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Boston Hawks Hockey #4
The Rule Maker
NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he’s the man on my mind.
Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.
Should be fun and effortless, right?
Then why the need for rules?
And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?
Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.
If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?
Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.
Should be fun and effortless, right?
Then why the need for rules?
And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?
Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.
If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2021
253 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Gina Azzi
59 books822 followersHi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
January 8, 2024
3.5 stars (rounded down due to personal preferences, it’s me)
The Rule Maker had a lot of pros (pun intended since there were pro hockey players too) and a few negatives for my reading preferences. The fact that this is a childhood friends to lovers romance with zero pining in the past was amazing. The h and H reconnect again as adults and have fantastic chemistry. Some of their connection is due to their shared history and the closeness of their families, but they're also vibing with who/where they are in the present, though they also have unresolved hang-ups that are going to come back and bite them.
The h has just ended an engagement after finding her fiancé cheating with one of her best friends and she's moved from NYC to Boston to stay with her parents. She dreamt of being an investigative journalist but turned down her chance to support the ex and instead writes crossword puzzles. She enjoys her job, but she realizes that she pushed a lot of herself to the side. The H is the captain of the Boston hockey team and is navigating an increase in pressure and anxiety for the next season due to the team having just won the Stanley Cup. He takes a lot of personal responsibility on his shoulders and is very focused on hockey. These two agree to be each other's plus ones for summer events and as the sparks flame up, they have to decide how real they're going to get and how to respond when conflict arises.
Written in first person, dual POV. Tiny ow drama when the h sees some puck bunnies showing interest in the H (he's not interested back) and small om drama when the ex sees the h at wedding events of a mutual friend (no drama related to him wanting her back or her still being interested) and neither are virgins (the H only had casual relationships and that fact is mentioned multiple times, I got the picture after the first couple; h had a disappointing sex life with the ex).
I thought most of this book was light and sweet with the h and H making an adorable couple. We get some good scenes of them at the events they attend together, with their families and friends, on a date, and just being together. The shift from their past friendship to romantic interest was interesting, though some of the transition moments felt abrupt to me or maybe just not smooth. I thought the steam was done well and there are a few steamy scenes. They communicate A LOT, another big pro, and they exchange I love you's midway in so not as a last hurrah like many of these books. Of course that doesn't save them from overthinking and reacting poorly to scenarios that trigger their emotional hang-ups.
Both families and the main characters' friend groups were solid supporting characters who provided hilarious support, love, and some real talk at various times. The H's sister, cousin, and a couple friends apparently featured in prior books but this one read well as a standalone. The h's BFF and her grandmother were standouts as well. The BFF seemed like she was being setup for her own hockey romance too.
I did get frustrated with some of the repetition of inner thoughts, specifically the h's surrounding the ex and then the H's need to feel focused solely on hockey or bad things happen. Since the third act is a dramatic reaction that rips at some personal scars related to these, it may have been the author foreshadowing, I just had trouble with them being mentioned multiple times leading up to said conflict. The climax itself is pretty emotional and I felt for both characters as they struggled and then are briefly separated. But the reconciliation moment was sweet and I felt like both realized what they could have done better. For once the h was more personally responsible for what happened and her BFF called her on it.
The epilogue though is HFN only 3 months into the future and while it is a cute group scene with friends, I needed more. I wanted to see them together on page during the hockey season and while the h pursued different work. I'm sure these two are side characters in other books, but I didn't quite get the closure here that I wanted for them given how emotional the third act was.
The Rule Maker had a lot of pros (pun intended since there were pro hockey players too) and a few negatives for my reading preferences. The fact that this is a childhood friends to lovers romance with zero pining in the past was amazing. The h and H reconnect again as adults and have fantastic chemistry. Some of their connection is due to their shared history and the closeness of their families, but they're also vibing with who/where they are in the present, though they also have unresolved hang-ups that are going to come back and bite them.
The h has just ended an engagement after finding her fiancé cheating with one of her best friends and she's moved from NYC to Boston to stay with her parents. She dreamt of being an investigative journalist but turned down her chance to support the ex and instead writes crossword puzzles. She enjoys her job, but she realizes that she pushed a lot of herself to the side. The H is the captain of the Boston hockey team and is navigating an increase in pressure and anxiety for the next season due to the team having just won the Stanley Cup. He takes a lot of personal responsibility on his shoulders and is very focused on hockey. These two agree to be each other's plus ones for summer events and as the sparks flame up, they have to decide how real they're going to get and how to respond when conflict arises.
Written in first person, dual POV. Tiny ow drama when the h sees some puck bunnies showing interest in the H (he's not interested back) and small om drama when the ex sees the h at wedding events of a mutual friend (no drama related to him wanting her back or her still being interested) and neither are virgins (the H only had casual relationships and that fact is mentioned multiple times, I got the picture after the first couple; h had a disappointing sex life with the ex).
I thought most of this book was light and sweet with the h and H making an adorable couple. We get some good scenes of them at the events they attend together, with their families and friends, on a date, and just being together. The shift from their past friendship to romantic interest was interesting, though some of the transition moments felt abrupt to me or maybe just not smooth. I thought the steam was done well and there are a few steamy scenes. They communicate A LOT, another big pro, and they exchange I love you's midway in so not as a last hurrah like many of these books. Of course that doesn't save them from overthinking and reacting poorly to scenarios that trigger their emotional hang-ups.
Both families and the main characters' friend groups were solid supporting characters who provided hilarious support, love, and some real talk at various times. The H's sister, cousin, and a couple friends apparently featured in prior books but this one read well as a standalone. The h's BFF and her grandmother were standouts as well. The BFF seemed like she was being setup for her own hockey romance too.
I did get frustrated with some of the repetition of inner thoughts, specifically the h's surrounding the ex and then the H's need to feel focused solely on hockey or bad things happen. Since the third act is a dramatic reaction that rips at some personal scars related to these, it may have been the author foreshadowing, I just had trouble with them being mentioned multiple times leading up to said conflict. The climax itself is pretty emotional and I felt for both characters as they struggled and then are briefly separated. But the reconciliation moment was sweet and I felt like both realized what they could have done better. For once the h was more personally responsible for what happened and her BFF called her on it.
The epilogue though is HFN only 3 months into the future and while it is a cute group scene with friends, I needed more. I wanted to see them together on page during the hockey season and while the h pursued different work. I'm sure these two are side characters in other books, but I didn't quite get the closure here that I wanted for them given how emotional the third act was.
May 3, 2022
What if it becomes too real?
Chloe Crawford and Austin Merrick have been friends since childhood. Even though they just reconnected after several years apart, they have a natural ease between them, effortlessly falling back into old habits as if no time had passed at all. After Chloe suffers a betrayal, she and Austin decide to go to their respective summer events together, acting as each other's plus one, making the impression that they're dating. Chloe wants to eliminate self doubt, restore her confidence and reclaim her sense of self.
From an unfortunate incident in his past, Boston Hawks captain Austin, a former troublemaker and rule breaker, now focuses on making rules instead. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, struggling with anxiety and finding it difficult to live in the present and enjoy the moment, always concerned about the past or the future. He avoids relationships and commitment, keeping hockey and his role as team leader his first priority.
As friends, Chloe and Austin have always shared a genuine, real connection and close relationship. When their summer arrangement shifts from friendship to romance, underlying feelings of love and lust can't be denied. Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope, but this story was executed so well. I felt their pain and struggles, I felt their fire and heat and, ultimately, I felt their deep love. Chloe and Austin complemented each other perfectly as if they were always destined to be together. I loved watching Chloe own her life and take responsibility for her actions and behaviors. Meanwhile, I admired how Austin worked to balance his life with hockey, committing himself to a relationship. I also loved the friendships among the characters and it was great to see returning favorites with the Boston Hawks. Chloe's grandmother Mimi holds a special place in my heart and just may be my favorite character in the book. As a friends to lovers story, this is low angst but still quite emotional. The values of trust, honesty and communication are embedded throughout and this story was beautifully heartwarming.
Chloe Crawford and Austin Merrick have been friends since childhood. Even though they just reconnected after several years apart, they have a natural ease between them, effortlessly falling back into old habits as if no time had passed at all. After Chloe suffers a betrayal, she and Austin decide to go to their respective summer events together, acting as each other's plus one, making the impression that they're dating. Chloe wants to eliminate self doubt, restore her confidence and reclaim her sense of self.
From an unfortunate incident in his past, Boston Hawks captain Austin, a former troublemaker and rule breaker, now focuses on making rules instead. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, struggling with anxiety and finding it difficult to live in the present and enjoy the moment, always concerned about the past or the future. He avoids relationships and commitment, keeping hockey and his role as team leader his first priority.
As friends, Chloe and Austin have always shared a genuine, real connection and close relationship. When their summer arrangement shifts from friendship to romance, underlying feelings of love and lust can't be denied. Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope, but this story was executed so well. I felt their pain and struggles, I felt their fire and heat and, ultimately, I felt their deep love. Chloe and Austin complemented each other perfectly as if they were always destined to be together. I loved watching Chloe own her life and take responsibility for her actions and behaviors. Meanwhile, I admired how Austin worked to balance his life with hockey, committing himself to a relationship. I also loved the friendships among the characters and it was great to see returning favorites with the Boston Hawks. Chloe's grandmother Mimi holds a special place in my heart and just may be my favorite character in the book. As a friends to lovers story, this is low angst but still quite emotional. The values of trust, honesty and communication are embedded throughout and this story was beautifully heartwarming.
June 21, 2021
The Rule Maker is the 4th book in the Boston Hawks Hockey series by Gina Azzi. It is a friends to lovers/fake relationship story that reunites Chloe with Austin, her former childhood best friend and Boston Hawks captain. When Chloe’s fiancé ditches her for her best friend, Chloe needs someone she can trust to stand in as her plus one to commitments where her @ss of an ex is going to be present. Austin gladly steps, asking for similar help from Chloe to keep matchmaking family members at bay. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize how much they enjoy being in each other’s company. But Chloe and Austin both have major things going on in their lives right now and both struggle to balance all the commitments in their lives.
“I was never supposed to fall for troublemaker, boy-next-door Austin. But maybe I am supposed to fall for rule-maker, hockey legend Austin”.
I really liked this book! I’m not generally a fan of friends to lovers, but I liked how in this one they had reconnected after a long period of time rather than one of them pining away for the other. Chloe was great. The struggle between wanting to “follow her man” and do what was best for her career was very relatable. She’s a smart, confident woman who’s been kicked in the teeth and had her confidence shaken, but she refuses to give up. Austin is awesome. He’s a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, but really is trying the best he can. He makes her feel all the things: beautiful, cherished, and happy… and lifts her up rather than the cutting down she’s been getting for the last couple of years. The chemistry is pretty hot between the two of them, from the minute the meet again after so many years. Story was definitely one of my favorites in this series.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Friends to lovers/fake relationship
Angst: 😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
“I was never supposed to fall for troublemaker, boy-next-door Austin. But maybe I am supposed to fall for rule-maker, hockey legend Austin”.
I really liked this book! I’m not generally a fan of friends to lovers, but I liked how in this one they had reconnected after a long period of time rather than one of them pining away for the other. Chloe was great. The struggle between wanting to “follow her man” and do what was best for her career was very relatable. She’s a smart, confident woman who’s been kicked in the teeth and had her confidence shaken, but she refuses to give up. Austin is awesome. He’s a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, but really is trying the best he can. He makes her feel all the things: beautiful, cherished, and happy… and lifts her up rather than the cutting down she’s been getting for the last couple of years. The chemistry is pretty hot between the two of them, from the minute the meet again after so many years. Story was definitely one of my favorites in this series.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Friends to lovers/fake relationship
Angst: 😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
June 18, 2021
5 Star Review The Rule Maker (Boston Hawks Hockey #4) by Gina Azzi
I loved this latest addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. The Rule Maker is captain Austin Merrick and Chloe’s friends to lovers story. This was an entertaining book that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
I loved how real their friendship was and it was fun to watch as friendship turned to love. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, even though they know it will complicate their relationship. I loved the development of their relationship as it grew and I really liked how Austin was prepared to stand up and help Chloe out.
I fell hard and fast for Austin, he is totally swoon worthy and has a heart of gold. My heart broke for Chloe and all she has been through with her cheating ex fiancee, but she is stronger than she knows.
The Rule Maker is a heart warming and I was really cheering for Austin and Chloe to get the happily ever after that they both deserved.
I loved this latest addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. The Rule Maker is captain Austin Merrick and Chloe’s friends to lovers story. This was an entertaining book that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
I loved how real their friendship was and it was fun to watch as friendship turned to love. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, even though they know it will complicate their relationship. I loved the development of their relationship as it grew and I really liked how Austin was prepared to stand up and help Chloe out.
I fell hard and fast for Austin, he is totally swoon worthy and has a heart of gold. My heart broke for Chloe and all she has been through with her cheating ex fiancee, but she is stronger than she knows.
The Rule Maker is a heart warming and I was really cheering for Austin and Chloe to get the happily ever after that they both deserved.
June 20, 2021
I've read every single book in this series and it just keeps getting better. Austin and Chloe might be my favorite couple so far. Everything about this story was relatable; Their friendship that turned to more and all the bumps in the round that made them fight their demons in order to find peace and happiness.
I'm so invested in this series and I can not wait the next book to drop on my kindle.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog * * *
I'm so invested in this series and I can not wait the next book to drop on my kindle.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog * * *
June 17, 2021
4.5 stars! I couldn’t wait for Austin’s story and I absolutely loved it! There is more to Austin than just being the captain of an NHL team. There is a history there that we learn about in this book and why he went from a rule breaker to a rule maker. And we are introduced to Chloe! Best friends growing up who reconnect. You’ve got friends to lovers, second chance, fake relationship all rolled into this one story! Chloe is a strong woman who ends up not letting her cheating fiancé get the best of her once she realizes she shouldn’t give up her life for someone else. Austin and Chloe try to fight it but in the end love wins. This is another excellent sexy hockey sports romance by the very talented Gina Azzi!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
April 3, 2022
There's something special about the way Gina writes that captivates you from the first chapter. You're invested, in the story, the characters, and the outcome. She sweeps you through the pages and before you know it, you've binge read yet another of her books. This series is one of my fave hockey romance series and if you haven't tried it yet, you should!
June 24, 2021
The Boston Hawks Captain, Austin Merrick’s story is finally here!
After much anticipation we finally get to the heart of this rule maker’s past and what’s made him the controlled hockey captain he is today.
After years of these old neighbors and childhood friends being apart, Austin and Chloe reconnect and what starts out as convenience quickly turns to desire for more and we are off to the fun friends to lover’s extravaganza!
Gina hit the goal with this one and I loved how she intertwined it with the Second Chance Chicago Series too!
Five Friends to Lover’s Stars!
After much anticipation we finally get to the heart of this rule maker’s past and what’s made him the controlled hockey captain he is today.
After years of these old neighbors and childhood friends being apart, Austin and Chloe reconnect and what starts out as convenience quickly turns to desire for more and we are off to the fun friends to lover’s extravaganza!
Gina hit the goal with this one and I loved how she intertwined it with the Second Chance Chicago Series too!
Five Friends to Lover’s Stars!
June 13, 2021
I loved Chloe and Austin! I felt terrible for Chloe when she caught one of her good friends with her fiancé. On the other hand I was glad she left him and went back home to her parents because he was not good for her. I wonder where these hunks that live next door to a hot girl were when I was young! Austin and Chloe were great friends while they were growing up next door to each other. Now Austin is the captain of the Boston hockey team and a hunk. I was so glad they saw each other again and both were bowled over with how the other looked. Building a relationship on friendship goes further than a relationship with a stranger usually. Austin has something from his past that he feels guilty about which made the rule breaker become a rule maker. It was fun watching the two get to know each other again and feel sparks that weren’t there before. I always love catching up with characters from past books. You can’t help but love Chloe’s Mimi! I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voila review.
June 21, 2021
The Rule Maker is a sexy-sweet childhood friends-to-lovers/sports romance read. I LOVE hockey romances but am not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers. But this is Gina Azzi we are talking about, and she made a believer out of me there too. No matter what she does, I find myself immersed in the story and enjoying a trope that isn’t even one I normally read.
I fell hard and fast for both Austin and Chloe and related to both main characters for different reasons. Austin’s need to follow the rules to the letter is me to a tee and Chloe’s struggle with her self worth as a result of a man’s insensitivity, is also something I know first hand. For all these reasons and more, I LOVED this book!
The Rule Maker gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
I fell hard and fast for both Austin and Chloe and related to both main characters for different reasons. Austin’s need to follow the rules to the letter is me to a tee and Chloe’s struggle with her self worth as a result of a man’s insensitivity, is also something I know first hand. For all these reasons and more, I LOVED this book!
The Rule Maker gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
June 23, 2021
After Chloe’s relationship imploded, she finds herself back home and dreading having to attend a wedding along where she will have to face the two people who deceived her. Reuniting with her childhood best friend and having him escort her is exactly the confidence boost she needs but sticking to their arrangement may be the biggest challenge of all.
Austin is the captain of the hockey team he plays for who determined years earlier that hockey was his focus and personal relationships were not in his future. Seeing Chloe again brings up all the feelings from the past and some new ones as well.
I enjoyed the camaraderie that Chloe and Austin share and seeing them open their hearts to the life and love they could have is sure to touch your heart.
Austin is the captain of the hockey team he plays for who determined years earlier that hockey was his focus and personal relationships were not in his future. Seeing Chloe again brings up all the feelings from the past and some new ones as well.
I enjoyed the camaraderie that Chloe and Austin share and seeing them open their hearts to the life and love they could have is sure to touch your heart.
June 24, 2021
I have been enjoying reading the series and this book is no different. The fourth book is Austin and Chloe's story. I really enjoyed reading an entertaining and quite fast-paced story of theirs. It was such a breeze.
I liked how easy they got back to their friendship even after years. Their connection is still as deep and their chemistry is explosive. Austin grew up with Chloe, but now he's seeing her in a new light. Their story flowed easily as their friendship shift into so much more.
This is sweet yet steamy at times friends to lovers romance. It's very well-written like the rest of the series. So if you haven't read the series, go and read it. Highly recommend it.
I liked how easy they got back to their friendship even after years. Their connection is still as deep and their chemistry is explosive. Austin grew up with Chloe, but now he's seeing her in a new light. Their story flowed easily as their friendship shift into so much more.
This is sweet yet steamy at times friends to lovers romance. It's very well-written like the rest of the series. So if you haven't read the series, go and read it. Highly recommend it.
August 13, 2024
a books a book. kinda reminded me of a hallmark movie. silly
June 23, 2021
Full review to come
August 7, 2025
2.5 I hate the covers on here, going to be petty and give half a point less for not keeping the audible covers. the story was also average
June 18, 2021
I love my visits to Boston and I love catching up with the Boston Hawkes. The Rule Maker is book 4 in the series and this is the captain Austin’s story, I’ve been excited for his story from the moment I meet him at the start of this series and let me just say, this book was everything I expected and more.
Austin and Chloe have been best friends since childhood, growing up next door to each other but moving to different cities as their careers took off. Chloe is back in Boston for a friends wedding, she needs to save face because her cheating ex fiancé will also be attending, what better than having the captain of the local hockey team on your arm and that’s when this story gets real interesting….
I was captivated from the first page to the last line, I read this book in one sitting because I needed to know if the couple I had fallen hook, line and sinker for got the HEA they both deserved. The Rule Maker ticked all my boxes, I swooned, I laughed and at times I held my breath but what took this story to another level was the friendships and camaraderie the Boston Hawkes have, this is the perfect addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next instalment of the Boston Hawkes.
Austin and Chloe have been best friends since childhood, growing up next door to each other but moving to different cities as their careers took off. Chloe is back in Boston for a friends wedding, she needs to save face because her cheating ex fiancé will also be attending, what better than having the captain of the local hockey team on your arm and that’s when this story gets real interesting….
I was captivated from the first page to the last line, I read this book in one sitting because I needed to know if the couple I had fallen hook, line and sinker for got the HEA they both deserved. The Rule Maker ticked all my boxes, I swooned, I laughed and at times I held my breath but what took this story to another level was the friendships and camaraderie the Boston Hawkes have, this is the perfect addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next instalment of the Boston Hawkes.
August 7, 2024
I didn’t realize this was the fourth one in the series. Usually the free one is the first. This book definitely doesn’t stand alone as it has tons of references to the previous stories, so that was exhausting if you haven’t read them yet. If I had read the previous ones, maybe that would be a net positive.
Also, these people drink constantly. It’s like they can’t socialize at all without drinking, and drinking heavily most of the time. Shoot, at the end of the book the new mother of a 3 month old is saying now she can drink again! If she’s breastfeeding, no, she can’t! Ugh!
I think I will pass on the other books in the series.
Also, these people drink constantly. It’s like they can’t socialize at all without drinking, and drinking heavily most of the time. Shoot, at the end of the book the new mother of a 3 month old is saying now she can drink again! If she’s breastfeeding, no, she can’t! Ugh!
I think I will pass on the other books in the series.
June 23, 2021
I have been in love with this series since book one and Gina Azzi always gives something fun and fresh to the books. The Rule Maker was no exception. I have been dying to get my hands on Austin’s story and OMG I am in love with it. Chloe has been through so much and I love how Austin is there for her in so many ways. Their connection is deep because of their history but their chemistry is explosive. Austin is hiding some pain too and that is a massive struggle for him to fully commit to Chloe. But oh my stars. These two were just everything. Absolute magic. I am dying for more of this series!
November 11, 2021
I've been waiting for Austin's story and it didn't dissapoint. I devoured this story and can't wait for more by this hockey team
August 9, 2024
Chloe Crawford is a girl who had her life planned out, living her simple life before she met Steve. There was an entire expanse of dreams just across the river that she turned her back on to be there for Steve. Her early years in the city, living in her tiny walkup in Brooklyn, drinking her morning tea in a park filled with sunshine an open space, and a community flower bed. It seemed like another life but one she gave up on way too readily when she met Steve.
All for a false narrative, we all at times feed ourselves to meet that unreachable expectation that we put down in this ledger in our head of milestones. Always trying to achieve the next step instead of enjoying the current step she is in. Making her happy back alone in Brooklyn, with no financial security, then dealing with the heartache of Steve’s betrayal in a luxury condo. As opposed to the pot-filler faucet and wide-planked hardwood floors that Steve was too worried about scratching to properly enjoy.
However, his betrayal sealed that nightmare shut. Yet, she still has a couple of hurdles to scale. She has to attend an engagement weekend that coming weekend and the couple's wedding in August. Her friend Abbi will be in it, but so will her ex-bestie Brittney and ex-Steve. Now her parents are going to dinner at their old neighbor’s home. They used to live next door to them until Chloe’s dad got a job in NYC. They moved in her sophomore year. Her parents are now retired and moved back to Boston. When she caught Steve cheating with Brittney, she left and went to her parent's home in Boston.
She hadn't been to a Merrick Sunday dinner in years. It was usually kids, aunts, and uncles. All the kids of the Merrick Family could mean them and all of the old friends too. Her best friend had always been Austin Merrick of the Boston Hawks Hockey Team. You know the one he just won the Stanley Cup along with his friends Noah and Easton. They are all now family Claire is Austin’s sister she married Easton, and Noah married Austin’s cousin Indy who is having a baby.
There had been periodic Merrick holiday gatherings where Chloe ran into one or two at a time but Austin it had been several years ago. After dinner, like many times in their teens during summer they had a bonfire in the backyard. They played drinking games, and finally, Chloe told them what happened and what she still had to face but was thinking about canceling. The consensus was a resounding no. They needed to find her a gigolo to make the A-hole jealous. But then Austin says he will do it. She says she just doesn't want it to look like a pity date. Austin says, “Oh hell no we want him to suffer. To know he lost a good thing by letting you go.”Chloe kept asking, “Are you sure?” She whispered. “You date actresses, models, and thin women, not women like me.” He looks her in the eyes and tells her,
“Chloe, you are beautiful.” pulling her chin up to see her eyes. “You are one gorgeous woman. You are all the soft voluptuous curves of a real woman, a man looks forward to holding at night as well as forever.”
This is a must-read. You have Chloe with a broken heart and the boy next door who all of a sudden makes her heart race. Austin is a man afraid to commit to anything but hockey until a girl from his past reminds him she was the only girl who ever got him.
All for a false narrative, we all at times feed ourselves to meet that unreachable expectation that we put down in this ledger in our head of milestones. Always trying to achieve the next step instead of enjoying the current step she is in. Making her happy back alone in Brooklyn, with no financial security, then dealing with the heartache of Steve’s betrayal in a luxury condo. As opposed to the pot-filler faucet and wide-planked hardwood floors that Steve was too worried about scratching to properly enjoy.
However, his betrayal sealed that nightmare shut. Yet, she still has a couple of hurdles to scale. She has to attend an engagement weekend that coming weekend and the couple's wedding in August. Her friend Abbi will be in it, but so will her ex-bestie Brittney and ex-Steve. Now her parents are going to dinner at their old neighbor’s home. They used to live next door to them until Chloe’s dad got a job in NYC. They moved in her sophomore year. Her parents are now retired and moved back to Boston. When she caught Steve cheating with Brittney, she left and went to her parent's home in Boston.
She hadn't been to a Merrick Sunday dinner in years. It was usually kids, aunts, and uncles. All the kids of the Merrick Family could mean them and all of the old friends too. Her best friend had always been Austin Merrick of the Boston Hawks Hockey Team. You know the one he just won the Stanley Cup along with his friends Noah and Easton. They are all now family Claire is Austin’s sister she married Easton, and Noah married Austin’s cousin Indy who is having a baby.
There had been periodic Merrick holiday gatherings where Chloe ran into one or two at a time but Austin it had been several years ago. After dinner, like many times in their teens during summer they had a bonfire in the backyard. They played drinking games, and finally, Chloe told them what happened and what she still had to face but was thinking about canceling. The consensus was a resounding no. They needed to find her a gigolo to make the A-hole jealous. But then Austin says he will do it. She says she just doesn't want it to look like a pity date. Austin says, “Oh hell no we want him to suffer. To know he lost a good thing by letting you go.”Chloe kept asking, “Are you sure?” She whispered. “You date actresses, models, and thin women, not women like me.” He looks her in the eyes and tells her,
“Chloe, you are beautiful.” pulling her chin up to see her eyes. “You are one gorgeous woman. You are all the soft voluptuous curves of a real woman, a man looks forward to holding at night as well as forever.”
This is a must-read. You have Chloe with a broken heart and the boy next door who all of a sudden makes her heart race. Austin is a man afraid to commit to anything but hockey until a girl from his past reminds him she was the only girl who ever got him.
June 23, 2021
Once close childhood friends, Austin and Chloe find themselves reunited after over 10 years apart. Chloe has moved back home with her parents after heartbreak, and Austin is coming off a big cup win. The pari fall quickly into old banter and friendship with ease. So when Chloe is in desperate need of a date for summer wedding festivities where her ex will be there….Austin steps in to help. Because Austin thrives with rules, there are rules to their arrangement.
I loved Chloe from the start, and it was clear that her ex did a big number on her self esteem. She gave herself and put aside her hopes and dreams to ensure his dreams were accomplished. Austin see’s the girl he once knew and encourages her to find her passion.
Sweet sweet Austin. He is the guy that shoulders so much responsibility, wants those around him to be happy but doesn’t feel it is possible for him. He is set that he can only focus on hockey and making his team the strongest team yet. Although he is serious he also has a very fun side that he lets shine when Chloe is around.
Together these two are magic. There is an ease in their relationship that comes with true friendship. I really loved to watch these two fall in love. Austin encouraged Chloe to be herself without judgement. Chloe also supported Austin in the way he needed. The dynamics not only with the characters was stellar but the side characters and their families added to the story's interest and humor. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Chloe’s Mimi. We all need a Mimi in our lives, she was so so funny, loved the characters, and encouraged them without being shy! There was not a scene that Mimi was in that didn’t leave me smiling! Truth be told, it made me long for my late Grandmother.
This friends to lovers sort of fake relationship is a bit of a slow burn. I am generally a reader that enjoys my spice, but I will say that I didn’t miss it much with this book. These two took their time, but when they jumped in they jumped in and it was steamy and so hot. If you enjoy a friends to lovers, a sports romance with a lot of fun family dynamics then you need to check this book out. To get the full experience I would encourage you to read the whole series….I promise you will not be disappointed! Another fabulous read by the lovely Gina Azzi!
I loved Chloe from the start, and it was clear that her ex did a big number on her self esteem. She gave herself and put aside her hopes and dreams to ensure his dreams were accomplished. Austin see’s the girl he once knew and encourages her to find her passion.
Sweet sweet Austin. He is the guy that shoulders so much responsibility, wants those around him to be happy but doesn’t feel it is possible for him. He is set that he can only focus on hockey and making his team the strongest team yet. Although he is serious he also has a very fun side that he lets shine when Chloe is around.
Together these two are magic. There is an ease in their relationship that comes with true friendship. I really loved to watch these two fall in love. Austin encouraged Chloe to be herself without judgement. Chloe also supported Austin in the way he needed. The dynamics not only with the characters was stellar but the side characters and their families added to the story's interest and humor. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Chloe’s Mimi. We all need a Mimi in our lives, she was so so funny, loved the characters, and encouraged them without being shy! There was not a scene that Mimi was in that didn’t leave me smiling! Truth be told, it made me long for my late Grandmother.
This friends to lovers sort of fake relationship is a bit of a slow burn. I am generally a reader that enjoys my spice, but I will say that I didn’t miss it much with this book. These two took their time, but when they jumped in they jumped in and it was steamy and so hot. If you enjoy a friends to lovers, a sports romance with a lot of fun family dynamics then you need to check this book out. To get the full experience I would encourage you to read the whole series….I promise you will not be disappointed! Another fabulous read by the lovely Gina Azzi!
June 28, 2022
The Rule Maker
Austin and Chloe
Childhood friends to lovers
A great addition to the series, I’m loving the guys on this team.
