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Brady wouldn't have gone home for Christmas if the NHL hadn't suspended him. Wouldn't have seen his father for the first time in three years. And wouldn't have connected with the girl next door, Angela. His first love.

No way she'd want anything to do with him now. He was disgraced. And she had a boyfriend. Of course.
But Christmas and coming home had a way of making a man take a second look at himself, and face up to things.

Brady will take a second shot at hockey, but would he risk a second shot at love?

He Has Trouble is the introduction to the new Boston Brawlers Hockey romance series. Bad Boy, Second Chances, and Sizzling Sex. Satisfying, Happy Ending. This story can be read as a stand-alone. (Contains sex and language for a mature audience.)

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2020

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Stephanie Queen

148 books609 followers

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5 stars
101 (27%)
4 stars
106 (28%)
3 stars
125 (33%)
2 stars
33 (8%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,653 reviews
August 4, 2020
3.75/5 stars

Quick story and ok read for me. Second chance romance between Brady and Angela. They have lived by each other for years and when he left for the NHL, he didn’t ask her if she wanted to go. 3 years have passed and now he is back to serve a 2-day suspension due to some on ice issues. He sees her and it was like he never left however, she is not feeling the same, he hurt her. It was nice watching them come back together and for her to be there for him during a tragedy. Nice read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the New Adult Book Club and these are my honest opinions about the book.
Profile Image for Aly.
3,200 reviews
July 27, 2020
Amusing sports novella.

This is an easy read with some good steamy scenes and a nice plot. Brad is a troublemaker hockey player who's returned home for Christmas. I had sympathy for him when he sees how bad his dad's drinking has gotten and I may have been a little teary when tragedy hit. I loved Angela and how tough she is and that she was willing to give Brad a second chance.

I wish this were longer! There were good characters and I think this could easily be a full length novel. I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully seeing this couple again.
Profile Image for Randi.
28 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2020
Stephanie Queen scores with this first book in the Boston Brawlers Hockey Romance Series! I love a second chance at love. And this book gives Brady and Angela that second chance. Brady and Angela fell in love young. Brady never felt like he was good enough for her. So when he was drafted to Toronto in the NHL he left Angela behind. I love that the two knew they were meant to be with each other and never gave up on that love. A suspension for Brady was the perfect way to rekindle the love that should have been! The love story that unfolds between the two isn't without problems, but we are shown that true love can conquer all. I love a good love story and she delivered with this one. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,596 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2020
A wonderful bad boy second chance romance with characters you feel like you know and could be your friends and a well-written story that hits all your emotions and has some steamy intimacy that just might heat up your Kindle. I loved the undeniable chemistry and heart-felt romance between Brady MacKenzie, professional ice hockey player who returns home when he's suspended for two games, and Angela Rizzo, the girl next door. Don't miss this debut to the Boston Brawlers Hockey Romance Series by gifted author Stephanie Queen. Can't wait to see what happens in book two!
Profile Image for Darcy.
15k reviews553 followers
November 28, 2020
This one is short, covers a few days, but managed to pack a lot into. There is a lot of history between these characters, some good, some bad. I liked how the Rizzos were there for Brady when his life was a hot mess, both professionally and personally. I was glad that Angela didn't let the bad stuff stop her from comforting Brady, both of them deserved the second chance.
137 reviews
May 23, 2020
This is such a great story. I loved the characters of Angela and Brady. Their second chance romance really pulls you in. There is such sadness and regret in Brady and Angela is the one who pulls him out of his despair. The girl he let get away, but never got over loving. If you enjoy reading second chance romances and love happy endings, this is a great book for that. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.
64 reviews
June 2, 2020
The Game Winning Goal

