Reality Blurred

Rinkside in the Rockies #2

by Aven Ellis

He lied to her. Fed her the same lines as he did all the other girls. Instead of proposing, he dumped her on national TV. Would a romance with a hockey superstar prove just as disastrous—or could it be the greatest love story of her life?

Cast as America’s reality show sweetheart after being jilted on a dating show, Skye Reeve is ready to stop being a brokenhearted woman by proving she’s more than what the camera portrayed her to be. She’s landed her dream job as a TV lifestyle reporter and promises to work hard to be a success.

Skye also vows never to be swept up in a fairy tale romance ever again, as she obviously has no clue what real love is.

Being in the same city as Denver Mountain Lions hockey star Maxime Laurent, however, might make this last goal impossible.

Dealing with ghosts from his own past, the Belgian hockey star is known for keeping his life off the ice private. He’s not sure if outgoing Skye could be a match for him, but he can’t deny his attraction to her.

When the two embark on a romance, will they be able to move forward from the past to let love into their hearts? With no reality blurred, will Skye find real-life love to be what she had been looking for all along?

Genres: Romance, Sports, Hockey, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Audiobook, Hockey Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing, absolutely nothing better than a romantic comedy written in a style that pulls one along on that crazy roller coaster called LOVE. Aven Ellis is back and love is in the air. BLURRED REALITYnot only brings two delightful characters together, but teaches them both the value of letting love come first, the public be damned. Ah yes, the “public” need for gossip, TMI and titillating headlines almost sidelines this couple, thanks to another “public” fascination, reality TV.

Skye was one of the losers on a reality dating show, not only was she played by bachelor, she bared her soul to the public and she isn’t allowed to forget it. When Fate gives her a chance to find real love with hockey great Maxime Laurent, she discovers he has his own set of insecurities and a humiliating heartbreak that leave this gorgeous man just as insecure as she is. The last thing either of them need is to become fodder for the gossip rags and a heartless public willing to lap up the mud that is slung.

Now fighting to have a serious television career and hold on to the private man she loves, Skye will learn what true love is, if she gives Maxime a chance to show her. Should she leave him to save him from the public eye and the false stories printed about them? Will her past never let her go?

Humor, tons of heart, fluffy kittens and furry dogs, not to mention a growling stomach or two, Aven Ellis gives us a sweet romance that grows away from the bright lights of the arena and the television set. Yep, public voyeurism again, but this time we get the rest of the story, written with love! I always know Aven Ellis is going to make me smile with her endearing characters that may live in the public eye, but are just as human as the rest of us.

I received a complimentary copy from Aven Ellis!

Series: Ringside in the Rockies - Book 2
Publication Date: February 14, 2018
Publisher: Aven Ellis
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 236 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever read an Aven Ellis book then you will absolutely love this one, it has all the hallmarks of her regular books:

Sweet girl who thinks something is wrong with her
Gorgeous ice hockey player who probably has some baggage of his own
Some great friendships
A whirlwind romance where the reader falls in love with the hero possibly before the heroine
A smattering of Ice-Hockey
Fabulous chemistry between the two leads
Hints at who may be the next male lead in the next book in the series - in this case I have two men in mind, so look forward to both of their stories.

No need to have read the previous book in the series as its
Quick and easy to read
Pure escapism
Well Reality Blurred definitely had all of that and its what as always added to the books charms.

What I really did love was Skye's story and the commentary on how so called reality tv, is more like reality blurred, with scripts, and nothing being quite as it appeared. I loved the insider knowledge as to how the show she starred in was dealt with, and despite feeling she was a bit naive at the level of press attention, did feel sorry for her at the same time.

Maxime Laurent is a typical Ellis male lead, I was hooked on him very early on and really enjoyed seeing just how non jockish he is in his personal life. I loved the couple's messages on connectivity, and also really loved the animals featured in this story too.

IF you have never read an Aven Ellis romance then you are missing out, this one as I have come to expect from her is incredibly enjoyable and I quite happily lost myself in their relationship.

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

We are back with the queen of hockey and romance and we are back in the Rockies. It's back two in the series, technically book three, but book one was a short story. This book is dedicated to Maxime and Skye. We know them both from the previous books and it's their time now.

Skye Reeve is ready for a new start, after being dumped in the finale of a dating show. It's been hard on her, she was heartbroken. In Boulder it's time to start her new job as a TV lifestyle reporter.

