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Redtails Hockey #4
The Instigator
On the ice, Derek Flaherty is an instigator. He can goad an opponent into throwing down his gloves with a few well-chosen words. Off the ice, he’s the life of any party. His Redtails teammates love him…when they don’t want to smack him. Hockey is his life, but he’s about to take a shot to the heart.
Sophie Tsoukalos is well acquainted with chaos. She’s the youngest of five sisters and works in her parents’ bar. She’s used to dealing with drunks and toddlers. She’s not used to dealing with a man with a panty-dropping smile and the body of a god.
From the moment he sees Sophie, Derek discovers what it’s like to be struck dumb. For about two seconds. Then he does what he does best. He charms his way into her bed. But can he charm his way into her life?
Sophie Tsoukalos is well acquainted with chaos. She’s the youngest of five sisters and works in her parents’ bar. She’s used to dealing with drunks and toddlers. She’s not used to dealing with a man with a panty-dropping smile and the body of a god.
From the moment he sees Sophie, Derek discovers what it’s like to be struck dumb. For about two seconds. Then he does what he does best. He charms his way into her bed. But can he charm his way into her life?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2018
107 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Julian
163 books1,057 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2018
The Instigator is the 4th book in the Redtails Hockey series but can be read as a standalone. I had not read previous books and I had no issues jumping right into Derek and Sophie's story.
Derek is in the AHL but his dream is to make it to the NHL. Just at the cusp of change he meets the one woman who'll make him think twice about his decisions
Sophie has big dreams of getting her teaching certificate and traveling abroad to teach English to kids. She's one semester away from graduating and has had no issues keeping men at arms length so she stays focused on her dream. That is until she meets Derek.
I love my hockey books and I'm glad to find a new author who can do them right. This was on the shorter side but the author did a great job of not making it feel rushed.
We got to see Derek and Sophie meet, spend time together and are on the cusp of more when decisions have to be made which ultimately pushed their relationship to the next level. I enjoyed it and will read more from this series. ARC provided by author.
Derek is in the AHL but his dream is to make it to the NHL. Just at the cusp of change he meets the one woman who'll make him think twice about his decisions
Sophie has big dreams of getting her teaching certificate and traveling abroad to teach English to kids. She's one semester away from graduating and has had no issues keeping men at arms length so she stays focused on her dream. That is until she meets Derek.
I love my hockey books and I'm glad to find a new author who can do them right. This was on the shorter side but the author did a great job of not making it feel rushed.
We got to see Derek and Sophie meet, spend time together and are on the cusp of more when decisions have to be made which ultimately pushed their relationship to the next level. I enjoyed it and will read more from this series. ARC provided by author.
March 21, 2018
Had a harder time with the first half but I liked them by the end ;) Review to come
February 21, 2018
Derek “The Instigator” Flaherty loves playing hockey and enjoys his current team, the Redtails. His dream is to play in the NHL, so he works hard and is well respected. And his teammates all love him, even though they don’t necessarily see the real guy behind the laughs and good times. But that’s okay, Derek prefers to keep things casual, never allowing relationships to mess with his head or run his life.
As the baby of her family, Sophie is the good girl who does what’s asked of her. She keeps her dreams of traveling abroad to herself, rather than seeing any kind of disappointment or hurt in her family’s eyes. Working to finish her degree and putting in all sorts of hours at her dad’s bar, Sophie doesn’t have time for guys or a social life. However, when she meets Derek, she feels something stir inside of her and thinks maybe a little fun isn’t bad.
Although this is the fourth book in the Redtails Hockey series, The Instigator is a standalone romance that can be enjoyed without previous knowledge of the series. Derek and Sophie hit it off right from the start, and I love their chemistry. They are almost always in sync - whether in the bedroom or not. They are the kind of couple who clicks and can have lengthy conversations like two old friends. They also have other “lengthy” activities, and their romantic encounters are pretty smokin’.
The story moves fairly smoothly, filled with genuine emotions and conflict. I appreciate that their issues are common and real, and that they move past them together. Both Sophie and Derek each has some growing to do, and they start by admitting to themselves how they really feel. There are a few of hiccups along the way, including a couple of minor inconsistencies that took me out of the story. I also felt like some issues were brought up but not fleshed out enough - like why everyone kind of dumps on Derek being not good boyfriend material and Derek’s ex-girl friend, which is hinted as being a bad breakup. I kept expecting more details to fill in why maybe Derek is the way he is.
