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Utah Fury Hockey #2
Match Penalty
He lives to shock and entertain and she’s perfectly content with her predictable life. But when they meet, sparks fly.
Madeline Romney swore off players after one heartbreak too many. She prefers the safety and stability of her aspiring politician boyfriend, even if he is growing distant. Nothing will alter her plans of the perfect future, not even the alluring bad boy from her dad’s team can tempt her.
Erik Shultz is a player. He knows it, the team knows it, the public loves it. He can get any woman he wants, and usually does, until he meets Madeline. She’s the first woman who can resist his charms. She’s also off-limits, which makes her oh so tempting. Erik can see she’s miserable with her boring suit of a boyfriend and is determined to prove he’s the right man for her.
Can these opposites see that they’re perfect for each other, or will they get ejected from the game?
Book 2 in the Utah Fury series, each book can be read as a standalone.
Madeline Romney swore off players after one heartbreak too many. She prefers the safety and stability of her aspiring politician boyfriend, even if he is growing distant. Nothing will alter her plans of the perfect future, not even the alluring bad boy from her dad’s team can tempt her.
Erik Shultz is a player. He knows it, the team knows it, the public loves it. He can get any woman he wants, and usually does, until he meets Madeline. She’s the first woman who can resist his charms. She’s also off-limits, which makes her oh so tempting. Erik can see she’s miserable with her boring suit of a boyfriend and is determined to prove he’s the right man for her.
Can these opposites see that they’re perfect for each other, or will they get ejected from the game?
Book 2 in the Utah Fury series, each book can be read as a standalone.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2018
470 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Brittney Mulliner
41 books152 followersBrittney has been an avid reader since she can remember. Her parents' form of punishment for her growing up was taking away her books and making her go outside to play. She was born and raised in Southern California, with a brief hiatus in Arizona. She loves the beach, exercising, sleeping in, and cookies. She is an obsessive dog lover, although her affection currently has no outlet. Something that she is planning on remedying soon. She and her husband currently reside in the Rocky Mountains exploring and hiking as much as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 13, 2019
Series, but stand alone read; Romance, clean
This was a fun read! Cute, light romance, told from alternating points of view. Erik's story is the second in this series, and was interesting to see how he and Madeline came together. Loved the backstory and hockey setting. Madeline's fiance that was not attentive, and was really not loyal or devoted to her made for a sad conflict within the story, but perfect for Erik to finally step up and be the kind of boyfriend that Madeline deserved. Lovely fall between the two of them, and Erik becoming the man Madeline deserved, needed, and he needed to finally become. Loved the hockey family becoming a real couple.
There was a couple living together, and the H was definitely a 'player' before the novel starts for those of you seeking a truly clean read, this might offend you.
This was a fun read! Cute, light romance, told from alternating points of view. Erik's story is the second in this series, and was interesting to see how he and Madeline came together. Loved the backstory and hockey setting. Madeline's fiance that was not attentive, and was really not loyal or devoted to her made for a sad conflict within the story, but perfect for Erik to finally step up and be the kind of boyfriend that Madeline deserved. Lovely fall between the two of them, and Erik becoming the man Madeline deserved, needed, and he needed to finally become. Loved the hockey family becoming a real couple.
There was a couple living together, and the H was definitely a 'player' before the novel starts for those of you seeking a truly clean read, this might offend you.
May 28, 2019
Needs more hockey
there are just so many contradictions going on in this book and characters who flip-flop, even their own thoughts. Like stay true to your character, OK?
So the coaches daughter moves into town to become a physical therapist, with a serious boyfriend. But don’t worry, you know he’s terrible because he always wears a suit and doesn’t like hockey. Coach, of course, warns the team away from his daughter because clearly, she shouldn’t have any sexual agency. Also, she’s in a committed relationship but the guys have to be told not to hit on her? Are they that morally corrupt?
