USA Today Bestselling author Melissa Belle writes about smart, sassy women and the hot, sexy men who want them. She spent years in the field of psychology before writing her first novel on the train in Europe. She often works through her story ideas while hiking with her husband or hanging out with her two kitties. She loves road trips and songwriting. And cupcakes.
Step into a heartache that cuts as deep as it heals. Belle pulls at your emotions like a master puppeteer. Hunter and Winter inflict a wound that is slow to heal, but makes the heart better for having endured the scars.
I was emotionally swept away with this story. The pain and loss that Hunter lived with daily and for Winter her loss of personal power stripped from her by another. The writing is done so beautifully that I could feel their pain and joy as they healed each other through their friendship, that was ready to evolve into so much more. The characters and story is so easy to fall into and find yourself right at home with your friends joking around the table. Very well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Winter Allen and Hunter Storm have been the best of friends since they were young but, before they could define what they really were to each other, they went their separate ways to follow their dreams. Winter wants to go to New York and star on Broadway. Hunter hopes to finish college and be drafted by the New Orleans Fire, the new expansion hockey team in his own hometown. Achieving and living their dreams, everything changes when Win comes home to New Orleans in order to heal from the nightmare she endured in New York. Her vocal chords were raw, as were her nerves from the assault. Storm is on the road half the season with his hockey scheduled and he doesn't want to board his cat, Theo. When he hires a pet sitter for the time he is gone, little does he know that it's Winter who accepted the job. Even if they can't define their relationship, it's apparent from the moment they lock eyes that a deep friendship is still there. As Winter starts to open up to Storm and share her grief, another level of friendship develops. For Hunter, he finds answers for questions he really never had about Win. They were always made for each other and have to overcome the pain and uncertainty that keeps them apart. This is a provocative story with steam and characters that are passionate and captivating. Delicious!
Wow what an incredible read from start to finish. Hunter is now my new and only book boyfriend. He is not only a hockey player but he is sexy, sweet, kind and oh so much more. He honestly has only had eyes for one lady most of his life and her name was Winter. Both Winter and Hunter knew what they wanted for each of their futures so they both let each other go. Now Winter is back in New Orleans and she is the live in pet sitter for Hunter's cat. As they grow closer they both realize that perhaps deciding to be friends with benefits with no feelings is impossible. As the days grow into weeks and then into months they both begin to heal from things that have happened in their pasts. When push comes to shove will they make the same mistake again and let each other go? Pick up this book and find out because it is a page turner for sure. I read it all in one sitting. I was not moving until I saw the words. THE END. Honestly you won't be able to stop either. I am so looking forward to seeing what Melissa has in store of Declan. I am really hoping each of Hunter's brothers get a story because I so would love to read those. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Melissa Belle is a fairly new Author to me and I must say that I am truly impressed with her ability to draw you right in.
This storyline centers around a beautiful second chance at love between Hunter and Winter. As a hockey player, Hunter has to be on his game, however, his game has sure been suffering. Worried about his pet when he is at an away game is just another stress he does not need. Deciding to hire a pet sitter is one more burden off his back. After a decade, Winter, a Broadway preformer, is back, temporarily, from New York after a horrifying event and takes a job as a live in pet sitter while she collects & tries to heal herself. When both discover themselves back in each other's lives, sparks ignite on a physical and emotional level between them. To me, this is an impressive book with a wide range of emotions and an extremely well deserved/designed happily ever after. Their journey may not be easy, but it is definitely worth your time and attention.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Easy Puck in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.
Hunter and Winter have known each other since they were children and they've always been explosive with a real connection. But they come from different worlds and both have serious issues in their pasts. Hunter is a hockey player and he's in a slump. He doesn't like living alone so he hires someone to sit with his pet while he travels. He is surprised when he opens the door and it's Winter.
Winter has been working on Broadway but she's burnt out so she decides to go home. She can't live at home so she finds a house sitting/pet sitting job. But she didn't expect Hunter. The fire between them is hotter than ever. Maybe they can help each other?
Loved these characters. There were serious issues in their past that changed them from easy going to guarded. But they never deny their attraction and are great for each other. The story was wonderful. It was two people who have had problems that have made them standoffish but they learn to gradually drop their walls for each other and become better in the process.