Even though this book was much shorter than what I typically read, I still found myself completely involved in the protagonists love story. I look forward to reading future books in the series--hoping they will be as fast paced as this one was.
Profile Image for Alicia.
3,058 reviews82 followers
Read
August 23, 2024
Often I think that prequel novellas do a disservice to the author. By their nature they don’t have time to let things build as they usual would, so we get instant everything and it’s just not as satisfying. The right choice was made here to be a second chance romance so all those lead in things don’t need to develop, but it just has nothing. Our MMC disappeared three years ago to go play professional hockey, heartbreaking FMC in the process. Now he comes back to waste time during a two day suspension, basically tells the FMC to come to his place and have sex, and she just sort of says m’kay and goes with it. No grovelling: this is it. There is zero romance in that.
To complicate matters, I didn’t mesh well with the stunted writing style either, and the sex scenes were really awkward. As an introduction lead in to the series it really didn’t work for me, and I won’t be continuing with the others. Which might be a pity, because with the longer page time to develop the relationship it could be something I would actually enjoy, but after this I won’t bother taking the chance.
Profile Image for Allison Friend Trester.
17 reviews
July 25, 2020
This was a beautifully written book and my first one that was under 100 pages. With that being said I need more, more time to connect to the charters and more back story. But if you like quick romance reads then I think this will be the book for you.
Profile Image for Cat Nunez.
1,133 reviews85 followers
July 26, 2020
I love sports romance but this was very short to me and everything felt rushed. This was my first book by the author so I hope the next books will be longer and better than this one.

ARC kindly provided by the NA Book Club, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,171 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2020
Brady McKenzie returns home after 3 years, after leaving the ghost of his dead mother, his alcoholic father and the girl he loved behind to start a new life with his team in Toronto. Now after a sanction, he takes the opportunity to return to spend Christmas and see his father and Angela. When he goes to the Rizzo’s house, he finds a fight between Angela and his boyfriend Tim, he only hopes to have an opportunity to apologize to her for leaving her. But when he sees her again he realizes that he is still in love with her and that he has to do whatever it takes for her to forgive him and come back to him.
A short a nice story.
Profile Image for Cristina G.
755 reviews17 followers
July 18, 2020
Quick little read with some steam! First in its series.
1,352 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2020
A good book overall... Brady and angela get another chance at love.. But will Brady walk away like he did 3 years ago? A book that can be read in one sitting.. 👍
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
907 reviews
August 10, 2020
Short and sweet

This first installment of the Boston Brawlers series was a sweet story of bad boy, Brady Mackenzie and how he began his childhood dream of playing for the Brawlers. And, his childhood sweetheart that he left behind three years ago while he played for Toronto but now he’s back in New Hampshire with his father and adopted family, the Rizzo’s.

Brady has always been in love with Angels Rizzo but never felt as though he deserved her love. Angela was the girl next door and the sister of his best friend, Eddie. When he left her in NH to pursue his new career in Toronto, he left everyone behind and never looked back.

Angela also has always been in love with Brady Mackenzie, the sexy hunk of man next door and the boy who stole her heart since childhood. Now he’s back after breaking her heart three years ago, but how can she hold a grudge against the man she has loved for all those years?

A short and sweet love story mixed with a lot of passionate scenes and some family drama, Stephanie Queen will pull your heart in from the start.
358 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2020
In a quick read Ms. Queen has laid the groundwork for her new hockey themed romance story. This reads incredibly quickly and is full of hot, steamy action while dealing with alcoholism, death and anger management issues. Her writing is fresh, freeing and her plots are unique. This story sets the stage for so much more. While it is a standalone and it is a HEA it is definitely just a taste of what is to come. So get ready to fall in love with the Boston Brawlers heading your way.
2,536 reviews87 followers
December 5, 2020
He left her years ago, but is now determined to win her back. Will he fold under the pressure? Will she let him back in?

Love getting a second chance. I didn't blame him for being scared, but loved when it came down to it, he put his heart on the line. Loved the fact that she was there for him, even after everything, and she was willing to take the chance. This was a cute, second chance romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,213 reviews12 followers
December 22, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the Boston Brawler's series. Each book is a standalone hockey romance with a HEA ending.
Since Brady is suspended for two games he decides it's the perfect chance to go home for Christmas. Only problem is he hasn't been home for three years. That's a long time to not see your family or your first love.
I enjoyed this quick read and can't wait for more from this series.
1,222 reviews10 followers
September 11, 2022
Love!

I love a good second chance romance and this was a short story too! Straight and to the point. These two are meant to be. I would read this as a full length novel for sure. I'd love to hear about the wedding that you just know happens at some point.
Profile Image for Brianna.
155 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2020
I really loved this book. It may be short but its not lacking in anything. The story gives you all the feels as the characters go through the emotions. I can't wait to start the next one!
Profile Image for Marie.
1,496 reviews
December 14, 2020
I read this book in a boxed set. A great read for the first in a possibly long series. Love Brady and Angela. Hot and sexy. Great storyline. Can't wait for the next instalment of Boston Brawlers.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
5,114 reviews23 followers
February 5, 2021
A quick and sinfully seductive story. I enjoyed every single moment. This is the first book I had the pleasure of indulging myself with by this author. Can’t wait to dive into more of this series.
Profile Image for Brooke Clanton.
848 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2022
Second chances

Can't wait to start this series. Brady Mack was a good intro into the Bawlers organization. I can't wait to see where this series takes us
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,450 reviews21 followers
November 25, 2022
Brady Mackenzie has been suspended from his hockey team the, Toronto Stars for bad conduct. Since it was, Christmas Eve. he called his, dad and said he was, coming home. Being back is bittersweet for him, ever since his mother passed, and the bottom of, a bottle took his dad away, from him. Worse than that, is when he walked away from, Angela Rizzo, and her family, as well as, the only real family, he ever had.

Upon arriving home, instead of going, to his dad’s place. He goes over, to Angela's along the path, to the backyard. Where he overhears Angela’s drunk boyfriend trying, to propose to her. She says, no. Because she doesn't love him, and never could. When Brady shows himself, to her, and her now-ex, the now-ex becomes obnoxious. Seeing, the Rizzo family again is amazing. It also has him, feeling the blues. Most of all, for everything he has missed, and for giving up. In his sad attempt, to turn his back, on his father, and his past because it hurt.

It is comical when Angela’s ex-boyfriend tries to create drama. It's Brady who is coming, to defend her honor, and her whole family, to defend him. He's then once again welcomed into their home as if no time has ever gone by at all. Being around Angela is more than, he can handle. That's when he realizes, he never did stop loving her. He just never felt worthy, of her. The endless tapes of, self-loathing courtesy of, his father. He needs Angela back in his life, he needs all, the Rizzo’s.

One kiss seals the deal. Mrs. Rizzo invites him and his dad to Christmas dinner. When he does go home to see his dad he is sleeping in his chair in front of the TV. Brady realizes how fragile his father has become. He takes his father to bed and the next morning tells him the need to be ready by a certain time to go eat at, the Rizzo’s home. With his dad ready they attend. He sees Eddie, Angela's brother, and his old best friend. But, he sees no anger or bitterness for leaving him behind, he's a real friend.

When tragedy hits, it's all that he can do, to function. With Angela there by his side, and in his bed, he could deal. He knows how he feels about her, but can he devote himself, to her like he is supposed to? That is the real question. Or will he always be, the screw-up his dad said, he was? I enjoyed just how this story is real, and raw in the situations of, life in this book. That money, can not buy your way, through everything. Otherwise, Brady could have bought a trophy wife, and called it good. I loved the characters, with a true sense of, family good and bad.
1,081 reviews
November 5, 2020
He Has Trouble is a second chance love story. Brady is on suspension from his hockey team so he goes home after 3 years to see his father. The problem with that is that the only woman he has ever loved lives next door. Angela hasn't waited around for Brady to get his act together but she hasn't exactly moved on either. When the two of them see each other after a 3 year separation, getting back together is not easy. Can Brady overcome his feelings of inadequacy? Can Angela forgive Brady for running away and can she live with his life in professional hockey?

I liked how Brady and Angela talked about their issues and their feelings. Brady was messed up in the head but he was willing to do the work to get better even if he didn't always believe he could be fixed. Angela didn't need fixing. She started the story as a fully formed person. She had goals and was working toward meeting them. Brady had to figure out how to work around her life not the other way around.

There's only just a little bit of the Boston Brawlers hockey team in this story. This story is more about Brady and Angela than hockey. I think this is a good introduction the series. If you enjoy family centric romances then this is a good choice.

