If you like your steamy romance with a special bond between the two main characters that evokes so much emotion you feel it down to your toes, Chris and Serena's story is for you. Neither was looking for love, and both thought they were too busy, but when fate puts them together, their lives are irrevocably changed. He's the captain of the new professional hockey expansion team, and she's busy trying to launch her clothing design business. But from the first time they meet, there's an undeniable connection between them that won’t be ignored.
More and more, we're seeing authors use their work to highlight various social issues. That can be a double-edged sword, because if taken too far it can alienate the reader. Goodwin strikes a nice balance, showing the heart and emotion behind the issue while giving her heroine a spine of steel and strong voice while still wrestling with self-doubt. In doing so Serena comes across as authentic and endearing, engaging the reader and easily winning her over. As strong and accomplished as Chris is, his old insecurities cropping up make him seem more human and, with the exception of an instance of self-sabotage, relatable and loveable.
Most of the book takes place prior to the hockey season, so the bulk of the sports aspect is what occurs behind the scene and in preparation of the season, which is a fresh take on a hockey romance. There is still plenty of dealing with the fame and public opinion of dating a hockey player, as well as disagreeable parents on both sides, all of which provide for the conflict in the book. I liked both Chris and Serena and had no trouble connecting with them, which easily had me invested in the outcome of their story. The secondary characters were vivid and colorful, and the guys on the team, especially, left me wanting more of the New York Nighthawks. I’m ready to buy a team jersey, and I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.