Rookie

Seattle Sharks #4

by Samantha Whiskey

As a rookie, keeping up with the Seattle Sharks' starting trio is grueling work. Trying to pretend like the Sharks' new, totally-off-limits physical therapist doesn't make me ache? Impossible. Because she isn't just anyone. Once upon a time, Chloe was mine. Until she broke my heart. Now she's back in my life and Coach has forbidden any of us from pursuing her. One look and my heart begs to claim her. One touch and I'm on fire. Her past is riddled with darkness and it doesn't matter if she wants me, too. We can't happen. Because we both desperately need our jobs. But I can't deny the heat between us, and the more time I spend with her, the more I realize she never left my heart. As the tension coils between us, I find myself closer to losing control. Closer to throwing everything I've ever worked for away . . . and taking a taste of the forbidden. With my contract up for negotiation, I refuse to be sent back to the minors--not in hockey or with Chloe. This time it's all or nothing. Contains mature themes.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Romance, Hockey Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2018

About the author

Samantha Whiskey is a wife, mom, lover of her dogs and romance novels. No stranger to hockey, hot alpha males, and a high dose of awkwardness, she tucks herself away to write books her PTA will never know about.

To keep up to date with her latest sexy little reads, join her mailing list!
http://eepurl.com/bSQRWr

Reviews

[Diana R. Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better

This was soooo good!!! Book 4 did not disappoint! I love a childhood romance and this was just brilliant! Ready for the next!

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Rookie is my favorite hot hockey player. I love the fact he has loved Chloe since he was a boy. But her past and secrets are back and things are not good. The day she walks through the door is the day Rookie feels like he died

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's no way that I'm going to continue a series that told the same "romance" story 4 times in a row, that somehow also got progressively worse.
How come none of these couples ever got together? They NEVER TALKED TO EACH OTHER! The entire plot in every book (especially this one) was miscommunication and could have easily been solved in the first 10 pages if they just talked.

[Dela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute but eh I'm over the whole forbidden romance trope ya know? And at least there were no surprise pregnancies... well till the end but this one didn't serve as a plot pusher just a HEA

[Luna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

»Because that's what she'd been—my life. From kindergarten and on—the girl owned my heart. Then she'd crushed it.«

★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑪𝒉𝒍𝒐𝒆
Such a sweetheart. She cares for the people she loves and I liked her character.

❥ 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒚
He is a big teddy bear and I liked the way he treats Chloe. He is loyal to the bone, funny and a good ice hockey player.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
What an adorable read! Like previous books in this series this book is just cute and wholesome.
I liked the childhood love trope and could really relate to the characters.
Chloe and Bentley are made for each other. They have great tension and I liked their relationship.
This story was easy and quick to read, a perfect book for one afternoon.

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, it‘s a well done sportromance.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
possessive and protective hero, friends to lovers, instant attraction, ice hockey, sportromance, hockey player x physical therapist, forced proximity, shared past, bucket list, workplace romance, forbidden romance

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: both in their late twenties I think
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Grinder ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Enforcer ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Winger ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Rookie ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

Ohhh une romance avec tellement d'angst (tous les sacrifices de Chloe pour lui ... AHHHHH <3) et de dramas (l'ex toxique de Chloe !!!) mais aussi des meilleurs amis qui deviennent un premier amour (trop adorables ensemble avec du sexe mais aussi des nuits passées à rire et à discuter =)) et qui ont une seconde chance des années plus tard <3
Bref, encore une fois une romance dans le milieu du sport à dévorer sans modération !!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Ohhh a romance with so much angst (all of Chloe's sacrifices for him ... AHHHHH <3) and dramas (Chloe's toxic ex !!!) but also best friends who become a first love (too adorable together with sex but also nights spent laughing and discussing =)) and who have a second chance years later <3
In short, once again a romance in the world of sport to be devoured without moderation !!

[&#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Steamy , real steamy , damn these players push all the right buttons.
Good job they are in books , but then I’m satisfied with hubby .
Anyway.
These two are old friends/lovers , they split but love still blossoms even though they have gone separate ways .
Now together at least at work they must deal with the heat and the fallout of their past and present .

Excellent book , highly recommend

[Karina]

i need more angst

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three of the previous books in this series (Winger, Enforcer, and Grinder) about the team members on the professional hockey team, the Sharks. Rookie can easily be read as a standalone, but I so enjoyed reading about all of the couples from the previous books in book 4. Ms. Whiskey sure knows her hockey, and while not over the top, gives a perfect balance of what life is like for a professional athlete while infusing some great sports terminology and lots of love!

