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Seattle Sharks #7
Bruiser
I’m the Seattle Shark’s newest Bruiser.
The fighter. The protector.
On the ice, I end the battles others start.
Off the ice, I’m just trying to keep my name out of the tabloids.
After all, that’s what got me traded from Ontario.
Donating to a Big Brother program for the good press was easy.
But then I meet Elliot, the ten-year-old spitfire who lives for sarcasm and hockey, and I can’t help but volunteer to mentor her.
That is, if her mom will let me.
I’ve wanted Shea Lansing from the moment we met last season.
She’s an incredible single mom.
Sexy, sharp, stubborn, and hates hockey almost as much as she despises violence:
A.K.A….me.
Her past is darker than mine, and she’ll do anything to ensure it never touches her daughter.
Mentoring Elliot has Shea and I crossing paths—and wires.
Our connection is electric. Undeniable. Unstoppable.
But when her past comes back to haunt her,
I’ll have to lay everything on the line to keep them.
I’m used to violence on the ice, but fighting for what I love?
That’s a whole different kind of game.
One that could ruin us in the end.
The fighter. The protector.
On the ice, I end the battles others start.
Off the ice, I’m just trying to keep my name out of the tabloids.
After all, that’s what got me traded from Ontario.
Donating to a Big Brother program for the good press was easy.
But then I meet Elliot, the ten-year-old spitfire who lives for sarcasm and hockey, and I can’t help but volunteer to mentor her.
That is, if her mom will let me.
I’ve wanted Shea Lansing from the moment we met last season.
She’s an incredible single mom.
Sexy, sharp, stubborn, and hates hockey almost as much as she despises violence:
A.K.A….me.
Her past is darker than mine, and she’ll do anything to ensure it never touches her daughter.
Mentoring Elliot has Shea and I crossing paths—and wires.
Our connection is electric. Undeniable. Unstoppable.
But when her past comes back to haunt her,
I’ll have to lay everything on the line to keep them.
I’m used to violence on the ice, but fighting for what I love?
That’s a whole different kind of game.
One that could ruin us in the end.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2019
1393 people are currently reading
1657 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Whiskey
44 books2,786 followersSamantha 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
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http://eepurl.com/bSQRWr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
June 7, 2024
I love it when kids are involved. With their honesty and their innocence, I believe they make the best and the worst come out of the adults' characters. Eliott was hands down my favorite here. But Hudson was a close second. With his past and his dedication not only to his sport but also to Shea and Eliott, he became one of my favorite character ever. The relationship and the trust between them was sweet, endearing and so honest. Hudson knew what he wanted and went for it with a sweetness and an authenticity that I simply loved.
I loved the writing style. There was lightness as well as more serious moments and never once did I get bored. It was smart and real. Obviously I'm late to the party as it's my first book by Samantha Whiskey and it's #7 but I'm glad I discovered this series and I'll be sure to read the other books and will wait for Lukas with impatience.
I loved the writing style. There was lightness as well as more serious moments and never once did I get bored. It was smart and real. Obviously I'm late to the party as it's my first book by Samantha Whiskey and it's #7 but I'm glad I discovered this series and I'll be sure to read the other books and will wait for Lukas with impatience.
January 17, 2019
I have read every book in this series and am pleased to write a review for Book 7 of the Seattle Shark series, Bruiser. Hudson Porter, a professional hockey player, and Shea Lansing, a social worker, were introduced in Book 6 when she helped Connor, another player on the team, earn custody of his niece.
Hudson is the perfect book hero and one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends ever! Not only is he a tall, hot, and handsome professional hockey player, he has one of the kindest and most giving hearts of any character you will ever read. He is so patient, selfless, thoughtful, and generous to everyone – his parents, the community, his teammates, and especially Shea and her daughter, Elliot. I loved Elliot and how her own little personality shines through. I loved Hudson and how easily he saw exactly what Elliot needed and became the perfect mentor. You can’t help but swoon all over this man, especially when he wore his heart on his sleeve and had to prove himself worthy more than once.
Shea suffered from a traumatic and violent past relationship and I admired how she was able to get away and make a very loving and stable life for her and her daughter. She was cautious for good reason and it took a while for her to let her guard down and trust Hudson. Her reluctance and doubt became a bit tiring for me, but it was all worth it in the end.
I loved how they took their time to get to know one another and how Shea could admit when was she was wrong. Hudson, too, opened up about his traumatic childhood which was so heartbreaking but also inspiring. Inspiring because despite his upbringing, he made a conscious effort to be a man of honor and of good character which are the qualities I admire most in a person.
Even though it wasn’t easy, Shea worked and went to college while raising a toddler alone to become a license social worker. This has to be one of the most emotionally tough jobs there is, and Shea devoted her life to helping others. A testament to the kind and caring soul that she is.
I loved how protective Hudson was and how he made the people in his life feel valued and special, and how he fought for the woman he loved, both physically and mentally. The last chapter was my favorite as it gave a glimpse into the future of their well-deserved HEA.
The writing was captivating as always and interspersed with all of the characters and players you have grown to know and love from past books. I also enjoyed the build-up of the storyline as to who will be headlining the next book and can’t wait to read it. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read it, you will want to read the rest of the series for sure!
Hudson is the perfect book hero and one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends ever! Not only is he a tall, hot, and handsome professional hockey player, he has one of the kindest and most giving hearts of any character you will ever read. He is so patient, selfless, thoughtful, and generous to everyone – his parents, the community, his teammates, and especially Shea and her daughter, Elliot. I loved Elliot and how her own little personality shines through. I loved Hudson and how easily he saw exactly what Elliot needed and became the perfect mentor. You can’t help but swoon all over this man, especially when he wore his heart on his sleeve and had to prove himself worthy more than once.
Shea suffered from a traumatic and violent past relationship and I admired how she was able to get away and make a very loving and stable life for her and her daughter. She was cautious for good reason and it took a while for her to let her guard down and trust Hudson. Her reluctance and doubt became a bit tiring for me, but it was all worth it in the end.
I loved how they took their time to get to know one another and how Shea could admit when was she was wrong. Hudson, too, opened up about his traumatic childhood which was so heartbreaking but also inspiring. Inspiring because despite his upbringing, he made a conscious effort to be a man of honor and of good character which are the qualities I admire most in a person.
Even though it wasn’t easy, Shea worked and went to college while raising a toddler alone to become a license social worker. This has to be one of the most emotionally tough jobs there is, and Shea devoted her life to helping others. A testament to the kind and caring soul that she is.
I loved how protective Hudson was and how he made the people in his life feel valued and special, and how he fought for the woman he loved, both physically and mentally. The last chapter was my favorite as it gave a glimpse into the future of their well-deserved HEA.
The writing was captivating as always and interspersed with all of the characters and players you have grown to know and love from past books. I also enjoyed the build-up of the storyline as to who will be headlining the next book and can’t wait to read it. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read it, you will want to read the rest of the series for sure!
September 9, 2019
“I’d never be able to kiss another woman without tasting Shea.
Never fuck one without feeling Shea’s curves beneath me.”
🤢. Okay son, relax from thinking about other woman whilst your with YOUR woman. THE WOMAN.
Anyway, other than this, great book. Best in the series in terms of storyline and romance progression. She’s a single mother who is a social worker. Her past entails her being in a domestic and sexually abusive relationship with her child’s father. The hero is protective, not a manwhore - he just doesn’t really go there with women for most part. He really has to break down her walls and earn her. Safe; neither with anyone post meeting. He does have an ex fiancé who tries but fails to create any substantial drama.
Never fuck one without feeling Shea’s curves beneath me.”
🤢. Okay son, relax from thinking about other woman whilst your with YOUR woman. THE WOMAN.
Anyway, other than this, great book. Best in the series in terms of storyline and romance progression. She’s a single mother who is a social worker. Her past entails her being in a domestic and sexually abusive relationship with her child’s father. The hero is protective, not a manwhore - he just doesn’t really go there with women for most part. He really has to break down her walls and earn her. Safe; neither with anyone post meeting. He does have an ex fiancé who tries but fails to create any substantial drama.
May 14, 2022
While Shea frustrated me a whole hell of a lot i understood her situation. I liked seeing her grow and admit when something was her fault or when she knew she was deflecting. I also loved that Hudson gave her space to do that and loved her throughout the entire thing.
Honestly my favorite thing was seeing them grow into a family without really noticing until they did. I loved this one
Honestly my favorite thing was seeing them grow into a family without really noticing until they did. I loved this one
August 15, 2020
Another...
Thank you ma’am may I have another! Every book in this series gets better and better! I can’t wait to read the next one and I’m sad to know that I’m almost finished!
Thank you ma’am may I have another! Every book in this series gets better and better! I can’t wait to read the next one and I’m sad to know that I’m almost finished!
February 8, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! This book caused many a happy sigh while I was reading it. Hudson Porter had me from the very first chapter!!! He was so sincere and straight forward and basically an all around fantastic human. Not to mention super yummy. Shea had found her inner strength and succeeded in building a safe and loving home for her daughter. It shows, because Elliot is awesome! Despite her past, Shea allows her heart to open again and is rewarded beyond measure.
December 21, 2020
Good nice story. Strong heroine, she was in abusive relationship before. She made good life for her girl and herself, great social worker. Celibate for 10 years (didnt like it, but i understand her...)
Great delicious hero: not a playboy, celibate for a long time before meeting his woman.
Delicious hunk of a man! Yummy!
Very Safe
Great delicious hero: not a playboy, celibate for a long time before meeting his woman.
Delicious hunk of a man! Yummy!
Very Safe
February 3, 2019
First time reading this author and i gotta say i enjoyed reading a book from this series.. now i know you can read this as a stand alone.. if you want you can read the others in the series.. but i didn't really find any that interesting also we meet these two in the first book.. when he saves her from paps
This book had some good moments and some moments where i wanted to shake Shea.. i understood her reason why she was that way.. an abusive ex can do that.. but she was alittle over the top.. like not letting her kid try out for hockey (took awhile and its kid hockey not even dangerous) she hated violence alot.. so when she judged hudson on his job it was crap..like i get it It just annoyed alott.
Hudson was amazing.. i loved him he wasn't a manwhore and he fought for Shea and even fought for her daughter Elliot..he been celebite since he broke things off with his cheating ex.. so he wasn't a manwhore.. pair that off with 9 years of no sex Shea.. 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦🔥🔥<--- HAWT sexxxx
Angst, no cheating, drama, no ow/om but mentions their ex's who also makes a appearance, steamy sex, secondary chara.
Slow-burn
Safe read
Push and pull from h
Mentions of abusive past
Hea
Epilogue also sets up the next book..
This book had some good moments and some moments where i wanted to shake Shea.. i understood her reason why she was that way.. an abusive ex can do that.. but she was alittle over the top.. like not letting her kid try out for hockey (took awhile and its kid hockey not even dangerous) she hated violence alot.. so when she judged hudson on his job it was crap..like i get it It just annoyed alott.
Hudson was amazing.. i loved him he wasn't a manwhore and he fought for Shea and even fought for her daughter Elliot..he been celebite since he broke things off with his cheating ex.. so he wasn't a manwhore.. pair that off with 9 years of no sex Shea.. 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦🔥🔥<--- HAWT sexxxx
Angst, no cheating, drama, no ow/om but mentions their ex's who also makes a appearance, steamy sex, secondary chara.
Slow-burn
Safe read
Push and pull from h
Mentions of abusive past
Hea
Epilogue also sets up the next book..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
Bruiser by Samantha Whisky is a hockey sports romance that follows the story of Hudson and Shea. This is the seventh book in the Seattle Sharks series.
Hudson is heartbroken, reserved, persistent and thoughtful. He’d do anything for those he cares about, and a little girl who needs a mentor has just captured a little piece of him. Ironically her mother just happens to be the woman he played hero for months ago. In that moment, it was all that was needed to ignite the spark of attraction. But Shea has her own hurt, darkness and her first priority is the need to protect her daughter. Unfortunately that means she won’t easily fall for the man who’s trying to work his way into her life and her heart.
This story ticks the sports romance box and adds in opposites attract. There’s a lot of emotional trauma these two have each experienced, and that history helps them relate and move on.
Hudson is heartbroken, reserved, persistent and thoughtful. He’d do anything for those he cares about, and a little girl who needs a mentor has just captured a little piece of him. Ironically her mother just happens to be the woman he played hero for months ago. In that moment, it was all that was needed to ignite the spark of attraction. But Shea has her own hurt, darkness and her first priority is the need to protect her daughter. Unfortunately that means she won’t easily fall for the man who’s trying to work his way into her life and her heart.
This story ticks the sports romance box and adds in opposites attract. There’s a lot of emotional trauma these two have each experienced, and that history helps them relate and move on.
October 23, 2020
So many complex feels
Let me say first I LOVED Hudson! And I loved the story line. It was some of the background that I didn’t mesh with.
First off... Hudson! I loved this big protective man and how he handled being with Shea and his amazing relationship and devotion to Elliot. I thought he was the total package! And a saint for how he allowed himself to be treated by Shea!
Elliot was a great add in and I enjoyed those little moments with her! I liked her personality and how she didn’t let her moms overprotective behavior hamper their relationship.
Now Shea was the one I was done with by the end. I got that she was afraid of and hated violence. I get that she had an abusive past that she ran from. I get that she’s trying to make it right for others in similar situations. But at the same time it’s been 10 years and I felt like she made zero progress. For being in a non-judgment profession she sure as shit had a lot to judge about Hudson without even giving him a chance. I didn’t like how whenever something didn’t go 100% her way she would turn it all into how Hudson is going to turn into a monster, that it was only a matter of time. I guess I didn’t like her preconceptions of all men, especially after 10 years of escaping her abuse and how she was supposed to help people in similar situations. Not all men are monsters, heck not even most men. I understood her fears but felt like it should have been a lot closer to her abuse for her to be so trigger happy. And her conception on how her future relationship would go?! She would get married then introduced her daughter?!! Are you that Naïve. Doesn’t your daughter get a chance to meet the guy that will be in her life for probably the rest of it and make sure they get along and he treats her well and with respect?!
There were so many little add ins into Shea’s background it was like the author thought up every bad situation that could happen and tried to throw it into one and I didn’t think it worked too well. Teen pregnancy, abusive relationship, her parents disowned her, she was homeless with an almost one year old, she’s afraid he will track her down, she never fueled any reports, the lists go on and on and on. It got to be a little much. I’m not discrediting her situation because it was truly terrible but still. And I didn’t quite understand why they kept saying she was abused for years if she gave birth at 16 and ran probably around 17 that’s more like two years in my mind not a like a five year relationship. I get that all these types of relationships are horrible no matter the time you are in them but I felt like they were trying to make the timeframe more than it was. She was a pregnant freshman dropout that ran before her baby was a year old.... how much earlier could their relationship have started?
All that said I did really like the story line, it was just all the little things that kept adding up for me that really brought the book down in my opinion.
Let me say first I LOVED Hudson! And I loved the story line. It was some of the background that I didn’t mesh with.
First off... Hudson! I loved this big protective man and how he handled being with Shea and his amazing relationship and devotion to Elliot. I thought he was the total package! And a saint for how he allowed himself to be treated by Shea!
Elliot was a great add in and I enjoyed those little moments with her! I liked her personality and how she didn’t let her moms overprotective behavior hamper their relationship.
Now Shea was the one I was done with by the end. I got that she was afraid of and hated violence. I get that she had an abusive past that she ran from. I get that she’s trying to make it right for others in similar situations. But at the same time it’s been 10 years and I felt like she made zero progress. For being in a non-judgment profession she sure as shit had a lot to judge about Hudson without even giving him a chance. I didn’t like how whenever something didn’t go 100% her way she would turn it all into how Hudson is going to turn into a monster, that it was only a matter of time. I guess I didn’t like her preconceptions of all men, especially after 10 years of escaping her abuse and how she was supposed to help people in similar situations. Not all men are monsters, heck not even most men. I understood her fears but felt like it should have been a lot closer to her abuse for her to be so trigger happy. And her conception on how her future relationship would go?! She would get married then introduced her daughter?!! Are you that Naïve. Doesn’t your daughter get a chance to meet the guy that will be in her life for probably the rest of it and make sure they get along and he treats her well and with respect?!
There were so many little add ins into Shea’s background it was like the author thought up every bad situation that could happen and tried to throw it into one and I didn’t think it worked too well. Teen pregnancy, abusive relationship, her parents disowned her, she was homeless with an almost one year old, she’s afraid he will track her down, she never fueled any reports, the lists go on and on and on. It got to be a little much. I’m not discrediting her situation because it was truly terrible but still. And I didn’t quite understand why they kept saying she was abused for years if she gave birth at 16 and ran probably around 17 that’s more like two years in my mind not a like a five year relationship. I get that all these types of relationships are horrible no matter the time you are in them but I felt like they were trying to make the timeframe more than it was. She was a pregnant freshman dropout that ran before her baby was a year old.... how much earlier could their relationship have started?
All that said I did really like the story line, it was just all the little things that kept adding up for me that really brought the book down in my opinion.
January 21, 2019
This series is getting better and better with every book! Can NOT wait for Lukas’s book!
September 11, 2019
I'm really loving this series. My only regret is that I'm reading the series totally out of order and can't seem to stop myself...😁
January 14, 2019
From the moment they met Hudson Porter fell hard for feisty social worker Shea Lansing, but unfortunately the feeling seem to be one sided. This was a fairly new feeling for him, usually his status alone would have a girl interested, but Shea didn't seem to care who he was or what he did for a living, she just turned him down flat. In the months that have passed since their meeting he has often wondered about her well being, and had many a naughty dream about her too... always ending with the same result, her being just a figment of his imagination.
But that is about to change cause fate has just put them on the same path again, and this time the result has the possibility of being very different. Especially if Hudson has anything to say about it! When he meets a young girl, with a deep love for hockey, at the activity center he helps to fund, he can't help but be taken with her, she is a little spitfire. She needs a mentor, and before Hudson realizes what he is even doing, he finds himself offering up what little free time he has to help her out. But first they must clear it with her mother... which also happens to be the woman who has had a starring role in all of Hudson's dreams in the last few months, Shea! He had no idea she was a parent, but that doesn't change a single thing for him, they have chemistry in spades, and he plans on using this opportunity that has fallen into his lap to his full advantage. He wants his girl, and he will stop at nothing to get her!!
Within the pages of Bruiser readers will meet a hockey playing gentle giant and the two feisty females who have come into his life and turned it upside down. Shea and her daughter are a force of nature, that bring excitement and unconditional love to his life, and that is something he has been craving for a long time, and he plans on making sure they stick around. But Shea has a dark past that prohibits her from wanting to put labels on things, and give her heart up so freely, which means there is a lot of angst in this story line, so be prepared to have your heart squeezed. I absolutely loved this story, it had sweet moments that tugged on my heartstrings, and super sexy moments that had my tablet overheating, and my swoon meter on overdrive. It also came with three endearing characters that left an unshakable imprint on my heart. I highly recommend you make time to read this one, it's SO good for your heart!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
But that is about to change cause fate has just put them on the same path again, and this time the result has the possibility of being very different. Especially if Hudson has anything to say about it! When he meets a young girl, with a deep love for hockey, at the activity center he helps to fund, he can't help but be taken with her, she is a little spitfire. She needs a mentor, and before Hudson realizes what he is even doing, he finds himself offering up what little free time he has to help her out. But first they must clear it with her mother... which also happens to be the woman who has had a starring role in all of Hudson's dreams in the last few months, Shea! He had no idea she was a parent, but that doesn't change a single thing for him, they have chemistry in spades, and he plans on using this opportunity that has fallen into his lap to his full advantage. He wants his girl, and he will stop at nothing to get her!!
Within the pages of Bruiser readers will meet a hockey playing gentle giant and the two feisty females who have come into his life and turned it upside down. Shea and her daughter are a force of nature, that bring excitement and unconditional love to his life, and that is something he has been craving for a long time, and he plans on making sure they stick around. But Shea has a dark past that prohibits her from wanting to put labels on things, and give her heart up so freely, which means there is a lot of angst in this story line, so be prepared to have your heart squeezed. I absolutely loved this story, it had sweet moments that tugged on my heartstrings, and super sexy moments that had my tablet overheating, and my swoon meter on overdrive. It also came with three endearing characters that left an unshakable imprint on my heart. I highly recommend you make time to read this one, it's SO good for your heart!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
February 3, 2021
French & English reviews
Ohhh mon favori jusqu'ici je crois =D
Après avoir lu le livre avec Ivy et Connor et avoir aperçu Porter avec Shea, j'avais hâte de lire leur histoire ... Et je n'ai pas du tout été déçu !!
Ce que j'ai particulièrement apprécié :
- la relation entre les deux personnages, presque slow burn avec Shea qui est marqué par son passé et Porter qui prend tout son temps pour la séduire <3
- la scène où les Shark assistent à l'entrainement des enfants ... J'ai tellement ri xD
- cette scène du brownie ... PFIOULALALA <3
- tout le drama avec l'ex de Shea (j'avoue je pensais pas qu'il irait jusque là mais c'était génial !!) et l'ex de Porter (même si j'aurais voulu plus la voir !)
OK parfois j'ai eu envie de secouer Shea comme un prunier (ou entrer dans le livre pour prendre sa place) parce que Porter était tellement mignon et elle était parfois extrêmement méchante avec lui et stupide mais avec son passé c'est compréhensif !
Bref, pour les fans de romance mignonne mais avec des personnages torturés (mais pour une fois c'est surtout elle !!), à lire absolument !!
PS : je veux revoir le voisin de Porter qui est chirurgien esthétique ET son frère Maddox !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ohhh my favorite so far I think =D
After reading the book with Ivy and Connor and seeing Porter with Shea, I couldn't wait to read their story ... and I wasn't disappointed at all !!
What I particularly appreciated :
- the relationship between the two characters, almost slow burn with Shea who is marked by her past and Porter who takes all his time to seduce her <3
- the scene where the Sharks attend the children's training ... I laughed so much xD
- this brownie scene ... PFIOULALALA <3
- the whole drama with Shea's ex (I must admit I didn't think he would go that far but it was great !!) and Porter's ex (although I would have liked to see her more !)
OK sometimes I wanted to shake Shea like a plum tree (or go into the book to take her place) because Porter was so cute and she was extremely mean to him sometimes and stupid too but with her past it's understanding !
In short, for fans of cute romance but with tortured characters (but for once it's mostly her !!), a must read !!
PS: I want to see more of Porter's neighbor who is a cosmetic surgeon AND his brother Maddox !!
Ohhh mon favori jusqu'ici je crois =D
Après avoir lu le livre avec Ivy et Connor et avoir aperçu Porter avec Shea, j'avais hâte de lire leur histoire ... Et je n'ai pas du tout été déçu !!
Ce que j'ai particulièrement apprécié :
- la relation entre les deux personnages, presque slow burn avec Shea qui est marqué par son passé et Porter qui prend tout son temps pour la séduire <3
- la scène où les Shark assistent à l'entrainement des enfants ... J'ai tellement ri xD
- cette scène du brownie ... PFIOULALALA <3
- tout le drama avec l'ex de Shea (j'avoue je pensais pas qu'il irait jusque là mais c'était génial !!) et l'ex de Porter (même si j'aurais voulu plus la voir !)
OK parfois j'ai eu envie de secouer Shea comme un prunier (ou entrer dans le livre pour prendre sa place) parce que Porter était tellement mignon et elle était parfois extrêmement méchante avec lui et stupide mais avec son passé c'est compréhensif !
Bref, pour les fans de romance mignonne mais avec des personnages torturés (mais pour une fois c'est surtout elle !!), à lire absolument !!
PS : je veux revoir le voisin de Porter qui est chirurgien esthétique ET son frère Maddox !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ohhh my favorite so far I think =D
After reading the book with Ivy and Connor and seeing Porter with Shea, I couldn't wait to read their story ... and I wasn't disappointed at all !!
What I particularly appreciated :
- the relationship between the two characters, almost slow burn with Shea who is marked by her past and Porter who takes all his time to seduce her <3
- the scene where the Sharks attend the children's training ... I laughed so much xD
- this brownie scene ... PFIOULALALA <3
- the whole drama with Shea's ex (I must admit I didn't think he would go that far but it was great !!) and Porter's ex (although I would have liked to see her more !)
OK sometimes I wanted to shake Shea like a plum tree (or go into the book to take her place) because Porter was so cute and she was extremely mean to him sometimes and stupid too but with her past it's understanding !
In short, for fans of cute romance but with tortured characters (but for once it's mostly her !!), a must read !!
PS: I want to see more of Porter's neighbor who is a cosmetic surgeon AND his brother Maddox !!
April 24, 2022
This was a pretty solid three stars for the first three-quarters of the book. While I loved Hudson, I wasn't really a fan of the relationship with Shea. It just didn't feel like there was a reason why Hudson liked Shea. He saw her and thought she was attractive, and that was about it. There's not a lot of "getting to know you" stuff because Shea is pretty one-dimensional. All of the focus is on how she was a domestic abuse survivor, and all she really talks about is needing to keep her daughter safe and worrying about being in a relationship with a guy who makes a living through violence. Although it feels like Hudson is all in, I really couldn't figure out why. Shea doesn't really give him much of a reason to be with her.
But the last quarter of this is great, and I finally felt like this couple was actually a couple. The action was really exciting, and made me like Shea and Hudson more, so I went ahead and bumped up to four stars. I wish the earlier relationship had been stronger, but it ended on a high note for me.
But the last quarter of this is great, and I finally felt like this couple was actually a couple. The action was really exciting, and made me like Shea and Hudson more, so I went ahead and bumped up to four stars. I wish the earlier relationship had been stronger, but it ended on a high note for me.
December 16, 2020
5 Stars!
Hi BookLover’s...
I was scrolling through my sport-romance last night, wanting to reread some books but then I figure something was missing on my list and I was right I forgot to review on this book. Ughhh!! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ I read this book last few months, I forget the date though but I know I read this on September.
Soooooo, Hockey Player and Single Mom??? YES YES YES!!! 😘
I love the Character on this book. I admire Shea loyalty to put her daughter first. Always. And, Hudson determined to push her up the wall is hilarious, the woman is stubborn as fuck. The push and pull between the both of them is making this book more exciting.
You guys should read this.
Highly Recommend! :)
xoxo
Hi BookLover’s...
I was scrolling through my sport-romance last night, wanting to reread some books but then I figure something was missing on my list and I was right I forgot to review on this book. Ughhh!! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ I read this book last few months, I forget the date though but I know I read this on September.
Soooooo, Hockey Player and Single Mom??? YES YES YES!!! 😘
I love the Character on this book. I admire Shea loyalty to put her daughter first. Always. And, Hudson determined to push her up the wall is hilarious, the woman is stubborn as fuck. The push and pull between the both of them is making this book more exciting.
You guys should read this.
Highly Recommend! :)
xoxo
May 9, 2022
This was definitely the heaviest and most intense book so far in the series. But I really enjoyed it. I love Hudson and Shea and Elliot. I love all the boys actually. But Hudson might be the sweetest one on the team. The way he is considerate is heart melting.
May 12, 2020
I loved this book, it had all my favorite themes :- strong heroine, snarky kid and one brooding alpha. Match made in book heaven.
November 5, 2019
3.5 stars
January 25, 2025
I love Hudson. He is a big, brawny bruiser of a man who is all kinds of mush on the inside. He’s had a thing for Shea for some time but he’s observant enough to know that she is not interested in him at all.
Shea escaped one violent man with her baby and 8 years later she knows a “violent” man when she sees one. But when her daughter keeps blowing through “bigs” in her big brother/ sister program she finds herself faced with a man she’s written off for fighting to protect his friends on and off the ice.
I loved how Hudson lays himself out there for Shea. He calls her on the way she judges him. He tells her about his own past and he shows up for her kid even when she rejects his desire to date her.
He tells her what he wants and who he is and when she hurts him, he walks away.
It’s not always an easy story to read but I loved that his felt authentic. It’s the man trying to show this woman that he will defend her but he won’t hurt her and her having to see the difference. He doesn’t force. He just lays it out.
This was a really excellent addition to this series. And all the hockey players at the little league hockey game was hysterical.
Shea escaped one violent man with her baby and 8 years later she knows a “violent” man when she sees one. But when her daughter keeps blowing through “bigs” in her big brother/ sister program she finds herself faced with a man she’s written off for fighting to protect his friends on and off the ice.
I loved how Hudson lays himself out there for Shea. He calls her on the way she judges him. He tells her about his own past and he shows up for her kid even when she rejects his desire to date her.
He tells her what he wants and who he is and when she hurts him, he walks away.
It’s not always an easy story to read but I loved that his felt authentic. It’s the man trying to show this woman that he will defend her but he won’t hurt her and her having to see the difference. He doesn’t force. He just lays it out.
This was a really excellent addition to this series. And all the hockey players at the little league hockey game was hysterical.
February 19, 2021
Hudson and Shea. She’s a survivor of an abusive relationship and a single mom to Elliot. He’s Elliot’s big. His career in professional hockey also embodies everything that Shea has been running from for the past decade. He has his own harrowing past, with an abusive father. She’s scared of “his darkness,” and yet, he loves her and her daughter so much that he can’t leave. Or can he?
I loved Hudson. I love his relationship with Elliot. I love his teammates and I love how hockey offers healing and stability for so many people in this story.
I can’t stand Shea. I feel bad for her and I will admit that she is amazingly strong and pulled herself and her baby girl out of the depths of hell but YEESH. Lady, c’mon. She did everything possible to ruin one of the best things she had and yet, she still gets her HEA.
His ex was ridiculous. Her ex was utter trash. Of course, Shea and Elliot were going to be in danger. And of course, it has to be Hudson who saves them.
I’m not a huge fan of SW, but this book was disappointing because it could have been good. Shea is a character who I could have rooted for. As she is written, though, I’m going to have to pass.
I loved Hudson. I love his relationship with Elliot. I love his teammates and I love how hockey offers healing and stability for so many people in this story.
I can’t stand Shea. I feel bad for her and I will admit that she is amazingly strong and pulled herself and her baby girl out of the depths of hell but YEESH. Lady, c’mon. She did everything possible to ruin one of the best things she had and yet, she still gets her HEA.
His ex was ridiculous. Her ex was utter trash. Of course, Shea and Elliot were going to be in danger. And of course, it has to be Hudson who saves them.
I’m not a huge fan of SW, but this book was disappointing because it could have been good. Shea is a character who I could have rooted for. As she is written, though, I’m going to have to pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
I am utterly in love with this series❣️- if I haven’t mentioned in my previous reviews already. But this story of Hudson and Shea is something else entirely! It’s pure and soulful. I can’t get over Hudson’s character as the gentle giant that he is. So manly, fiercely protective and yet, he loves deeply and wholly. He doesn’t do things half-heartedly, he’s really in it and gives his all. That’s manifested in how he patiently waited for Shea to open up to him and realize they are meant for each other. Shea, on the other hand, had every reason to have fear, be cautious and protective of her own heart and her daughter’s. I can’t even imagine, even in the slightest, what her past experiences have done to her physically and emotionally or even mentally. Nevertheless, all of it only made what they have in each other more beautiful and so worth the wait. 💕Also, I am so excited for Lukas’ story!! 😍
February 6, 2020
3.5 stars. Quickie review: I enjoyed this book in general. Shea and Hudson meet through mutual friends. She is a single mother and a social worker with a past of abuse. Hudson is a pro hockey player. He becomes a "Big Brother" to Shea's daughter, Elliot, and eventually a romance develops. I didn't really like Shea for most of the book. She was rude to Hudson when she didn't even know him because she thinks his job is too violent. Hudson is pretty much perfect and really likes Shea, but she pushes him away for much of the book. Also, their relationship was a little too slow. Still, I enjoyed the story and the writing.
March 18, 2019
Most of these stories I think can be read as stand-alones.
Or that's how I took it.
But I think you would benefit from reading them in order.
There was a few things within this story that probably would have made a little more sense if I had read the prior books.
But I still understood it and enjoyed it.
Super cute story line.
A lot of drama.
Timeline wasn't exactly clear so I'm not sure how long they have been together.
Almost seemed like an insta-love, but not quite.
Overall, awesome story and I would recommend.
Or that's how I took it.
But I think you would benefit from reading them in order.
There was a few things within this story that probably would have made a little more sense if I had read the prior books.
But I still understood it and enjoyed it.
Super cute story line.
A lot of drama.
Timeline wasn't exactly clear so I'm not sure how long they have been together.
Almost seemed like an insta-love, but not quite.
Overall, awesome story and I would recommend.
January 15, 2019
This is an awesome book!
The female character has such a hard time going forward and trying to leave her past behind. The male character, mainly, has left his past behind and is moving forward. Of course, there are obstacles in her way as the past comes into her present. They handle it to the best of their ability and finally are able to move forward. I love this book from the Seattle Shark Books. Looking forward to the next one. As always, it is very well written.
The female character has such a hard time going forward and trying to leave her past behind. The male character, mainly, has left his past behind and is moving forward. Of course, there are obstacles in her way as the past comes into her present. They handle it to the best of their ability and finally are able to move forward. I love this book from the Seattle Shark Books. Looking forward to the next one. As always, it is very well written.
January 21, 2019
5 Stars
Wow what another swoony read!!!! Hudson and Shea and Elliott, be still my beating heart:) Both backstories were heart wrenching to read about, I seriously had tears in my eyes for both throughout. They were the perfect match.......absolutely loved them as well as the fantastic group of Sharks and their families.......
Cannot wait for Lukas's story:) . This author has become a favorite of mine for sure!
Wow what another swoony read!!!! Hudson and Shea and Elliott, be still my beating heart:) Both backstories were heart wrenching to read about, I seriously had tears in my eyes for both throughout. They were the perfect match.......absolutely loved them as well as the fantastic group of Sharks and their families.......
Cannot wait for Lukas's story:) . This author has become a favorite of mine for sure!
January 21, 2019
Engaging read but
I really enjoy this series the stories are great, characters have depth and the books are well written. Why the 3 stars? This book is so engaging all the sex scenes detract from the story. I found myself skimming through them to get back to the story. I like a sex scene but really felt like they weren't neccessary.
I really enjoy this series the stories are great, characters have depth and the books are well written. Why the 3 stars? This book is so engaging all the sex scenes detract from the story. I found myself skimming through them to get back to the story. I like a sex scene but really felt like they weren't neccessary.
May 16, 2019
I didn't enjoy reading this as much as I did the other books of the series. Something about the characters was not quite sketched out well. Don't think it's the best of her series.
January 18, 2021
I'm reading this series in order and I think every review says "this is the best one so far".... but it's true. Each book in the series is better - perhaps because the stories (even though they are standalones) build on each other. But also because the author keeps reaching for more difficult storylines and tropes, and delivering authentic representations of real-life challenges with great romances at the heart of the stories.
Some reviewers have commented that Shea's story is unrealistic because of the number of challenges she has faced. Others have commented on how long she was "stuck" in her past trauma. These are uninformed perspectives. My personal and professional experience with folks who have lived through such trauma is that this story was (sadly) all too realistic. Many are unable to ever achieve the success Shea had in overcoming her challenges prior to meeting Hudson. Sometimes the wounds are just too deep, especially when encountered at a young age. Connecting with someone who had faced similar trauma is also very real, as often only those who have known similar pain can truly relate and accept another's trauma. This can be unhealthy, but both Hudson and Shea have healed enough that their relationship isn't toxic, but it is more challenging because of their past.
Consent is well-done throughout this series, but more explicit and clear here - as it should be. Hudson understands the effect of traumatic experiences because he has lived them, but he understands Shea's particular trauma and deliberately approaches her based on that understanding. I don't know if I've ever seen such a well-done trauma-informed approach to romance.
Despite the very heavy content (with a child in the middle of it!), this is still a very sweet romance. I think Hudson is the first guy in this series who doesn't have a history of multiple one-night stands (not judging, but some of those seem to devalue the female partners in the ONS). He loves whole-heartedly, which is exactly what Shea and Elliott deserve. I love how a series about hot hockey players is actually very family-focused, with each book building that sense of family.
Looking forward to a book about Maddox at some point!
On to Book #8!!
Some reviewers have commented that Shea's story is unrealistic because of the number of challenges she has faced. Others have commented on how long she was "stuck" in her past trauma. These are uninformed perspectives. My personal and professional experience with folks who have lived through such trauma is that this story was (sadly) all too realistic. Many are unable to ever achieve the success Shea had in overcoming her challenges prior to meeting Hudson. Sometimes the wounds are just too deep, especially when encountered at a young age. Connecting with someone who had faced similar trauma is also very real, as often only those who have known similar pain can truly relate and accept another's trauma. This can be unhealthy, but both Hudson and Shea have healed enough that their relationship isn't toxic, but it is more challenging because of their past.
Consent is well-done throughout this series, but more explicit and clear here - as it should be. Hudson understands the effect of traumatic experiences because he has lived them, but he understands Shea's particular trauma and deliberately approaches her based on that understanding. I don't know if I've ever seen such a well-done trauma-informed approach to romance.
Despite the very heavy content (with a child in the middle of it!), this is still a very sweet romance. I think Hudson is the first guy in this series who doesn't have a history of multiple one-night stands (not judging, but some of those seem to devalue the female partners in the ONS). He loves whole-heartedly, which is exactly what Shea and Elliott deserve. I love how a series about hot hockey players is actually very family-focused, with each book building that sense of family.
Looking forward to a book about Maddox at some point!
On to Book #8!!
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