, Eric is not your typical jock, he's quite sensitive and falls hard, Jose is kick ass! Very sassy and takes crap off no one. There are a few twists and surprises along the way that keep you guessing, can't wait to read the rest of the series.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review **
Wow. I loved this book, the characters are lovable and a perfect fit for each other, Eric is not your typical jock, he's quite sensitive and falls hard, Jose is kick ass! Very sassy and takes crap off no one. There are a few twists and surprises along the way that keep you guessing, can't wait to read the rest of the series.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review **
December 27, 2015
I ended up loving this book even though I wondered if poor Eric would ever catch a break. One bad decision, and his entire life snowballed into a huge ball of crap. But he persevered and slowly worked his way out from under all the negativity. I'm still not sure how I feel about Josie. She's a strange one and she simultaneously made Eric's life better and worse. She was easier to like after her family dynamics were revealed and I liked the way she pushed Eric to go after what he wanted. I don't do spoilers so I'll just say I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Vancouver Vice series! Write faster, Melanie! Lol
September 10, 2017
Stopped at 58%. There just isn't enough description of the female love interest in this story to make her a believable human. I kept hoping there would be more, but our male lead doesn't have a problem obsessing over a woman who he knows almost nothing about. At first it was odd, but now it's creepy.
Automaton dream girl appears to have no function in life other than to prop up the male lead and make him feel happier. Everything about her career, or interests, exists only to show what a desirable catch she is.
It's not a romance if it's one man's story of achieving stuff.
Automaton dream girl appears to have no function in life other than to prop up the male lead and make him feel happier. Everything about her career, or interests, exists only to show what a desirable catch she is.
It's not a romance if it's one man's story of achieving stuff.
December 14, 2015
I was given a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great. It was different from most other romance books out there. I loved Josie and her bad ass ways. I also liked Eric and his never give up attitude. They worked great together.
The plot of the book had a couple great twists to it that made it interesting.
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series will have to offer.
This book was great. It was different from most other romance books out there. I loved Josie and her bad ass ways. I also liked Eric and his never give up attitude. They worked great together.
The plot of the book had a couple great twists to it that made it interesting.
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series will have to offer.
December 26, 2015
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Eric and Josie are both very sympathetic characters (even if Josie's a little bit of a cipher for a while), and I enjoyed their repartee. I admit that I was much more drawn to the very vivid hockey training camp sequences than the romance, but that has more to do with my hockey-starved self than any issues with the love story. I'm really looking forward to the next volume in the series!
Eric and Josie are both very sympathetic characters (even if Josie's a little bit of a cipher for a while), and I enjoyed their repartee. I admit that I was much more drawn to the very vivid hockey training camp sequences than the romance, but that has more to do with my hockey-starved self than any issues with the love story. I'm really looking forward to the next volume in the series!
July 23, 2018
Josie. Just...ugh. And Eric had too many personalities going on (hipster yogi but obsessed with everything). I feel like if this were real life he'd look back on this in five years and regret his decision to stay with her.
December 28, 2015
Great read
I really liked this story, it had humor, hot hockey players, great story line and hot sex. Eric was sexy and fun but at times a little needy, but that seems to work out with the relationship between him and Josie. I would have given five stars if we had Josie's POV too.
I really liked this story, it had humor, hot hockey players, great story line and hot sex. Eric was sexy and fun but at times a little needy, but that seems to work out with the relationship between him and Josie. I would have given five stars if we had Josie's POV too.
May 28, 2020
This was one of the better hockey romances that I have read in a while. The characters are well described and come alive in the pages. I also liked how the woman decided to take the initiative without playing head games.
You really get a feel for the characters through The Tao of Hockey (Vancouver Vice, #1) and cheer for them as they surmount their obstacles. This story proves that one stupid mistake can haunt you for years even if you didn't do anything wrong.
The sex in The Tao of Hockey is safe, not horribly graphic (but not a FTB either) and utterly vanilla. If you seek stroke material look elsewhere.
I received a free copy of The Tao of Hockey and am voluntarily leaving a review. I would read something from this author again if i received it for free, but I wouldn't purchase a book in this series.
You really get a feel for the characters through The Tao of Hockey (Vancouver Vice, #1) and cheer for them as they surmount their obstacles. This story proves that one stupid mistake can haunt you for years even if you didn't do anything wrong.
The sex in The Tao of Hockey is safe, not horribly graphic (but not a FTB either) and utterly vanilla. If you seek stroke material look elsewhere.
I received a free copy of The Tao of Hockey and am voluntarily leaving a review. I would read something from this author again if i received it for free, but I wouldn't purchase a book in this series.
March 6, 2017
I so enjoyed this hockey story. Let me start off by saying I enjoyed this story because it taught me something intriguing about Canada. I love when writers give a reader a view into another place to see how others live. I mean Eric's background in Canada was based on a hippy town built around conscious and peaceful living. That's the first thing I liked. The second, Eric was not the typical alpha hockey male. He was more aware of his inter peace and the use of meditation. So prepare yourself for a different type of male. He was strong and powerful , from athletic point of view. He is very sensitive and aware of the emotions we deal with mentally. I liked that Josie was the strong backbone for him. Again great story a must read.
September 18, 2018
4 Pucks
This book was on the lower side of 4 stars, but still a good book. I enjoyed Eric and Josie’s romance, but at times Josie seemed unemotional/unattached, and it was uncharacteristic in my opinion. I loved the support that Josie gives Eric, even knowing nothing about hockey, she seems to get him and encourages him to be the person he strives to be. I do wish we had seen a little more of Eric doing the same, but with Josie being a closed book, I get it.
I encourage you to read this and garner your own opinion, as I did think this was a good book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book was on the lower side of 4 stars, but still a good book. I enjoyed Eric and Josie’s romance, but at times Josie seemed unemotional/unattached, and it was uncharacteristic in my opinion. I loved the support that Josie gives Eric, even knowing nothing about hockey, she seems to get him and encourages him to be the person he strives to be. I do wish we had seen a little more of Eric doing the same, but with Josie being a closed book, I get it.
I encourage you to read this and garner your own opinion, as I did think this was a good book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 14, 2021
Hockey and Zen 🏒 🏍
What should have started as a one-night-stand takes an interesting turn and the resulting story is so good! Eric and Josie are a great couple. She keeps him at arms length, but as the book progresses, it is obvious that they compliment and need each other.
The book is filled with great Hockey action and family drama. I loved their story. Told completely in the man’s point of view, she does a great job of getting into his head and showing him as soft but not weak.
What should have started as a one-night-stand takes an interesting turn and the resulting story is so good! Eric and Josie are a great couple. She keeps him at arms length, but as the book progresses, it is obvious that they compliment and need each other.
The book is filled with great Hockey action and family drama. I loved their story. Told completely in the man’s point of view, she does a great job of getting into his head and showing him as soft but not weak.
December 18, 2021
The Tao of Hockey was excellent and I liked everything! I liked how hard Eric tried and how dedicated he was to his profession. I liked that the book was in his point of view. I liked Josie. I liked that the story wasn’t about a great team, but a terrible team with some not great people. I liked that some of the other characters distrusted Eric, but decided to give him a chance while others just disliked him and wouldn’t budge. The story felt realistic, but it was still hopeful.
August 15, 2018
A cute and fun read.
September 23, 2018
I'm not really a hockey fan, but Melanie actually makes hockey sounds amazing and beautiful. I really enjoyed this one.
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