Maxime is a hot Belgian hockey player and now alternate captain of the Denver Mountain Lions. He keeps everything very private, but that changes when he start going out with Skye. Can he deal with that?!

I really like the way their relationship develop. How they meet for the first time, their special moment in Brussels and all the moments they shared afterwards. Their attraction is obvious, the have great chemistry and Aven Ellis captured that beautifully. The characters have a deep connection and start to really understand each other. They are very different from each other, but somehow they can make it work. Of course there are ups and downs, but these made the story interesting and exciting.

I always love the hockey parts in Aven Ellis' books and it was the same in this story. These scenes just add a lot of excitement to the storyline and they are parts of Maxime's life.
Friendship plays a very important role in Reality Blurred as well. Whether it's Sierra and JoJo, Jude and Cade or Gavin. They helped Maxime and Skye through their weaker moments and made them smile again.

Aven Ellis did a fab job with the characters. Both of them have a lot of depth, a past and all these things come into the story. Their personality and feelings create a wonderful story full of love, romance, drama and friendship.

Aven Ellis has a fantastic writing voice, her style is charming, sweet, romantic, exciting and fresh. Oh and the title of this book is ON POINT!

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reality Blurred - PG13/R
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 50, including deity
Sex: descriptive kissing, descriptive foreplay
Skye is an inspiration! And, may I say, I want to slap the tar out of Aly? Perfect foil for Skye. And Maxime? Whoa. Aven writes the *sexiest* men!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good second chance romance-slash-instalove story. Book two was equally as good as book one.

[D Call · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: PG13 
Sex: kissing, light petting; sex is not described
Language: 0 F words, 25 Lord's name in vain, 21 S words
Violence: fights on the rink 
HEA or Cliffhanger: HEA 
Do I need to read books before this one: not really, but makes it better
Would I read more of the series: yes

What a lovely story about an introvert, Maxime, and an extrovert, Skye. He worries about her finding him boring. She worries about him not wanting her tabloid publicity. Hockey isn't a real part of the story like it was in JoJo's. Maxime wasn't as developed as some of this author's other men. Introverts are interesting, more so because you have to find it. Otherwise, what would Skye see in him? Sierra and Jude, JoJo and Cade are in the story, too; triple dates would've shown us more Maxime. Advice from JoJo's nonna would've been fun; any family interaction would've been better than 1 phone call from her mom. 

----SPOILERS----
Skye Reeve had a bad experience on a romantic reality TV show, and ran to Brussels to escape media. Months later, she worked with JoJo Rossi on a cupcake article for a baking magazine where JoJo works. Jojo invited Skye for cupcake tasting and to meet friends who could help her with social media woes. She met JoJo's fiancé, hockey player Cade; Sierra, JoJo's roommate; Jude, Cade's roommate/teammate and Sierra's fiancé; and another teammate, Maxime. Maxime had seen Skye before, but not on TV. He'd seen her at the coffee shop in Brussels, so sad and so beautiful the memory stuck with him.

Skye is now a TV lifestyle correspondent in Boulder. She started a blog to show people she's not that girl on that TV show. She wonders if Maxime follows her. She's convinced she knows crap about love and dating. 

She gets heart-shaped donuts for a blog about Valentine's Day. Her signature is sprinkles. She stops at an adopt-a-cat event for possibly highlighting in her show. She sees two kittens who are scared, and relates to them. It's how she felt after that show. She adopts Boris and Natasha. She's videotaped while she shops for and drops supplies. JoJo texts to not look at social media today. Too late. Skye wishes she could be just Skye. She turns off her phone for the day, gets the house kitten proof. She goes to bed, picks up her phone, and sees a message from Maxime. He saw the crap she was getting on social media, and promised himself he wouldn't sit by and merely watch like he had in Brussels. She goes through a couple of drafts of messages, and as a joke writes Maxime, you aren't a wanker, are you? Because I really don't think my self-esteem could take it if I was wrong again regarding men. Then she accidentally hits send instead of delete! I can assure you I'm not a wanker. She writes him that she knows there's no way he could be a wanker. Not with that message. I got 2 donuts because who can eat just one, and that's not bingeing. My coffee at home is better than the latte I got. I adopted 2 kittens and I dropped cat food in the store and it exploded on my face. Doesn't mean I'm mourning Tom, because he IS a wanker. Maxime asks what kind of coffee she drinks at home, American coffee is weak, what did you think of coffee in Brussels? Loved it! Have you tried X brand? No. You're from California, so I won't hold it against you because that's what a wanker would do. If you are inclined, you could come over and have a cup of Belgian coffee with a Belgian. For once, she's grateful for invasive social media.

She wonders why he lives in Boulder when the hockey team is in Denver. He answers the door, and butterflies hit; this is so much more than coffee. He asks if she would like something with her coffee. I love anything with sugar, sprinkles are everything. He asks her to clarify while he makes her a latte. His machine is serious, costs more than new tires for her car. He says I take my coffee very seriously as I do with all the things I'm passionate about. She sees he's health conscious. Yet he has sprinkles! They're Dutch chocolate from Holland. He hopes the coffee and company don't disappoint because sometimes he's not what people expect. He serves her brioche with butter and sprinkles alongside the coffee. Maxime asks for her version of the dating show, she plays with her braid. He backs off, drumming his fingers, it's not a first coffee question, I'm too serious. Liar, you have sprinkles. She'll tell him, but she has regrets. He does, too, biggest that he didn't talk to her in Brussels. She thinks this is another chance, too. He'll respect her privacy, but she decides the show is part of her life, and he's going to have to accept it if he's going to accept her. She's honest about it all, including her feelings for Tom (gone now). He offers to help pick up her kittens and acclimate them. She puts on her coat, sees the ancient LOTR, and realizes she remembers him from Brussels. He hadn't been reading, he'd been watching her, not wanting her to be so sad. His instinct was to go to her so she didn't suffer alone, but he didn't want her to think he was creepy because of his past experiences with women. Before getting in the car, she admires the snow, the solitude, peace, quiet. Maxime sees Colorado as being new start, too. He asks her perfect date night food. Hole in the wall New Mexican restaurant, jeans and a margarita. She wants real experiences: Friday night traditions; reruns, no makeup and cozy pajamas; board games, ice cream out of the carton with her sweetheart. He says if you're with the right person, it's real. It's not the location that matters. It's the feeling you get when you're with that person. If it's genuine, it's real. He helps her set up stuff with the kittens, she asks if he's been in love, all he says is her name is Juliette and I wasn't her Romeo. They try luring the kittens out from under the couch with food, and her stomach rumbles loudly. He goes to warm up the car to take her to his home so she can get her car. She's disappointed the time together is over with no future plans. He tells her he found a New Mexican restaurant and asks her out for Valentine's Day dinner. He wants to spend more time with her and to make the most of his second chance. She goes home, and reminds  herself to be slow to trust. Enjoy some food, but be like Boris. She group chats with JoJo and Sierra. The girls demand she come to Denver Friday for drinks and dinner. JoJo tells her that Maxime hasn't been with a girl for 3 years. He doesn't ask anyone out. They tell her to be cautious, but he is a good man and worth taking a chance on.

He brings her flowers, they tell each other in French they look nice. He says poppies remind him of her: bright, cheerful, beautiful. They're Belgium's national flower, where we should have met but didn't. Poppies make cats high. He doesn't like spicy food. She asks him his ideal date food, and it's a Belgian dish. He likes to eat fries with mayonnaise. She hates mayonnaise. I've never been with a woman who hates mayonnaise. I've never been with a man who can't handle the heat. I can handle the heat, in fact heat can be good. Yes, like seat warmers. He says she is an incredibly genuine woman. He was afraid he'd read her wrong, but then he started reading her blog. He holds her hand. He tries the green salsa, and it's hot. She pushes water at him and in the process flips the red salsa all over herself. She laughs, he laughs which makes the water shoot out of his nose. The waitress comes and they laugh more. Maxime suggests they start over, and she says absolutely not, it's perfect. After dinner, he confesses he's a chocoholic. He's going to be gone for 11 days on a road trip, and her face shows how she feels. He feels the same. He invites her to his game tomorrow night and late dinner after. He says he's gotta get his time in before he leaves because she might meet some guy and forget him. True, but he probably won't have Dutch chocolate sprinkles. He's unforgettable: his accent, his aversion to spice, and shooting water out of his nose. They eat sopaipillas, which are messy, he says messy is good while he looks at her mouth, and now all she can think about is kissing him. In the car, he says I wasn't going to let attraction drive things with you and if it wasn't the time, I wouldn't do it. My head says what matters is that I like you, Skye. *I like you.* I like that you make me laugh and you are genuine in who you are. He kisses her passionately. Best date she's ever been on, nothing fancy, just Maxime. 

She stays up late because he texts to see if she's asleep yet, and of course she isn't! She's meeting Jojo and Sierra for dinner, and Maxime is leaving a ticket at will call. While she's putting on makeup, Natasha meows at her, invites petting. 

At dinner with the girls, she verifies that he's a very very private man. How is that going to blend with my blogging, Instagram, TV role, book? He's the perfect counterpoint to Gavin's leadership. Veronica is Gavin's horrible nasty girlfriend. Maxime helped JoJo overcome Veronica's rudeness at Halloween. Skye loves the speed and strength of hockey. Veronica is rude about the TV show, but Skye puts her in her place. Veronica is shocked she's with Maxime. Skye handles her again. Skye thinks she has to protect Maxime from being dragged through the mud, as the first romance after Tom on top of being a pro athlete. She's going to break up with him before dinner. JoJo and Sierra fight her on this, but Maxime arrives. He sees her and lights up. She has him take her to a private spot, and lays it all out that she doesn't want him to hate her. She likes him so much, more than she should after their date, but his privacy will be gone, and she won't destroy his life. She starts to leave. Maxime says I'm not walking away from you, not now, not after that date, not after what you just said. I'm a man, I can handle what I choose to handle. And I choose us. I choose you. Kiss. He picks her up and pins her to the wall. That kiss tells you I will handle any attention we get. She warns him again. He tells her he's a homebody and hates parties, hopes she doesn't find him boring. Her actions to hurt herself to protect him tell him to take this chance. You have tabloids, I'm away for 11 days. Mutual baggage. 

8am, they're at breakfast after making out half the night and then texting until sleep. She says We should be in bed snuggled under covers. We?? Snuggling with you would be nice. When I get home. She notices they're being filmed, she braids her hair, he reaches for her hand and she pulls it away. Have you changed your mind? No, we're being filmed. How do you know they're not filming me? Fair point, I'd film you, too. He blushes, she says if we weren't being filmed I'd caress your face. Do it. No, you could end up on TV reality show updates; you don't want that onslaught. He reaches out and caresses her face. Gavin calls. Veronica has stolen thousands and racked up almost $100,000 in debt in his name. He's kicked her out. Don't tell anybody else.

She gets home from girls night out with Sierra and JoJo. Just in time to take off makeup and get into pjs before date with Maxime. Boris pokes his head out. She found a few social media pictures of them, but no tabloids yet. Boris gets on the bed too! Her agent pings her about the book deal, and she figures out she wants to tell her story of after the show. Ups and downs and self-discovery. Then Maxime calls. She's wishing pjs weren't thermal! He says after they met in Denver, he followed her on social media but just couldn't think of anything to comment. He felt like an idiot who let her slip through his fingers twice. She tells him every time she got notified he'd liked a post, she always hoped he'd leave a comment so she could comment back. Maxime told Gavin to call her because she understands being betrayed. They talk for hours and only yawning stops them. He's going to score a goal to impress her. They hang up and she holds the tablet to her heart.

It's her first day on the job, Boulder Live. Maxime sent a bouquet of poppies to the studio. He scored a goal for her last night, too. Her co-hosts are Rick, 40s and friendly, and Aly. 25 and mean: digs about show, about cupcakes, about Maxime. The producer is livid. Skye contacts Maxime to warn him. Rick explains Aly is territorial, the producer says it won't happen again. Gavin's femur is broken during the game. Maxime is okay being super hot euro babe in papers. He calls her sweetheart, she likes it. He promises to tell her about Juliette tomorrow night, and he hopes she won't break up with him. She tosses and turns all night, thinking of bad scenarios.

When she gets home from work, she takes a nap. She oversleeps their date by an hour. Scared him. He is an introvert with an old soul, and Juliette was energized by parties and people. Skye loves that about him. They plan a romantic date for when he gets back: sprinkles, wine, pajamas, fire, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer so he can see the Island of Misfit Toys. She asks if she can please watch him cut firewood in a flannel shirt.

She's doing her first shoot away from the studio when Maxime texts her good luck. She interviews Whitney Green, a seasonal decorator launching a branch of her company's business in Boulder. Whitney is getting over a relationship in Seattle. She's hoping coming to Boulder will help, she goes back to Seattle in December. Skye texts Maxime about how it went. Two more nights until he's home. Gavin is flying home tomorrow morning. She'll be on dinner rotation first, to bring him sprinkles and hopefully he'll talk.

Their story has hit the tabloids. Apparently she's already planning for a lavish wedding in Belgium next summer. Other than that, it's rather positive. She goes to Gavin's. Gavin has sworn off relationships. She tells her story, and she wins being the more clueless one. She promises he'll heal, Just my femur. He's not going to press charges because he doesn't want the publicity and because he still loves Veronica. She makes dinner. Gavin teaches her hockey, has a way to break things down so she can understand without feeling stupid. He'd be a great coach for kids. The game goes into overtime, which is three on three. It's still tied, so now it's a shootout. Maxime wins it. 

Skye goes to Maxime's house in her pajamas. He's created the cozy date she'd talked about: plush blankets, pillows, fire in the fireplace, dozens of candles, wine already poured, cupcakes with sprinkles. Because she had said that sprinkles make everything better. They make love. Being in love is so wonderful, she wants to share it with the world. To reassure women that men like this truly exist. She puts it is a note program so that he can edit it and decide if he wants it shared.

In the morning, he makes a big breakfast, cuts wood, and buys cat things to have at his house because they're part of the family. She tells him he doesn't have to fight in the game to be like Gavin. He just needs to be himself. 

Monday morning, Aly attacks. Now Skye worries about what colleagues say behind her back, what Maxime's friends and family say behind his back about her and her intentions. The next 4 weeks, she wears herself out working, volunteering, blogging, writing, falling asleep on Maxime. Mom's worried. Skye turns on the game and fans are mocking Maxime because of her. 

After making love, Maxime notices she's lost weight. Then hair falls out. Maxime's afraid she doesn't like him anymore, that she finds him boring. She reassures, then Tom calls. He did a tabloid interview but won't tell her bombshells. She cries Why now, Maxime's afraid she still has feelings for Tom, she reassures and apologizes for baggage. 

When the article comes out, it says Tom broke off engagement, wants Skye, Skye's and Maxime's relationship is rocky, pictures make her look heartbroken, picture shows Maxime scowling at photographers. She's going to give Maxime opportunity to break up. 

Maxime plays horribly. She blames herself. Jude and Cade say not to, so does Maxime, but no light in his eyes, no touching. He asks if she still loves Tom. No, but you can break up with me. Stop pushing me away, or is this excuse so when you're bored you can leave? I'm working this hard to show I'm not reality show loser! The only one who doesn't accept you is you. Stop bringing up being bored; I wrote whole chunk of book about you. Tell all?! No, I went through hell, found you, love you, and wanted to help other women find good men. If you thought I'd publish without your approval, you don't know me, let alone love me. She runs out of arena. Cries on sidewalk. Gavin's driver takes her home while Gavin tells her how Maxime counseled him after Veronica that he'd find a woman and want to marry her. Skye ponders while Gavin texts. He says Read your texts. Maxime says I love you, I'm sorry, come to our home. They kiss and make up. I was so busy trying to be worthy of everyone that I lost sight of the fact that I already was. She'll cut back on commitments.

July, they spend a few days in England at Sierra's and Jude's wedding, then exploring with JoJo and Cade. Then 10 days in Brussels with his family. The team hired Pierre Gaudet, and Gavin is ahead of schedule in recovery. Maxime loves the book, don't change a word. Maxime takes her to their cafe, where a sprinkle covered cake and sprinkle-rimmed champagne glasses wait. He proposes with a pink diamond. In public. 

[Jo ReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m flying through this series!

This was another cute romance from Aven Ellis. Another romance to make me swoon. I loved getting to know Skye & Maxime and I adored watching their relationship bloom. They truly made the perfect couple that had been brought together by fate. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series so far. On to book three.

[Jennifer Dicenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the author’s best! We have had glimpses of Skye and Maxime in her other books, but here is where it all comes together. Here is where each thought fate had led them, that they had gotten what they deserved. But it turns out what fate actually gave them was each other if they learn to trust it. First time they met, no words were exchanged. Second time, friends brought them back in touch. Third time, was Maxime reaching out to Skye when “Reality” reared it’s head again. Two people that look like they should be complete opposites are in fact the last two pieces of a perfect puzzle.
Make sure when you start this book, you have plenty of time. You won’t want to stop! Then go get all the other Aven Ellis books.

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deja vu?
This book follows the same formula as Book 1: Two sad little lambs burned by their previous relationship with who they thought was 'The One' and vow not to give their heart away so fast. They meet and have an immediate deep connection but swear on taking it slow even though both are obviously totally in love right away. Ugh.
This seemed to drag on a bit too much for me.
Thankfully, it wasn't as sugary sweet as book 1. So instead of being left with a toothache, I'm left a bit salty.

One thing I totally appreciate is the author's hockey knowledge. There wasn't a ton of hockey but what was there was done well. There's nothing worse than a writer that knows little to nothing of the sport they're writing about.

[Carole Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been itching to start book 2 because I loved Maxime and Skye as side characters in book 1. They are cute and I wanted them to get a HEA.



The story follows Skye who was on an American reality dating show (much like the Bachelor) and she had actually fallen for the guy but had her heart broken and embarrassed beyond belief while millions watched. Now she is trying to find her way and create her own career. Maxime is a Belgian hockey star who keeps to himself mainly and loves his privacy. His ex dumped him because he was too boring. Will these two find love?



My heart belongs to Maxime. I loved Cade from book 1, but I think Maxime is taking the throne in my heart. He has a sexy accent, loves animals, loves to just stay home, and has the biggest heart. Sighs. Skye is a lucky gal ;)



I loved Skye too. I felt sooooo bad for her. Poor thing. She was an innocent! Damn that guy and that show. I totally get her worries about her lifestyle not fitting what Maxime wants in life. I would be paranoid too. But he loves you dumb-dumb!



There was insta-love, but it was very sweet. Maxime had fallen for her (even though he didn't want to admit it) when he seen her in Belgium the year previous, but he didn't talk to her like he wanted and make sure she was okay. Bless his heart!



My only issue....and it is sooo petty...I was super done with Skye and Maxime saying "wanker" 1 million times to describe Skye's reality guy. We get it...we do. No more!



The narrator was fantastic. I think I had read book 1 and I remember giving it a 3. I think the narrator really boosted this story. Her voices for everyone was perfect. Loved her.



Overall, though, I loved, LOVED this story! It was sweet and I loved our Skye and Maxime. They are adorable! Stole my heart for sure. I'll give this 5 stars.

[Amanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying thank you to the author for the book in exchange for an honest review.

So we met Skye and Maxime in other books in this series. I'm so happy they have their own book now! Every time I dive into a world created by Aven Ellis I know I'll come out on the other side feeling all the feelings of a new relationship; butterflies and a light airy feeling. Aven's characters are real people, just expanded a bit. Like being professional hockey players and reality TV stars.

I love reading a book where I can get lost in another reality, let's face it sometimes that happens with books and sometimes it just doesn't. It happens everytime I read one of Aven's books. They're fun, romantic and real. While her heroines are confident in themselves on a regular basis, they struggle to be calm around men, like most women at one time or another. Skye has been burned and not just in private, on TV for everyone to see. Taking chances on another relationship isn't even in her realm of thinking right now. A move and a new job are going to take up her time. Now she's got two new frighten kittens to take care of, but can she open her heart and possibly find the ONE?

Maxime is gorgeous and women everywhere know him, he lives a super private life. Even though she wants to get to know him and spend time with him she doesn't want to ruin his privacy because right now her life is anything but private. The risk this big can have a good reward at the end though and Skye is willing to fight just like Maxime is for them.

Just like with anything in life it's not perfect, but in the end, we can always count on a happy ending. Skye has to learn to be her own woman and not listen to everything the tabloids or online trolls are saying and just be happy. She has to also learn that she can't make decisions for others, that even though she doesn't want to hurt Maxime, he's a big boy and can decide what he wants to do.