A Re-acquaintance Brings Love and Closure. Easy Puck - A Boudreaux Universe Novel By Melissa Belle is another page-turner of a storyline. This book features long time friends, Broadway Star and assault survivor, Winter Princess Allen and Hockey Star, Hunter Storm. The premise is Winter coming home to NOLA to recoup and heal from her attack in NYC and end up a cat sitter for Hunter’s cat, Theo. Together they will help each other heal and move. This was a wonderful, heartfelt read. Yes it was steamy but it’s their relationship and support for each other that makes this a special story. I’m wholeheartedly recommending this book for your reading enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction. I received this ARC from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest review so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.
Melissa Belle hits it in the net with Easy Puck. Broadway actress Winter Allen goes home to New Orleans to recover from a vocal cord injury. She takes a job as a live-in cat sitter not expecting her new boss to be her childhood friend and the person she wanted to avoid, NHL star, Hunter Storm. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.
I adored this story. Winter and Hunter have a complicated past. They never dated but everyone always thought they should have. They both are talented individuals who pursued their dreams. I love that they come back into each other’s lives when they are both struggling.
Melissa Belle does an admirable job with this novel. Their story is multifaceted and compelling. It is thought-provoking and heartwarming. Bury yourself into this book when you have some time on your hands because you will not want to put it down. I recommend this book to people who enjoy second chance sports romances with an element of mystery. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Hunter Storm is a hot hockey player who's all that until he falls into a slump. Even his good luck habits aren't getting him where he wants to be. When the pet-sitter he hired for the season shows up, the sparks fly between these high school lovers. He and Winter Allen have a past that is as steamy as the thoughts he has about her as soon as their eyes meet. While they trip over each other, trying to navigate this new situation they're in a deeper bond forms than the one they left behind. But Winter is set to move back to New York when everything ends. And Hunter has to figure out how far he'll go in order to keep her this time.
Second chance romances are my favorites, and no one writes them quite like this author. They're always filled with all the feels and make me wish I was a part of this group of friends and family. I love each of these characters as she writes them, and the way the stories intertwine makes them that much better. As always, I look forward to her next adventure.
4.5 Stars This is a novel from the Boudreaux Universe and it features Hunter and Winter. They were childhood best friends and could have been more but their career aspirations took them in different directions after high school. Him, a professional hockey player and her, a Broadway star. She’s back in NOLA for the first time in 10 years. These two have an amazing natural chemistry. When they’re together their chemistry is almost tangible. When they were younger they walked away from what could have been. Can they walk away a second time?
Fabulous story line! This author smoothly told his story, her story and their story together and all without too much or too little of anything. ALL of the characters were fantastic. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author and this fantastic series!
I love a hot steam second chance romance. Hunter and Winter were always there for each other growing up. But it wasn’t meant to be. It just wasn’t their time. They both left town to follow their dreams. Years later they both feel like life is passing them by. They feel unsettled. Hunter is a famous hockey player in a rut. And willow is a musical star with a stalled career. A chance encounter finds them both back in New Orleans. Hunter needs a pet sitter and Willow just applied for the job. The chemistry is even better than before. Sparks fly and they can’t imagine ever being separated again. They were meant to be. But will they have to give up their dreams to make it happen? “I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Combustible chemistry for these characters; Hunter and Winter have always had an interesting relationship, but can they finally make a go for it when trying to heal each other after both endured traumatic experiences. This book was so intriguing not only for the romance, but the tragic aspect that was dealt with for the main characters. Enjoyed the camaraderie between Hunter and Winter, plus all the Storm brothers made this a wonderful read. I liked how new characters were introduced to allude to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this ARC from Bad Boy Update. This is Hunter's story. Hunter was Winter's world in high school, until she left for Broadway. Ice Hockey has been his dream for him and his brothers since they were little and the slump he is in has frustrated. The last thing he expects to happen is to see Willow again, especially as his new live in pet sitter! Willow left NY, though she won't tell anyone why. I love the story of them reconnecting, finding that what they had has never really faded, and their own struggles and demons of the past that must confront make this a story that was hard to put down!
Winter returns to NOLA from 10 years in NYC chasing Broadway roles. She needs to recover from a shocking trial and has taken a non-demanding job as a live-in cat sitter. Surprised to find that the job is in the French Quarter at the home of her best friend in high school, she asks him to have sexual relations with her in an attempt to heal herself. Hunter is an NHL star in a serious slump who is badly in need of healing of his own. Ms. Belle tells a great second chance story with depth, crazy feelings, and a happy ending after a reader scare that these two will let go of their love in search of old career dreams! I volunteered this review of a fantastic read from an ARC.
This is a beautiful and very emotional story. Winter and Hunter had been great friends in high school but were never romantically involved. Fate brings them together again when they both are at low points in their lives. Well written with strong, multi-faced characters. Their chemistry is explosive and they are soulmates, for sure. Be warned that you start reading; you'll find this book hard to put down. They slowly heal each other and it's a great second chance story. I read an arc via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to write a review.
This was an absolutely delightful romantic read. The romance was of a laid back nature but nonetheless was still scintillating sensual. I liked the Boudreaux Universe where there were plenty of connections between characters. It was the sense of family albeit of blood or choice. There was great caring for one another throughout this story. There were long standing friendships with wonderful camaraderie, love and support. This was a swoon worthy love story that I highly recommend to all romance aficionado.
You just have to love a good hockey romance... This is a new author to me and what a book it was. I truly enjoyed Hunter’s story as well as Winter’s. Two people who have grown up together, helped each other through tragedy and come out on the other end even more connected than before. The way this story was portrayed was absolutely beautiful and I look forward to reading after book from this author.
Easy Puck was fabulous! Hunter and Winter were friends but both were so focused on chasing their dreams nothing became of them. Years later they are unexpectedly reunited. You can definitely feel the spark. The emotions are strong throughout the whole story. I loved getting to know Hunter and Winter and seeing them grow and heal. Ms. Belle effortlessly pulled me into her characters lives and had me rooting for them. A romance with heat, but also heart that makes this a fantastic story.
Great emotional story with Hunter and Winter who have been friends for a long time but parted ways when they both wanted to go after their dreams. When she gets assaulted in New York she returns to New Orleans and Hunter a hockey player needs someone to care for his cat and gets Winter to live in while he is away. This is their story how they reconnected and built a relationship that is both steamy and sweet.
A must read and one I will be totally reading again!
“Easy Puck” Play is everything I love about sports romance. Melissa Belle once again masterfully delivers a book full of heart, drama, hockey, fantastic characters and a awesome storyline, that will surely stay with you long after the last page. This story will leave you with a smiling at the end. A must read and one I will be totally reading again. Happy reading everyone!
This book pulled me in and kept me entranced till the end. The feelings of love, hate, and pain coming out in waves making you want to cry while you read. This was such a beautiful book! I loved the characters wholesomeness!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Melissa Belle stole my heart in this hockey romance. The grief, sorrow, fear, anger were all so very real. But, so was the healing of hearts that brought these two through the rocky times to the greatest of love. Loved it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This well-written storyline has sweethearts who follow their dreams and are reunited under unusual circumstances much later. The main characters are developed, likable, have great chemistry and have issues to work through. There was drama, chemistry and a possible HEA. I liked this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Exceptional! An amazing, captivating page turner that drew me in from page one. The story line is exciting, well-developed, engaging, thought provoking, well written, emotionally wrenching, and heartwarming. The characters, well… they are great and you will love them. A recommended read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book! Story was sweet but also heartbreaking! When Hunter's father was murdered, he came to his bestie, Winter. Although they have never made love, they are always there for each other. Finally after ten years, they find each other. Winter is trying to
Cute story with some pretty intense chemistry between the two main characters even after years of being apart. Love that these two broken people are able to reconnect and help heal each other. Very heartwarming second chance romance story!
This story started off slow for me but got better and better the further in I got. Hunter is such a great guy and so good for Winter. I also loved all their family and friends and getting to see Declan Wild.
ARC review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This was a beautiful story of Hunter storm new Orleans fire hockey player who finds out the winter Allen the love of his life is back in New Orleans and is his cat sitter.