Terrible boyfriend is terrible. And she realizes it. But goes back. And charges her mind. And realizes it again. And thinks they break up but they didn’t. Until, oh no! Turns out he was cheating. Boyfriend done even though he wants to stay in the relationship? Blah blah his affair partner help him get a job and understands him and his field but he still wants her?
So Eric has been the resident horn dog and team “player”. Doesn’t want a relationship never. Ok, maybe after hockey. Until Madeline. Then he’s all in. Oh and coincidentally hasn’t hooked up since the season started? Even though he’s the player. Ok.
Back and forth a lot. Madeline’s in a relationship. Then she’s not but turns him down. Then people who have known her for 2 months stage an “intervention” and say “oh Eric’s not that bad and you are using your week-ago breakup of a 4-year relationship to hide.” MmmmKay.
So they are together and “in love” after a week. Sure. It happens. And warning off, frowny face coach is all for it! And was trying to get them together before she broke up with bad man. Really??? And then Eric says something in a press conference, which he justifies one way to his sister and then says “I was told what to say” to Madeline. Red flag Madi. Also, she’s mad he doesn’t reach out for 2 days. Is your phone broken girl? You know where he lives! Go read him the riot act! Yell, scream, be mad.
But no, he comes by, they get engaged after a big non-fight and 2 weeks of dating. And no sex. No sex in a book about the “player”? Mmmmkay.
Also using the last names of Malkin and Letang in a hockey book? When they aren’t THE Malkin and Letang? That’s just weird.
there are just so many contradictions going on in this book and characters who flip-flop, even their own thoughts. Like stay true to your character, OK?
So the coaches daughter moves into town to become a physical therapist, with a serious boyfriend. But don’t worry, you know he’s terrible because he always wears a suit and doesn’t like hockey. Coach, of course, warns the team away from his daughter because clearly, she shouldn’t have any sexual agency. Also, she’s in a committed relationship but the guys have to be told not to hit on her? Are they that morally corrupt?
Terrible boyfriend is terrible. And she realizes it. But goes back. And charges her mind. And realizes it again. And thinks they break up but they didn’t. Until, oh no! Turns out he was cheating. Boyfriend done even though he wants to stay in the relationship? Blah blah his affair partner help him get a job and understands him and his field but he still wants her?
So Eric has been the resident horn dog and team “player”. Doesn’t want a relationship never. Ok, maybe after hockey. Until Madeline. Then he’s all in. Oh and coincidentally hasn’t hooked up since the season started? Even though he’s the player. Ok.
Back and forth a lot. Madeline’s in a relationship. Then she’s not but turns him down. Then people who have known her for 2 months stage an “intervention” and say “oh Eric’s not that bad and you are using your week-ago breakup of a 4-year relationship to hide.” MmmmKay.
So they are together and “in love” after a week. Sure. It happens. And warning off, frowny face coach is all for it! And was trying to get them together before she broke up with bad man. Really??? And then Eric says something in a press conference, which he justifies one way to his sister and then says “I was told what to say” to Madeline. Red flag Madi. Also, she’s mad he doesn’t reach out for 2 days. Is your phone broken girl? You know where he lives! Go read him the riot act! Yell, scream, be mad.
But no, he comes by, they get engaged after a big non-fight and 2 weeks of dating. And no sex. No sex in a book about the “player”? Mmmmkay.
Also using the last names of Malkin and Letang in a hockey book? When they aren’t THE Malkin and Letang? That’s just weird.
January 17, 2021
(audiobook) My clean romance of the year–probably! And I haven’t read that clean before. Not even fade to black intimacy. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. And still I kind of liked it.
I enjoyed the hockey stuff in the story, either on the ice or in the locker room or the coach’s office. There’s also a lot about the dynamics inside the team and I loved that. It was definitely a hockey romance.
Though I’m a bit more dubious about the romance part. Sure, we see a lot of the relationship between Madeline and Erik, I just didn’t feel the romance. It’s not instalove–they talk about their feelings developing for some time–but they bloom in like one week and it’s the love of their life. I didn’t buy it. They could have had so many interactions during the time Madeline was healing Erik’s knee, yet we don’t see them. The actual romance developped off screen.
There are some continuity problems too, and inconsistencies–Madeline’s father forbids his team to hit on his daughter, while she’s already with someone, and still sets her up with Erik? Unbelievable. And the (ex-)boyfriend was a cartoon villain without a heart. I don’t understand how long it took for her to realize they should break up.
Though Erik was an interesting character–through his relationship with his sister, his insecurities about his future, the persona he must assume vs his real self–I didn’t particularly like Madeline. She was weak, and most of the time the people around her decided for her?. Not a character I could relate to.
Narration was half okay. While I loved the male narrator–who’s one of my favorite–it was my first time listening to the female narrator and I didn’t like her voice. Maybe I should try another book by this author, but not the audiobook version.
Quickie
- Series: Utah Fury Hockey #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #clean romance #opposites attract #playboy
- Triggers: serious cheating from ex-boyfriend
- Main couple: Madeline Romney & Erik Shultz
- Hotness: 0/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + loved the scene of Erik’s injury on ice, it was gripping
- – really not a fan of the female narrator
I enjoyed the hockey stuff in the story, either on the ice or in the locker room or the coach’s office. There’s also a lot about the dynamics inside the team and I loved that. It was definitely a hockey romance.
Though I’m a bit more dubious about the romance part. Sure, we see a lot of the relationship between Madeline and Erik, I just didn’t feel the romance. It’s not instalove–they talk about their feelings developing for some time–but they bloom in like one week and it’s the love of their life. I didn’t buy it. They could have had so many interactions during the time Madeline was healing Erik’s knee, yet we don’t see them. The actual romance developped off screen.
There are some continuity problems too, and inconsistencies–Madeline’s father forbids his team to hit on his daughter, while she’s already with someone, and still sets her up with Erik? Unbelievable. And the (ex-)boyfriend was a cartoon villain without a heart. I don’t understand how long it took for her to realize they should break up.
Though Erik was an interesting character–through his relationship with his sister, his insecurities about his future, the persona he must assume vs his real self–I didn’t particularly like Madeline. She was weak, and most of the time the people around her decided for her?. Not a character I could relate to.
Narration was half okay. While I loved the male narrator–who’s one of my favorite–it was my first time listening to the female narrator and I didn’t like her voice. Maybe I should try another book by this author, but not the audiobook version.
Quickie
- Series: Utah Fury Hockey #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #clean romance #opposites attract #playboy
- Triggers: serious cheating from ex-boyfriend
- Main couple: Madeline Romney & Erik Shultz
- Hotness: 0/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + loved the scene of Erik’s injury on ice, it was gripping
- – really not a fan of the female narrator
November 7, 2022
Finally, Madeline has returned, home to be with her family. She is back in, Utah where she found a job, as a physical therapist. Her boyfriend is working for, a senator. If you asked him, he had sacrificed everything, to move to Utah, for her. When the fact is, she had been asking him for quite a while, to def ears. Then out of the blue, he said he found the perfect job.
The thing is the attentive, kind, caring man she had been in love with all through college no longer exists. Now she is lucky if she ever sees, Clark at all, on any given day, or several days. So, when Chloe calls, Madi is out at practice thinking she might be a bimbo, one of the guys there thinks it was an open practice, and they became friends. It turns out she is the coach's daughter. The WAGS welcome her to events where she and Erik end up talking together.
As much as, they try not, to be they are attracted, to one another. When Erik overhears an argument between, Madi and, Clark, it angers him. When Clark ignores her, Madi shows her hurt feelings, and he wants to punch him. They end up many times outdoors, at night, and in the cold. He starts to catch feelings for her but she can’t think of that.
Then on her birthday, her boyfriend has been MIA so she calls him only to find out he won’t be attending. Madi gets angry finally, telling him she's not coming home. She decides she is finally going to have it out with, Clark. She is up by six and home by six-thirty. Clark is not home, he hadn’t even slept there, she calls and texts him, and nothing. Madi is sitting on the couch and he walks in disheveled. She confronts him and he tries to lie. But, she tells him the lipstick on his collar says otherwise. She packs and leaves him.
See what, how, and where this takes her. Will she go back to Clark after his truth is revealed? Will she look to Erik or will his Playboy ways trip her up? Good book. Clark is a piece of work. It was fun seeing Erik’s growth from Chloe and Reese’s book.
The thing is the attentive, kind, caring man she had been in love with all through college no longer exists. Now she is lucky if she ever sees, Clark at all, on any given day, or several days. So, when Chloe calls, Madi is out at practice thinking she might be a bimbo, one of the guys there thinks it was an open practice, and they became friends. It turns out she is the coach's daughter. The WAGS welcome her to events where she and Erik end up talking together.
As much as, they try not, to be they are attracted, to one another. When Erik overhears an argument between, Madi and, Clark, it angers him. When Clark ignores her, Madi shows her hurt feelings, and he wants to punch him. They end up many times outdoors, at night, and in the cold. He starts to catch feelings for her but she can’t think of that.
Then on her birthday, her boyfriend has been MIA so she calls him only to find out he won’t be attending. Madi gets angry finally, telling him she's not coming home. She decides she is finally going to have it out with, Clark. She is up by six and home by six-thirty. Clark is not home, he hadn’t even slept there, she calls and texts him, and nothing. Madi is sitting on the couch and he walks in disheveled. She confronts him and he tries to lie. But, she tells him the lipstick on his collar says otherwise. She packs and leaves him.
See what, how, and where this takes her. Will she go back to Clark after his truth is revealed? Will she look to Erik or will his Playboy ways trip her up? Good book. Clark is a piece of work. It was fun seeing Erik’s growth from Chloe and Reese’s book.
April 14, 2020
If you love hockey and are looking for a sweet, quick and entertaining listen, look no further. Match Penalty is what you are looking for. This is book two in the Utah Fury Hockey series and Brittney Mulliner gives us a story to enjoy! Eric is a player, you know the one who is full of himself, and can have his pick of women. When a serious injury occurs on the ice though, life takes a change. His physical therapist is none other than the coach's daughter, Madeline. Beautiful, smart and totally off limits, this girl is the one. But she is involved with another man...and did I say she is the coach's daughter. Mulliner gives us a little of everything. There is love and conflict, a little angst and a slow burning love that makes your heart melt. I love Maddy and her confusion of life. She is easy to relate to. Eric is just the one we all want to find. Easy to talk to, good looking, protective, it's hard for Maddy to resist. The story is an easy listen and will leave you with a smile.
Tim Paige and Anneliese Rennie are the narrators and they give us their all. Paige has the attitude down to a tee and can turn the charm on in an instant. His voice fits perfectly to Eric, rugged yet loving, the athlete we all want whispering in our ear. Rennie has a sweetness to her voice and it molds right into the personality of Maddy. She is a little naive, and Rennie nails it with her inflections, and can turn it right to the authoritative therapist. I really enjoyed these two together.
Tim Paige and Anneliese Rennie are the narrators and they give us their all. Paige has the attitude down to a tee and can turn the charm on in an instant. His voice fits perfectly to Eric, rugged yet loving, the athlete we all want whispering in our ear. Rennie has a sweetness to her voice and it molds right into the personality of Maddy. She is a little naive, and Rennie nails it with her inflections, and can turn it right to the authoritative therapist. I really enjoyed these two together.
September 26, 2018
I like the series so far, but I find the drama is somewhat melodramatic. In the first one, the girl kept reading way too much into everything. In this one, the same thing. He said something in a PR conference, which I actually thought was a pretty brilliant way to answer the question without giving up any information and she thinks he doesn't want her anymore? It just seemed like a lot of the drama is forced from situations like that, when really there was enough drama with her ex-boyfriend being there. I think what really bugs me is that then the guy apologizes. I don't understand why.
Having said that, I do like the series. It's a nice cute read.
Having said that, I do like the series. It's a nice cute read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2019
Cute
These stories are really cute. But so picture perfect that it is not very realistic. Don’t get me wrong the story is sweet and I loved Madi and Erik, but it was so predictable.
Madi is a amazing girl that was neglected in her last relationship. She is loving and caring and lost her self worth for a little bit. Erik was a sort of playboy who fell hard and fast. He knew lost and left him a little closed off.
These stories are really cute. But so picture perfect that it is not very realistic. Don’t get me wrong the story is sweet and I loved Madi and Erik, but it was so predictable.
Madi is a amazing girl that was neglected in her last relationship. She is loving and caring and lost her self worth for a little bit. Erik was a sort of playboy who fell hard and fast. He knew lost and left him a little closed off.
March 22, 2020
Maddy is the coaches daughter of Eric’s nhl hockey team . Maddy is dating some douche bag when she moves to Utah . Eric gets hurt in a hockey game maddy becomes his physical therapist. Turns out maddy confides in Eric about her relationship with her boyfriend. Maddie and Eric can talk to each other . Maddie’s boyfriend turns out is cheating on her with a coworker. I love how Eric gave Maddie space before going after her. Maddie’s dad improves of Eric .
May 14, 2023
Hockey players are probably my favourite sport romance to read. We have ice hockey in the UK but the nearest rink for me is a few hours away so they're more interesting to read to me anyway.
Romance was fine, a little rushed and it was almost a little on the cheating side but I think its just on the line and so I can't mark it down really but it might be too close to the line for some people.
I enjoyed this and would like to read again and continue on the series.
Romance was fine, a little rushed and it was almost a little on the cheating side but I think its just on the line and so I can't mark it down really but it might be too close to the line for some people.
I enjoyed this and would like to read again and continue on the series.
April 8, 2024
Heart and Hockey
Erik loved hockey and being a Fury. Madeline loved her family, Clark, and her job as a physical therapist. Things get really interesting when priorities and matters of the heart change. There's a lot going on in this story to keep one's interest. Hockey is a fast sport, and falling in love can be fast also. It's a good story, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Erik loved hockey and being a Fury. Madeline loved her family, Clark, and her job as a physical therapist. Things get really interesting when priorities and matters of the heart change. There's a lot going on in this story to keep one's interest. Hockey is a fast sport, and falling in love can be fast also. It's a good story, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
September 2, 2018
Couldn't finish
This story is a mess. Spelling is atrocious, the storyline changes from skating to never skated before. I kept thinking it would get better but I quit reading at 60%. The author has a good start but it's like she never proof read any of it. Why would you put something out like this?
This story is a mess. Spelling is atrocious, the storyline changes from skating to never skated before. I kept thinking it would get better but I quit reading at 60%. The author has a good start but it's like she never proof read any of it. Why would you put something out like this?
September 8, 2018
Fun hockey read
This was a cute and fun read. It read interesting to see characters from the first book in this one! I loved the camaraderie and closeness of the families and the Fury. Although one-night stands are mentioned, no details are given. This was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG.
This was a cute and fun read. It read interesting to see characters from the first book in this one! I loved the camaraderie and closeness of the families and the Fury. Although one-night stands are mentioned, no details are given. This was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG.
April 16, 2021
It was a good book but I didn't Madeline that much. She made the same mistake that Erik in the end but he was the one that took the step to resolve things between them. She also judged him hard even when she knew him enough to know the wasn't the person people said he was. Erik was a sweet pie and didn't give up on her, I liked him. I also feel that their love happened way too fast
February 1, 2022
Surprises
I'm loving this series! The family theme and the way they support each other is amazing. I honestly thought Erik would put up more of a fight when cupid turned his arrow toward him, but Madi really got under his skin and into his heart fast! I can't wait to see where this series takes us!
I'm loving this series! The family theme and the way they support each other is amazing. I honestly thought Erik would put up more of a fight when cupid turned his arrow toward him, but Madi really got under his skin and into his heart fast! I can't wait to see where this series takes us!
June 3, 2019
Erik’s story
I like this series, but I’m struggling with it. We’re following the players in their stories, but there are bad grammar issues and other errors.... she called him Erin instead of Erik. A good editor goes a long way.
I like this series, but I’m struggling with it. We’re following the players in their stories, but there are bad grammar issues and other errors.... she called him Erin instead of Erik. A good editor goes a long way.
December 30, 2019
I loved it
I love hockey romance, this author was new to me, but she didn't disappoint. I already love the characters she's starting to build the team family with, I can't wait to read more books in the series
I love hockey romance, this author was new to me, but she didn't disappoint. I already love the characters she's starting to build the team family with, I can't wait to read more books in the series
February 19, 2020
Great story!💜
This was a great sports romance. I enjoyed the storyline as well as the fun characters.
The narration was absolutely amazing!!
This is book 2 but has an HEA and can be read as a standalone!
Sisters Spotlight 💜
This was a great sports romance. I enjoyed the storyline as well as the fun characters.
The narration was absolutely amazing!!
This is book 2 but has an HEA and can be read as a standalone!
Sisters Spotlight 💜
June 3, 2020
How can you not love a great hockey romance? This story is full of wit and charm, with a wee bit of angst thrown in for fun. Yes, I highly recommend. The narration team knocked it out of the park!
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
Another great book in this series. I love Erik so much and am glad he found Madi. Can’t wait for the next book.
September 9, 2018
Loved It
Love this series! There is so much strength of characters with a storyline that keeps you involved. Sweet romance book.
Love this series! There is so much strength of characters with a storyline that keeps you involved. Sweet romance book.
November 26, 2018
Loved Erik and Madi's story.
February 14, 2019
Feel good read
Relationship progressed really quickly but Erik and Maddy were a likeable couple that had you rooting for them every step of the way.
Relationship progressed really quickly but Erik and Maddy were a likeable couple that had you rooting for them every step of the way.
March 17, 2019
Excellent five star!
I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and very interesting a romance without the detailed sex, but with human feelings of love and passion.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and very interesting a romance without the detailed sex, but with human feelings of love and passion.
March 8, 2020
Erik didn't know what hit him
He was the ever present bachelor on the team but one interaction with Madie & he was in over his head!
He was the ever present bachelor on the team but one interaction with Madie & he was in over his head!
April 4, 2020
Hooked
I really enjoyed this book. Erik and Madi are amazing individual's who deserve happiness. Looking forward to the next book. Great job again Brittney Mulliner.
I really enjoyed this book. Erik and Madi are amazing individual's who deserve happiness. Looking forward to the next book. Great job again Brittney Mulliner.
April 4, 2020
I enjoyed this, but it felt VERY rushed and not completely wrapped up. Frustrated but I’m obviously continuing with the series
April 6, 2020
A fun, clean romance with some grammatical/continuity errors. But overall, a fast and enjoyable read.
April 7, 2020
Beautiful Love Story
This is an amazing little romance with strong and loving characters that will make you root for their happily ever after moment.
This is an amazing little romance with strong and loving characters that will make you root for their happily ever after moment.
April 30, 2020
It was a really good clean story. I definitely recommend reading it.
March 2, 2022
Adorable
Cute romance, rife with misunderstandings. Are all romance characters riddled with anxiety that makes them immediately assume the worst of each other?
Cute romance, rife with misunderstandings. Are all romance characters riddled with anxiety that makes them immediately assume the worst of each other?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews