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Ottawa Titans #1
Roughing
Fake it till you make it.
He’s the hotter-than-sin bad boy of hockey, on and off the ice, but right now, Sam Stone is in trouble so deep it’ll take a miracle to save his career. One questionable tackle too many has benched him—maybe for life.
However, town sweetheart, and everybody’s go-to girl, Elizabeth Rogers, could help Sam polish his tarnished reputation.
The problem is Elizabeth and Sam grew up together, and she’s not even a little impressed by Sam. But she’s also the girl who—try as she might—can’t say no…
Elizabeth is that girl, the one who everyone turns to for help. When Sam’s suspension threatens her mother’s trip of a lifetime, Elizabeth agrees to pose as Sam’s girlfriend to help him redeem himself.
To make it work, Elizabeth and Sam need to learn to play nice with each other—and discover what else is boiling beneath all their smack talk and head-butting.
SCROLL UP AND CLICK "BUY NOW" TO PLAY WITH THE OTTAWA TITANS.
He’s the hotter-than-sin bad boy of hockey, on and off the ice, but right now, Sam Stone is in trouble so deep it’ll take a miracle to save his career. One questionable tackle too many has benched him—maybe for life.
However, town sweetheart, and everybody’s go-to girl, Elizabeth Rogers, could help Sam polish his tarnished reputation.
The problem is Elizabeth and Sam grew up together, and she’s not even a little impressed by Sam. But she’s also the girl who—try as she might—can’t say no…
Elizabeth is that girl, the one who everyone turns to for help. When Sam’s suspension threatens her mother’s trip of a lifetime, Elizabeth agrees to pose as Sam’s girlfriend to help him redeem himself.
To make it work, Elizabeth and Sam need to learn to play nice with each other—and discover what else is boiling beneath all their smack talk and head-butting.
SCROLL UP AND CLICK "BUY NOW" TO PLAY WITH THE OTTAWA TITANS.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
71 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hegger
47 books642 followersBorn British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 20, 2020
The dynamic between Sam and Lizzie is fantastic. The enemies-to-lovers storyline never gets old when packed with such delightful humor as Sarah Hegger displays in this book. Sam is the guy you love to hate, then just absolutely love. Lizzie is the pushover who discovers she has backbone after all. It's a fun, flirty read with great emotional depth. I highly recommend this book.
January 25, 2020
I hit the jackpot with this new-to-me author!
Okay, so Sam and Elizabeth have been rivals since they were kids. They have history. So of course, we have shenanigans! And oh what fun these two were! Their dynamics between them was spirited, passionate, fiery and so full of spark I could have read them forever. The story was fun and they were fabulous! They both grew from the beginning of the storyline to the end, in their own way, with each other’s guidance and ultimate friendship.
I am very excited to read not just more from this series, but also this author.
Okay, so Sam and Elizabeth have been rivals since they were kids. They have history. So of course, we have shenanigans! And oh what fun these two were! Their dynamics between them was spirited, passionate, fiery and so full of spark I could have read them forever. The story was fun and they were fabulous! They both grew from the beginning of the storyline to the end, in their own way, with each other’s guidance and ultimate friendship.
I am very excited to read not just more from this series, but also this author.
December 7, 2019
I wish I knew hockey terms so I could say something clever but I don't so just let me say I loved this story and everything about it. There are so many emotions running through me as I just read the last page. Sarah Hegger has the uncanny ability to flesh out her characters to make them living, breathing people we all know. She works out the difficulty of relationships she writes about to make them believable and with emotions we can actually feel deep down. I repeat I love this story and will be looking forward to the other stories to follow. You rock Sarah Hegger! Congratulations on another great series.
December 6, 2019
Ottawa Titans star Sam Stone and office manager Elizabeth Rogers go way back, their mothers are best friends, and sparks fly, not in a good way, when they're together. Unfortunately, Sam's hockey career is looking iffy because of his suspension for antics on the ice. Elizabeth agrees to help Sam polish his image by having him donate his time and money to several community service projects. Meanwhile, Sam decides Elizabeth needs to start living a better life, and he's just the man to guide her.
December 9, 2019
This was an amazing twist on childhood enemies to friends to lovers. The relationship between hockey star Sam Stone and family friend Elizabeth Rogers is so complex and fascinating. Watching the two reconcile who they were as children to who they can be to each other as adults was a wild roller coaster. All the characters felt so relatable; which allowed me to really immerse myself in the storyline and feel like I was apart of the cast. Plus there are hockey hotties, which is never a bad thing.
