NHL defenseman Drake Riser is a tough guy on the ice. Out of the rink, he's more teddy bear than grizzly. But Drake secretly longs for someone to share his life with. Even after a failed marriage, he’d try again if the right woman came along. When she finally does, he's determined not to let anything stand in his way, even her.
U.S. Marines Major Erin Gentry carriers the physical and emotional scars from war everywhere she goes. No amount of glitter can camouflage the ugly Erin feels inside. When she meets a hunky hockey star at a masquerade ball, she tries to convince herself that she’s too damaged to get involved, even though he makes her feel things she wishes she didn't.
Drake thinks they’re perfect for each other, but Erin is stuck in the past, struggling to put her demons to rest—demons that are back and threatening to destroy her. Drake is ready to do anything to give them a shot at love, but Erin will have to learn letting someone help you fight your battles doesn't make you weak. Time is running out as they race the clock to win the game--and each other.
Oh man...this book! It really seemed pretty straight forward at the start. I really liked Drake, loved that he could see beyond the wounds on Erin's body and her soul. Loved that these 2 were going to make a one stand into something, despite them living on different coasts, despite not being able to see each other and despite Erin still messed up about being hurt while deployed.
Then things started to tilt a bit, Erin's ex seemed a bit scummy and I hated him, was glad that Erin stood up to him, was glad that she had Drake behind her giving her support mentally and helping her with things like making sure her house was safe, getting a good lawyer that would fight for her.
Then things went straight up to crazy town! At this point it was late enough I should have stopped reading for the night, but it was getting good, I wasn't sure about who was behind the threat, calls had to be made in code, big time security guys were called in, the FBI was bandied about, just flat out banana pants crazy! I could not stop, had to know what the hell was going on. Found out and was so angry at so many people, but glad that the real bad guys got what they deserved. Didn't think I would end up with tears in my eyes while Erin read the last 2 letters and then laugh like a loon when she made her call to Drake to really find out if he was into hockey or would he give it all up.
Whew...this one was a roller coaster for sure and it was all sorts of fun to read!
Kat Mizera's Drake book two in the Las Vegas Sidewinders is an amazing ride with twist and turns at every corner. This installment is more of a mystery novel than the last with no hockey beside the main character being a hockey player. Drake Riser, NHL star, has a great life. Drake loves his job, never has to worry about money but one thing is missing and that is someone to spend his life. Hurt in a past relationship he knows what he's looking for and won't settle for anything less. Major Erin Gentry is battling emotional and physical scars from an IED blast in which she lost her best friend and the love of her life and fighting with her ex husband for what is rightfully owed to her. Erin feels that the title "Damaged" for her is an understatement so when Drake sweeps her off her feet at a masked ball she's concerned she's not good enough for him. So many issues stand in front of them including their pasts which Erin's seems to have come back to haunt her. Can they break through them to find their end game or will they be shut out?
Oh my this book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I honestly feel it's more a mystery novel with romantic elements than anything else. Hockey is really not in the forefront of this novel and I was perfectly ok with that as it wasn't needed for the story that was told. I adored Drake, such a perfect, understanding and compassionate character just looking for a down to earth woman to share his life and Erin fits the bill. Erin is so strong willed but vulnerable emotionally since the accident she just can't understand why someone like Drake would want someone so broken as herself. The chemistry between these two is so hot it's off the charts from the start. I truly can not wait for book 3 - Karl and Kate's story, whom we were introduced to in this novel and see the start of their relationship. I felt the issues I had with book one where resolved in book 2, dialogue was repetitive & POV was easy to follow. Fantastic novel and a great follow up to a new series. 5 Stars for Drake by Kat Mizera.
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
So, book two in the series and it was a complete 360 from the first book. It was completely different from book one, it wasn’t so sports themed in many way, i know Drake was a hockey player but eth story didn’t really play too much on that. I actually think it was a really mystery, it had elements of the story that had my mind pickled. The twists and turns come fairly thick and fast so it was imperative to pay attention to the story as it began to unfold and as more characters that were brought to the fore. Drake was a fabulous character, he was a lovely guy, he was empathetic, kind a really good guy! But he has one think missing in his life, a woman to share it with. But he isn’t looking for just any woman, he knows that the woman of his dreams it out there for him and he will not rest until he finds her. But can his perfect woman a woman that has enough baggage to weigh down the world. Erin Gentry is a military Major, a career that has taken her through both the highest and lowest points in her life. Recovering from the death of her best friend in a blast that also left her facing a future that changed for ever in the instant her world exploded. Both physically and emotionally the woman she is now is struggling to find her place, she is sinking into a place that a woman of her strength and determination really doesn’t need to go, but when she meets Drake, what he has to offer and how he makes her feel is the last thing she can accept. She is struck with countless questions and doubts as to how it was possible that he couldn’t see how broken she is and why would he want a woman like her…when really the question is why would he not want her? Drake, fell hook line and sinker but he had a battle on his hands to get through to this stubborn woman, could he justify the way he felt and would she accept him at his word? They had so much hard work ahead of them that at times it was hard to see that they were ever going to be able to make sense of it all let alone find a solid footing with which to build a future. But could they fight the pain of their pasts and have their happy ever after? I really had my fingers crossed. A super book x
Starting over never felt more right… From the opening pages I knew this story was going to be different from Dominic and Molly’s story. And I mean different in flavour only as the story, the characters were everything (and more) than I hoped for. With a focus less on hockey but more on what is happening off the ice, Erin and Drake’s journey is suspenseful and emotional, and oh so good… Erin Gentry is a high-ranking military officer with a strength in communications. Suffering a huge loss in a mission gone sour, she has to recover physically and psychologically from wounds on the inside as well as the outside. Meeting Drake Riser in a very unique way, their instant connection was going to war against internal demons and external forces they had no idea were even coming… From the start, their connection was special. Off the charts sexy, there was also that spark of emotion – that something more that guaranteed more than a one night stand. I loved how, right from the start, they started to tackle the many differences and challenges they were going to face, together. And there were a lot of things that were going to challenge them. Erin’s history refused to stay in the past and questions meant answers that came hand in hand with shocking betrayal. Through it all Drake was there with unflinching support and a shoulder built to share any burdens. Equally smart and strong, and vulnerable to each other in that special way of true lovers, they were the perfectly imperfect couple. Emotional and full of surprising twists and turns, this was a whirlwind from beginning to end. Another hit in a series that is firmly on my re-read shelf!
premise I really liked. Some of the things that really bugged me that made me pretty much drop the book: Characterization of mental illness as crazy and unstable. That’s a significant plot point The fact that she claims never to cheat on her husband but still slept with someone night before the wedding. I’m counting that as cheating in relationships. Granted her whole backstory was nuts anyway.
Then right when I’m about to DNF the book goes off the rails, and becomes a romantic suspense. Omg. Usually that would be insane. But this time it made me keep reading and finish the crazy story. It was way too long. It was also two clobber stories in one. A Author continues to annoy me with ideological problems in writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story line in this is great! Even if you take away the hockey and the romance there is enough suspense and mystery to carry this story. I usually try to give more detail in my reviews but this is a great story and I don't want to ruin any of the plot twists for the reader. Just read it! Its not long, I read it on a flight from NYC to Dallas--I was totally immersed in the story that I forgot I was on a plane!
Romance trope: sports/military Series: Las Vegas Sidewinders Length: 327 pages
Plot: Drake meets Erin at a fundraiser. She's a wounded soldier and his sister is doing a groundbreaking surgery to help restore some of her confidence. They have an amazing one-night stand, but Erin thinks that will be the end of it. She's damaged after the death of her true love and a messy divorce. But Drake is convinced that it's worth giving them a shot, despite all of the trouble. But between the distance and a possible terrorist plot, it's hard to say if they'll make it after all.
Commentary: So the people in this story is why the military/intelligence insists on complete blackouts with respect to sharing mission information with friends and family. Erin had NSA-levels of clearance and was brought into the initial mission by her brother-in-law on purpose. She was blown up by supposed insurgents. Then, when the military wants to send her on another mission and swear her to secrecy, she tells her new lover Drake. And of course he tells at least 5 other people. By the end of the story, so many people know the parameters of the mission that I don't know why they even bothered. Not only that, but Drake is the one who solved the problem, with the help of a PI. While all the military people in Afghanistan kept picking the wrong villain. Uh-huh. And the final villains were a crazy mom and a fellow soldier who wanted to make more money to get out of the ghetto. So that's...I don't even know what.
Drake by Kat Mizera is book Two of the Las Vegas Sidewinders Series. You do not have to read book one in order to read this book but remember that the couple from the first book may show up in this one. This book was very well written and was a very quick read. This book is a Hockey sports romance so if you love those types of books you will love this one. Drake Riser is an NHL Hockey Player which means he is in tip top shape and of course good looking. On the ice, he is known as the tough guy, but really all he wants to do is find someone to settle down with. Major Erin Gentry was recently injured in an IED explosion which not only injured her but left her with emotional scars. When Drake and Erin meant at a Masquerade Ball he knows right away that she is exactly what he is looking for. Erin doesn’t believe she should be with this handsome hockey player because she is damaged goods. As these two try to figure out their relationship some of Erin’s demons from the past show up to try and destroy them. You must read the book to find out the whole story! This book did have some violence in it. There was also some sexual content but the scenes are done tastefully. I Really liked this book and once I got reading it I didn’t want to put it down.
Not at all what I was expecting. NHL defenseman for the Las Vegas Sidewinders, Drake Riser, attends a masqued charity event in Chicago. His sister, a talented plastic surgeon, introduces him to a patient of hers, Marine Major Erin Gentry. Erin will be undergoing a new type of procedure that will hopefully reduce the massive burn scars that she has after surviving an IED while on a mission in Afghanistan.
This story doesn't revolve as much around the hockey world as it does about wartime survivor's guilt, espionage, and a mystery about what really happened to Erin and her unit the day of the explosion. She is trying to recover from the emotional trauma as well as the physical scars, and the death of the man she loved, her brother-in-law, Shay. The past two years she has been barely existing until the night she meets Drake, and there is some connection that sparks between them.
The main characters of Dominic make a few appearances in this story, but only Drake's best friend, goalie Karl Martennson is featured in this book. He along with Erin's BFF, Kate, have a side story that deserves their own book. Looking forward to reading that.
Bad cover. But I was really enjoying myself. Loving Drake, liking Erin. Right up until she said; she wouldn’t leave the army because of him. Yep, no problem there. But the problem is that if she doesn’t pass her physical tests to stay in the army she will be with him. Like some second choice. While reading the rest of the book I stopped liking her all together. She is as selfish as they come. The way she treats her friends and Drake s just disgusting and selfish. It’s all about what she wants and what she needs. She isn’t even honest with Drake and keeps things from him. And playing the innocent victim here………… Oooooh I never cheated on my husband when we were married……… But fucking Shay the twin brother of your husband to be on the night before your wedding day is definitely cheating in my universe…… The story is way to much and beyond that about the dead twin brother Shay.
Drake and Erin's story is the second book in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series. Drake is a hockey player with a heart of gold. Erin is a marine that was injured in an IED explosion. When they meet, Drake feels right away that Erin is something special to him but she struggles with her injuries that have left her disfugured. Will he be able to get past her defenses to show her that she is still beautiful regardless of everything that she has been through?
This is a beautiful story about the restoring power of faith and love. Drake and Erin are both wonderful characters and their story was amazing.
I'm being quite generous with my two stars if I'm being honest. One of those books where I had to Google the race of the author based on the bs written.
Besides the fact that 99% of this book was about Shay, a dead man, please tell me when these two fell in love? Because I did NOT believe that Kate was over Shay nor did I believe that she loved Drake as much as she said she did.
And as though if that bs wasn't enough, we get Olivia who says and I quote
Like I’ve always done. You white people don’t understand how hard it is to be black, growing up in the damn ghetto
LOL what?! What bs ghetto stereotype is this and why did Kat Mizera think this was okay?!?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Again WOW...another amazing story written by Kat Mizera! This story hit a very tender spot in my heart...considering my husband has retired from the military. I have rode the emotional rollercoaster with this story and have NOT in any form been disappointed. We all have our lil secrets...our skeletons to hide. So the question remains...how far would you go to protect them? To maintain outward appearances? Find out by reading the book. HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
Drake is book three in the Las Vegas Sidewinders series and is now my favorite so far! Normally books portray the male character as the military hero but this is a wonderful twist. Erin is a strong female recovering from an unimaginable injury. We put so much emphasis as a society on how we look but if you look under the surface it is amazing what beauty you will find. Drake sees the beauty and strength that is Erin. He gives her his friendship and then his unconditional love as they work together to figure out who set a work of betrayal in motion.
Drake and Erin fell in love and got married too quickly. I feel like Erin never got over Shay he was like the third person in the relationship and was mentioned in almost every conversation in the book. It’s hard to root for them when she didn’t seem to be over Shay and constantly compared Drake to him. Like the previous books, the descriptions of the characters are very shallow with a lot of focus on their physical appearance and the dialogue was juvenile. The plot was super unrealistic, convoluted, and too much was going on at once. This book could’ve been so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is not remotely what I was expecting from a sports romance given the previous books and the others I’ve read by this author. Just like too many cooks spoil the broth, I think too many elements throw into the story took it to a crazy place. Kudos for featuring a female Marine but this would have worked well with just the beauty of Drake seeing past Erin’s scars and her PTSD recovery without throwing in her former love triangle, generational mental illness, kidnapping, closet homosexuality, BDSM…
Wow, so not what I expected! This should be a movie! I have whiplash in my head from all the “What? WTF?!”while reading this. In addition to a fantastic love story between Erin and Drake, there was also the intrigue, mystery and mayhem at the same time. Again, great book and happy to read novels where the heroine is not a young adult! Have been sick, so I’m on to the next book. Glad I’ve found this author and binge reading this week!
I read this book as part of a book set for the sidewinders. This book had a great variety of romance, suspense and emotion. What a tale Ms Mizera weaves! There isn't a whole lot more to say without giving away the plot and secrets! I'm eager to start the next book in the set.
So I loved this story but have to admit to being distracted by some of the unrealistic circumstances surrounding Erin’s military career. Still a great book and great characters!
This book touched on so very much...Drake was a man above his age in so many ways. I loved Erin and her strength over coming her injury and then her demons with her ex and his family. This story had so many twist and turns that this couple over came with easy and grace. Loved them...
Started reading this series because I got the first book Free so glad I read it great read Lead me to buy books 3-8. On book 4 now. And not disappointed
I like the characters and the romance. The villains were so extremely awful and weird it was hard to believe all of this could happen to one person! Grateful all the bad guys were dead at the end.