Why not 5 stars? I can't give this 5 stars because it didn't knock me over or make me find reasons to hide and read. This book was good and enjoyable and I fully recommend it. As a bonus, other books in the series are already published so you can go right in to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
636 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2022
Steam: 2/5. Strong Language: 3/5. Triggers: Mild Violence, Death, Grief

Novella about a second chance romance with the girl next door. Brady is the NHL’s bad boy. He’s been suspended from his Toronto team again, this time for hitting a referee. So, he heads home to lick his wounds. Angela is literally the girl next door and Brady’s first (and enduring) love. He sets out to win her back. His efforts hit bumps in the road by family issues, team concerns, and exes. This book is a set up to The Boston Brawlers series.

#BANGReadingChallenge

5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
Profile Image for Nanda Ribeiro.
73 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2020
3,5 stars

(Read in exchange for an honest review)

This was a short, fun and full of heat book. Brady comes home after a long time away and his ex-girlfriend isn't too happy about it. But her family is the only family he ever had, and this means she will have to be around him. And she does. And the results of it? Are cute and hot.

This book was involving, even though quick. I liked how Brady and Angela found each other again, how they reconnected. It was a simple reconnection, but completely fine to me. I also liked how the alcoholism was written, raw and without romanticizing. It isn't a simple thing and it is always cool to see the true about it in a book. I liked Stephanie's write too, is a easy one, you get involved and can't drop it until the end. The steamy scenes were pretty good and well written and the couple was cute, but I felt like I needed more. More of them together, more of each of them. I missed this, but I'm a long time romance reader, and I always want all the details, so maybe this is the point here. Anyway, It was a good book to read in one sit!

If you like short, steamy books, this one is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,787 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2020
The story of Brady and Angela was a quick read, but packed a lot of punch. He is home for the first time in a few years, due to his suspension from the NHL team he plays for. He has a boat load of issues with his dad. Most of those issues are in relation to his mom dying and his dad not being the father he should have been. When he left, he not only left the messed up relationship with his dad, but that of his first and only love, Angela.
While I enjoyed this book, I wish there would have been a little more of them talking about why he left and working through all of the emotions that brought up in her. I understand that first and true love is a wonderful thing, but I believe that he should have had to work a little harder to get on her good side again. How his relationship with his dad is resolved is heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in this series. I highly recommend. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
1,202 reviews14 followers
November 30, 2020
This was a short, cute book. Read in just a couple hours in one night.
The plot: This felt pretty typical and like many many other books I have read. Man leaves woman suddenly. Shows up years later still in love. Woman forgives really easily. Mild struggle occurs that briefly strains relationship. Happily ever after. It almost all felt too easy and too perfect.
The male lead: typical male lead in a hockey romance. Aggressive with a sweet side. Doesn't feel good enough. Family issues, etc. He was likable but typical.
The female lead: forgives way too easily after heartbreak. Would have preferred to read from her perspective at times.
Overall: Cute book and looking forward to the sequels but would not likely read again. There is nothing unique or captivating about the book. This is a good book to read after reading something that is heavy and intense. This is lighthearted and sweet.
Profile Image for Beth C..
1,968 reviews15 followers
July 31, 2020
The story itself was a nice second chance idea in which Brady, the bad boy hockey star, gets a second chance with the love he walked away from three years earlier. But it seems he still has his emotional issues. Angela hadn’t really been waiting around for Brady, it obviously still loved him. So the theme was how amazing it is that the right person and love can change the outlook of you life.
But I honestly thought I was on chapter two of a book, when all the sudden it said “Epilogue”. What??? I honestly thought the book was just getting started. A 15 minute book?!?! I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for it, as it felt completely unfinished. There was so much more potential for this story. “Novella” is even too generous a term for this book.
Profile Image for ChloeK.
125 reviews32 followers
August 1, 2020
*I kindly received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I recommend this book if you like:
-short stories (under 100 pages)
-New Adult romances
-reigniting old flames

Trigger warnings:

This story was an intriguing, quick read. We follow Brady on a visit to his childhood home at Christmas. He's not been back for a few years and left behind his old flame - the girl next door.

Due to this being a short story, events progress quite quickly, packing a lot in, which I enjoyed. Although, in saying that, I wasn't overly invested in Brady and Angela's relationship.

The ending does leave you with questions about what happens next but I guess then you get to pick what the outcome would be!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews