One word that comes to mind when someone talks about me. I like to think of it as protection, watching out for the ones I love. But now I’m spending more time in the penalty box than on the ice and the team owner isn’t happy.
Finding myself across the room from the hot therapist I kissed on New Year’s Eve only makes me push my problems down further. I want couch time with her but not the kind she’s used to.
I decide to lie to her just to finish off my therapy so I can do what I really want—date her—even if she says she doesn’t date hockey players. Just when my therapy sessions are up and I’ve made some headway with Paisley, it’s my parents who throw another wrench in my plans.
If I abide by my parent’s wishes to marry the one they’ve chosen, I’ll lose Paisley forever. But if I go against my parents, I’m failing my deceased best friend all over again.
Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
And the crowd goes WILD!! Once again we are introduced to a great couple with intense chemistry, despite the roadblocks in the way.
Maksim Petrov is the tough enforcer for the Florida Fury. If he has anything to do with it you will not get to his teammates on the ice, if by chance you do... be on guard because he is gonna get you. No matter the scolding or penalties. He will get you. His temper is getting out of hand and he has to do one thing that his boss demands...
Meet with the beautiful therapist, Paisley Pearce. If not, his spot on the Fury might be at stake. He has no desire to do so, but he does desire to get under her skin. Until she relents. She is against it and can't go there with a client. It doesn't help that the owner of the team is like a father to her.
This book made my heart flutter, my eyes leak and brought a smile to my face often. I adored Maksim. Despite his temper and fierceness on the ice, he was a sweet, caring guy.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Aw! This is sweet. Maxim is really sweet bear. THE trouble with # 9 makes me longing for a good date. Miss Rayne done a good job bringing the story alive.
The chemistry between the characters arw so hot. There are also a lot of tender and sweet moments. I feel my heart swooning for Paisley and Maxim. The drama is minimum. Although Maxim acted like a child at the end of the story, but it is still worth it with his groveling.
I really enjoyed this one. After reading My Lucky #13 which I loved (but maybe I was too generous when I rated it) I wanted to come back to the series soon. I loved Maksim and Paisley together, they had great chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. I wish it was a bit longer so we could see them coaching the kids and just spending time together but I liked it either way. I'd love to read Ford's story so I'll probably pick the next book soon. 4 ⭐
Yup, I'm an idiot. For some reason I was so fixated on Ford's little whoops news in the last book that I thought this was his story. And I was really excited about it. So, when I started this book, it took me a while to get my head into Paisley and Maksim's story.
But once I got over my own expectations, I couldn't put the book down. I loved Maksim, when I didn't want to kill him for being an idiot. He was so sure Paisley was the one from the beginning and his whole possessive, protective, hot hockey playerness just made it better. Then he would do something stupid, and I would be mad with him again.
Paisley was sweet and straight forward. She didn't put up with Maksim's crap, but he was so good at making her melt. And I couldn't blame her. But when push came to shove, she stood up to him and didn't compromise when he went too far. We also got some great secondary characters with their own side story and romance.
Plus, I learnt some cool new Russian words. And we got a little more of Fords book teased to us. And this time it really is the next book, and I really can't wait.
Piper Rayne continues to score with the delectable Hockey Hotties series! This dynamic duo tackles the sports romance with the same characteristic charm and finesse that we’ve come to love about their most cherished series. Interesting characters, sizzling chemistry, and light hearted fun- with some heartfelt emotions at the core, The Trouble with #9 showcases all that I adore about Piper Rayne stories.
Our trouble making #9 Maksim is known for his ferocity on the ice- but his temper is becoming increasingly out of control, putting Maksim not only frequently sitting in the penalty box but sitting on the couch in team-required therapy to work on his anger issues. Only his therapist turns out to be the enticing Paisley- the girl of his steamy NYE kiss. Maksim wants Paisley, Paisley wants to keep it professional, and then, of course, it turns out their professional-personal lines aren’t the only barrier.
Despite his aggressive hockey persona, Maksim still is your big squishy Piper Rayne swoony leading man, just with lots of that hockey hottie confident bravado. His protective streak is quite endearing- he just loves hard, and he loves big. And I love how persistent he is in his pursuit of his Paisley. What a charmer! Piper Rayne gives him a surprising amount of dimension and nuance for a rom-com leading man. Some of the pain and history behind his fierce need to protect really tugs at the heartstrings.
And Paisley is his perfect foil. Maksim is big and loud and unrestrained and Paisley is more introverted, buttoned up, straight laced and stoic. But she’s also incredibly kind, clever. But like Maksim, she has her own baggage, and hers manifests in her quest for independence, and in her apprehension to trust trouble-making #9- even without professional boundaries. Together they have a delightful chemistry- sweet, emotive, and sexy. A bit of a slower burn, which leaves ample time to explore their emotions and give us lots of flirty banter.
I’m just loving the Florida Fury family- and I’m loving how Piper Rayne has found ways to capitalize on the family-ensemble charm through the camaraderie and connection of this dynamic team. Every character charms and delights, and I can’t wait to read all of their stories. It’s safe to say Piper Rayne can write just about anything- and I’m so glad they’ve decided to dive into the sports rom-com world. I’m loving this series!
PS: Fair warning, those familiar with the ethical forays of therapy will need to suspend some disbelief in this one as our hockey hottie and his counselor love interest cross a few lines. Just open your heart to the fun.
I couldn't wait to get Maksim and Paisley's story after reading about them in the prequel to the series Countdown to a Kiss. I knew Piper & Rayne were going to make their story somewhat taboo with the fact that Paisley was now the team therapist and Maksim was the one she had a stolen kiss with at the New Years Eve Party... now didn't that just made things very interesting 😉
I devoured this story in one afternoon, once I started I didn't want to put it down. From bad boy on the ice to the sweet guy Maksim was when he was around children you just can't help falling for him. Paisley is the girl next door, in all the good ways, she's sweet and caring, she also has a good work ethic...or at least she tries to but when it comes to Maksim it seems like all bets are off.
I loved their dates, I won't spoil anything but talk about original ideas for wooing someone, So much fun!!!
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Sports Romances, or Doctor/patient Romances then this one's for you.
Wow I always struggle writing these kinds of reviews especially when I love an author. This story is a NO GO for me.
The unprofessional behavior and sexual harassment by our hero at the beginning of this story is appalling. You do not come on to your therapist, I don’t care who you are. As a therapist, if you are having inappropriate thoughts towards a client, you bow out and get a different counselor for that person. Which is what our heroine should have done. Ugh so awful.
The fact that EVERYONE was okay with this kind of thing throughout the story makes me cringe. So yep, this tainted the entire story for me. I can’t even really talk about how much I normally love sports romance because of the ick factor.
Sorry to be so blunt but I had to be honest with this one. It had to be said cause it is rare that I read a book and am mad for the entire thing.
I’m enjoying the Hockey Hotties series by Piper Rayne a great deal. The Trouble With #9 was a hot, sexy, intense story between the Florida Fury’s defensemen, Maksim, and the team’s psychologist, Paisley, and that is my problem with this book. I liked this couple and enjoyed the hell out of watching their relationship grow, but the fact that technically Maks was Paisley’s patient didn’t work for me and she should have gone to the team owner who is her best friend’s dad and fessed up that they’d kissed on New Year’s Eve and he needed to find someone else to treat Maksim.
Maksim takes his protection of his teammates seriously on the ice and to be honest off the ice as well. Lately he’s gained a reputation for being a hot head and the team owner and has ordered him to have therapy which he’s resisting. Maksim has guilt from years prior which is why he takes his protection of his teammates and his friends very seriously.
Being hired by Mr. Gerhardt to be the team psychologist gives Paisley a bit of breathing room as she grows her practice and while most of the players have embraced their sessions with her Maksim has avoided therapy but not her. While Paisley won’t deny the attraction between them her license and her reputation are on the line and it’s one she doesn’t intend to cross.
I loved seeing a different side of Maks in this book, he’s always seemed a bit grumpy and serious, but his flirtatious and fun side really comes into play as he woos (and yes, that’s exactly what he does) Paisley. To be honest, I was disappointed that Paisley gave in as easily as she did when she was so adamant about how it could affect her career. It would have been an easy fix, but she just ignored it and hoped for the best. Why, why would you put your license at risk when it could have been easily handled? I just had a very hard time with this part of the story and am so tired of sports romances where women’s careers are put in jeopardy.