Austin and Chloe grew up together. Best friends all through school, but went their separate ways when her parents moved to New York her sophomore year.
Austin went on to be a hockey star, the captain of his team, win the Cup.
Chloe fell for and was engaged to a man that stifled her career, and cheated on her with one of her closest friends.
When her parents move back to Boston, she tags along since she’s currently living with them. Licking her wounds trying to get over her ex. And trying to figure out how she’s going to get through the summer of wedding functions for their mutual friends.
Austin and Chloe quickly reconnect and fall back into their natural, easygoing friendship.
Austin needs a date to a hockey gala, she needs a date to the wedding parties. They decide to be each other’s dates for the summer.
Friendship quickly morphs into something more. And they both admit to having feelings for each other. Austin is very honest with her and tells her his team, his teammates and his responsibilities as captain will always come first. Chloe understands his commitments and agrees.
Austin takes his capacity seriously. It causes huge anxiety and stress. He was known as the rule breaker in high school and college. Breaking one of these rules resulted in tragedy. Causing him to be hyper focused on his teammates.
Chloe was basically a doormat for her ex. It takes being in a relationship with Austin to see how a real man should treat his woman. But below the surface, deep In herself she can’t let go of those old insecurities of hurt and betrayal.
A quick, easy read.
Great characters. The stories have a nice easy flow.
What I’m struggling with are the endings. While each couple works through their issues and end up together in the end, there aren’t really HEA’s. More like Happy For Now’s. No engagements, no marriages. (except Torsten and Rielle) Poor Indy has been pregnant since the first book (she does finally have the baby) but with all the time jumps it’s been the longest pregnancy I’ve ever seen. I guess I want more of a solid commitment for each.
That being said, I will continue reading the series.
Dual points of view
No cheating
Austin and Chloe
Childhood friends to lovers
A great addition to the series, I’m loving the guys on this team.
Austin and Chloe grew up together. Best friends all through school, but went their separate ways when her parents moved to New York her sophomore year.
Austin went on to be a hockey star, the captain of his team, win the Cup.
Chloe fell for and was engaged to a man that stifled her career, and cheated on her with one of her closest friends.
When her parents move back to Boston, she tags along since she’s currently living with them. Licking her wounds trying to get over her ex. And trying to figure out how she’s going to get through the summer of wedding functions for their mutual friends.
Austin and Chloe quickly reconnect and fall back into their natural, easygoing friendship.
Austin needs a date to a hockey gala, she needs a date to the wedding parties. They decide to be each other’s dates for the summer.
Friendship quickly morphs into something more. And they both admit to having feelings for each other. Austin is very honest with her and tells her his team, his teammates and his responsibilities as captain will always come first. Chloe understands his commitments and agrees.
Austin takes his capacity seriously. It causes huge anxiety and stress. He was known as the rule breaker in high school and college. Breaking one of these rules resulted in tragedy. Causing him to be hyper focused on his teammates.
Chloe was basically a doormat for her ex. It takes being in a relationship with Austin to see how a real man should treat his woman. But below the surface, deep In herself she can’t let go of those old insecurities of hurt and betrayal.
A quick, easy read.
Great characters. The stories have a nice easy flow.
What I’m struggling with are the endings. While each couple works through their issues and end up together in the end, there aren’t really HEA’s. More like Happy For Now’s. No engagements, no marriages. (except Torsten and Rielle) Poor Indy has been pregnant since the first book (she does finally have the baby) but with all the time jumps it’s been the longest pregnancy I’ve ever seen. I guess I want more of a solid commitment for each.
That being said, I will continue reading the series.
Dual points of view
No cheating
January 30, 2022
The Rule Maker
Boston Hawks Hockey
By: Gina Azzi
Narrated by: Stefanie Kay, Dash Coleman
The Boston Hawks. Now that is a team I would love to get to know. Each of the books gives us a look at another of the players and each is so different that it makes for a great series. This one features the captain of the team, Austin. Chloe has come back to Boston after a horrible break up. Now needing to prove she has moved on, her best childhood friend, Austin has teamed up with her to go to each other's functions for the summer. This is a good solution to Chloe's need to save face in front of her ex, and Austin's need to keep the puck bunnies away. But with a history like these two, will they begin to realize just how perfect they are together? Will feelings begin to take over? And if they do, how will it affect their friendship? Oh my, what a story! You had me when these two began reminiscing about their childhoods. Chloe is lovely. A little insecure, she looks for all the problems that may occur. I think that makes her very easy to relate to! Austin is charming and warm. I love his heart! Plus, we get to visit with all the players we have me previously. This makes it feel like coming home as we fall into that easy banter. It's another wonderful book added to this series.
Stefanie Kay and Dash Coleman bring this gem to life with an amazing narration. Kay comes in as Chloe, giving her that vulnerability that comes with heartbreak and we get to hear her voice change as she mends her heart. Coleman has a warmth and understanding in his voice that is easy to listen to. He creates a very real Austin. These two are perfectly cast to their roles and made for an enjoyable listen.
Boston Hawks Hockey
By: Gina Azzi
Narrated by: Stefanie Kay, Dash Coleman
The Boston Hawks. Now that is a team I would love to get to know. Each of the books gives us a look at another of the players and each is so different that it makes for a great series. This one features the captain of the team, Austin. Chloe has come back to Boston after a horrible break up. Now needing to prove she has moved on, her best childhood friend, Austin has teamed up with her to go to each other's functions for the summer. This is a good solution to Chloe's need to save face in front of her ex, and Austin's need to keep the puck bunnies away. But with a history like these two, will they begin to realize just how perfect they are together? Will feelings begin to take over? And if they do, how will it affect their friendship? Oh my, what a story! You had me when these two began reminiscing about their childhoods. Chloe is lovely. A little insecure, she looks for all the problems that may occur. I think that makes her very easy to relate to! Austin is charming and warm. I love his heart! Plus, we get to visit with all the players we have me previously. This makes it feel like coming home as we fall into that easy banter. It's another wonderful book added to this series.
Stefanie Kay and Dash Coleman bring this gem to life with an amazing narration. Kay comes in as Chloe, giving her that vulnerability that comes with heartbreak and we get to hear her voice change as she mends her heart. Coleman has a warmth and understanding in his voice that is easy to listen to. He creates a very real Austin. These two are perfectly cast to their roles and made for an enjoyable listen.
June 15, 2021
4.5 stars
I'd been waiting for Austin's story since the beginning of this series. And what a story it was, we got huge glimpses of the character of the man he is. Yes, he is the captain, the leader but behind it, all is a man that carries guilt on his shoulders from something that happened so long ago.
The team and family that surround the story are brilliant and when Chloe comes back home to Boston, feelings of old and from their childhood flickers to life. This is a great friends-to-lovers story. One that makes you cry, laugh, and get all the feels as this story unfolds. Chloe is healing from a broken heart and although Austin helps, any small thing triggers her insecurities.
As you read this beautiful love story. The bond that was made so long ago between these two people holds them strong and together. It's a great addition to this series and a total recommendation from me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
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I'd been waiting for Austin's story since the beginning of this series. And what a story it was, we got huge glimpses of the character of the man he is. Yes, he is the captain, the leader but behind it, all is a man that carries guilt on his shoulders from something that happened so long ago.
The team and family that surround the story are brilliant and when Chloe comes back home to Boston, feelings of old and from their childhood flickers to life. This is a great friends-to-lovers story. One that makes you cry, laugh, and get all the feels as this story unfolds. Chloe is healing from a broken heart and although Austin helps, any small thing triggers her insecurities.
As you read this beautiful love story. The bond that was made so long ago between these two people holds them strong and together. It's a great addition to this series and a total recommendation from me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
June 21, 2021
The Rule Maker is a fabulous read by Gina Azzi. The fourth book in the Boston Hawks Hockey series, it's an awesome sports romance.
Oh dear lord, I love this series! And this one is a stellar addition to the fun.
Chloe and Austin were best friends as kids. After years apart, they are reunited when Chloe arrives back in town.
I love everything about this story. Ex best friends. Ex lovers. Their family are friends. And now fake dates, as Chloe needs a date to a mutual friend's wedding, as her cheating ex will be there.
The connection between the two is intense. And damn, the sex is hot!
Seeing the two get to know one another again is wonderful. I adore the way they have such a strong history together. Add in the easy way in which things evolve when they are fake dating, and I just can't get enough.
As for the obstacles and angst, it's all well done. Everything happens naturally and realistically; nothing is forced. Both are human and make mistakes that are fitting of their characters. One can always appreciate that.
But don't worry. True love wins in the end.
The writing is great. Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are easily brought to life. I'm not usually a fan of present tense, but this author writes it flawlessly, making it flow easily and without any awkward moments.
The Rule Maker is a delightful sports romance. Be sure to check out this Gina Azzi gem the next time you're in the mood for friends to lovers, fake romance, or hockey! You won't regret it.
Oh dear lord, I love this series! And this one is a stellar addition to the fun.
Chloe and Austin were best friends as kids. After years apart, they are reunited when Chloe arrives back in town.
I love everything about this story. Ex best friends. Ex lovers. Their family are friends. And now fake dates, as Chloe needs a date to a mutual friend's wedding, as her cheating ex will be there.
The connection between the two is intense. And damn, the sex is hot!
Seeing the two get to know one another again is wonderful. I adore the way they have such a strong history together. Add in the easy way in which things evolve when they are fake dating, and I just can't get enough.
As for the obstacles and angst, it's all well done. Everything happens naturally and realistically; nothing is forced. Both are human and make mistakes that are fitting of their characters. One can always appreciate that.
But don't worry. True love wins in the end.
The writing is great. Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are easily brought to life. I'm not usually a fan of present tense, but this author writes it flawlessly, making it flow easily and without any awkward moments.
The Rule Maker is a delightful sports romance. Be sure to check out this Gina Azzi gem the next time you're in the mood for friends to lovers, fake romance, or hockey! You won't regret it.
June 23, 2021
Gina Azzi continues to give us wonderful characters who you can't help but get lost in their story. Chloe and Austin were childhood friends that lost touch as they got older and reconnect after Chloe's personal life sort of implodes. When they reconnect, Austin realized how much he has truly missed Chloe without even realizing it. There are moments that you want to smack them both because they are closed off in some ways, but hug them both because of the things they have been through. Austin has an aversion to real and lasting relationships outside of his family because of events that happened in college and he is holding onto the guilt from the after math of decision that he had made. That event was the catalyst for a change in the way Austin treated certain aspects of his life. Chloe had her life planned out until she caught her fiancé and one of her best friends in bed together and it changed everything. She was stuck in a relationship that wasn't fulfilling and created self-doubts and hang-ups that she isn't aware of. There are so many sweet moments in this story, and the moment that breaks down the sweet you understand why it happens but at the same time you just want to scream at them to TALK TO EACH OTHER. They both needed to just open up a little, but at the same time, you get it. You get these two people who are perfect puzzle pieces but need to work through their issues on their own and they do it and do it big.
September 29, 2025
Chloe has just broken things off with her fiance after catching him cheating on her... with her supposed best friend. Now, back home and living in Boston, she crosses paths with her childhood best friend who is none other than Austin Merrick. The same Austin Merrick of the NHL Boston Hawks who just led his team to a Stanley acup as their captain. But with two weddings and an engagement party over the summer, Chloe is not looking forward to going to these event solo... especially since her ex fiance is also going. With his new girlfriend/her former friend. And that's when Austin offers to take her as his date. While the two of them never had anything between them, they begin to realize that the chemistry between them might be more than just friends, and maybe they were the only ines that were blind to it. If only they're willing to take the chance.
This was a really cute friends-to-lovers romance. But what I find really interesting about this, is there was no backstory of pining for each other over the years. Like, they were legit just friends, and I like how their relationship felt very organic when it came to that friendship. And when the romance was introduced, it felt like a logical next step and not forced or anything. And I very much enjoyed that. I also like the fact that they both had to work on themselves and they take the time to do so. This was fun and cute, and I'm really enjoying this series.
This was a really cute friends-to-lovers romance. But what I find really interesting about this, is there was no backstory of pining for each other over the years. Like, they were legit just friends, and I like how their relationship felt very organic when it came to that friendship. And when the romance was introduced, it felt like a logical next step and not forced or anything. And I very much enjoyed that. I also like the fact that they both had to work on themselves and they take the time to do so. This was fun and cute, and I'm really enjoying this series.
February 28, 2022
Gina Azzi writes incredible romances and the characters are so authentic that you expect them to step off the pages. Austin and Chloe make you believe in happily ever after. You cheer for them every step of the way as they discover that best friends can become lovers. The difficulties that the two of them encounter are every day situations and the outcomes are so true to life.
Austin Merrick is the captain of the Boston Hawks and takes the responsibilities that come with the position to heart. He's the type of person that wants to be there for his teammates, no matter what time of day it is. Whether they need him on or off the ice, they can count on him. When the Hawks win the Stanley Cup, he spends the time after their win wondering how he will help the team reach their full potential for the next season, even though they haven't started training yet. Chloe Crawford is the girl who lived next door to him and was his best friend growing up. When she comes home heartbroken after breaking up with her finance, she needs a date to a wedding that they were both going to attend. His cousin volunteers him to be Chloe's date and, being the responsible guy that he is, he agrees to help his childhood friend out of a difficult spot. When they realize that they both have a number of social functions to attend over the summer, they come to an agreement to be each others dates so their mothers will stop trying to set them up. What they don't count on is how being so comfortable with each other morphs into much stronger feelings. They will have to overcome how Chloe's history with her ex keeps rearing its ugly head and Austin's need to manage every little thing. Love blossoms between them but can it conquer all their insecurities?
Pick up this amazing story and see just what becomes of the captain of the Hawks and his best friend. You won't regret reading this instalment of the Boston Hawks series.
Austin Merrick is the captain of the Boston Hawks and takes the responsibilities that come with the position to heart. He's the type of person that wants to be there for his teammates, no matter what time of day it is. Whether they need him on or off the ice, they can count on him. When the Hawks win the Stanley Cup, he spends the time after their win wondering how he will help the team reach their full potential for the next season, even though they haven't started training yet. Chloe Crawford is the girl who lived next door to him and was his best friend growing up. When she comes home heartbroken after breaking up with her finance, she needs a date to a wedding that they were both going to attend. His cousin volunteers him to be Chloe's date and, being the responsible guy that he is, he agrees to help his childhood friend out of a difficult spot. When they realize that they both have a number of social functions to attend over the summer, they come to an agreement to be each others dates so their mothers will stop trying to set them up. What they don't count on is how being so comfortable with each other morphs into much stronger feelings. They will have to overcome how Chloe's history with her ex keeps rearing its ugly head and Austin's need to manage every little thing. Love blossoms between them but can it conquer all their insecurities?
Pick up this amazing story and see just what becomes of the captain of the Hawks and his best friend. You won't regret reading this instalment of the Boston Hawks series.
June 8, 2021
I loved this one! This story pulled me in from page one and I could not put it down! 5 hockey stars for this one!
We meet Chloe, she's moved back to Boston to live with her parent's after the unthinkable happens to her. She can't believe she's back home, but figures she will make the best of it. While going to dinner at their long time family friends home with her parent's, she's captivated by Austin, her long ago childhood friend when he opens the door. A night filled with old friends and laughter, is just what she needed, along with getting a "date" to the upcoming engagement party she has to attend where her ex fiance and ex best friend will also be at.
Austin can't figure out when he and Chloe became distant. They were the best of friends, but now that she's back, he wants to be with her. But he's got issues he has to deal with, hockey is his life, does he actually have time for a girlfriend in his life?
Austin will have you swooning, and falling in love, Chloe will have you cheering for her! I love this series, if you haven't read the others it's ok, you can read this as a standalone, but make sure you add books 1-3 on your tbr list, you will love them! Grab this one asap!
We meet Chloe, she's moved back to Boston to live with her parent's after the unthinkable happens to her. She can't believe she's back home, but figures she will make the best of it. While going to dinner at their long time family friends home with her parent's, she's captivated by Austin, her long ago childhood friend when he opens the door. A night filled with old friends and laughter, is just what she needed, along with getting a "date" to the upcoming engagement party she has to attend where her ex fiance and ex best friend will also be at.
Austin can't figure out when he and Chloe became distant. They were the best of friends, but now that she's back, he wants to be with her. But he's got issues he has to deal with, hockey is his life, does he actually have time for a girlfriend in his life?
Austin will have you swooning, and falling in love, Chloe will have you cheering for her! I love this series, if you haven't read the others it's ok, you can read this as a standalone, but make sure you add books 1-3 on your tbr list, you will love them! Grab this one asap!
June 23, 2021
Although this is the fourth in the series, it can be read as a standalone but it is so much more fun to discover the couples in order. Here we have the team captain Austin taking his turn at falling in love.
Chloe, former girl-next-door, returns home to rebuild her life after catching her ex-fiancée in bed with her now former best friend. With a summer of events ahead of her where her path will keep crossing with them, she needs some cover. Enter Austin who is the perfect choice - successful, famous and incredibly sexy. So begins a summer of a fake relationship that quickly turns into something more.
Austin is the guy that keeps everyone in line and following the rules. His life is dedicated to his team and there wasn't much room for anything else until Chloe enters his life again. Chloe is more embarrassed and angry about what happened than anything else. Being betrayed by one person she trusted is bad enough but two. The ways she handles her interactions with them is pure class.
This has been a great series and this has been a great addition to it. I loved the way that they complement each other and there was definite chemistry between them.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Chloe, former girl-next-door, returns home to rebuild her life after catching her ex-fiancée in bed with her now former best friend. With a summer of events ahead of her where her path will keep crossing with them, she needs some cover. Enter Austin who is the perfect choice - successful, famous and incredibly sexy. So begins a summer of a fake relationship that quickly turns into something more.
Austin is the guy that keeps everyone in line and following the rules. His life is dedicated to his team and there wasn't much room for anything else until Chloe enters his life again. Chloe is more embarrassed and angry about what happened than anything else. Being betrayed by one person she trusted is bad enough but two. The ways she handles her interactions with them is pure class.
This has been a great series and this has been a great addition to it. I loved the way that they complement each other and there was definite chemistry between them.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
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