I loved everything about this book. There was love, laughter, and some drama, but what is life without it? I love reading and escaping into a new world that I'd never be a part of. Sure this book is based on a hockey player and a reality star, but you can enjoy it if you're not a fan of either. I don't watch much hockey but I thoroughly enjoyed learning from Aven about the sport in all of her books! Check out Aven Ellis and her books, you won't be disappointed! When you read her stuff leave her a review, it shows you care!!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third time's the charm for Maxime and Skye. First they're at the same café in Belgium but don't speak to one another. Then they meet again through friends. Now Skye has moved to Colorado to start over after the humiliating end of her run on the reality TV show Is it Love?. Maxime feels he missed out on the last two times but now that she's moved closer to him, he's determined to get her to see they belong together.

This was a case of opposites attract. Skye is outgoing while Maxime is quiet and likeds to keep to himself, including living outside of the city in a quieter environment. While they shouldn't work together, they do and I really enjoyed reading their story.

I did feel Skye worried too much about what others thought about her and her time on the reality show. She uses it as an excuse to try to push Maxime away, when she should have just let him decide for himself what he did and did not want to put up with.

I highly recommend giving this book a read. Even if you haven't read the previous book in the series, this works as a standalone.

**An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reality Blurred was another great story by Aven Ellis. I can always count on her to bring me a story that will uplift me and make me smile. This was no exception!

When we were first introduced to Maxime's character, I could not wait to get his story. There was something intriguing and mysterious about him. I loved that he was a bit of an introvert and a homebody (like me) and just wanted to hang out with his dogs. It didn't hurt that he spoke with a French accent either. I hoped that he would find somebody special and worthy. I was so glad to find that I really liked Skye.

Skye was such a sweet character, and I liked how she rose above her circumstances. Even though people could be so mean to her, she turned the other cheek and was kind in her responses. I don't think I could've done that to be honest. I definitely learned a couple of things from her!

Reality Blurred was a fast, fun read and kept me entertained. As always, I loved the hockey parts and could just imagine the play by plays. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Rinkside in the Rockies series!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Such a cute and fun story about a girl who got dumped on is this love, a reality love tv show similar to the bachelor ! I may or may not have watched a couple of seasons before and might not be actively stalking what these reality stars are up too buuuut it was an enjoyable read! Maxime is cute and suave guy and I couldn’t help but swoon sometimes 🥰 altho the main girl, Skye tended to annoy me becuz she was very scared of how the tabloids would affect her new relationship with Maxime esp after being humiliated and blindsided by Tom (the bachelor of Is this love?) on national live TV. I understood her fears but it got really annoying near the end of the book where the story kind of fell off for me ?? Other than that, I still enjoyed it and I’m really intrigued to read the next couple of books in this series !!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven Ellis has done it once again... a lovable, relatable, hilarious read. I am in love with the Rockies. Never had a desire to see Colorado but I enjoyed seeing through Skye. As an avid Bachelor watch this book was just my cup of... coffee. I was fascinated with Skye in the previous book. Unlike Skye I do have an obsession with cupcake recipes but we share a love for SPRINKLES. And maybe for certain French speaking Belgian hockey players. Maxime is an ideal hero sometimes he understands Skye better than she understands herself. Between the sprinkles, the dogs, the adorable Russian Blues, and the chemistry between Maxime and Skye I couldn’t put it down. Aven brought this Blurred Reality into focus with the perfect story.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Aven

This story is of two people learning to trust all over again after having their hearts broken.. Skye was is a TV reporter who went on a reality show to find love, all she got was a broken heart and her life now plastered all over the tabloids even months after the show has ended. Maxime found the woman he wanted to spend his life with but as a pro hockey player who was not into the spotlight and the clubs she found him boring and ended things.. Can they find happiness together when they are total opposites?

[Julie Comins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

I loved Skye and Maxime's story, I love the characters that the author has created and how she is creating a family from the team members and their girlfriends as we get to know them. The only thing I didn't like is how the same insecurities kept coming up in their relationship over and over again, how many times does does he have to tell her he doesn't care about the media, at that point he should have said I'm sick of your insecurity, I can't take it anymore, screw this. I'm looking forward to Gavin's book

[Jennifer Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated love

This book is another great romance story from Ellis! I love it when 2 characters meet at times in the past without really getting to meet because their souls know that it's not time yet and when they are ready to meet it's like magic! Skye wasn't ready for Maxime after being burned like she did and Maxime had to see through his clouds to realize that this woman whom he had chances at speaking to but never did keeps coming back into his life for a reason and when they did meet it was meant to be. Loved this book!

[Michelle Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too repetitive from other books

I’ve read 2 of Aven’s hockey series now and they’ve become way to repetitive. Same themes, same issue (fear of commitment from bad prior relationships) same crisis (one person breaks it off cause of a misunderstanding) etc. I’m pretty tired of it and have given up on this series. I’m going to try the Chicago ice hockey series but if I get the whiff of the same old same old themes, I’m jumping ship immediately. Let’s hope she gets more original material.

[Katie Bunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woooosh...

Where to begin? Kind, understanding, animal lover, speaks French, hockey player, introvert, not to mention has chocolate on hand at all times. Enter Maxime Laurant. And Sweet, hard working, loves even harder, animal lover, ex-reality tv contestant. Enter Skye Reeves.

Their meet cute times three made me root for them over and over again. They both understood they came with baggage and did not let it make them have petty arguments, but it brought them closer together.

I laughed out loud, made about 10 different emoji inspired faces, and awww'd so much I believe I lost count.

Once you are introduced to the Avenverse, there is no going back.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Maxime, the hot, quiet, private Belgian hockey star had me wanting to go to a hockey game just to see if I could find my own “Maxime”. I loved that he was accepting of Skye and all the baggage that she felt she was bringing.
Skye was a bit quirky, but she was so sweet. I identified with her and her desire to get over her past and make a perfect life for herself.
Their attraction was sometimes sweet, sometimes hot. They are the ultimate couple.
This book releasing on Valentine’s Day is perfect timing, if their romance doesn’t put you in the Valentine’s mood, nothing will.

[Ashley Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book grabs you at the PROLOGUE, you know you are in for a fun ride! If you are a Rinkside in the Rockies fan then you’ve already met Maxime and Skye! They seem like complete opposites, but let’s face it, opposites attract or just cause steam!! Skye is trying to move on from her dating past and Maxime is trying to forget the girl he saw in Europe. Luckily for us, Maxime can’t forget her and we get to watch them fall!

There isn’t a single Aven Ellis book that doesn’t just warm my heart!

[Laura Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute series. It is fade to black, but the reason I am only giving this 2 stars is it is the exact plot of the first book in the series. In both books, the main characters are dealing with bad breakups from the past and have relationship trust issues. And it seems like the third book will be more of the same. I do plan to read the third book, but already feel like it will be a copy paste of the first to in terms of plot.

[Kierstin Carnahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not my favorite Aven Ellis book, it still had all the makings of her trademark hockey romance novels. Maxime was a Belgium dream. I enjoyed his French dialogue and his quite demeanor. Skye was a bit too insecure for my tastes but I enjoyed her reality tv show background story because I'm an avid Bachelor fan. The ending was again perfection as we've all come.to expect from these books.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye and Maxime are perfect! I am so in love with this book. It has been the most wonderful book to snuggle up with a nice cup of chai tea and my most favorite blanket. Aven's books are always a joy to read. They are sweet with just a tiny bit of drama, but are always a great romance. I'm obsessed and need the next book NOW!!!!

[Chelsea Baute · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will never grow tired of Aven’s hockey books. We caught glimpses of Skye in past books and I was excited to read about her relationship with Maxime. Maxime is a true dream. Skye’s life was very public and Maxime’s was much more private. It was interesting to see how they made it work. I also love getting to catch up with some of our other favorite hockey couples in Colorado!

[jamadoria reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you need a welcomed, HEA escape from the modern world and all its craziness, your best bet is an Aven Ellis romance and Reality Blurred totally delivers! I don't want to spoil it, but this book is exactly what you need to read if you want romance and humor and to believe in the power of love again!

[The Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a light, easy and romantic story with a side of sports then this is your book.. Maxime and Skye are definitely quite a pair that went through ups and downs to reach their happy ending, but it was funny at times, romantic and sexy too! this author is my go to author when I want a sense of happily ever after within a story!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye is a wonderful heroine. A very strong female who lives in the spotlight and is making a new name for herself after a reality dating show disappointment. Maxime is a sexy hockey player. He is quiet, the strong silent type. Together they fit like yin and yang. Both have their own fears but both overcome and build a strong relationship. Beautiful love story

[Margaret Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice contemporary romance

This is the second in the series about Denver hockey players, but really about the women who love them. I liked the characters and the stories and both books are a great way to escape on a winter afternoon. This book is set in Boulder and it was fun to read about a that great town. This is a modern fairy tale and we can all use some of those.