I did love these two together and I enjoyed their original dates and Maks wanting to prove that he wanted to get to know Paisley and prove that he was serious about being with her, but their lack of communication, trust, and petty jealousy got old very quick.
I enjoyed the characters in this story and their chemistry was undeniable, but the execution felt off leaving me a bit unsatisfied.
I liked it for the most part but it was too short for me to really love it. There were two things I feel was missing because there wasn’t enough time in the book. One, was Maxim’s feelings for Paisley. It felt more like everyone around him was convincing him that he loved her rather than him actually coming to that conclusion himself. Even in the end it was his friends that basically convinced him to want her back. The second thing that I don’t think there was enough time to resolve was their issues. Mainly with a lack of communication, trust, Maxim’s disrespect of Paisley’s career and the jealously. These were all things that came up throughout their relationship but was never worked on. Even in the end when they got back together, nothing really changed.
Putting all of that aside, it was an enjoyable book. I really liked the first half, I am just someone who likes things wrapped up nicely in a pretty bow and we just didn’t get that here.
Reading Russian words like kotik only made me remember Christian Allister and Ronan Markov which only led me to compare this hero to them which is a bad thing as they're not even the same species. lol
Another cute read but still not enough to get me out of this funk I found myself in. 😐 I guess I should've picked up a dark romance just as I had intended to before starting this series.
When all of the members of the Fury are required to attend therapy sessions as a requirement to play, Maksim tries his hardest to avoid scheduling a session. For one, he knows he has issues but doesn't want to discuss them, he knows what they are and deals with them in his own way (they help him be the best enforcer for his team, he protects those he loves at all costs), and for two he wants Paisley to be his girl not his therapist. Paisley has loved her whole life in the hockey rink since her best friend's dad is the owner of the Fury. She has seen the best, the worst and the ugly of hockey players. She won't go there, especially when the owner is helping her establish her practice by forcing the players to each have three sessions with her. But Maksim is a hard nut to crack and she is having a hard time staying away from someone who is supposed to be her patient.
Maksim was such a conundrum. He always forced Paisley to talk and discuss their issues but he seemed to be the cause of their issues. But I have to admit that his need to discuss them out and not let a misunderstanding hang over their heads made me love him fiercely. These two were so much fun. I loved how he always pushed Paisley's buttons, I was giggling quite a bit throughout the book. I enjoyed the forbidden aspect of this one, that Paisley was conflicted in her feelings towards Maksim while knowing that he needed to attend therapy sessions and not just because the team was requiring it. I really enjoyed her and loved that she wasn't a push over, that she stood up for herself and would call Maksim out when needed. I adored this book and wish that I could have more of Maksim and Paisley. I cannot wait for more of the Fury boys.
It all started with a kiss. That kiss sparked a connection, however, it was quickly broken when Paisley became the new team therapist and Maksim a patient. However, Maksim isn’t one for therapy and he isn’t about to let Paisley go.
Maksim may be known for his fights and attitude on the ice, but inside there is a sweet and romantic side to him. Those dates! I loved them and they were so fun and original. Seriously, can anyone blame Paisley for falling for the man when she knew she shouldn’t!? Paisley is the girl next door. She is sweet and caring, but also is struggling. I love that these two characters brought out a different side to each other and were also able to help each other throughout their journey together.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the bromance between Aiden, Maksim and Ford? I absolutely love the friendship between these three men. They started out as teammates but have developed a much deeper bond and friendship.
If you’re looking for a sports romance with a forbidden aspect this is one to check out.
it started great, but then.. idk, i just got bored.
she's the team therapist and he wants her. kinda forbidden, kinda not.
i don't have much to say, i just think that they didn't talk, she didn't know small things about him, also i hated how he thought so little about her profession.
I did love these two together and I enjoyed their original dates and Maks wanting to prove that he wanted to get to know Paisley and prove that he was serious about being with her, but their lack of communication, trust, and petty jealousy got old very quick. I also didn't care that the heroine put her license and career on the line, it always seems in sport romances that the heroine risks her job for the guy.
#9 was nearly a DNF for me. It was contrived and repetitive. None of it was believable, and I just did not care what happened to these cardboard cut out characters. His pursuit of her was downright sex harassment and just creeped me out. Hard pass.
Wegen seiner Aggressionen wird Maksim zur neuen Teampsychologin Paisley geschickt. Doch obwohl Paisley die Frau ist, die er an Silvester geküsst hat, hat er kein Interesse daran, sich von ihr reparieren zu lassen.
Maksim ist schon ein vielschichtiger Charakter mit leichten Stimmungsschwankungen. Meistens ist er sehr nett, kann mit Kindern umgehen, hilft seinen Freunden und ist auch ziemlich offen mit seinen romantischen Gefühlen für Paisley. Doch auf dem Eis ist er sehr entschlossen, seine Freunde zu beschützen und erträgt die Ungerechtigkeiten während der Spiele nicht - er muss sofort für Gerechtigkeit sorgen.
Und er möchte nicht über sein Trauma reden, aber Paisley kann genau fühlen, dass ihn etwas belastet. Ihr Job ist auch nicht der einzige Grund, aus dem sie ihm helfen möchte, denn sie verbringt gerne Zeit mit ihm. Maksim möchte Dates und eine richtige Beziehung, doch Paisley hat Angst, sich auf ihn einzulassen, sowohl wegen seiner ungeklärten Probleme, als auch wegen ihres geringen Selbstwertgefühls und ihrer Verlustängste aufgrund ihres untreuen Vaters.
Auch ihre Karrieren spielen eine Rolle in ihrer Beziehung, denn eigentlich ist Paisley ja Maksims Therapeutin und sollte professionellen Abstand halten. Maksim hingegen muss seine Aggressionen unter Kontrolle kriegen, wenn er im Team bleiben möchte. Trotzdem ist er ein sehr beliebter Spieler, der auf dem Eis für Drama sorgt und damit weibliche Aufmerksamkeit zieht, was der fragilen Beziehung zwischen ihnen auch nicht gerade hilft. Fazit Insgesamt mochte ich die Protagonisten, wie sie sich um einander kümmern und zusammen mit ihren Gefühlen füreinander wachsen.
The hero was not it, I get he had his issues but like he was also just rude, stubborn and pushy and none of it in a good way. The heroine needed more of a backbone as she was a little to doormat-y for my liking. Like if ur gonna push /stand your ground don't give in 2 seconds later 🤦♀️
The Trouble with #9 is Maksim Petrov is too perfect even with all his anger issues on ice. Really, this man cannot be any more swoony and dreamy and sexy and charming. I am having heart eyes and Piper Rayne made sure of it. This witty and steamy hockey romance has an adorable and fierce heroine too. And their chasing, feeling and loving games will win your heart.
Florida Fury has hired Paisley Pearce as team counsellor and her biggest assignment is to control their enforcer Maksim Petrov's uncontrollable temper on ice that is making him spend more time in sin bin than on fields. Maksim has an entirely different kind of assignment on his mind. He wants Paisley and he isn't ready to stop at ethical boundaries. Maksim is exactly the kind of man Paisley shouldn't fall for. But he is persistent and she cannot ignore his big heart.
Who likes a good chase? This girl. I absolutely love the thrill of the couple going through dates and how they come to know each other for better or worse or how their chemistry shines through each kiss and each moment of foreplay. And wow, Piper Rayne delivered it in plenty. Maksim may be aggressive while protecting his teammates in field but he is a total sweetheart with so much swag and confidence. He has suppressed a lot of pain and hurt inside and his protective behaviour is an outlet of his sense of responsibility. Paisley made him realise it but not as a therapist. Rather as a friend and a partner. Paisley has a bad history and she has issues with trust and reliance. But this girl is also brave for risking her heart because she recognised all the hidden parts of Maksim. I loved every moment of their courtship as Paisley resisted him at every turn and Maksim pushed to let her believe that he is not a player and she means so much more. It took some heartbreak and angst filled separation to make them both take the final step. And I was so much in love with every swoony, cute, hot, emotional moment. Also the bromance was epic.
Piper Rayne's beautiful writing always brings out the best in the characters, the feels and the storyline. The Trouble with #9 was no exception.
The Trouble with #9 was the second book in the Hockey Hotties series by the authors Piper Rayne.
We met Maksim Petrov in the previous book as Aiden’s best friend and NHL Florida Fury teammate. We then learned in the book description that he had family secrets and guilt from a deceased best friend. As the team Enforcer, he found the perfect outlet for his pain and anger.
Paisley Pearce was the team therapist for the NHL, the Florida Fury. She was a new hire that was tasked with meeting with every player on the team, no exceptions.
The authors took us through the relationship development, both personal and professional, while simultaneously unraveling both back stories. I enjoyed both characters. And as expected, there was an abundance of humor mixed in with some life lessons.
They also continued to dive into the other Fury teammates and I can’t wait to read Faking It with #41 next…Because it’s Ford!
Nachdem mir der erste Band der HOCKEY HOTTIES so gut gefallen hat, habe ich mir dann auch gleich den zweiten geschnappt.
Es treffen hier der resolute, energische, russische Hockey-Star Maksim und die engagierte Psychologin Paisley aufeinander.
Auch ohne die Vorgeschichte über die Silvesternacht zu kennen, bin ich gut ins Geschehen hineingekommen. Die Chemie zwischen Paisley und Maksim hat mich, vom ersten Moment an, total begeistert. Paisley ist auf den ersten Blick zwar die ruhige, verständnisvolle und präzise Psychologin, beim zweiten Hinsehen zeigt sie jedoch, dass in ihr eine Wildkatze schlummert. Sie ist einfach natürlich und sehr liebenswert. An Maksim mag ich vor allem seine ehrgeizige Art Paisley für sich zu gewinnen, ebenso wie seinen stark ausgeprägten Beschützerinstinkt seinen Freunden, seinen Teamkollegen und seiner Familie gegenüber. Außerdem ist er wie ein Feld ins der Brandung, standhaft und verlässlich.
Nur die Einbindung und Ausarbeitung der Ursache für sein aggressives Spiel in der Story blieb mir im Großen und Ganzen zu oberflächlich. Da hatte ich auf mehr Tiefe gehofft.
Und leider verlor auch die Lovestory zum Ende hin, etwas ihren Reiz. Es lief wieder mal auf ein Kommunikationsproblem hinaus, das schwuppdiwupp vergessen war, und Platz frei für ein Happy End machte.
Eigentlich liebe ich Maksim & Paisley total, nur die Umsetzung ihrer Geschichte konnte mich nicht zu 100% überzeugen. Kurzweilig und unterhaltsam, doch auch sehr seicht.
3,5 Sterne
Mein Dank gilt dem FOREVER Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars via NetGalley!
Je poursuis la saga des as de la glace ! Après Aiden, place à Maksim, son coéquipier. Un héros au tempérament de feu que j'ai vraiment apprécié. Une petite romance qui ne m'a pas complètement convaincue, mais qui a tout de même réussi à me divertir ! 😊⠀ ⠀ Problèmes. C’est le mot qui semble toujours être associé au nom de Maksim. Il aime voir ça comme une forme de protection, qu'il veille sur ceux qu'il aime. Cependant, ces jours-ci, il passe plus de temps sur le banc des pénalités que sur la glace...Et maintenant qu'il se retrouve face à la psychologue sexy qu'il a embrassé le soir du réveillon, les choses ne font qu’empirer...⠀ ⠀ Je dois avouer que les dynamiques de type psy/patient me posent toujours problème, et, pour être honnête, je n'ai pas pu m'empêcher de tiquer sur ce point. Maksim a besoin d'un suivi, mais il semble plus intéressé par l'idée de séduire notre héroïne. 🤭 Heureusement, Paisley résiste, mais finit par céder au charme de Maksim à force de passer du temps avec lui. J'ai beaucoup aimé cette partie ! Des rendez-vous platoniques pour apprendre à se connaître, et un véritable attachement qui se développe petit à petit.⠀ ⠀ Cette romance est courte et n'approfondit pas les sujets abordés, restant assez superficielle dans ses thématiques. Malgré tout, j'ai passé un bon moment, c'était divertissant, et surtout, j'ai trouvé les personnages attachants. Certes, certains aspects me laissent un peu mitigée, et ce ne sera probablement pas une lecture inoubliable, mais ce n'est pas bien grave. Rendez-vous pour le tome 3 ! 😁⠀
I loved this book! A fun, banter and chemistry filled story that made me laugh and made me swoon, it’s a gorgeous read and I could not get enough. Book 2 of Piper Rayne’s Hockey Hotties series made my reader heart so happy!
I loved Maks and Paisley instant chemistry. Their banter is witty and hilarious, and I loved the way that their relationship developed, all of the crazy intense chemistry, and every single moment between them. They openly acknowledge their physical attraction, and as they get to know each other, they slowly start to become friends. Their dynamic is so much fun, full of flirting and banter, and the closer they become, the more their attraction grows, and it’s a fantastic slow burn as we watch them both try to keep things professional while their hormones are raging out of control.
Another fun and light-hearted romantic comedy from Piper Rayne that I thoroughly enjoyed, this was a fantastic read. Flirty, sexy, full of hilarious banter, amazing chemistry, and unexpected, beautiful love. I loved this story so much, and couldn’t put this book down. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Maksim is the enforcer for the Florida Fury hockey team. He takes his job to heart, protecting his payers on the ice. But his aggressiveness on the ice has put him in the penalty box one too many times. and being in the box, as often as he is, is hitting their game. The owner of the team wants all players to see the team therapist, but Maksim refuses. The coach is on his back about going as is the owner. They want the therapist to get to the bottom of why he has been so aggressive on the ice, more so than usual. Maksim knows his issues and he knows why it it important to protect his teammates. He doesn't need a therapist to tell him why. But not going could cost him his career with the Fury.
Paisley is the team therapist. Her and Maksim shared a kiss on New Years Eve. But now he is her patient and has a job to do. So there is no way she can cross the line with him. No matter how hard Maksim makes it to resist. Maksim has no intentions of opening up to her in their sessions. Instead he flirts with her and hopes that they can continue what was started with that kiss. Neither one of them can deny the chemistry, but both their jobs could be at stake if they become more.
I loved Maksim and while he was very aggressive on the ice, he was a good guy who was very protective of those he loved. He was sweet and sexy and knew how to make Paisley melt. She was more reserved than Maksim but that is what make them click. She didn't take crap from him and had no problems speaking her mind. But together these two were perfect. I loved how he wood her and wanted to prove to her that he wanted more than just her in his bed. Another job well done but this fantastic writing duo.
The Trouble with #9 had me grinning, swooning, and side-eyeing some very pushy parents 😅🏒💋
Between secret therapy sessions, forbidden romance, and some trust issues, this one delivered all the charm and chaos you’d expect from Piper Rayne.
Paisley is smart, grounded, and not here for any puckboy nonsense. Too bad #9 is all charm, trouble, and just enough vulnerability to have you rooting for him anyway 😏💘
Ich weiß nicht, was gerade los ist, aber irgendwie schafft es kaum ein Buch, mich wirklich zu 100% zu unterhalten. Fand diese Geschichte zwar auch gut, aber nicht überragend. Nett für zwischendurch mit einem tollen Schreibstil und liebenswerten Charakteren. Ansonsten fand ich es wirklich ganz gut. 4 Sterne
Short, sweet, and sexy. My only complaint is how easily things tied up in the end - I needed more grovel, dammit. ... on another note, do I need a Hockey romance shelf?
Maksim and Paisley shared a kiss on New Year’s only to learn afterwards that she was going to be the team psychologist. Their story is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I really liked Maksim, though there were times he was a little clueless. He is fierce on the ice but loving and caring off it. I appreciated Paisley and her attempt to stay professional despite her attraction to him. I loved the chemistry between the characters and how comfortable they were together. I love that they learn to communicate better with each other over the course of the book. I really liked that Paisley could see the pain that Maksim hid from everyone else and wanted him to heal. Their conflict of interest, the professional distance of her being his therapist, is there but not explored as much as I would have liked. I would have like Paisley to be a little tougher with the people in her life that seem to make many of her decisions for her. There are steamy and romantic scenes between Maks and Paisley. I love the original dates that Maksim comes up with. The secondary characters and the world of the Florida Fury provide a setting with friend support that I really enjoyed. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.