Blocker

Seattle Sharks #5

by Samantha Whiskey

I’m the Seattle Sharks’ number one goalie.
The blocker. The wall. The opposition’s worst nightmare.
I’m driven, committed to my team, and have zero time for distractions—on or off the ice.
My focus is on my new contract—one that will secure my position and take care of my family.

So, naturally, when Coach’s daughter moves back to town, he asks me to watch out for her.

Pepper is gorgeous, brilliant, hilarious, and the Sharks’ new statistician.
And my new mission puts me at her side nearly every day.

Every second I spend with her, the harder it is to keep my hands to myself.
Our chemistry is electric and no one makes me laugh like she does.
In another life, we’d be a perfect fit.

But my contract isn’t something I can risk.
Even for her.
Besides, Pepper Harris decided a long time ago she doesn’t date hockey players.

Not that it matters.
I’m the best goalie on the ice, but I’m defenseless against Pepper.
I’m falling harder than a fangirl at her favorite comic-con.
And if I can’t block my own heart—if we can’t stop this addiction—we’ll both lose everything.

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

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 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]

Gah!!!

Even better!! I’m loving this series and this book was just fabulous!! I adored the proposal in this book and the marvel references were great for my little nerd heart!

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 HOT Stars

OMG, I have LOVED this series so far and I can honestly say that I FLOVED Eric and Pepper and their sexual chemistry....whoa five alarm fire HOT! The storyline was great and engaging, it was heartwarming with ALL the feels between them and I mean ALL the feels, maybe the best story to date for me!

I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to continue:)

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safe, cuteish. A bit boring. Conflict arises as she is a statistician for the team, and there is a strict non fraternisation clause with any of the players. To add, her dad is the coach of the team.

Liked that we have a red-headed hero. There is some OM drama. She has an ex from high school who is also in the hockey world, and wants to win her back. She knows he only wants to use her for fame and isn’t interested. BUT, she does pretend to be cushy with said ex so she can “break” the hero’s heart for her own misguided intentions to keep the H on the team, and get his contract so she doesn’t create problems in his life.

They resolve their issues and get married.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

C'est officiel, les héros de Samantha Whiskey sont <3

Après un passage chez les Carolina Reapers avec Axel (<3), j'ai pris un livre au hasard chez les Sharks pour tester ... Et j'ai adoré !!

Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :
- l'univers du sport qui est bien décrit de façon réaliste, pas seulement avec le côté "On gagne tout, on fait la fête tout le temps etc." mais aussi avec le côté négociation de contrats, statistiques, harcèlement des paparazzis ... J'avoue ça change et j'ai bien aimé =D
- les deux héros qui sont adorables <3 J'ai adoré voir l'évolution de l'amitié à l'amour =D (les moments à Thanksgiving <3)
- les références geek (Iron Man et Pepper <3)
- MEILLEURE DEMANDE EN MARIAGE EVER !! (je veux la même !! En tenue d'Iron Man avec la bague qui va avec et l'approbation de RDJ ... <3)

Un seul regret : le père de Pepper qui est un idiot et qui aurait mérité de se faire pourrir par ses deux filles ... Pareil pour l'ex de Pepper !! Et Ivy que Pepper aurait pu tuer !!

Bref, si vous êtes fan de romance sportive, de couple mignon et de Marvel, à lire absolument !!


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


It's official, the heroes of Samantha Whiskey are <3

After trying the Carolina Reapers with Axel (<3), I took a random book from the Sharks to test it ... And I loved it !!

What I particularly liked :
- the world of sport which is well described in a realistic way, not only with the side "We win everything, we party all the time etc." but also with the negotiation of contracts, statistics, harassment of the paparazzi ... It changes and I liked it =D
- the two heroes who are adorable <3 I loved seeing the evolution from friendship to love =D (the moments at Thanksgiving <3)
- geek references (Iron Man and Pepper <3)
- BEST PROPOSAL EVER !! (I want the same !! In Iron Man's outfit with the ring that goes with it and RDJ's approval ... <3)

Only one regret: the father of Pepper who is an idiot and who would have deserved to be strangled by his two daughters ... Same for the Pepper's ex !! And Ivy that Pepper could have killed too !!

In short, if you are a fan of sports romance, cute couple and Marvel, a must read absolutely !!

[&#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Adore this series
So many great characters coming out of the woodwork.
The twins and coach to name a few .
Great read

[Tracy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I enjoy Samantha Whiskey's writing. Pepper and Eric were adorable. I loved that she was a comic book nerd and got such joy from sharing it with Eric. I loved how he loved his family and that he knew he wanted Pepper to be a part of that family. What I didn't love was the weak plot point concerning Pepper's father/Eric's coach. There is no way a coach could fire a player for sleeping with his daughter! His grown daughter!!! They are under contract. And the owners could care less about that crap. Coach was a complete jerk here. He didn't even recognize which child was in a picture! Poor Pepper....good thing she has Eric to console her.

[carolina ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

goalie time!!

🏒 sports romance
⛸️ workplace romance
💞 meet-cute/insta-love
👩‍⚕️ stats analyst/hockey player
🚫 forbidden/secret romance
💂 protect her from bad men
📸 insta love
🎬 marvel references!!!
🌶️ spice spice baby

hello to another rookie on the team, eric — he is the goalie (hence blocker) of the seattle sharks. he’s all ice no breaks, he heavily supports his family’s farm back home in montana heavily through his hockey contracts 💸 and can’t jeopardize. that is until, pepper, the coach’s daughter and new statistician for the team, is introduced to them. of course she is off limits, but they know the rules and attempt to set boundaries - because that always works right??


———thoughts/opinions/spoilers

i was hesitant because i totally saw in the 4th book, they dropped eric’s name last book and then when i started this they introduced 3 other characters lol

i guess it was funny bc like when did the coach have daughters? by the end of it though was good — im excited for conner and ivy’s story bc hubba hubba single dad vibe amirite, also you can totally tell the rest of the characters they’re trying to line up to finish off the series

anyways, this was good! it was very .. insta love, i felt the tension though when they had to treat their relationship as a secret bc those are always tough

also there were so many marvel references, which i absolutely ADORED!!! it’s the act of like your partner/person you’re into wanting to do things because you want to and/or really like it and are passionate (the proposal tho??? it was def for pepper but lol)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Eric
Pepper
----------------------------------
What happens?
Pepper is the coach's daughter. Eric is in charge of looking after Pepper but not to touch her in anyway.
The chemistry between them to strong to ignore.
Final thoughts
Really good read. I loved the marvel references
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot damn, Blocker is the fifth book in the Seattle Sharks series and this one totally stole my heart. A forbidden romance that will have you cheering for Eric and Pepper to overcome the blocks that are placed in their way. Their story is full of angst, romance, heartache, chemistry and the passion that these two exhume will have the words searing into your skin. Blocker had me from the start and left me with my one huge smile on my face and a heart so full by the end.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Gentry will have you swooning. Eric was focused on being a top goalie and taking care of his family, he didn’t let anything lose his focus until Pepper. Pepper is the coach’s daughter and a huge Marvel fan. Together Eric & Pepper are adorable and sexy together but Pepper is off limits. Will Eric and Pepper risk everything for a HEA? I love this series and the characters and I’m hoping their will be more Sharks.

[Dela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute but the whole forbidden romance thing? Not my thing. But if its yours then I'd recommend it. While all of the books so far have been insta-lovey this one felt more so. It was a cute book although i didn't like this one nearly as much as the others in the series.

And no pregnancies so yay!

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blocker by Samantha Whisky is a hockey sports romance that follows the story of Eric and Pepper. This is the fifth book in the Seattle Sharks series.

Erin Gentry is the starting gosling aka blocker for the Seattle Sharks and Pepper just happens to be the daughter of the team’s coach and the new statistician. So that means she’s even more off limits. But their instant attraction and meet cute, is in the works from chapter one. At least they both know the rules and attempt to be friends, but that will be overridden by the attraction.

There’s not been any real indication of the coach's life outside of the rink, so to find out he had a daughter, and not only that but twin daughters (Ivy and Pepper) who are the same age as his players, hooked me.

Really loved the introduction to more of the rookie players, and can see that they are the next group the series will focus on or at least hopefully Connor and Lukas.

The reference to the guys being called Charlie’s Angels is fun, and showed how accepted they are - Connor with black hair, Erin with red and Lukas with blonde.

This story ticks the sports romance box and adds in friends to lovers and secret/forbidden romance. There was more emotion in this story as well.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was fun. Eric is pretty much who he comes across as, not hiding that he is a really good guy. Pepper is pretty much who she comes across as too, so of course the two of them would be into each other. Normally this wouldn't be a problem until you realize that Pepper is the Coach's daughter and he has put a rule in place that his daughters are off limits.

I didn't mind Eric and Pepper ignoring that rule, unlike Ivy (Pepper's twin and another play, who you could tell was only with her for fun). I did hate that people thought pictures of Ivy were Pepper, heck even the Coach dad couldn't seem to tell them apart.

I was glad that things worked out in the end, but it was iffy there for a while.

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the one for me. It was everything! Strangers to friends to lovers. Boss’ daughter. Forbidden love. And all the MCU fun was like the cherry on top! Eric and Pepper are also just perfect together. Like in the best way. Also love the set up for Connor and Ivy and I can’t wait for that one to absolutely wreck me.

[MaryBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book. I think Pepper and Eric are my favorite. They way he loved her . The chemistry it was amazing.. all of these books are amazing wish I could give more then 5 stars

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these hockey stories. There is always lots of action, relationships, and cool characters. This was true to form.

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blocker is book five in the series about professional Shark hockey players in Seattle Washington. Thankfully, all of the players and their significant others from Grinder, Enforcer, Winger, and Rookie are featured because I like reading how their friendships and story lines continue. As the title suggests, this book is about Eric, the team’s goalie, and his love for the coach’s daughter, Pepper Harris. What I love most about Samantha’s books is that so far, her Heroes are men that any woman would want to date. They put their lady loves first and foremost, stand up for them when needed, and aren’t jerks who suddenly figure out how to be kind in the last chapter. Eric is no exception. He is genuine, thoughtful, sensual, smart, generous and family-oriented, all rolled into one smokin’ hot package.

As a graduate of MIT, Pepper is no dummy, and was hired by the team as their statistician. In this book, the Coach asks Eric to keep an eye out for his daughter, Pepper, and made it abundantly clear that she was off-limits and that there was a no-fraternization policy. Pepper has a twin sister, Ivy, and the two are glad to finally be home after being away at college. Ivy appears pretty regularly in the book and after having her heart broken, I am hoping she gets a HEA in a future Shark book!

I love sports themed books and Samantha knows her hockey. Although that is their profession in Blocker, it doesn’t overpower the story line which is the relationship between Eric and Pepper and how they were meant to be. I loved how she opened his world to her love of comic book heroes and became her Iron Man. I loved how they got to know one another and became friends who tried to stay away from each other but couldn’t because their attraction was way too strong. I loved how he was very devoted to his parents and worked hard so they could keep their farm, all the while being very humble knowing his dad was a proud man. I loved how Pepper adored him and made sacrifices for his career. I also loved how at home she felt on his family farm, how beautifully it was described in the book, and how she could be herself around him.

Since Ivy and Pepper’s mom had passed, their dad was all they had left and they longed for more attention from him and neither they nor the players wanted to let him down. With Eric’s contract up for renewal is he going to risk it all to be with the woman he loves? In order to find out, you need to READ THIS BOOK, especially if you adore sports romances as I do.

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

From the day that Eric Gentry decided to pursue hockey in the big leagues he knew it was going to take some serious dedication, and cutting out all distractions... even if it meant him spending all of his free time alone. So for the most part he has been able to do just that, he doesn't drink, doesn't party, and steers clear of women... but then he meets Pepper and all bets are off! His coach asks him to keep an eye on his twin daughters, and keep them away from his teammates, and he does exactly what the coach asks, but him following the rule seems to be harder than he expected, Pepper is just far too tempting...

In this newest installment of the Seattle Sharks series we meet the totally sweet goalie Eric Gentry and the woman who tempts him to stray from his straight and narrow lifestyle, Pepper Harris. From the moment these two meet at a team party the sparks start flying, but as soon as Pepper learns that he is a hockey player, and he learns that she is his coaches daughter, they decide it's best to keep the sparks under-wraps. Them being involved would be wrong on so many levels, but that doesn't stop them from striking up a friendship, and at first things stay a course, but after those darn sparks take a hold again they find it hard to keep things platonic, and boy was it fun to watch they fight it every step of the way... talk about torture!! I thoroughly enjoyed this one it had drama to keep things exciting, smoldering chemistry to singe the fingertips, and of course loads of sweet moments to speak to the heart; an all around, well balanced romance! If you like toe curling sports romances I highly suggest you get your hands on this one, it is sure to leave your heart happy!

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

[Tina Lee Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

All books read with KU



Let me start by saying that I did not realize what a big hockey fan I am. Growing up in the South, where it is nothing but sun and sand, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. Seattle Sharks Series was more than just a group of hockey players. They each had story to tell and learn to love in his own way. I think I read all 7 books within about 5 days. They are pretty easy reads. And also addictive. I had to find out what was going to happen next to the guys. And the girls that were in the book.



It starts out as a trio of starters who each has his own issues with women and love. But as they each get hit with the love bug, it seems that matters of the heart will take over the Shark men. As the books develop more we get more stories from secondary characters who all need to be heard too. And the women in the books were a hoot. They had their own rules and the Shark men did not stand a chance.



The Shark men also showed you what it is like to be a family, even if you are not blood related. And how families stick together no matter what.



If I had to choose a favorite book, it would be Bruiser, Book 7, PORTER, Hudson Porter that is. He was this guy that just had a broody attitude but with good reason. He knew what life was life without all the lights and glam of being a NHL player. But when a petite redhead gives him a run for his money, he will do anything just about to show her that he is one of the good guys.



There are currently 7 books in this series but we are left after Book 7 with a sneak peek at the next book, which looks to be another winning shot for Author Samantha Whiskey.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Whiskey wins a shutout with BLOCKER, the fifth book in the Seattle Sharks series. Hockey goalie, Eric Gentry is one of the most focused and dedicated players on the Seattle Sharks. So, it is no surprise when the coach asks him to keep an eye on his daughter and the team’s new statistician, Pepper Harris. Coach wants to make sure no one on the team fraternizes with his daughter. However, Pepper and Eric have undeniable chemistry, and the question is, who is going to keep Eric away from Pepper? This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

Samantha Whiskey does a great job with her character development. I love Pepper and Eric. They are both a bit nerdy. They are responsible and hard working. Eric is a good guy. His family means the world to him. Pepper has always been second to hockey with the men throughout her life, until Eric. I enjoyed the relationship between Pepper and her identical twin, Ivy. They are opposite personality wise. I like that they are devoted to each other no matter what.

The plot was entertaining and interesting. I love the Iron Man scenario. BLOCKER is a fun read that was hard to put down. The story had a solid ending. I look forward to the next book to the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Whiskey is a mad genius when it comes to her male characters!
But Ms. Whiskey had me all out sorts this time!
I have always been a fan of Coach! He has had the difficult job of keeping the unruly meatheads in some semblance of order while they ran amuck because of one strong woman or another.. but this time... this time OH MY!!
When coaches twin daughters Pepper and Lily come home, he makes it very clear that no hockey players are to go near either of his daughters! Anyone caught doing so gets the ax!
Two things are wrong with this scenario, Pepper is now working for the Sharks as a Statistician, and Eric goalie, defender of all things evil, and family protector has been tasked by coach to keep an eye on Pepper, make sure she stayed away from the other hockey players.
Who is going to protect him from her?
The instant primal connection between these two is HOT!
The heat would melt the ice off any arena!
Knowing if they cross that fastly deteriorating line the repercussions if the coach found out could ruin jobs and ruin family legacies.
Que the D-r-a-m-a! Gah! I was ALL IN!!
So much chemistry! ! Humor! Love and everything in between!
A one sitting read for me, I was so engrossed in the passion of it all! I.Could.Not.Put.It. Down.
Another stellar addition to the Sharks Series!

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Whiskey has scored the winning goal with this fun, hot, and heart melting addition to her Seattle Sharks series. We're given two characters who are perfect for each other, and you just know it's gonna be explosive once they give into temptation and go against the rules set by Coach Harris. The author gives us a combination of characters; some you'll love, some you'll dislike, and some you'll hate. For me, one of the secondary characters who stood out was Ivy, and I hope she'll get her own book because I want to see more of what could possibly be building between her and Connor.

I love this series, and each book is just as great as the one before. Samantha Whiskey never fails to deliver, and shows time and time again that she has the talent and ability to give her readers easy to love characters, and team, who you wish existed in ‘real life’. Do I recommend this book? Hell, yeah I do! If you haven't already, you need to download all five books and get ready to binge read this amazing 5 star series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I've just read too many "secretly banging the coach/boss/whatever's daughter" lately, but I found this to be a bit boring and predictable.

Pepper is the daughter of the Seattle Shark's coach, and she meets Eric at a Shark party after graduating and getting a job as a statistician for the team. It's lust at first sight, but the coach decides that to keep the manwhore players away from Pepper and her twin sister Ivy, he'll make a rule that anyone caught dating them will get fired from the team.

Of course, Eric and Pepper's lust is just too strong, so while they try to remain "just friends" they end up getting it on and then decide the best course of action is to not fess up to the coach so that Eric doesn't lose his job and his new contract.





And I think we can all tell where this is going....

I just really dislike when the entire plot hinges on a little lack of communication. And that's pretty much all this was. If they had talked to Pepper's dad at the beginning, like Eric had wanted, then everything likely would have been fine. But they waited, and more things piled up, and eventually Coach finds out on his own. So, of course, Pepper has to do the ridiculous, "I'm breaking up with you because it'll be better for you, but I'm not going to actually discuss it with you or let you know why I'm breaking up with you because it's better if we all just are hurt unnecessarily"...



And hello? Ivy, the b*tch? How does Pepper forgive her so quickly for her part in this? Ridiculous. Not to mention all the focus on Pepper potentially getting back together with her ex, Mason. Um...why would the father's ultimatum not have been for him too? Not only does the coach hate him, but he's on the Sharks by the end, so why does Eric (and Mason) think Mason could date her when he couldn't? Makes no sense. Of course, the whole idea of a coach being able to fire a contracted NHL player just for dating his daughter is pretty nonsensical anyway.

The book is written well enough, and I did like Eric and Pepper, but the plot just felt kind of lazy and same-old, same-old. My least favorite of the series so far.

I'm still deciding if I'm going to read Connor's book. I was really looking forward to it when reading about him in this one, but, man, do I really freaking hate Ivy. I don't know if I could read a whole book about her.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric and Pepper

I am loving this series more and more as it goes on. As the fifth book in the series, I thought I would be getting tired of it by now, but it’s quite the opposite. This book started in on a new group of Sharks and as much as I loved Rory, Gage, Warren, and Bentley, I already love Eric and his friends.

Eric Gentry was so swoon worthy. As the starting goalie for the Sharks and one of the best in the NHL, he had spent the last two years focusing on his career and helping his family keep their farm in Wyoming, but as soon as he meets Pepper, even before he knows her name, his priorities shift. He is one of the only people who can tell her apart from her twin and that alone proved their connection.

Pepper and Eric share an instant connection, but she’s the coach’s daughter and the new statistician, so anything more than friendship is forbidden. Eric and Pepper start spending time together and trying to stay in the friend zone, but their attraction is too much. They start a relationship in secret, until Eric can secure his new contract at the end of the season and won’t be risking his job and his family’s farm.

I loved the evolution of their relationship. Although it happened quickly, it still seemed believable and wholesome. I loved the connection to the Marvel Universe with Pepper’s name and subsequent love of the movies and her claiming Eric as her Iron Man.

Overall, I loved this book, I loved Eric and Pepper’s relationship, and I loved all the hockey that was in the book.

[The Weekly Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one! this book is the fifth book in the Seattle Sharks series (the first being Grinder, then Enforcer, third Winger and finally Rookie). This one was really good just like the others. I think what was the best thing for me was just how sweet Eric was. Like talk about a nice character like it was kind of crazy how nice he was and how good he was to Pepper. A side note, I just wanted to say what an amazing job Samantha Whiskey did in transitioning this book into essentially a whole new friend group. I love that she's showing us more players that will have matches and moving the attention of this book to a new group while also throwing us bits of the old group which we know and love. I thought it was just especially well done that Eric was the only one mentioned in the other books and so he was the one that brought that transition. Back to the book itself, Eric and Pepper were just really cute together starting from there meeting and up until that ending which was so adorable I almost cried. I honestly think this book was the most emotional one by far because there were several points where I almost did cry as opposed to the others so be prepared. I had a couple of problems but they were basically how Pepper could be so forgiving with what happens between her and her dad and her sister and that's the only reason I bumped it down from a 5 to 4.5. Anyway another good one in the series! I give it 4.5 stars! - Hannah

Check out our blog!: https://theweeklyromance.home.blog/

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though sweet, the passion in this story is a slow burn. Seattle Sharks goalie, Eric has only ever loved hockey and his family, keeping his life and game on the straight and narrow. Because of this, Coach Harris asks him to keep an eye on his twin daughters, returning home after university, and making sure that they don't get into any trouble. Especially with his fellow hockey teammates. Identical twins, Pepper and Ivy may be hard to distinguish between by most people but their personalities are as different as night and day. Ivy, the party girl and aspiring journalist, and Pepper, the nerdy girl and new team statistician. Eric and Pepper find themselves drawn to each other and soon a secret affair begins.

With an upcoming contract negotiation, the coach instituting a ban on fraternizing between the team and his daughters, and Eric's family literally about to lose the farm (at least family farm land) and things get complicated for Eric and Pepper's ever increasing feelings for each other. Throw in Ivy getting caught with notorious hockey man-whore Crosby by the paparazzi and of course the shit hits the fan.

Lots of steam and the introduction of a few more guys from the hockey team, as well as previous known characters/couples, keep this series moving forward in a consistently believable way.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably a case of it's mostly me, but it's not all me. I think I have hit my limit of the "Daddy says we can't date" scenario. Two consenting adults, who are not breaking any policies if they work for the same company, do not have to have their parent's permission to date. I mean, you usually want your parents to like the person if you are in a serious relationship, but you don't need permission.

And don't even get me started about the coach firing the side character player, who was under contract, all because of the coach's personal agenda. Lawyers should have been involved in that case. You know the team owners and managers would have a lot to say about a coach firing the top money-making players for such a ludicrous reason as "he dated one of my daughters after I forbid it".

The two main characters are generally likeable, if undeveloped, and the story pretty much follows the formula of the other books in this series, but the dialogue is forced and the excessive sex scenes are cheesy (side note: I never want to read a male character saying "delicious", or something to that effect, after going down on a woman again. {{{cringe}}}) There were also a few glaring typos and grammatical errors.

All that being said, I am reading the next one, but if it is more of the same I'm out.

[Joanna Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to get too deep into the plot here because I like to give my opinion on a book...not the story line. So, here I find myself swooning...yet again, over a fictional character.

Being that this is the 5th book in the series, I had half expected the storyline to suffer and some character depth to be rather lacking. But nope...Ms. Whiskey knows what she's doing. Yes, we still get cameos from previous main characters, which I adore. I enjoy hearing their opinions and chime ins. Especially Rory's. In this one, she is introducing new characters upon new characters. I feel like these could go on forever.

Okay, back to Eric Gentry. I don't want to give too much away, because I feel its best....for YOU...if I allow you to learn as you go. Trust me...you want to be surprised. But he literally is almost perfect. And Pepper, the female protagonist, is easy to love. Her identical twin sister though...could use some maturing.

My final thought, if you have gone this far into the Seattle Sharks series, then I don't have to tell you that you will enjoy this one too. Just like the last 4.

Off to read Skater #6...see you soon!

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Eric Gentry is the starting goalie for the sharks and is well on his way to a high paid contract with a very long career. Hockey is his life and he is determined to be the best whilst also supporting his parent's farm.
Pepper Harris is fresh out of MIT and the sharks new statistician. She is clever, funny and super excited about her new position on the team.... Oh and she also happens to be the coaches daughter....!!!
Both characters are well rounded, caring and fun... if a bit quirky 😉
I immediately connected with them both and found the story very easy to read. The moments of intimacy between them are real and well written. Samantha has done a great job bringing these characters to life.

What a treat to spend time with this team again. There are plenty of laughs (Lukas especially!) and drama as Eric and Pepper find each other and try to solve the problem of what to do when her father finds out they are dating....!!!
Also a really great lead in to what I hope is Connor's story...😊🤗

I received an arc of this story and have chosen to leave a review.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one may be my favorite. I love both characters and Connected with both. The bonus with this one was the MCU references, that had all my heart.

Eric meets Pepper at a party but doesn’t know who she is. When Pepper is introduced as the coaches daughter along with her twin sister Ivy Eric‘s heart is broken. It’s Coach Harris who has Eric protect Pepper from all other players and her ex-boyfriend Mason. Peppers twin sister Ivy Falls for another hockey player and has her heart broken. So now Eric and Peppers love for each other must be hidden. When Coach Harris finds out about the secret Eric and Pepper are keeping their future is in jeopardy. I was crying when I was reading how they worked around the situation. I was just shaking my head when it was coach Harris who actually put these two together. The love they both have for each other is heartwarming.

In the epilogue it was so nice to see what they did in that short amount of time. I was just hoping to get a glimpse of Eric‘s future and his family. But I was happy to see Eric and Peppers HEA.