This story centers around, Bentley, who started on the Sharks a year ago, thus the nickname, Rookie, and Chloe, the newly hired physical therapist who was hired by the Sharks.

One of the things I liked best about this book is that when they saw each other after not being together for a decade, they were honest with their feelings. There was no dragging it out or beating around the bush because they never stopped loving each other. They had some trust issues to work out such as why did she break up with him in high school, and her not being able to confide in him about her ex, but it is all part of their journey of getting to know one another as adults and making a commitment to being together even if their jobs were at risk. Bentley was patient, thoughtful, fun to be with, smart, generous, and all around great guy. I love how he adored Chloe and all of the little things he said and did to make her feel special.

I admired Chloe, too, and how she prioritized Bentley’s happiness and her mom’s healthcare above her own needs or desires. She was smart, committed, focused on her career and her man, fun, loyal, and willing to admit when she made a mistake–all qualities that I admire in a heroine.

I encourage you to read this book! It has it all…forbidden romance (the coach warns the team that she is not to be touched), friends to lovers (they met when they were five and grew up together, then started dating. So adorable how they reminisce), heartbreak (she selflessly broke up with him before he went off to play hockey on a college scholarship so he could pursue his dream), second chances (they meet up with each other again TEN years after high school), the evil villain (the creepy ex who won’t leave her alone), fun and friendships (Bentley’s teammates and their wives), angst (we all need a little angst in our romance or the book would only be one chapter), sexy times (Bentley and Chloe are hot together, especially since they never stopped loving each other), and most importantly, a happily ever after.

[London]

Maybe- need to know if he turned into a manwhore after they ended things the first time

[Annabelle (annabelles.shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

✅ childhood friends to loverz
✅ second chance
✅ workplace

"My heart beats for yours." 🥺😭

I love love lovedddd this. Chloe and Bentley are literally soulmates. They've known each other since they were kids. They were in love when they were younger. When they have to go away for college, Bentley asks Chloe to go with him. But because of a family issue, she has to stay and take care of her family. He does everything he can to protect her and make sure she's ok.

Her ex..... was so annoying, and creepy and gave off stalker vibes lol. Also I get that this series is the Seattle Sharks. Why does the rival team have to be Ontario?!?!?!??? 😵‍💫

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it! Just didn’t give me the same “Yes!” feelings as the other S.S. books. #ithappens 🤷🏻‍♀️

[carolina ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

!!!!

🏒 sports romance
⛸️ workplace romance
👩‍⚕️ physiotherapist/hockey player
🏡 childhood friends/lovers to exes to lovers
🥈 second chance romance
🚫 forbidden romance
😤 manipulative ex
💖 family care (tw: treating dementia)
🥰 supportive friend group
🌶️ spice spice baby

bentley, nicknamed rookie (hence the name), is a member of the seattle sharks. chloe is the new physical therapist on the team. they were each other’s first everything, meeting each other in kindergarten and falling in love at 17. chloe ended it back then so that bentley can follow his dreams, so what happens when these two reunite???


———thoughts/opinions/spoilers

this might be my favourite book of the series so far!! i really enjoyed gage + bailey’s but wow! i love a childhood friends to exes to lovers like yessss find yourself back to each other

chloe was truly being selfless and trying to do her best to give bentley what he deserved even if it hurt her!! i thought she was a very caring and prioritized other people’s happiness over hers (bentley’s, her mom’s health) but glad she got her happy ending at the end!!

also liked how the conflict was so much a conflict between them, but rather her whack ass ex

like when bentley had that realization in the coach’s office and was like omg archer was being a dick - like praise thank goodness bentley ALSOOOO when the coach was on his side??? hell yeah get your girl!!

bentley was also so understanding and would just lay his life down for her i mean 🥹🥹🥹🥹

AND we got to see all the other couples and their happy families?? 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rookie was a bit more emotional for me than the others in the series. Chloe's mom has dementia and it just hit close to home, remembering how it felt to go through that diagnosis with my grampa before he passed. I did love Bentley and Chloe's story, and how they went from childhood best friends, to lovers, to strangers, and then found their way back to each other, despite the obstacles put into place.
I'm still enjoying this series, but with 5 more books to go I'm a little concerned that they will become repetitive. I feel like we have already covered all the tropes in the first 4 books, so we will see!

[Nureesh Vhalega · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart beats for yours.
Aaakkkk meleleh. Jadi si Bent sama Chloe sahabat dari kecil. Fall in love somewhere along the way. Terus putus karena si Bent dapat beasiswa keluar kota sementara Chloe harus stay. Sepuluh tahun kemudian ketemu lagi, tapi mereka nggak boleh ngapa-ngapain karena ada ancaman dipecat gitu. Biasalah plotnya, jamak dipakai. Tapi yang aku suka tuh Bent uwu banget. Bucin max ke Chloe. Konfliknya juga nggak wow, tapi ya itu siiih aku lagi butuh yang manis kayak Bent wkwk setelah buku 1-3 seri ini aku skip-skip, baru suka buku ini. Biarpun seri Reapers lebih good menurutku, Axel & Cannon masih paling best!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've seen a little bit of the Rookie in previous books, so it's nice to really get to know him. I liked the connection that he had with Chloe, hated how they were separated, but understood why Chloe made the choice she did. This second time around really seemed like it was going to work, until it all exploded. But that actually was the best thing, they were out and had the backing of someone very important if they were to continue to go forward. This one ended on a great note, kid dreams becoming a reality.

[Nikki Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books of the year and I read a lot! Chloe is a real sweetheart who had to break Bentley’s heart when he had the opportunity to follow his dream. When they meet again years later, both have to overcome their fears in order to have their dreams come true. This is a typical Samantha Whiskey book with lots of STEAMY scenes and secondary characters who just help this story be so well rounded.

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book for this set! I was so ready to get a better glimpse into the Rookie & it was enlightening. He is definitely another sexy alpha to add to the already sexy broad. Bentley was cocky, but grows up becoming a better him. He infiltrates into the cool kids group, but the story heats up when his lost love finds her way back into his life. A beautiful 2nd chance romance will a sexy hockey player, definitely can’t disappoint! I highly recommend this book.

Told in dual POV.

[Lorraine Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bentley & Chloe

Childhood sweethearts who met in Kindergarten and dated as they got older. Both in love, but she sacrificed her love for him so he wouldn't give up his full ride scholarship. Apart for ten years, they never lost their love for each other. Beautiful of sacrifice and heartache and also includes her evil, douchy ex.

[Stefanie Nelson hetland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

These Sharks get hotter as the books go on. Rookie and Chloe have a past back to childhood and they still have feelings that run deep. Their love is put on the line in this book.

[dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was cute and their love was pure

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a really sweet romance. It had all the super heart wrenching stuff. Childhood friends. Friends to lovers. Second chance romance. Total soulmates stuff. Content warning for an abusive relationship.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m back with the Seattle Sharks hockey team. A lot of the same issues but I love the characters and have followed them through many books. There is a lot of action and heartache but, my personal favorite, it has a happy ending.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect cozy romance. A chill warm read with all fuzzy mushy goody goody warmth.
Childhood bffs turned lovers but She tore apart so that He could chase the heights he deserved to, although she never explained the other obligations weighing on her because if she had he might toss everything back just to be with her and support her, so she let him go although it crushed both of them hard. Past a decade, but the wound still unhealed, they loved and yearned for the love they had for each other but it was the forbidden kind, you want it but you can't never have it else it will leave you to ashes. Things became tough when she was appointed as a the new PT for the team, little did they knew that the love and attraction they had since childhood is still alive but they are both off-limits considering the rules drafted by the coach for the team's best interest. They tried to keep distance between them but they couldn't, how could they, the yearning, the unanswered questions, the love that's still breathes in them was over clouding their rational day by day. The friends(family: the trio couple) he/she had was the backbone for them thriving the hurdles, they were like their brothers and sisters to hold them in tough times.
Both of them decided to be each other's secret while it could last, both savoured each other and the secretive time they could catch.
She had baggage of the past of an a**hole of an ex who threatened her constantly and responsibilities to take care of her ailing mother and the bills, for her to keep the job and Him to stay in the team, they had to part again.
She resorted to end with her ex's threats after the game when he assaulted her and called ugly names, He arrived at the moment, they had a ugly fight over it, in the rage He felt betrayed and crushed on learning she was his(ex) fiance as claimed by that ex ( which is not true in reality, she had broken off long back but he kept controlling her and threatening her, and kept her away from taking care of her mother )
The anger, uncertainty, rage clouded his judgement and he was benched by the coach for involvement in a fight. She was taken under the trio couple's wives, there she spoke of all that happened in her past and how it might ruin Him and his career that she decided it was best to leave the team and get transferred for everyone's good.
This time the coach did good by giving Him the option to make things right in a way both could have their jobs there. Bent then did the right thing, he proposed her and put a ring on that finger and claimed her for real this time. Later, moved in together, Happily ever after end with the good news for her being pregnant and a little puppy as a present, both had presents for each other, fate brought them together, this time never to separate ways again. As he said, "my heart beats for you, and you're mine".
It was such a lovely cute romance, the unconditional unfazed love for which you could sacrifice anything even if that meant the relationship itself.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rookie is book 4 of the Seattle Sharks series by Samantha Whiskey, and is another 5 star read that I couldn't put down. I consumed this book all in one go, and became so engrossed in the story of Chloe and Bentley that I lost track of time and forgot about everything around me. I really feel like Bentley grew in this book and became the man he deserved to become after working so hard to achieve his dreams. We get hints of his possible heartbreak earlier in the series, but don't find out the full story until this book. My heart really went out to him,but I felt no hate or anger towards Chloe for the decisions she made as she honestly felt that she had no other choice. She was also left hurt in the process, and despite trying to move on, still loved the guy who was first her childhood friend.

‘Bentley had claimed my heart when I was young, and no amount of time could erase him from my soul.’ - Chloe

Samantha Whiskey never fails to give her readers books that stay with you for days after and leaves you wanting to jump into the next one. I've only read the most recent two books of this series, but do have the first two on my Kindle ready to read as soon as I have time. Samantha Whiskey adds just the right amount of hockey into her stories that it doesn't take away from the main storyline or distract you from what her characters are going through. She really is a talented author who I wish was discovered by more readers as they're definitely going to love all of her books.

“My heart beats for yours.” - Bentley

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rookie by Samantha Whisky is a hockey sports romance that follows the story of Bentley and Chloe. This is the fourth book in the Seattle Sharks series.

Bentley and Chloe have a long history, one in which they were best friends and lovers, that is until Chloe broke Bentley’s heart. Now she’s joined his team as their personal trainer, and things are about to heat up. Especially since she’s completely off limits, and he’s 100% still not over Chloe.

These two have challenges they need to overcome and secrets that need to be told. But it was a great story and the emotions are well written. Be ready with tissues with this one.

The progression of Bentley’s character from the earlier books to know, I’d well written and captured how much he’s grown. But also how he fits with the previous couples - I don’t think I was expecting that.

The feeling of family between these characters is wonderfully written from the Sharks players Rory, Gage and Warren, through to their wives Paige, Bailey and Jeannine. They are quickly accepting of Chloe and support both Bentley and Chloe through the ups and downs of their relationship.

This story ticks the sports romance box and adds in friends to lovers and secret/forbidden romance.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bentley and Chloe. The Rookie and the PT. Childhood sweethearts, best friends until she breaks his heart and sends him away to chase his dreams.

She’s picked up by Seattle and Coach enforces a dating ban on her. The other players’ wives bring her into the fold. Bent and Chlo restart their friendship and then date in secret.

Sick mom, psycho ex. All the drama seemed overblown (MOUNTAINS out of molehills) but we end up with an engagement, an unplanned pregnancy and a puppy.

Too short and yet too long. Skimmed most of this one.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re free.” “I don’t want to be free. I want to be with you. In whatever way I can.” He laid his hand over my fingers, holding it against his chest, the thump thump thump of his heart in sync with mine. “You feel that?” he asked. “What have I always told you?” “That your heart beats for mine,” I said.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALL TIME FAVOURITE IN THE SERIES!! SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE DONE OH SO WELL!!! I LOVE THESE TWO WITH MY ENTIRE HEART <33

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bentley and Chloe have major history, the kind that involves the heart and intense feelings, and trying to keep that under wraps while they are now working together side by side, day in and day, out is going to be tough. Once upon a time they were best friends, then that friendship turned into a once and a lifetime kind of love, and they found themselves in a relationship, but before a happily ever after could get underway, life and dreams got in the way and it tore them apart. They both tried to move on and forget one another, but no one else ever quite compared to what they found with one another, both still caring that deep devotion to one another, and that once in a lifetime kind of love.

Getting involved now would be a very bad idea, one that could cause them to lose the careers they have worked so hard to get, but losing one another again is almost more than either of them can bare...

Within the pages of this beautifully crafted tale you will meet Bentley and Chloe, two lost souls who had a tight grasp on love once, but then they lost it, and now that they have found one another again they find that their love is as strong as it ever was... but acting as more than anything professional could cause them both a lot of harm. They have both worked very hard to get to where they are now, Bentley finally getting the time on the ice in the big leagues that he's has craved to have since he was a teen, and Chloe becoming a trainer and therapist and earning the kind of money that helps provide the best care possible for her mother. Watching these two fight to stay on the right side of wrong was rough on the heart, but it created the kind of angst that brings big fireworks in the end, so all I can say is prepare yourself for some gut wrenching emotion, and serious steam, cause this one comes loaded with it!! I loved this newest installment in the Seattle Sharks series, it was good for the heart, and gave me a new hockey hunk to swoon over... which is a total win in my book!! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.