One second I was laughing and the next I was rolling my eyes. No one can take me through the full spectrum of emotion, without the emotional whiplash, like Sarah Hegger. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more about the Ottawa Titans hockey team and those who become their true norths.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
One second I was laughing and the next I was rolling my eyes. No one can take me through the full spectrum of emotion, without the emotional whiplash, like Sarah Hegger. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more about the Ottawa Titans hockey team and those who become their true norths.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
December 9, 2019
Loved this book! The enemies to lovers story of Lizzie and Sam was awesome! Sarah did a masterful job of writing this story. I follow some hockey and found all the references easy to follow and understand! Sarah is a true storyteller! Love her books! It would be awesome to have a sequel but if not that’s ok!
December 9, 2019
My oh my!!! There is just something about Hockey players that gets me...and Sam Stone is hot hot hot!!! I can't wait to read more books in this series! Sarah always makes those secondary characters stand out too! Sam and Lizzie are magic! This book sucked me in and spit me back out. All the feels!
January 13, 2020
To say that Sam and Elizabeth dislike each other is like saying that the sky is purple. These two have known each other since they were really young and have always rubbed each other the wrong way, Sam hated how Elizabeth always had to be right and was a goody two shoes and Elizabeth hated how Sam had everything easy. When circumstances bring them back together, will they discover it can be more?
People are not always what they seem like and there are layers for both of them, best part of the story was seeing the two of them grow as individuals and also as a couple. There were laughs and heart clenching moments in this book and it definitely keeps it on your toes. I am not a fan of 3rd person romances, but this wasn't bad. I give it a 4 outta 5 and look forward to see what comes next!
PS: I would like to thank Sarah Hegger and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
People are not always what they seem like and there are layers for both of them, best part of the story was seeing the two of them grow as individuals and also as a couple. There were laughs and heart clenching moments in this book and it definitely keeps it on your toes. I am not a fan of 3rd person romances, but this wasn't bad. I give it a 4 outta 5 and look forward to see what comes next!
PS: I would like to thank Sarah Hegger and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
January 12, 2020
"I try to get my hands on any and all sports romance novels especially if they are about hockey.
Add in that this is an enemies to lovers book and I knew ai needed to read this book.
I am certain this is my first book by Sarah Hegger and after finishing Roughing I know I will be reading more. I just don’t know who I am hoping more that the next book will feature - Craig or Guy?
But I really did enjoy reading bad boy Sam coming into his own and finally admitting the feelings that were always there for Lizzie. It might have took almost losing hockey to find himself and it was truly wonderful to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
Add in that this is an enemies to lovers book and I knew ai needed to read this book.
I am certain this is my first book by Sarah Hegger and after finishing Roughing I know I will be reading more. I just don’t know who I am hoping more that the next book will feature - Craig or Guy?
But I really did enjoy reading bad boy Sam coming into his own and finally admitting the feelings that were always there for Lizzie. It might have took almost losing hockey to find himself and it was truly wonderful to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
January 18, 2020
Lizzie grew up with hockey player Sam Stone. So when he recieved a suspension from hockey his mom sent her to check on him. This a story that will keep you reading to the last page. I love the characters and the humor shown throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2020
This is the 1st in a new series and is Elizabeth and Sam’s story. This is a well written story which this talented author had done an amazing job in penning such an emotional and in-depth plot and characters. This story is an enemies/ lovers’ story which is fun, entertaining and humorous read. I was totally hooked throughout this addictive page turner and I highly recommend for all readers.
January 15, 2020
Hockey a rough, exciting and sexy sport. Rough being the key word and Sam, Sam loves that part until he gets suspended. Lizzie loves to hate on Sam, he pulled her fathers affection and attention from her, now she has to help him and hope that her anger overrides her attraction.
Sam loves to hate on Lizzie, just like the little boys that pulled the girls hair to get her attention. Sam riles her up to get her attention, falling for her was the easy part, the hard part is keeping her.
Their romance is like watching a hockey game, filled with rough starts and beautiful plays giving us a win with a beautiful goal to the back of the net.
Sam loves to hate on Lizzie, just like the little boys that pulled the girls hair to get her attention. Sam riles her up to get her attention, falling for her was the easy part, the hard part is keeping her.
Their romance is like watching a hockey game, filled with rough starts and beautiful plays giving us a win with a beautiful goal to the back of the net.
January 14, 2020
I could not put this book down and only did so when I absolutely had too. (You know life and all lol) I absolutely adore Sam and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Sarah's characters are so life like they leap off the page. You will laugh with them, cry with them, cheer them on, and you also may want to smack Sam upside the head once or twice. I absolutely love Sarah's books and highly recommend Roughing and I cannot wait until book two.
January 14, 2020
Great 4 star read
What a great way to start the series. I loved the dynamic between these two. This is not the first time I have read Sarah. I liked her books before and this one is no different. I loved the ebb and flow. This was just like a hat trick. The book is engaging and the people are great. I love the premise of enemies to lovers, but not completely enemies.
Sam and Elizabeth (Lizzie) go way back. I mean so far back one wasn’t even born yet and one was in diapers since their moms are best friends. Sam grew up with a single mother
Sam grew up with a single mother and sam is an arrogant, hot head, loves hockey more than anything and has gone too far this time.
Elizabeth is trying her hardest to keep her family together since her mom left her dad. She works a job she hates as her dad administrative assistant. She is a person that gives to everyone and is there for them and has no idea how to say no. She loves helping out all over town and has her best friend Chris by her side.
Sam needs to clean up his image and he does it without even realizing it. It starts off as a favor to her mom and it snowballs from there. Her mom has waited forever for the trip of a lifetime and she doesn’t want her friend to come home before the trip over. So when she inadvertently has him doing so good deed the press caught wind and so does his hockey organization.
As I said the dynamic between these two is great. They share a silent language between each other and the attraction is there. They just deny it and act like they hate each other. Once Sam got over himself and started to realize how he was he was great. The people were great and I loved Maddy. She was not at all what I expected. I had fun reading this book once I was totally into it. Some characters really need to work on themselves. I also enjoyed reading abt some of Sams’s teammates.
These two are very likable characters and made the story believable. I look forward to more in this series.
What a great way to start the series. I loved the dynamic between these two. This is not the first time I have read Sarah. I liked her books before and this one is no different. I loved the ebb and flow. This was just like a hat trick. The book is engaging and the people are great. I love the premise of enemies to lovers, but not completely enemies.
Sam and Elizabeth (Lizzie) go way back. I mean so far back one wasn’t even born yet and one was in diapers since their moms are best friends. Sam grew up with a single mother
Sam grew up with a single mother and sam is an arrogant, hot head, loves hockey more than anything and has gone too far this time.
Elizabeth is trying her hardest to keep her family together since her mom left her dad. She works a job she hates as her dad administrative assistant. She is a person that gives to everyone and is there for them and has no idea how to say no. She loves helping out all over town and has her best friend Chris by her side.
Sam needs to clean up his image and he does it without even realizing it. It starts off as a favor to her mom and it snowballs from there. Her mom has waited forever for the trip of a lifetime and she doesn’t want her friend to come home before the trip over. So when she inadvertently has him doing so good deed the press caught wind and so does his hockey organization.
As I said the dynamic between these two is great. They share a silent language between each other and the attraction is there. They just deny it and act like they hate each other. Once Sam got over himself and started to realize how he was he was great. The people were great and I loved Maddy. She was not at all what I expected. I had fun reading this book once I was totally into it. Some characters really need to work on themselves. I also enjoyed reading abt some of Sams’s teammates.
These two are very likable characters and made the story believable. I look forward to more in this series.
January 10, 2020
Hey sports romance lovers, I know there are a lot of hockey fans in the contemporary romance world, and you are going to love this book. With an orderly, people-pleaser heroine and a hockey star with too much charm for his own good but a big, soft heart to balance it out, there's just enough action on (and off) the ice to keep you glued to the page.
Sam and Elizabeth basically grew up together, and the last thing Elizabeth would call them is friends. Sam lost that title when he used her beloved princess palace for goal practice. But when Sam gets himself suspended from the team, he needs his old pal Lizzie to spiff up his image and get him back into the Ottawa Titans' good graces. Admittedly, Elizabeth has a hard time telling people no, but she's savvy enough to negotiate a replacement bus for the retirement community where she volunteers, as well as some hockey pointers for her friend's peewee hockey team.
While there's lots of great tension between Sam and Elizabeth and hilarious camaraderie between the teammates, this story is also sweet as maple sugar. Sam with the miniature hockey players made my heart squeeze, and Elizabeth finally standing up for herself made me want to cheer because I was so proud of her. Touching on personal growth resulting from real-life problems, the addition of humor and heart make this read the perfect hat trick. And did you notice that this is Book 1? It looks like there will be more to come from these awesome Ottawa Titans, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sam and Elizabeth basically grew up together, and the last thing Elizabeth would call them is friends. Sam lost that title when he used her beloved princess palace for goal practice. But when Sam gets himself suspended from the team, he needs his old pal Lizzie to spiff up his image and get him back into the Ottawa Titans' good graces. Admittedly, Elizabeth has a hard time telling people no, but she's savvy enough to negotiate a replacement bus for the retirement community where she volunteers, as well as some hockey pointers for her friend's peewee hockey team.
While there's lots of great tension between Sam and Elizabeth and hilarious camaraderie between the teammates, this story is also sweet as maple sugar. Sam with the miniature hockey players made my heart squeeze, and Elizabeth finally standing up for herself made me want to cheer because I was so proud of her. Touching on personal growth resulting from real-life problems, the addition of humor and heart make this read the perfect hat trick. And did you notice that this is Book 1? It looks like there will be more to come from these awesome Ottawa Titans, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book.
December 25, 2019
Sarah Hegger has another hit series on her hands if Roughing is anything to go by. This isn't an enemy's to lovers story it isn't a 2nd chance romance its about two people who have know each other since diapers and have always rubbed each other the wrong way even before they could talk!
I loved the banter between Lizzie and Sam and I laughed out loud with some of the one liners in this book. I loved Lizzie she spends her time doing everything for everyone and never seems to be able to say no when she should - I shouted at the book on more then one occasions -'Just say NO Lizzie' I shouted this even louder when she was in the presence of her dad and sister! I just wanted to kick them up the A**!
Sam the golden child as far as Lizzie's dad is concerned is and the quickest forward in the league but has a temper and is always getting in trouble to the point that he has now been suspended with the prospect of being dropped by the Ottawa Titians - unfortunately for Lizzie when she is asked to make sure Sam is OK as he has come home with his tail between his legs - she just can't say know and there in starts this funny beautifully written romance. Lizzie can't stand Sam and Sam thinks Lizzie is hot but needs to chill more and the two spend their time chucking insults at each other - but somewhere along the way the two find they have more in common than they think. But when Lizzie starts to say no to people will that include Sam and will they return to being just friends!
I loved the banter between Lizzie and Sam and I laughed out loud with some of the one liners in this book. I loved Lizzie she spends her time doing everything for everyone and never seems to be able to say no when she should - I shouted at the book on more then one occasions -'Just say NO Lizzie' I shouted this even louder when she was in the presence of her dad and sister! I just wanted to kick them up the A**!
Sam the golden child as far as Lizzie's dad is concerned is and the quickest forward in the league but has a temper and is always getting in trouble to the point that he has now been suspended with the prospect of being dropped by the Ottawa Titians - unfortunately for Lizzie when she is asked to make sure Sam is OK as he has come home with his tail between his legs - she just can't say know and there in starts this funny beautifully written romance. Lizzie can't stand Sam and Sam thinks Lizzie is hot but needs to chill more and the two spend their time chucking insults at each other - but somewhere along the way the two find they have more in common than they think. But when Lizzie starts to say no to people will that include Sam and will they return to being just friends!
January 14, 2020
Rating: 4.5*
Enemies to lovers - pretend lovers - sports romance all bundled into one. This brought has brought some of my favourite elements together into one book.
Sam Stone is home with his tail between his legs after risking his hockey playing career on a bad play. He is sidelined from the sport he loves and may never get a chance to play again. His mother sends Elizabeth to check up on him. Elizabeth has always kind of hated Sam. He wrecked her pink playhouse and her dad was more interested in Sam than his own daughter.
Sam has lost touch with the reasons he loves his job so much but Elizabeth shows him the humility in helping those around him and not being selfish. Whilst Elizabeth is taken advantage of because of her kind nature, particularly her own family. Yet with Sam, she is fiery, passionate and stands up herself. These two are really good for each other, if only they can get over the past and recognise the genuine chemistry between them. I loved the buzz and interactions between these two, particularly the power and confidence it brought out in Elizabeth. I could not get on board with her selfish family and the way that they take advantage of her. Elizabeth wants to be loved and appreciated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ups and downs it presents you with. Some fantastic writing and really fun and characters you can relate to.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Enemies to lovers - pretend lovers - sports romance all bundled into one. This brought has brought some of my favourite elements together into one book.
Sam Stone is home with his tail between his legs after risking his hockey playing career on a bad play. He is sidelined from the sport he loves and may never get a chance to play again. His mother sends Elizabeth to check up on him. Elizabeth has always kind of hated Sam. He wrecked her pink playhouse and her dad was more interested in Sam than his own daughter.
Sam has lost touch with the reasons he loves his job so much but Elizabeth shows him the humility in helping those around him and not being selfish. Whilst Elizabeth is taken advantage of because of her kind nature, particularly her own family. Yet with Sam, she is fiery, passionate and stands up herself. These two are really good for each other, if only they can get over the past and recognise the genuine chemistry between them. I loved the buzz and interactions between these two, particularly the power and confidence it brought out in Elizabeth. I could not get on board with her selfish family and the way that they take advantage of her. Elizabeth wants to be loved and appreciated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ups and downs it presents you with. Some fantastic writing and really fun and characters you can relate to.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
January 19, 2020
Sam and Elizabeth have known each other their whole lives - their mothers are best friends. They can't stand each other. The moms are in Europe on vacation together when Sam, a hockey star, is suspended for 20 games for an illegal hit. His mom can't get in touch with him to find out how he's doing, so her mom sends her to check up on him. A chance outing together, a picture posted on social media, and he's suddenly popular again. He convinces Lizzie to spend time with him, and she convinces him to do a bunch of good things for other people. But then he tells her that he's always had a crush on her, and her lady bits start to thaw out, so they decide to take it slow and see where this goes. What a wonderful book! It took me forever to read it, not because it's long or boring, but because I fell in love with Sam and Elizabeth and their story, and didn't want the book to end. The banter between them when they thought they hated each other was so amusing, but it became so sweet as they became closer. And I especially love all of his little rhyming nicknames for her (Busy Lizzie and Prissy Lizzy, just for starters), and you just know that she's had a soft spot for him all along because no one else is allowed to call her Lizzie. I love a good hockey romance, and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2019
📚📚 ARC - Review 📚📚
Roughing by Sarah Hegger
3/5 ⭐️
Elizabeth has always been a good girl that puts everyone’s need before her own . Especially when it comes to her own family and now recently with her dad and sister since her mom has had enough and left her dad.
Sam first love has always been hockey , he literally breath and eats the game .
There is this little problem though and that is that he sometimes can’t control his emotions in the rink , resulting in a suspension for an important number of games . His worry now is when the team will take him back because there isn’t really any other options... right ?
I had a lot of expectations before reading this book , being a sport romance book and especially about hockey . I must admit that i was a bit disappointed because it didn’t quite reach my expectations. Having said that I must be fare and put my expectations aside and value the story as whole . It was indeed a cute love story between enemies to lovers and
there were some highlights in the book worth mention like the importance of the relationship we have with our partners and how that effect us as adults .
The reason of my 3 is that I really missed the off the charts chemistry between the characters and in my opinion the book could have bit a lot shorter.
Roughing by Sarah Hegger
3/5 ⭐️
Elizabeth has always been a good girl that puts everyone’s need before her own . Especially when it comes to her own family and now recently with her dad and sister since her mom has had enough and left her dad.
Sam first love has always been hockey , he literally breath and eats the game .
There is this little problem though and that is that he sometimes can’t control his emotions in the rink , resulting in a suspension for an important number of games . His worry now is when the team will take him back because there isn’t really any other options... right ?
I had a lot of expectations before reading this book , being a sport romance book and especially about hockey . I must admit that i was a bit disappointed because it didn’t quite reach my expectations. Having said that I must be fare and put my expectations aside and value the story as whole . It was indeed a cute love story between enemies to lovers and
there were some highlights in the book worth mention like the importance of the relationship we have with our partners and how that effect us as adults .
The reason of my 3 is that I really missed the off the charts chemistry between the characters and in my opinion the book could have bit a lot shorter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2020
This was a fantastic enemies to lovers sports romantic comedy! The storyline and subplots were well developed and had all the feels ( warning: you will need tissue). The characters were complex, relatable and showed significant growth throughout the book. The secondary characters were engaging and I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of this series.
Elizabeth/Lizzie Rogers and Sam Stone have been pushed together since babyhood by their Mothers who are best friends. Lizzie was always resentful of the attention her Father lavished on Sam while ignoring her and her sister. Sam always had a crush on Lizzie and tormented her to get her attention. Sam gets a serious suspension and hides away in a pity party at his Mom's home. She asks Lizzie to check on him and the fireworks begin. Lizzie drags him out of his funk and gets some good press for him which impresses the team management. Sam makes a deal to help her pet projects if she will continue to work on his image. One thing leads to another and they fall into a relationship. They have some personal and professional issues to work through but eventually get their HEA. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth/Lizzie Rogers and Sam Stone have been pushed together since babyhood by their Mothers who are best friends. Lizzie was always resentful of the attention her Father lavished on Sam while ignoring her and her sister. Sam always had a crush on Lizzie and tormented her to get her attention. Sam gets a serious suspension and hides away in a pity party at his Mom's home. She asks Lizzie to check on him and the fireworks begin. Lizzie drags him out of his funk and gets some good press for him which impresses the team management. Sam makes a deal to help her pet projects if she will continue to work on his image. One thing leads to another and they fall into a relationship. They have some personal and professional issues to work through but eventually get their HEA. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2020
Sam Stone is the Ottawa Titans star who is about to destroy his career with his antics, on & off the ice, so he needs his image polished by a good girl. This is when Elizabeth Rogers is called in, and frankly, she isn't having any of it. See, she's known Sam since they were small as their mother's were best friends, and they haven't ever gotten along. Not to mention, she's a good girl, and Sam is still a bad boy. She agrees to help the image by getting Sam to donate money & time to several community service projects, and while Sam is doing so, he's also decided to help Elizabeth live a more exciting life, so yeah. The sparks they have always had are shooting everywhere in the sexy way now, rather than the wars of childhood. The best part of this story is the fact that of there's more to the eye, than either would ever suspect, so as they're being stripped back, all of a sudden, those sexy sparks won't be denied. It's not an easy journey though, especially since they have only known being enemies so yeah, this was a great story! Now it's up to you to hit that one click button to find out for yourselves what happened in the past, and now in the present! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 20, 2020
Sweet romance between assumed frenemies. This was a very enjoyable romantic tale of feisty Elisabeth and the hunky ice hockey player, Sam. They practically grew up together and become frenemies, more enemies than friends actually, but since their mothers are best of friends they could never really avoid each other. Hard realities of fame create an arrogance that Sam pays dearly for and against her better judgement, Elisabeth, everyone's helping angel, steps reluctantly up to the plate to improve on Sam's entitled playboy image. Somewhere along the way, they both realise their true feelings for one another. It is a very human story of two likable young people who complete each another. The other characters in the book are also well developed and described personalities. The storyline includes interesting aspects of their lives, including a family feud, insecurities, friendship along with quite a bit of humour where it was fitting and an insight into Canadian ice hockey. I found this book very entertaining that finished on the positive notes of a well-deserved HEA for our young lovers. Good editing enhanced the experience..I would gladly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2020
I received a complimentary ARC - early release copy of this book in Kindle format from the author for review purposes.
This is the first time I have read this author and I LOVED it. Every character and every second of this story was so much fun. Its a Friends from the cradle or enemies who end up years later all grown up falling for each other.
Sam and Lizzie's moms are best friend but they HATE each other and I mean HATE. But Sam is in big trouble and the thing he has always loved is Hockey and he needs Lizzie's help as she is a good girl to save his reputation so he can go back to hockey.
These two were just so much fun. I loved them together and how much they dislike each other and how attracted they are against their will to each other. I also loved their history with each other and how they have always known each other and how different they are yet as adults they form a friendship and start seeing the good in each other. I was very impressed with this author and can't wait to read more.
This is the first time I have read this author and I LOVED it. Every character and every second of this story was so much fun. Its a Friends from the cradle or enemies who end up years later all grown up falling for each other.
Sam and Lizzie's moms are best friend but they HATE each other and I mean HATE. But Sam is in big trouble and the thing he has always loved is Hockey and he needs Lizzie's help as she is a good girl to save his reputation so he can go back to hockey.
These two were just so much fun. I loved them together and how much they dislike each other and how attracted they are against their will to each other. I also loved their history with each other and how they have always known each other and how different they are yet as adults they form a friendship and start seeing the good in each other. I was very impressed with this author and can't wait to read more.
January 19, 2020
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*ARC*
Roughing is an enemy to lovers hockey romance and one that I over all enjoyed. I love these types of books, so I was excited to start Roughing. I was pulled into the story quickly and it did not lose my attention throughout, which is something that some books I have read recently haven’t been able to do. Roughing had laugh out loud moments, the sexiness that I craved as well as some emotional family moments, I only had an issue with Elizabeth, or Lizzy as Sam loved to call her just to annoy her. I just couldn’t connect with her character fully, but I did love the interaction between her and Sam, my problem was how she allowed others to treat her.
Sam needed to shape up or his hockey career was going to be over, I loved how Lizzy would push his buttons and he would do the same to her as well. Sam was a better person when he was with Lizzy and you got to see the softer side to him that people didn’t see. In the end Sam made Lizzy better, stronger, and see her true potential in herself.
I am excited to read more about the other hockey players from Sam’s team, I have the feeling that this book whore has found another hockey romance series to read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
*ARC*
Roughing is an enemy to lovers hockey romance and one that I over all enjoyed. I love these types of books, so I was excited to start Roughing. I was pulled into the story quickly and it did not lose my attention throughout, which is something that some books I have read recently haven’t been able to do. Roughing had laugh out loud moments, the sexiness that I craved as well as some emotional family moments, I only had an issue with Elizabeth, or Lizzy as Sam loved to call her just to annoy her. I just couldn’t connect with her character fully, but I did love the interaction between her and Sam, my problem was how she allowed others to treat her.
Sam needed to shape up or his hockey career was going to be over, I loved how Lizzy would push his buttons and he would do the same to her as well. Sam was a better person when he was with Lizzy and you got to see the softer side to him that people didn’t see. In the end Sam made Lizzy better, stronger, and see her true potential in herself.
I am excited to read more about the other hockey players from Sam’s team, I have the feeling that this book whore has found another hockey romance series to read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 17, 2020
This was a great start to what I hope is a series about the Ottawa hockey team. Sam Stone lays a vicious hit on another player and finds himself suspended from the league and holes himself up at his mother’s home to drink his worries away. His mother is traveling Europe with her best girlfriend, who happens to be Elizabeth’s mother. Sam and Elizabeth grew up together and it’s safe to say they were ever good friends. When the mothers ask Elizabeth to check in in Sam, it starts his journey back to a more favorable position with fans...and more.
It’s a thin line between love and hate and the more time Elizabeth and Sam spend together, the more that line starts to blur.
I loved the sarcastic banter between these two and although Elizabeth seems to be a bit of a doormat when it comes to family, we soon find out she can stand up on her own just fine, and even stronger with Sam behind her.
The relationship grew slowly and that was probably the best part of this story. Sam and Elizabeth both had some issues the needed to work through and they took their time together to do so.
Looking forward to more Ottawa players, will Guy find love? And Dawson? Can’t wait to see!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a thin line between love and hate and the more time Elizabeth and Sam spend together, the more that line starts to blur.
I loved the sarcastic banter between these two and although Elizabeth seems to be a bit of a doormat when it comes to family, we soon find out she can stand up on her own just fine, and even stronger with Sam behind her.
The relationship grew slowly and that was probably the best part of this story. Sam and Elizabeth both had some issues the needed to work through and they took their time together to do so.
Looking forward to more Ottawa players, will Guy find love? And Dawson? Can’t wait to see!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2020
Be still my beating heart, Sarah Hegger, I love this series! “Roughing” Book 1 of the Ottawa Titans Series, is a deliciously witty, sexy, well written hockey romance. It is a romance lovers dream. Where do I even begin. The characters are well rounded, funny and real. You can relate to them on a cellular level, they’re that good. Elizabeth and Sam are childhood frenemies. Their mother’s are best friends and they are not. It’s a beautiful love to hate relationship, except it’s really not. Sam has been crushing on her since they were kids and Lizzie has been in denial. When necessity forces them together, things come to a sexy head. Read.this.book. trust me it’s well worth it. I’m thankful for having received an ARC of this fantastic Five Plus Star read and I look forward to the rest of the series.
January 25, 2020
Childhood frenemies falling love!
Hockey player Sam Stone is in trouble, he’s been suspended by the league and his team wants him to straighten up but Sam doesn’t know anything other than hockey so he drowned his sorrows at his mom’s house while she’s in Europe on vacation. The only person that can get him out of his funk is Elizabeth (Lizzy) Rogers who is his childhood nemesis and the girl next door. But when Lizzy dragged him out of the house with a little help, he found out that he liked it and he thought Lizzy was beautiful.
Sam found out that being around Lizzy made him a better person and not the jerk he had been, plus the other players on the team liked Lizzy.
I laughed about Sam and Lizzy have been frenemies since childhood being the kids of best friends and neighbors and everything that happened between them.
Hockey player Sam Stone is in trouble, he’s been suspended by the league and his team wants him to straighten up but Sam doesn’t know anything other than hockey so he drowned his sorrows at his mom’s house while she’s in Europe on vacation. The only person that can get him out of his funk is Elizabeth (Lizzy) Rogers who is his childhood nemesis and the girl next door. But when Lizzy dragged him out of the house with a little help, he found out that he liked it and he thought Lizzy was beautiful.
Sam found out that being around Lizzy made him a better person and not the jerk he had been, plus the other players on the team liked Lizzy.
I laughed about Sam and Lizzy have been frenemies since childhood being the kids of best friends and neighbors and everything that happened between them.
January 14, 2020
There is no doubting the skill and love that Sam has for the game of hockey but he has a reputation at times for taking it too far. He now finds himself suspended and in danger of losing the career he loves so desperate times call for desperate measures.
Elizabeth is the person that everyone depends on and she will do anything for anyone. When Sam asks her for a favor she would like to tell her childhood nemesis no but she could never turn her back on someone needing help.
Sam and Elizabeth couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other as she brings peace and order to his life and he gives her the strength and confidence she needs to thrive. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Elizabeth is the person that everyone depends on and she will do anything for anyone. When Sam asks her for a favor she would like to tell her childhood nemesis no but she could never turn her back on someone needing help.
Sam and Elizabeth couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other as she brings peace and order to his life and he gives her the strength and confidence she needs to thrive. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 21, 2020
This is a new to me author butI love hockey romance so I was all in. What an awesome hockey romance with a frenemies to lovers.
Sam is in trouble with his new team and needs a polished redemption. Enter go to good girl Elizabeth. Sam figures she is a surefire way to being back in everyone’s good graces.
Problem is that Elizabeth has known Sam since they were kids and she is not a fan.
She is also a girl that can’t say no but uses the situation to help causes that are near and dear to her heart.
As these two spend time together they butt heads yet connect is such a great way. They make each other stronger and are real and relatable.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sam is in trouble with his new team and needs a polished redemption. Enter go to good girl Elizabeth. Sam figures she is a surefire way to being back in everyone’s good graces.
Problem is that Elizabeth has known Sam since they were kids and she is not a fan.
She is also a girl that can’t say no but uses the situation to help causes that are near and dear to her heart.
As these two spend time together they butt heads yet connect is such a great way. They make each other stronger and are real and relatable.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
She needs to remake this bad boy.......but will he loosen her up along the way?
Roughing is the first book in the Ottawa Titans series by Sarah Heggar. I have read the Passing Through series by this author and really loved them so I was hoping she would be able to bring her storytelling style to a sports romance with this book. Well I was rewarded with Roughing. This is the story of Elizabeth and Sam is a wonderfully written with witty and poignant dialogue and a fully entertaining story-line. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this fun, flirty, witty, romantic and emotional story.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is a definite recommended read!!!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Roughing is the first book in the Ottawa Titans series by Sarah Heggar. I have read the Passing Through series by this author and really loved them so I was hoping she would be able to bring her storytelling style to a sports romance with this book. Well I was rewarded with Roughing. This is the story of Elizabeth and Sam is a wonderfully written with witty and poignant dialogue and a fully entertaining story-line. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this fun, flirty, witty, romantic and emotional story.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is a definite recommended read!!!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
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