All in all, I enjoyed The Instigator, and really love Derek and Sophie as a couple. They are genuine and adorable. They are scared, but move forward. They learn to communicate. The Instigator is a nice paced, happy story.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the author
As the baby of her family, Sophie is the good girl who does what’s asked of her. She keeps her dreams of traveling abroad to herself, rather than seeing any kind of disappointment or hurt in her family’s eyes. Working to finish her degree and putting in all sorts of hours at her dad’s bar, Sophie doesn’t have time for guys or a social life. However, when she meets Derek, she feels something stir inside of her and thinks maybe a little fun isn’t bad.
Although this is the fourth book in the Redtails Hockey series, The Instigator is a standalone romance that can be enjoyed without previous knowledge of the series. Derek and Sophie hit it off right from the start, and I love their chemistry. They are almost always in sync - whether in the bedroom or not. They are the kind of couple who clicks and can have lengthy conversations like two old friends. They also have other “lengthy” activities, and their romantic encounters are pretty smokin’.
The story moves fairly smoothly, filled with genuine emotions and conflict. I appreciate that their issues are common and real, and that they move past them together. Both Sophie and Derek each has some growing to do, and they start by admitting to themselves how they really feel. There are a few of hiccups along the way, including a couple of minor inconsistencies that took me out of the story. I also felt like some issues were brought up but not fleshed out enough - like why everyone kind of dumps on Derek being not good boyfriend material and Derek’s ex-girl friend, which is hinted as being a bad breakup. I kept expecting more details to fill in why maybe Derek is the way he is.
All in all, I enjoyed The Instigator, and really love Derek and Sophie as a couple. They are genuine and adorable. They are scared, but move forward. They learn to communicate. The Instigator is a nice paced, happy story.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the author
February 20, 2018
3.5/3.75 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised with my read of The Instigator! Stephanie Julian is a new to me author and I had no idea what I was walking into with this hockey series. My favorite sport doesn't always transfer well into its own romance subgenre with very few authors getting the right balance, but Julian does it well.
The Instigator is a nice little story about two people who meet at a crossroads in their lives. Derek has been with the Redtails for a couple of years following college and wants more, whether it's a trip to the NHL or for those in charge to recognize his skill and worth as a hockey player. Sophie is the youngest of 5 who dreams that extend past the family business and being the dependable one out of all of her sisters. It's clear that romance isn't a good choice for these two, but what can you do when you meet the one that's perfect for you?
Upfront I have to fangirl about the hockey part of this book. First, the series revolves around an AHL team, which is an actual minor league one step below the NHL. This setting makes The Instigator and its predecessors much different than books that feature NHL stars. There's an urgency in The Instigator that gives Derek a depth I don't normally see when reading this subgenre. It felt real and touched my heart. On top of that, the interaction between the team is both fun and poignant as these players recognize that their time together could end at any moment.
Sophie and Derek are adorable together. In a genre full of opposites attract, they are two peas in a pod and loads of fun with a huge side of sexy. I really wish that their romance had been given more time to develop outside of the bedroom, but even as they're seducing each other it's obvious that they're connecting on a level beyond their sexual chemistry.
I would happily read more books in this series given the chance!
I received a copy of The Instigator from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
I was pleasantly surprised with my read of The Instigator! Stephanie Julian is a new to me author and I had no idea what I was walking into with this hockey series. My favorite sport doesn't always transfer well into its own romance subgenre with very few authors getting the right balance, but Julian does it well.
The Instigator is a nice little story about two people who meet at a crossroads in their lives. Derek has been with the Redtails for a couple of years following college and wants more, whether it's a trip to the NHL or for those in charge to recognize his skill and worth as a hockey player. Sophie is the youngest of 5 who dreams that extend past the family business and being the dependable one out of all of her sisters. It's clear that romance isn't a good choice for these two, but what can you do when you meet the one that's perfect for you?
Upfront I have to fangirl about the hockey part of this book. First, the series revolves around an AHL team, which is an actual minor league one step below the NHL. This setting makes The Instigator and its predecessors much different than books that feature NHL stars. There's an urgency in The Instigator that gives Derek a depth I don't normally see when reading this subgenre. It felt real and touched my heart. On top of that, the interaction between the team is both fun and poignant as these players recognize that their time together could end at any moment.
Sophie and Derek are adorable together. In a genre full of opposites attract, they are two peas in a pod and loads of fun with a huge side of sexy. I really wish that their romance had been given more time to develop outside of the bedroom, but even as they're seducing each other it's obvious that they're connecting on a level beyond their sexual chemistry.
I would happily read more books in this series given the chance!
I received a copy of The Instigator from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
February 16, 2018
Another great book in the Redtails Hockey series. Derek Flaherty is a no nonsense, I am who I am, hockey player who loves to talk. Sophie Tsoukalos is the good Greek girl who puts her family’s needs first. Derek & Sophie meet at the bar Sophie works at which just so happens to be owned by her family. With seemingly different careers and future plans, the two hit it off. The both love to talk and the banter between them is hilarious at times but there is also the off the charts chemistry.
The author does an amazing job writing their story. I was able to connect with the characters. Sophie and Derek both have dreams which will impact their future decisions. I really enjoyed this story. It was well written with drama, romance, heat, and laughter.
The author does an amazing job writing their story. I was able to connect with the characters. Sophie and Derek both have dreams which will impact their future decisions. I really enjoyed this story. It was well written with drama, romance, heat, and laughter.
February 12, 2018
4.5 Stars for The Instigator by Stephanie Julian, this happens to be my first read by this author but it won’t be my last, I loved this hockey book about the Redtails and this may be the 4th book in the series but I’m proof it can be read as a stand-alone.
The attraction between Derek Flaherty and Sophie Tsoukalos was instant and sparks fly as soon as their eyes meet but she’s not used to dealing with a man with a panty-dropping smile and a body of a god she is more used to dealing with drunks and toddlers, can Derek charm his way into her life as well as her bed......
I loved Derek and Sophie, the chemistry was sizzling, the banter was witty and I loved the storyline in fact for me this book had the perfect mix of romance, drama, hockey and laughter. I need to go and look at the previous books in this series before the next one comes out, great job Stephanie Julian I certainly will be checking out your other books and if you love hockey romances I suggest you one click The Instigator as well as the other books in this series.
The attraction between Derek Flaherty and Sophie Tsoukalos was instant and sparks fly as soon as their eyes meet but she’s not used to dealing with a man with a panty-dropping smile and a body of a god she is more used to dealing with drunks and toddlers, can Derek charm his way into her life as well as her bed......
I loved Derek and Sophie, the chemistry was sizzling, the banter was witty and I loved the storyline in fact for me this book had the perfect mix of romance, drama, hockey and laughter. I need to go and look at the previous books in this series before the next one comes out, great job Stephanie Julian I certainly will be checking out your other books and if you love hockey romances I suggest you one click The Instigator as well as the other books in this series.
February 21, 2018
The romance community is sorely lacking in redheaded heros and Derek more than filled the void. I loved Derek’s lively, animated spirit and how he was rarely speechless. I also liked how we got to see Derek’s flaws, including some of the insecurity that resulted from his childhood. I was happy that Derek’s relationship with Sophie wasn’t just built on their physical attraction (although some of those scenes were HOT), but their enjoyment of each other’s company. In addition, I thought the author did a great job getting into the minds of hockey players and showing how it felt to play professional hockey while waiting to get called up to the NHL (the big leagues). The author also did a good job melding hockey with romance.
February 7, 2018
The Instigator by Stephanie Julian is a fun, sexy romance between two characters that give a whole new meaning to "yin to my yang". This is the fourth book in the Redtails Hockey series and can be read as a standalone because this is my first read from this series and it flowed smoothly for me, if anything I can't wait to go back and read the entire series!
Sexy defense man with a goal of the NHL gets star struck by a beautiful bartender who dreams of traveling the world teaching. Derek isn't normally a loss for words but only Sophie could knock him off his game. Their chemistry is so intense and I couldn't help but cheer for them from beginning to end. This story was the perfect mix of hockey, romance and drama. 5 "Your Choice" Stars for The Instigator by Stephanie Julian
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
Sexy defense man with a goal of the NHL gets star struck by a beautiful bartender who dreams of traveling the world teaching. Derek isn't normally a loss for words but only Sophie could knock him off his game. Their chemistry is so intense and I couldn't help but cheer for them from beginning to end. This story was the perfect mix of hockey, romance and drama. 5 "Your Choice" Stars for The Instigator by Stephanie Julian
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
February 2, 2018
If you're looking for something in the hockey genre that isn't quite full on professional hockey this is it. The series follows members of a farm team of an NHL team waiting for their shot at being called up to play in the elite league The entire series has been good but, this book had me laughing a little more & sighing a little more. I think that this book is my favourite so far. Derek is a talker & has been since his youth to cover the silence he grew up in & he drives his teammates & opponents nuts with his constant diatribe, they never know what's going to pop out of his unfiltered mouth. Sophie is the youngest of 5 girls in an overprotective Greek family & has had to talk to make herself heard in her family to the point of annoying. When they meet they see something in each other that no one else can see. They have an instant connection. Neither has time for romance & relationships but neither wants to pass up on the energy they get from each other. With a few embarrassing moments & the good natured ribbing of their friends & teammates they navigate the difficult waters of a relationship. Well done.
I received this ARC from author Stephanie Julian for honest review.
I received this ARC from author Stephanie Julian for honest review.
February 21, 2018
This review is not based on the author's writing style. The storyline was fine. I just didn't enjoy the book as much as I would have liked to because I didn't feel a connection with Derek or Sophie. Because of this, their story didn't hold my attention.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
February 4, 2018
Redtails Hockey is back! Talker meets Talker - When Derek and Sophie meet their chemistry is very well written - I love when 2 characters can banter back and forth without it seeming forced or stilted. They have a lot in common and do everything they can to help others out. Love how this story fits into the storyline and it has the typical decision to be made between the 2 characters. Great read
January 29, 2018
Redtails Hockey is Back. Book four in Stephanie Julian’s series and we get to meet The Instigator Of The team Derek Flaherty.
Derek is the non stop talking teammate either you love or hate but what you see is what you get.
Sophie Tsoukalos is a college student working at her families bar, always the reliable good girl but one night when Derek walks into her family’s bar her life changes.
Derek & Sophie have more in common then you would think, both love their family, both do what they can do to help out others but the one fun thing they have in common is they both like to talk a lot.
The chemistry between them is off the charts amazing, their banter is fun to watch and just seeing them being together will leave a smile on your face. They will have some big decisions to make but in the end you are definitely hoping that the decision will lead them to finding their happily ever after.
Derek is the non stop talking teammate either you love or hate but what you see is what you get.
Sophie Tsoukalos is a college student working at her families bar, always the reliable good girl but one night when Derek walks into her family’s bar her life changes.
Derek & Sophie have more in common then you would think, both love their family, both do what they can do to help out others but the one fun thing they have in common is they both like to talk a lot.
The chemistry between them is off the charts amazing, their banter is fun to watch and just seeing them being together will leave a smile on your face. They will have some big decisions to make but in the end you are definitely hoping that the decision will lead them to finding their happily ever after.
February 17, 2018
What a great read! Perfect for hockey and romance lovers everywhere. Hot with a fantastic story and great characters! I read an arc copy of this book.
February 1, 2018
When a talker meets a talker do they argue, get quiet, or get busy? Does one take over the talking for the both of them? Are they too alike to ever work out together or so perfectly alike that sparks can't help but fly? If you've read any of Stephanie Julian's delightfully written erotic novels, you know that all of these are possible, and finding a balance between them is just part of the fun. After all, "[Y]ou’re the adventure?”“I’m Everest, lady. And I’m ready for you to climb all over me.”
July 1, 2019
I loved it but..
I loved the story, great addition to the Redtails series but it could have used one more edit, i was distracted by extra words, missing words, wrong words anx wrong names, it takes me out of my reading coma when my brain has to go, "huh? What?"
In this next book in the Reading Redtails Series Derek, one of the defenceman meets Sophie while she is working at her father 's bar/restaurant. She is too busy for a social life between working at the bar, going to school, and babysitting
Her sister's kids, butterflies she wants to at least make time for one night of fun. Nobody thinks Shophie and Derek are a good match because the both talk so much but he wants to try anyways and he wants more than one night.the I also thought it ended kind of abruptly, it could have used an epilogue .i love catching up with the members of the team from past books, makes them kind of like family, i cant wait for the next book
I loved the story, great addition to the Redtails series but it could have used one more edit, i was distracted by extra words, missing words, wrong words anx wrong names, it takes me out of my reading coma when my brain has to go, "huh? What?"
In this next book in the Reading Redtails Series Derek, one of the defenceman meets Sophie while she is working at her father 's bar/restaurant. She is too busy for a social life between working at the bar, going to school, and babysitting
Her sister's kids, butterflies she wants to at least make time for one night of fun. Nobody thinks Shophie and Derek are a good match because the both talk so much but he wants to try anyways and he wants more than one night.the I also thought it ended kind of abruptly, it could have used an epilogue .i love catching up with the members of the team from past books, makes them kind of like family, i cant wait for the next book
April 8, 2018
The Instigator
Love these Redtails Hickey books. Derek and Sophie were much alike, talkative and excitable. They clicked but would the last. Loved this story, interesting couple. This book made me laugh quite a bit and I loved the hot love scenes. Another great book. Gotta read this series, even though each story is a standalone the stories are more interesting when you know the other players
Love these Redtails Hickey books. Derek and Sophie were much alike, talkative and excitable. They clicked but would the last. Loved this story, interesting couple. This book made me laugh quite a bit and I loved the hot love scenes. Another great book. Gotta read this series, even though each story is a standalone the stories are more interesting when you know the other players
March 7, 2020
3 1/2 Stars! Book four 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. Derek and Sophie are both talkers with a lot to say. There is a small conflict that gets cleared up quickly!
February 25, 2020
Derek -Red Tails hockey enforcer and Sophie protected youngest daughter who worked in family bar and restaurant while going to college . They both loved to talk . He was cocky -charmer -she decided to let loose with him . Usual hockey angst about being traded etc
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews