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Aviators Hockey #3
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
USA Today Bestselling Author Sophia Henry returns with the story of a free spirit who believes she’s found forever with a playboy on a singles cruise. Discover why Kelly Jamieson calls the Aviators Hockey series “fun and flirty...with relatable heroines and swoon-worthy hockey heroes.”
Life is too short not to embrace each day to the fullest. And that’s exactly what I intend to do. My parents paid for me to take part in a post-grad singles cruise to the Caribbean hoping I'd find a fine, Greek husband.
Instead, I hooked up with the hottest guy I’ve ever met.
Pasha might not be Greek, but he’s got fun written all over his rock-hard abs. We agreed we would walk away with no regrets when the ship docks. Yet as that day nears, we both realize there is something far deeper than lust brewing between us.
Will the real world destroy the fantasy of our vacation fling? Or can romance forged under swaying palm trees withstand the icy chill of reality?
“Unsportsmanlike Conduct is definitely an entertaining read, delightful and dreamy. I mean, hunky hockey player with a stunning Greek girl? Sign. Me. Up!”—Sweetheart Reads
This is a New Edition of a previously published book.
Life is too short not to embrace each day to the fullest. And that’s exactly what I intend to do. My parents paid for me to take part in a post-grad singles cruise to the Caribbean hoping I'd find a fine, Greek husband.
Instead, I hooked up with the hottest guy I’ve ever met.
Pasha might not be Greek, but he’s got fun written all over his rock-hard abs. We agreed we would walk away with no regrets when the ship docks. Yet as that day nears, we both realize there is something far deeper than lust brewing between us.
Will the real world destroy the fantasy of our vacation fling? Or can romance forged under swaying palm trees withstand the icy chill of reality?
“Unsportsmanlike Conduct is definitely an entertaining read, delightful and dreamy. I mean, hunky hockey player with a stunning Greek girl? Sign. Me. Up!”—Sweetheart Reads
This is a New Edition of a previously published book.
ebook
Published April 15, 2021
48 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Henry
26 books661 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sophia Henry fell in love with reading, writing, and hockey all before she became a teenager. After graduating with a Creative Writing degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to warm and sunny North Carolina to enjoy the remainder of her winters.
She spends her days writing steamy, heartfelt contemporary romance novels hoping they resonate with and encourage others. When Sophia’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her two high-energy sons, an equally high-energy Plott Hound, and two cats who want nothing to do with any of them. She can also be found watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings and rocking out at as many concerts as she can possibly attend.
Sophia Henry’s mailing list is the place to be if you like steamy romance novels that tug at your heart strings. Sign up at sophiahenry.com
She spends her days writing steamy, heartfelt contemporary romance novels hoping they resonate with and encourage others. When Sophia’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her two high-energy sons, an equally high-energy Plott Hound, and two cats who want nothing to do with any of them. She can also be found watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings and rocking out at as many concerts as she can possibly attend.
Sophia Henry’s mailing list is the place to be if you like steamy romance novels that tug at your heart strings. Sign up at sophiahenry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
October 19, 2016
****4 STARS****
Unsportsmanlike Conduct was definitely a fun read! I enjoyed the banter from Kristen and Pavel. They were made for each other and Sophia Henry wrote their chemistry perfectly.
This is a story that teaches you to live life to the fullest and never take anything for granted, which we all should be doing.
*"Do more than just exist"*
Kristen Katsaros wants a life full of adventure and laughter. After a difficult childhood, her motto is to live each day like it’s her last—because it just might be. She is a girl who knows what she wants and takes life by the balls!!! My kind of girl :)
Pavel Gribov, the cocky playboy of the Detroit Pilots hockey team, can score any girl he wants.
Individually they both face challenges but they learn that together they a force to be reckoned with. Isn't that what we all want? Some to face our troubles with.....
Now let's talk about that physical connection, OMG HOT, HOT, HOT!!! You will not be disappointed there.
The writing was great, everything flowed well, the romance is there, just everything you want from a book. Great read, wonderful book and so much more. Now get to reading folks :-)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct was definitely a fun read! I enjoyed the banter from Kristen and Pavel. They were made for each other and Sophia Henry wrote their chemistry perfectly.
This is a story that teaches you to live life to the fullest and never take anything for granted, which we all should be doing.
*"Do more than just exist"*
Kristen Katsaros wants a life full of adventure and laughter. After a difficult childhood, her motto is to live each day like it’s her last—because it just might be. She is a girl who knows what she wants and takes life by the balls!!! My kind of girl :)
Pavel Gribov, the cocky playboy of the Detroit Pilots hockey team, can score any girl he wants.
Individually they both face challenges but they learn that together they a force to be reckoned with. Isn't that what we all want? Some to face our troubles with.....
Now let's talk about that physical connection, OMG HOT, HOT, HOT!!! You will not be disappointed there.
The writing was great, everything flowed well, the romance is there, just everything you want from a book. Great read, wonderful book and so much more. Now get to reading folks :-)
October 19, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Good story...started out just ok but the more I read the more I liked it. It started to flow better after the initial start. It had a unique story line with the heroine having Cystic Fibrosis. The hero had an abusive past so it wasn't all light and fun but I liked that they brought out the best in each other. This is the 4th in the series but can be read as a standalone. Despite some heavy subjects, it was more on the low end of angst. No cheating or other woman/man drama and I loved the ending. It has a happy for now ending that I assume will resume with the next standalone in the series. ARC provided by NetGalley.
Good story...started out just ok but the more I read the more I liked it. It started to flow better after the initial start. It had a unique story line with the heroine having Cystic Fibrosis. The hero had an abusive past so it wasn't all light and fun but I liked that they brought out the best in each other. This is the 4th in the series but can be read as a standalone. Despite some heavy subjects, it was more on the low end of angst. No cheating or other woman/man drama and I loved the ending. It has a happy for now ending that I assume will resume with the next standalone in the series. ARC provided by NetGalley.
March 23, 2017
Kristen Katsaros parents sent her on a singles cruise to the Caribbean hoping she will meet a nice Greek husband. Kristen ends up trying to hide from the boy who has crushed on her since she was four. When she runs into a man who looks like like a living Adonis, he helps her out by pretending to be her newly found boyfriend.
Pavel Gribov is attracted to the woman who ran into him. When he finds out who she is though he pretends he is Pasha, because she would recognize his name via her best friend who he cause problems with when she was dating his close friend. Pasha forms a friendship with Kristen, she insists this is just temporary but Pasha has fallen hard for Kristen and wants to explore where it will go. What will happen when Kristen finds out he is a hockey player for the Pilots?
There is a lot to Kristen, a whole back story I don't want to delve into but she is an inspiring heroine. Pasha is smooth but he is also incredibly charming when it comes to Kristen. I thought this was wonderful from beginning to end, one of the best in the series thus far.
Pavel Gribov is attracted to the woman who ran into him. When he finds out who she is though he pretends he is Pasha, because she would recognize his name via her best friend who he cause problems with when she was dating his close friend. Pasha forms a friendship with Kristen, she insists this is just temporary but Pasha has fallen hard for Kristen and wants to explore where it will go. What will happen when Kristen finds out he is a hockey player for the Pilots?
There is a lot to Kristen, a whole back story I don't want to delve into but she is an inspiring heroine. Pasha is smooth but he is also incredibly charming when it comes to Kristen. I thought this was wonderful from beginning to end, one of the best in the series thus far.
October 18, 2016
Read full review HERE
This book surprised the hell out of me! Never in a million years, I was expecting it to be so deep and emotional. WELL DONE!
I absolutely loved the themes behind this romance. Kristen lives with a disease and knows that she won’t live as much as everyone else around her, she she closed herself off for love, because she feels like it wouldn’t be fair to her significant other, because she can’t do forever. I get you girl! But I’m so glad that she was able to realize that she deserved everything, because she was so awesome and I needed her to be 100% happy. Pasha also didn’t want to love, or be loved, but for a very different reason: he didn’t think he deserved it. It was such a sad story, and it was such an emotional ride to see these 2 people open up to each other, and help the other one realize how much they deserved to be happy. I seriously loved this.
I also loved them! Because they were just so direct and so no-nonsense and no bullshit… I love it. There’s a moment where Kristen is talking to her dad, and I swear to you, his answers? That’s me when I’m talking to my BFF!!! I’m also like “did he really lie to you? or did you just assume?”, eheh!
The romance was great! Even though it starts very much as insta-something, both make it clear that it will be a physical thing, and the connection develops from there. This is a book I forgive the instalove, because they do create a deep and real bond. They talk a lot, they understand each other in a very unique way, and they have amazing chemistry.
Also, this book is so hot, even though it doesn’t show one single explicit thing. Great work!
I had a few problems with the formatting of this book, though I’m not sure if it’s something that will be fixed in the finished version of the book, but even though the book is told in dual POV, there is no indication on which POV we’re reading at a certain point. The POVs change frequently, and without warning, and within the chapters. This is not a good way to go about it, and I do hope it’s fixed later on.
Apart from this, I really liked the writing and the pacing of this one. I liked the plot and the timing, and this one made me want to read the previous books in this series.
GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE, YOU WON’T REGRET IT.
This book surprised the hell out of me! Never in a million years, I was expecting it to be so deep and emotional. WELL DONE!
I absolutely loved the themes behind this romance. Kristen lives with a disease and knows that she won’t live as much as everyone else around her, she she closed herself off for love, because she feels like it wouldn’t be fair to her significant other, because she can’t do forever. I get you girl! But I’m so glad that she was able to realize that she deserved everything, because she was so awesome and I needed her to be 100% happy. Pasha also didn’t want to love, or be loved, but for a very different reason: he didn’t think he deserved it. It was such a sad story, and it was such an emotional ride to see these 2 people open up to each other, and help the other one realize how much they deserved to be happy. I seriously loved this.
I also loved them! Because they were just so direct and so no-nonsense and no bullshit… I love it. There’s a moment where Kristen is talking to her dad, and I swear to you, his answers? That’s me when I’m talking to my BFF!!! I’m also like “did he really lie to you? or did you just assume?”, eheh!
The romance was great! Even though it starts very much as insta-something, both make it clear that it will be a physical thing, and the connection develops from there. This is a book I forgive the instalove, because they do create a deep and real bond. They talk a lot, they understand each other in a very unique way, and they have amazing chemistry.
Also, this book is so hot, even though it doesn’t show one single explicit thing. Great work!
I had a few problems with the formatting of this book, though I’m not sure if it’s something that will be fixed in the finished version of the book, but even though the book is told in dual POV, there is no indication on which POV we’re reading at a certain point. The POVs change frequently, and without warning, and within the chapters. This is not a good way to go about it, and I do hope it’s fixed later on.
Apart from this, I really liked the writing and the pacing of this one. I liked the plot and the timing, and this one made me want to read the previous books in this series.
GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE, YOU WON’T REGRET IT.
July 1, 2017
Sophia Henry is yet another new-to-me author that I am so happy I took a chance on. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT is the fourth book in her Pilots Hockey series, however it was easy to read as a standalone without having read the first three books. I think it actually helped that I had not read the first three books because I was able to take Pasha at face value without the bias of his character's behavior in the previous books.
Her main characters, Pasha and Kristen were both very likeable, easy to connect with and root for. I felt the storyline was very well- developed and the author did a good job of taking on a serious health issue with Kristen, but not allowing it to take away from the romance of the story. I liked that they literally ran into one another at the beginning of the story and then how the author realistically develops their attraction considering they only have one week on the cruise ship to get to know one another.
Pasha and Kristen might be strangers (and the intense sexual attraction between the two of them is definitely key) however they actually have a lot in common which speeds along the emotional bond they form. They both carry a lot of emotional baggage and are typically unwilling to make theirselves vulnerable enough to give love a chance. They both use a bold no-nonsense attitude as a defense mechanism. On the lighter side, they both have a strong sense of adventure, a dry sense of humor, and a healthy respect for living each day as it comes and to the fullest. Neither is truly carefree, but they bring out the best in each other and had a lot of fun together. It was easy to see how they just worked and why they fell in love in such a short time.
This book is definitely very steamy, but also has some great dialogue/banter, and well-developed characters, keeping the story moving along at a steady pace. I read this book in one sitting... I could not put it down until I knew these two had worked things out and were giving their love a chance. 4.5 stars
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. Review comments are my honest opinions.
Her main characters, Pasha and Kristen were both very likeable, easy to connect with and root for. I felt the storyline was very well- developed and the author did a good job of taking on a serious health issue with Kristen, but not allowing it to take away from the romance of the story. I liked that they literally ran into one another at the beginning of the story and then how the author realistically develops their attraction considering they only have one week on the cruise ship to get to know one another.
Pasha and Kristen might be strangers (and the intense sexual attraction between the two of them is definitely key) however they actually have a lot in common which speeds along the emotional bond they form. They both carry a lot of emotional baggage and are typically unwilling to make theirselves vulnerable enough to give love a chance. They both use a bold no-nonsense attitude as a defense mechanism. On the lighter side, they both have a strong sense of adventure, a dry sense of humor, and a healthy respect for living each day as it comes and to the fullest. Neither is truly carefree, but they bring out the best in each other and had a lot of fun together. It was easy to see how they just worked and why they fell in love in such a short time.
This book is definitely very steamy, but also has some great dialogue/banter, and well-developed characters, keeping the story moving along at a steady pace. I read this book in one sitting... I could not put it down until I knew these two had worked things out and were giving their love a chance. 4.5 stars
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. Review comments are my honest opinions.
October 11, 2016
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
This is my first Sophia Henry book, and although it is book 4 in the Pilots Hockey series, it did not affect my reading of Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
I love a sports romance, and love a good hockey hottie.
Although the man-whore-hockey-star-meets-normal-girl premise is not a new one, I did like that our leading lady Kristen is not just the "normal girl"
I loved that she was dealing with a life long illness (Cystic Fibrosis) and the struggles she and her family and friends go through daily.
And I adored the way Pasha/Pavel took it all in his stride.
I am not going to lie, it took me about 1/3 of the book to really get into this story. Not sure why it dragged so much for me, but I am glad I pushed through.
Secrets, lies (of omission)... when will people learn that all that crap will lead to trouble??? I could understand why Pasha didn't say something.. at first. But as things were getting more serious I wanted to crack him over the head with my Kindle!
I did giggle at times with the "Big Fat Greek Wedding" kind of vibe I got - especially from Kristen's mother!
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a pretty good way to start with a new author, and I will be going back to read the earlier books
This is my first Sophia Henry book, and although it is book 4 in the Pilots Hockey series, it did not affect my reading of Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
I love a sports romance, and love a good hockey hottie.
Although the man-whore-hockey-star-meets-normal-girl premise is not a new one, I did like that our leading lady Kristen is not just the "normal girl"
I loved that she was dealing with a life long illness (Cystic Fibrosis) and the struggles she and her family and friends go through daily.
And I adored the way Pasha/Pavel took it all in his stride.
I am not going to lie, it took me about 1/3 of the book to really get into this story. Not sure why it dragged so much for me, but I am glad I pushed through.
Secrets, lies (of omission)... when will people learn that all that crap will lead to trouble??? I could understand why Pasha didn't say something.. at first. But as things were getting more serious I wanted to crack him over the head with my Kindle!
I did giggle at times with the "Big Fat Greek Wedding" kind of vibe I got - especially from Kristen's mother!
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a pretty good way to start with a new author, and I will be going back to read the earlier books
October 18, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I'll give a little background before I start talking about this book. I love to cruise and have cruised many times. Also, I have been to all of the Islands that were mentioned in this book. On top of that, I knew someone growing up who had CF although I didn't know much about it at the time. It just seemed that I was meant to read this book.
Kristen and Pasha were both on a singles cruise when they literally ran into each other. With a mission to deter a relentless love interest, instant chemistry and a beautiful setting it wasn't difficult to see where this book was heading. Both of them had reasons for not wanting a commitment so a week long fling seemed to be perfect for both of them. When they started opening up to each other and actual feelings started coming into play, things quickly got complicated.
I would best describe this book as cute but somewhat predictable. Even with Pasha's past and Kristen's health issues, it was pretty easy to see the direction it was taking. It followed the same formula that most books of this genre do. Kristen's quirky personality and the tropical setting are what made me think the story was cute. Unfortunately for me, Pasha wasn't quite the book boyfriend that I was hoping he would be. I didn't dislike him but I wasn't drooling over him either. I'm not sure why, I can't quite put my finger on it.
The multiple settings were nice but it was here that I might be perhaps a little biased. Having been to all of the Islands, some numerous times, I craved a little more. They were not described very well or as thoroughly as I would have liked and I questioned why the group ended up doing what they did at some of the Islands. Again, this is probably because of my knowledge of the places and knowing that there are far more likely things that would be done or seen by that age demographic. However, it was still fun to read a story that took me back to all those places.
I did not have the opportunity to read the first three books in this series but it was not necessary in order to follow along. Also, do not let the fact that it is part of a hockey series deter you if sports are not your thing. There was actually very little hockey related stuff to be found in this book. I think this series would be good if you are looking for a quick and cute romance.
**Side Note**
Although I'm all about the heat in my romance stories it makes my skin crawl when there is public bathroom sex. GROSS!!! I'm just warning you that you will find it in this book.
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I'll give a little background before I start talking about this book. I love to cruise and have cruised many times. Also, I have been to all of the Islands that were mentioned in this book. On top of that, I knew someone growing up who had CF although I didn't know much about it at the time. It just seemed that I was meant to read this book.
Kristen and Pasha were both on a singles cruise when they literally ran into each other. With a mission to deter a relentless love interest, instant chemistry and a beautiful setting it wasn't difficult to see where this book was heading. Both of them had reasons for not wanting a commitment so a week long fling seemed to be perfect for both of them. When they started opening up to each other and actual feelings started coming into play, things quickly got complicated.
I would best describe this book as cute but somewhat predictable. Even with Pasha's past and Kristen's health issues, it was pretty easy to see the direction it was taking. It followed the same formula that most books of this genre do. Kristen's quirky personality and the tropical setting are what made me think the story was cute. Unfortunately for me, Pasha wasn't quite the book boyfriend that I was hoping he would be. I didn't dislike him but I wasn't drooling over him either. I'm not sure why, I can't quite put my finger on it.
The multiple settings were nice but it was here that I might be perhaps a little biased. Having been to all of the Islands, some numerous times, I craved a little more. They were not described very well or as thoroughly as I would have liked and I questioned why the group ended up doing what they did at some of the Islands. Again, this is probably because of my knowledge of the places and knowing that there are far more likely things that would be done or seen by that age demographic. However, it was still fun to read a story that took me back to all those places.
I did not have the opportunity to read the first three books in this series but it was not necessary in order to follow along. Also, do not let the fact that it is part of a hockey series deter you if sports are not your thing. There was actually very little hockey related stuff to be found in this book. I think this series would be good if you are looking for a quick and cute romance.
**Side Note**
Although I'm all about the heat in my romance stories it makes my skin crawl when there is public bathroom sex. GROSS!!! I'm just warning you that you will find it in this book.
October 16, 2016
*Received an advance reader copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, first, I'm just gonna say.... this is my favorite book in this series. I love them all, but holy ship mates! Pasha, aka Paval Gribov, le prince of arse holes, has a heart! Who knew?!? I mean, the last book showed more of his arsed sense of humor and attitude but in Unsportsmanlike conduct you get to see a whole new Pasha, for a while.
Dude has a heart. I can't stress that enough! Ha. It's like a different person from the arse we met in book one. And the setting for this story, simply made it the best. It puts the characters out of their "comfort" zones and made them all the better for it!
Pasha, being a good friend goes on a Greek singles cruise with his friend Blake. He'll make the ultimate wing man. (Pun intended) But, everything gets turned upside down when the woman Pasha has waited his life for slams into him. Literally! When Pasha meets Kristen, things in him shift again. Pushing the man he was away but by bit. This one girl, the goddess he is spending every free moment with is just what he needs.
Kristen, who happens to be Auden's best friend, so Pasha has heard of her. But he lies about his name, and rolls the rest up. The week long cruise bonds both Pasha and Kristen together in ways they never saw coming.... But it would never work. He knew who Kristen was all this time.... But it didn't stop him.
When the truth comes out things spiral so far down the rabbit hole. Sophia loves to make me question what in the Name of Zeus she is doing. And with Pasha and Kristen both skating on very thin, ice.... things keep you on the edge of your seat. Of, I should say that it made me do that.
I love the struggle to be real, and don't conform to others ways of thinking. Say what you want and don't be afraid to be yourself. In the end, that's all that matters.
Okay, first, I'm just gonna say.... this is my favorite book in this series. I love them all, but holy ship mates! Pasha, aka Paval Gribov, le prince of arse holes, has a heart! Who knew?!? I mean, the last book showed more of his arsed sense of humor and attitude but in Unsportsmanlike conduct you get to see a whole new Pasha, for a while.
Dude has a heart. I can't stress that enough! Ha. It's like a different person from the arse we met in book one. And the setting for this story, simply made it the best. It puts the characters out of their "comfort" zones and made them all the better for it!
Pasha, being a good friend goes on a Greek singles cruise with his friend Blake. He'll make the ultimate wing man. (Pun intended) But, everything gets turned upside down when the woman Pasha has waited his life for slams into him. Literally! When Pasha meets Kristen, things in him shift again. Pushing the man he was away but by bit. This one girl, the goddess he is spending every free moment with is just what he needs.
Kristen, who happens to be Auden's best friend, so Pasha has heard of her. But he lies about his name, and rolls the rest up. The week long cruise bonds both Pasha and Kristen together in ways they never saw coming.... But it would never work. He knew who Kristen was all this time.... But it didn't stop him.
When the truth comes out things spiral so far down the rabbit hole. Sophia loves to make me question what in the Name of Zeus she is doing. And with Pasha and Kristen both skating on very thin, ice.... things keep you on the edge of your seat. Of, I should say that it made me do that.
I love the struggle to be real, and don't conform to others ways of thinking. Say what you want and don't be afraid to be yourself. In the end, that's all that matters.
October 20, 2016
I was excited by the fun and fresh premise of the story but unfortunately, it dragged a little at times and had a lot of predictable moments. Even though I could see some problems there, the first half of the book was entertaining - but I had trouble to finish it.
Pasha wasn’t a good hero in my opinion, I really wanted to like him but couldn’t. Kristen was nice, it was easy to relate to her insecurities and fears. Dialogue felt forced at times, they had a certain confession and moral vibe to it, coming from both of them. Also, it was unusual and quite weird how most of the time the sex scenes had a very abrupt end, like they had to be cut.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct had a good beginning, a rough development and a questionable ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 17, 2016
*I received this book free from Random House Publishing Group - Flirt via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Kristen never wanted to be on a boat in the middle of the ocean, but her parents sent her on a post-graduation Greek singles cruise, so with her two friends she planned to make the best of it. That is until she sees the man who she's known since childhood, the man her parents want her to marry, the man she has absolutely no interest in, running straight toward her and in her attempt to escape runs straight into Pavel. With his unsolicited help her dodging attempts will become easier and her vacation will be much for fun than she ever expected.
Pavel realized who Kristen was shortly after meeting her, but he was enjoying her company too much to admit his true identity for she'd hate him instantly. Instead he planned on enjoying her every single day of the cruise. A win-win; she'd escape the stalker guy following her around and he'd get to enjoy the woman who enchanted him. She made him laugh, made him happy, even if he knew it would all end when the ship returned to port.
Their relationship is mentally intense. They each trust each other and share parts of their pasts and issues that presently face them. They bond over illnesses and life stories. And once they cross the line making their temporary relationship physical it only gets more passionate and harder to end. Of course when the truth comes out in one of the most humiliating ways possible Pavel will have a lot to atone for.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct isn't my favorite in the Pilots Hockey series, but after hating Pavel in Delayed Penalty (book #1) this one made him a little more likeable....sometimes.
My Favorite Moment is what happens to the messages in a bottle. Score one for Pavel!
Kristen never wanted to be on a boat in the middle of the ocean, but her parents sent her on a post-graduation Greek singles cruise, so with her two friends she planned to make the best of it. That is until she sees the man who she's known since childhood, the man her parents want her to marry, the man she has absolutely no interest in, running straight toward her and in her attempt to escape runs straight into Pavel. With his unsolicited help her dodging attempts will become easier and her vacation will be much for fun than she ever expected.
Pavel realized who Kristen was shortly after meeting her, but he was enjoying her company too much to admit his true identity for she'd hate him instantly. Instead he planned on enjoying her every single day of the cruise. A win-win; she'd escape the stalker guy following her around and he'd get to enjoy the woman who enchanted him. She made him laugh, made him happy, even if he knew it would all end when the ship returned to port.
Their relationship is mentally intense. They each trust each other and share parts of their pasts and issues that presently face them. They bond over illnesses and life stories. And once they cross the line making their temporary relationship physical it only gets more passionate and harder to end. Of course when the truth comes out in one of the most humiliating ways possible Pavel will have a lot to atone for.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct isn't my favorite in the Pilots Hockey series, but after hating Pavel in Delayed Penalty (book #1) this one made him a little more likeable....sometimes.
My Favorite Moment is what happens to the messages in a bottle. Score one for Pavel!
October 17, 2016
I was looking to read this book on the pure fact that it mentioned hockey. I am a hockey fan. It was lacking on the hockey play or even hockey references but instead I got a really good love story with engaging characters in Kristen and Pavel aka Pasha and exotic location. There is nothing quite like literally running into the arms of a hunky man and kissing him soon afterwards to start off your vacation right. Oh, except the fact that the guy is willing to pretend to be your boyfriend. The chemistry between Kristen and Pavel was undeniable. There were some sex scenes. However, they were hot but sweet at the same time. I fell in love with both Kristen and Pavel even more when I learned their stories. This time I was on the side of Pavel when his secret was uncovered. Yet, I could not be made at Kristen for the way that she handled the situation. I do have to give a shout out to Kristen's father. The conversation they had left me chuckling a few times. Sophia Henry scores a goal with Unsportsmanlike Conduct!
October 9, 2016
This is the 4th book in the Pilots Hockey Series. For the most part, these books have been easily standalone, but this one I do think you should read book 1, Delayed Penalty. Pasha/Pavel plays a part in Auden and Aleksandr's book as does Kristen/KK. KK is Auden's best friend and roommate. Pavel is Aleksandr's childhood friend . Pavel was casually in book 2 for a few scenes and his character seemed less angry and hateful. Still cocky, but there was a less sinister quality from when he was introduced. He had one scene in book 3 and again he was lighter. Sooo, I kind of miss getting the full story of Pavel changing from such a hateful jerk, to this very thoughtful and conscientious hero. He hasn't really forgiven himself and thinks Kristen is better off without him, but from the first page he is this different character. Kristen was in Auden's book and then a quick scene in book 3 as she was Indie's co-worker. There's a lot more to this very energetic and living life to its fullest heroine.
Despite my wanting to see Pavel's transformation from the old to new him, I loved how he was with Kristen. He's perfect. Kristen is also a very likable and realistic character. Her cousin, Lena, and friend, Sia? Didn't really care for them, especially Sia.
The first 75% of the book is Kristen and Pavel on the cruise for a week... and it is very long at times. The last portion is back home where the timeline skips from Day 10 to Day 60 to Day 128 very rapidly. A lot of time in between the cruise and the end, but all within a few chapters making it feel a little rushed.
Overall, this was a good story and I'm glad we got to see Pavel after being very intrigued (when I wasn't mad at him) since the first book in the series.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group for an honest review.
Despite my wanting to see Pavel's transformation from the old to new him, I loved how he was with Kristen. He's perfect. Kristen is also a very likable and realistic character. Her cousin, Lena, and friend, Sia? Didn't really care for them, especially Sia.
The first 75% of the book is Kristen and Pavel on the cruise for a week... and it is very long at times. The last portion is back home where the timeline skips from Day 10 to Day 60 to Day 128 very rapidly. A lot of time in between the cruise and the end, but all within a few chapters making it feel a little rushed.
Overall, this was a good story and I'm glad we got to see Pavel after being very intrigued (when I wasn't mad at him) since the first book in the series.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group for an honest review.
October 20, 2016
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Pilots Hockey, #4) by Sophia Henry UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT by Sophia Henry is another amazing book in the Pilots Hockey series. Kristen Katsaros goes on a singles Caribbean cruise as a gift from her parents in hopes of her finding a Greek husband. Unbeknownst to her, Spiros Loukas, the annoying man whom her parents were hoping she would marry was also on the cruise. Hockey player, Pavel Gribov, comes to her aid by pretending to be her fake boyfriend. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
I like Kristen. My heart broke for her having Cystic Fibrosis. My sister-in-law’s niece has CF, and I kept picturing her throughout this story. They are both beautiful and sweet girls who deserve to be happy. I like Kristen’s live life to the fullest attitude. She is a strong individual. I could understand why she was hesitant to get close to Pavel, after how her prior boyfriend treated her. I’m glad she gave him a chance.
I love Pavel’s mindset toward Kristen. I appreciated that he cared about her and not her illness. He didn’t want her to suffer, but he gave her a chance despite having CF. He didn’t run away because of her disorder. I could understand why he kept his identity from her. It was a complicated situation. I like the person he is around her. He is protective, fun, and kind.
I thought it was clever how Auden Berezin and Aleksandr Varenkov from book 1, DELAYED PENALTY, tied into the novel: Kristen being Auden’s best friend and Aleksandr being Pavel’s teammate. That created some interesting tension is the story.
Sophia Henry does a great job with her characters. They have a lot of depth and are very human. They have issues. They are not perfect. The plot was believable and interesting. Having been on multiple Caribbean cruises, I appreciated the setting. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT was a heartfelt story that I could not put down. It made me experience just about every emotion, and it truly moved me. I look forward to Sophia Henry’s next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I like Kristen. My heart broke for her having Cystic Fibrosis. My sister-in-law’s niece has CF, and I kept picturing her throughout this story. They are both beautiful and sweet girls who deserve to be happy. I like Kristen’s live life to the fullest attitude. She is a strong individual. I could understand why she was hesitant to get close to Pavel, after how her prior boyfriend treated her. I’m glad she gave him a chance.
I love Pavel’s mindset toward Kristen. I appreciated that he cared about her and not her illness. He didn’t want her to suffer, but he gave her a chance despite having CF. He didn’t run away because of her disorder. I could understand why he kept his identity from her. It was a complicated situation. I like the person he is around her. He is protective, fun, and kind.
I thought it was clever how Auden Berezin and Aleksandr Varenkov from book 1, DELAYED PENALTY, tied into the novel: Kristen being Auden’s best friend and Aleksandr being Pavel’s teammate. That created some interesting tension is the story.
Sophia Henry does a great job with her characters. They have a lot of depth and are very human. They have issues. They are not perfect. The plot was believable and interesting. Having been on multiple Caribbean cruises, I appreciated the setting. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT was a heartfelt story that I could not put down. It made me experience just about every emotion, and it truly moved me. I look forward to Sophia Henry’s next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
September 26, 2016
Review by Trinette Dungee
Kristen wants to live every day like it’s her last, because honestly, it could be. But when she runs into Pavel “Pasha” Gribov, literally, she’s not prepared to be living this last week like it may be her last. With health issues she never really dreams of the future but suddenly Pasha gives her reason to believe in the future.
Pavel Gribov is a bad boy and on this singles cruise he’s prepared to be as bad as possible, until Kristen runs into him, literally. One encounter with Kristen as him begging for more and suddenly spending the week being a man-whore is the furthest thing from his mind. What he wants is to spend every moment awake or asleep with Kristen. The problem, Pasha is keeping secrets from Kristen that will in the end have her hating him.
There’s nothing like reading a book and realizing it’s a part of a series and then realizing when you are almost done that you actually read one of the books in the series! I was almost at the end when the mention of Kristen’s friend and her fiancé are mentioned when it hit me “Hey, I read about these two!” This is book four in the Pilots Hockey Series. I read book three and enjoyed it and I enjoyed this on as well. Although, I have to admit the story took on a solemn tone and I wasn’t too sure I was going to be able to move forward with it. This book references book one quite often so you might want to read Auden and Alexandr’s story first.
Kristen’s and Pasha’s flirtatiousness instantly grabbed me and they gave me quite a few giggles. They both get as well as they give when it comes to calling each other on their bullshit which makes their relationship that much more likeable. Sophia Henry hits you with that whole “life is short” thing just the right way; enough to make you think about it and appreciate what you have without beating you over the head with it. She sheds light on an illness that you’ve heard about but never really understood and then has you googling everything you can to learn more about it. I didn’t get through this book as quickly as I thought I would, there were times when it dragged a bit for me but for the most part, I liked it.
Kristen wants to live every day like it’s her last, because honestly, it could be. But when she runs into Pavel “Pasha” Gribov, literally, she’s not prepared to be living this last week like it may be her last. With health issues she never really dreams of the future but suddenly Pasha gives her reason to believe in the future.
Pavel Gribov is a bad boy and on this singles cruise he’s prepared to be as bad as possible, until Kristen runs into him, literally. One encounter with Kristen as him begging for more and suddenly spending the week being a man-whore is the furthest thing from his mind. What he wants is to spend every moment awake or asleep with Kristen. The problem, Pasha is keeping secrets from Kristen that will in the end have her hating him.
There’s nothing like reading a book and realizing it’s a part of a series and then realizing when you are almost done that you actually read one of the books in the series! I was almost at the end when the mention of Kristen’s friend and her fiancé are mentioned when it hit me “Hey, I read about these two!” This is book four in the Pilots Hockey Series. I read book three and enjoyed it and I enjoyed this on as well. Although, I have to admit the story took on a solemn tone and I wasn’t too sure I was going to be able to move forward with it. This book references book one quite often so you might want to read Auden and Alexandr’s story first.
Kristen’s and Pasha’s flirtatiousness instantly grabbed me and they gave me quite a few giggles. They both get as well as they give when it comes to calling each other on their bullshit which makes their relationship that much more likeable. Sophia Henry hits you with that whole “life is short” thing just the right way; enough to make you think about it and appreciate what you have without beating you over the head with it. She sheds light on an illness that you’ve heard about but never really understood and then has you googling everything you can to learn more about it. I didn’t get through this book as quickly as I thought I would, there were times when it dragged a bit for me but for the most part, I liked it.
October 17, 2016
Kristen Katsaros is determined to live her life to the max! And that doesn't mean that she is going to give into her over protective nudges and marry Spiros and pop out good, Greek children. They even send her on a singles cruise to the Caribbean., with hopes that she hooks up with Spiros on the trip.
But Kristen is determined to live her life (no matter how short), the way that she wants. Which is why, after crashing into Pasha, the hottest guy she has ever met, she pretends to be his girlfriend, in order to get Spiros off her back. But this good natured help turns into more, and they agree to a no strings attached, red hot vacation romance.
When it is all over, it's hard to say goodbye…but when they meet up again in Detroit, and everything comes to light, Kristen is angry at Pasha for lying to her, but is she willing to give up the only man that has accepted her, warts and all.
This book is unbelievable amazing! And I loved every minute of it! Now I have not read all of the books in this series, but that will be changed shortly, because this series definitely falls into the MOREISH category!
I LOVE the connection between Kristen and Pasha (and yes I know his real name is Pavel, but it's too late to change it in my head!). I loved the way that Kristen is understand and supportive over Pasha's violent father and the death of his parents. I also love the way that Pasha is supportive of Kristen's illness and goes out of the way to make sure she is okay, even if that means carrying her all of the way back to the ship.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a beautiful story. The writing and plot are superb and you can't help but fall in love with all of the characters…even Spiros!
I give Unsportsmanlike Conduct 5 stars!
But Kristen is determined to live her life (no matter how short), the way that she wants. Which is why, after crashing into Pasha, the hottest guy she has ever met, she pretends to be his girlfriend, in order to get Spiros off her back. But this good natured help turns into more, and they agree to a no strings attached, red hot vacation romance.
When it is all over, it's hard to say goodbye…but when they meet up again in Detroit, and everything comes to light, Kristen is angry at Pasha for lying to her, but is she willing to give up the only man that has accepted her, warts and all.
This book is unbelievable amazing! And I loved every minute of it! Now I have not read all of the books in this series, but that will be changed shortly, because this series definitely falls into the MOREISH category!
I LOVE the connection between Kristen and Pasha (and yes I know his real name is Pavel, but it's too late to change it in my head!). I loved the way that Kristen is understand and supportive over Pasha's violent father and the death of his parents. I also love the way that Pasha is supportive of Kristen's illness and goes out of the way to make sure she is okay, even if that means carrying her all of the way back to the ship.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a beautiful story. The writing and plot are superb and you can't help but fall in love with all of the characters…even Spiros!
I give Unsportsmanlike Conduct 5 stars!
October 18, 2016
The latest in the Pilots Hockey series is a little bit different from the usual hockey romance. Kristen Katsaros is on a singles cruise paid for by her parents as a graduation gift. They want her to meet a nice Greek boy and settle down. Kristen, on the other hand, wants to live life a bit and have some adventures before she thinks about anything like that. When she discovers a family friend and potential suitor on the ship she is horrified and actually running away from him when she ends up in the arms of Pavel “Pacha” Gribov.
Unusually the heroine Kristen suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and the regime that she needs to follow to keep it under control is quite challenging but she still manages to lead quite a full and adventurous life. It does influence her long term outlook though and has convinced her that she won’t have a happy ever after with anyone because of her shortened life span.
Pacha has issues with commitment and because of his upbringing in Russia and the death of his parents when he was young he doesn’t think that he’s ever going to meet The One. By the time he realises that Kristen has got under his skin it could be too late for them and possibly farewell to his budding NHL career.
It is a little misleading to describe this book as a Hockey romance as most of the action is set on a Caribbean cruise and there are only the briefest mentions of sport towards the end of the book but it is a great story and does fit in well into the Pilots timeline. You don’t have to have read the previous three books to get the best out of this one but they are such a good read that I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
Supplied by Net Galley and Random House Flirt in exchange for an honest review.
Unusually the heroine Kristen suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and the regime that she needs to follow to keep it under control is quite challenging but she still manages to lead quite a full and adventurous life. It does influence her long term outlook though and has convinced her that she won’t have a happy ever after with anyone because of her shortened life span.
Pacha has issues with commitment and because of his upbringing in Russia and the death of his parents when he was young he doesn’t think that he’s ever going to meet The One. By the time he realises that Kristen has got under his skin it could be too late for them and possibly farewell to his budding NHL career.
It is a little misleading to describe this book as a Hockey romance as most of the action is set on a Caribbean cruise and there are only the briefest mentions of sport towards the end of the book but it is a great story and does fit in well into the Pilots timeline. You don’t have to have read the previous three books to get the best out of this one but they are such a good read that I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
Supplied by Net Galley and Random House Flirt in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2016
Another excellent book in the Pilots Hockey series. This is book four but each can be read standalone without any problem. This is Pavel "Pasha" Gribov's story. He's cocky, sexy, gorgeous, and a commitment phobe of the highest order. When he finds himself on a singles cruise, dragged along by his teammate he knows that the woman are looking for "the one" and that wasn't him. So when a beautiful woman named Kristen Katsaros is looking to fend off all the men on board and wants him to be her "fake" boyfriend he simply can't say no. Kristen was given the cruise by her well meaning but pushy parents as a graduation gift. They want her to find a nice Greek boy and settle down. Pasha is neither Greek or looking to settle down so he's perfect in her eyes! Soon things turn steamy between the two and Pasha begins to rethink his no commitment stance. Problem is he and Kristen have a past. She just doesn't know it. What will she say when she finds out who he really is??? Will this thing be over before it really begins?
I highly recommend this one!!
I highly recommend this one!!
September 16, 2016
I wanted to get lost in a romance that took me out of every day life and someplace magical. Unsportsmanlike Conduct delivered. It was hard to put down and a lot of fun to read. Don't tell my boss, but I snuck in a few pages at work with I could. ;)
Kristen is a fantastic character. She's incredibly upbeat and fun-loving. When we discover why Kristen is the way she is, it's like a hammer over your head. You know something's up, just not that. I really loved her character.
Pasha's amazing. There's a darkness always lurking under his surface and I liked that about him. I loved his emotional rollercoaster and his internal battles.
This was my first Pilots Hockey novel, but it was a standalone so I wasn't lost at all. I do need to go back and read the other three though.
Recommended for anyone who loves a feel good romance and wants to get lost in a story.
*ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Kristen is a fantastic character. She's incredibly upbeat and fun-loving. When we discover why Kristen is the way she is, it's like a hammer over your head. You know something's up, just not that. I really loved her character.
Pasha's amazing. There's a darkness always lurking under his surface and I liked that about him. I loved his emotional rollercoaster and his internal battles.
This was my first Pilots Hockey novel, but it was a standalone so I wasn't lost at all. I do need to go back and read the other three though.
Recommended for anyone who loves a feel good romance and wants to get lost in a story.
*ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 6, 2016
Thanks to net galley.com for the ARC.
Great characters in this book. What a great connection they made on the cruise and how effortless their relationship grew over the course of a week. But in the real world all they needed was to be honest and open to each other. The scene they caused at the wedding reception was such a turning point in the book. You really wanted for him to reach out to her, comfort her in some way, let her know how much she meant to him but the moment was gone and so was she. What an ending and how he came to her and shared his heart with her despite the circumstances.
Great characters in this book. What a great connection they made on the cruise and how effortless their relationship grew over the course of a week. But in the real world all they needed was to be honest and open to each other. The scene they caused at the wedding reception was such a turning point in the book. You really wanted for him to reach out to her, comfort her in some way, let her know how much she meant to him but the moment was gone and so was she. What an ending and how he came to her and shared his heart with her despite the circumstances.
September 27, 2016
I loved that Pasha had no filter when it came to Kristen, “I think I’d die happy if I got to be in you tonight.” I’d like to blame my comment on all the vodka..." I think Pasha appreciates the reactions Kristen has at times, "Kristen opened her eyes and bolted upright. The sheet fell, revealing her bare chest. I smiled in appreciation at the greeting." I loved this book, Pasha was a great guy and I loved bombardment.
April 12, 2023
#BeKindLoveHard
August 23, 2018
A young woman goes on a singles cruise after her parents purchase her ticket as a graduation gift. Unbeknownst to her, her parents want her to make a match with the son of a family friend who is also on the trip. To avoid this unwanted beau's attention, she fake-dates this really hot guy who is very, very down with the idea. Too bad Pasha has a past and he's pretty sure Kristen is going to dump him when she finds out about it.
It's a great set up, and I am a sucker for fake dating stories. I also liked the way the 'got a past' plot played off the fact that this is part of a series - Pasha and Kristen haven't met before, but their friends have met, and Pasha was a jerk to her friend during a pretty dark period in his life. So, all cool, should be great, right?
Except that 'fake dating' is just...actual dating. Pasha and Kristen date. I don't know why either of them think it's fake, when they're just dating. Dating with an expiration date, but still. A good 2/3rds of the book are just two attractive people sailing around the Caribbean doing tourist things and being attracted to each other. There's no conflict and no stakes. It's good fluff if that's what you want. There's a subplot where Kristen is worried about telling Pasha she's chronically ill, but he takes it with complete aplomb and support, and I can imagine that being pretty affirming and comforting. (Just guessing, though. As the chronic illness rep, I can't really say, outside my lane.)
Once they get off the cruise ship and Kristen finds out who Pasha is, she's pretty rightly mad and the book just takes a complete left turn into a fairly different story, and that's where it loses me. It doesn't have a lot of satisfying conflict, as there's nothing keeping our two leads together, so the chapters just drag on and get pretty contrived, and it loses the fluff aspect if that was your draw to the first part.
It's a great set up, and I am a sucker for fake dating stories. I also liked the way the 'got a past' plot played off the fact that this is part of a series - Pasha and Kristen haven't met before, but their friends have met, and Pasha was a jerk to her friend during a pretty dark period in his life. So, all cool, should be great, right?
Except that 'fake dating' is just...actual dating. Pasha and Kristen date. I don't know why either of them think it's fake, when they're just dating. Dating with an expiration date, but still. A good 2/3rds of the book are just two attractive people sailing around the Caribbean doing tourist things and being attracted to each other. There's no conflict and no stakes. It's good fluff if that's what you want. There's a subplot where Kristen is worried about telling Pasha she's chronically ill, but he takes it with complete aplomb and support, and I can imagine that being pretty affirming and comforting. (Just guessing, though. As the chronic illness rep, I can't really say, outside my lane.)
Once they get off the cruise ship and Kristen finds out who Pasha is, she's pretty rightly mad and the book just takes a complete left turn into a fairly different story, and that's where it loses me. It doesn't have a lot of satisfying conflict, as there's nothing keeping our two leads together, so the chapters just drag on and get pretty contrived, and it loses the fluff aspect if that was your draw to the first part.
October 18, 2016
Sophia Henry's Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a sweet sports romance with a poignant storyline. Kristen Katsaro has Cystic Fibrosis and believes in living life to the fullest. Her parents gave her a cruise for young Greek Orthodox singles after graduation. She meets professional hockey player Pavel Gribov on the ship and feels an instant attraction to him. Pavel feels the same and discovers he and Kristen share a mutual friend, but he believes Kristen will will have heard unpleasant things about him through the friend; therefore, he keeps his identity a secret from Kristen for as long as possible.
Kristen is a wonderful woman and her outlook on life is beautiful, especially considering she deals with a chronic respiratory condition. She is the perfect compliment to Pavel and the perfect reason for him to give up his playboy ways. He was adorable in his care for Kristen and dealing with her disease. This was an all around nice romance with a dash of sports and a lot of heart.
ARC kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
April 9, 2023
3.5
I started this book then put it down for a long time. Kristen is dealing with an illness that will end her life early. Pasha is dealing with his crappy childhood. Both of them carry so much pain and they try to be free, fun loving people but they aren't really dealing with the hurt. And hurt people hurt people and they end up separating and I was just so angry at them. But, I wanted them together and happy and this book just hurt at times. I needed to be in the right head space for it.
I started this book then put it down for a long time. Kristen is dealing with an illness that will end her life early. Pasha is dealing with his crappy childhood. Both of them carry so much pain and they try to be free, fun loving people but they aren't really dealing with the hurt. And hurt people hurt people and they end up separating and I was just so angry at them. But, I wanted them together and happy and this book just hurt at times. I needed to be in the right head space for it.
October 28, 2016
BOOK REVIEW: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
BOOK SERIES: A Pilots Hockey Novel #4
AUTHOR: Sophia Henry
GENRE: Contemporary Sports Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: October 18, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes intended for adults 18+
SYNOPSIS:
The author of Delayed Penalty returns with the story of a free spirit who believes she’s found forever with a playboy on a singles cruise. Discover why Kelly Jamieson calls the Pilots Hockey series “fun and flirty, warm and sweet.”
Kristen Katsaros wants a life full of adventure and laughter. After a difficult childhood, her motto is to live each day like it’s her last—because it just might be. So when Kristen’s parents send her on a post-grad singles cruise in the Caribbean to meet a Greek husband, she promptly hooks up with the hottest guy she’s ever met. Pasha’s decidedly not Greek, but Kristen gives him a pass because he’s got fun written all over his rock-hard abs.
Pavel Gribov, the cocky playboy of the Detroit Pilots hockey team, can score any girl he wants. But when a teammate drags him on a singles cruise, he can’t resist the chance to help out a drop-dead gorgeous damsel in distress by pretending to be her boyfriend. Before long, the fake fling turns intimate, fueled by something much deeper than lust.
Kristen and Pasha both agree to walk away once the cruise is over, but reality hits like a slap shot when Kristen finds out Pasha lied about everything. Just when she’s ready to start living again, the two stubborn survivors must decide if they can bear to lose the best thing that ever happened to either of them.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed her writing style and her sense of humor. This is the fourth book in the Pilots Hockey series, it can be read as a standalone and I am glad that I didn’t go in with any preconceived ideas about Pasha/Pavel.
Kristen is a fierce heroine and I loved her character. She has Cystic Fibrosis and lives with this life threatening disease and the possibility of a shortened lifespan with a careful regimen to her health and a zest for life. She takes life as it comes and isn’t afraid to wade into adventure. She has hook ups but no long term relationships because she can’t live a normal life or have a normal lifespan.
Pasha is on the singles cruise with his teammate and is only interested in finding a beautiful, sexy Greek goddess to have a week-long affair with. He literally runs into one, Kristen. She was running away from her childhood suitor that has been chasing after her since elementary school. Pasha pretends to be her boyfriend to get rid of the pest. Pasha continues to pretend to be her boyfriend and one thing leads to another and they enter into a week-long passionate affair. There are secrets kept on both sides, until Pasha discovers Kristen secret, but Pasha never reveals his. He knows if he does, Kristen will never look at him the same way again.
This book is more about the relationship of a hockey player rather than about the game. There are laugh out loud moments and great banter between Kristen and Pasha. This was a fun read, but it was also heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed it except I felt the end was rushed.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
BOOK SERIES: A Pilots Hockey Novel #4
AUTHOR: Sophia Henry
GENRE: Contemporary Sports Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: October 18, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes intended for adults 18+
SYNOPSIS:
The author of Delayed Penalty returns with the story of a free spirit who believes she’s found forever with a playboy on a singles cruise. Discover why Kelly Jamieson calls the Pilots Hockey series “fun and flirty, warm and sweet.”
Kristen Katsaros wants a life full of adventure and laughter. After a difficult childhood, her motto is to live each day like it’s her last—because it just might be. So when Kristen’s parents send her on a post-grad singles cruise in the Caribbean to meet a Greek husband, she promptly hooks up with the hottest guy she’s ever met. Pasha’s decidedly not Greek, but Kristen gives him a pass because he’s got fun written all over his rock-hard abs.
Pavel Gribov, the cocky playboy of the Detroit Pilots hockey team, can score any girl he wants. But when a teammate drags him on a singles cruise, he can’t resist the chance to help out a drop-dead gorgeous damsel in distress by pretending to be her boyfriend. Before long, the fake fling turns intimate, fueled by something much deeper than lust.
Kristen and Pasha both agree to walk away once the cruise is over, but reality hits like a slap shot when Kristen finds out Pasha lied about everything. Just when she’s ready to start living again, the two stubborn survivors must decide if they can bear to lose the best thing that ever happened to either of them.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed her writing style and her sense of humor. This is the fourth book in the Pilots Hockey series, it can be read as a standalone and I am glad that I didn’t go in with any preconceived ideas about Pasha/Pavel.
Kristen is a fierce heroine and I loved her character. She has Cystic Fibrosis and lives with this life threatening disease and the possibility of a shortened lifespan with a careful regimen to her health and a zest for life. She takes life as it comes and isn’t afraid to wade into adventure. She has hook ups but no long term relationships because she can’t live a normal life or have a normal lifespan.
Pasha is on the singles cruise with his teammate and is only interested in finding a beautiful, sexy Greek goddess to have a week-long affair with. He literally runs into one, Kristen. She was running away from her childhood suitor that has been chasing after her since elementary school. Pasha pretends to be her boyfriend to get rid of the pest. Pasha continues to pretend to be her boyfriend and one thing leads to another and they enter into a week-long passionate affair. There are secrets kept on both sides, until Pasha discovers Kristen secret, but Pasha never reveals his. He knows if he does, Kristen will never look at him the same way again.
This book is more about the relationship of a hockey player rather than about the game. There are laugh out loud moments and great banter between Kristen and Pasha. This was a fun read, but it was also heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed it except I felt the end was rushed.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
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September 20, 2017Check out this and other reviews on my blog, These Words Tell a Story...
When I read the blurb for this book, I immediately thought of the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and the line when the lead character says: Greek women grow-up and marry Greek men to have Greek babies… or something like that. And that seems to be what is happening in the book when Kristen’s parents send her on a singles cruise to the Caribbean hopeful that she’ll meet a nice Greek boy to eventually marry.
Who she meets is Pasha. He’s your typical brooding bad-boy character. Hockey player. Hot. Oh, and Russian, not Greek. I liked Pasha’s character, other than the lying about who he *really* was. But, I haven’t read any other books in this series, and I got the impression that there is some back story to Pasha that may have been helpful in decoding his character.
Kristen was nice. Although, I was put off at times by how she acted toward the guy who has this massive crush on her. I mean, I know it can be cumbersome to have guys falling all over you (not!), but please, be gentle with their feelings.
Overall, the characters were written nicely. The world building was done well. The pacing a tad slow for me, but otherwise the book had no execution problems to speak of.
But what I liked most about Unsportsmanlike Conduct wasn’t the characters, which is why I haven’t written much about them. Or the secondary characters, the cruise ship, or the relationship between any of them.
It’s that the author took on a condition that most would run from. She gave her heroine, Kristen, Cystic Fibrosis. And she didn’t just use it as a plot device. No, she went all in. Showing the ugly parts of the disorder, physical, mental and emotional. It was like CF was another character in the book.
I like to see authors who aren’t afraid to tackle the “ugly” parts of life. And when one does it well, like Henry has in Unsportsmanlike Behavior, it touches my soul in a way no other book can. And for that, this book and author get my recommendation.
Hey, everyone! Don't forget to check out my latest novel, The Stock, at Swoon Reads! You can read it for free, along with other great books! Then, cast your vote for it to when a publishing contract with Swoon Reads, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing. I'd be so grateful! Happy reading!
Read more of Michelle's reviews, including this one, on: These Words Tell a Story...
When I read the blurb for this book, I immediately thought of the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and the line when the lead character says: Greek women grow-up and marry Greek men to have Greek babies… or something like that. And that seems to be what is happening in the book when Kristen’s parents send her on a singles cruise to the Caribbean hopeful that she’ll meet a nice Greek boy to eventually marry.
Who she meets is Pasha. He’s your typical brooding bad-boy character. Hockey player. Hot. Oh, and Russian, not Greek. I liked Pasha’s character, other than the lying about who he *really* was. But, I haven’t read any other books in this series, and I got the impression that there is some back story to Pasha that may have been helpful in decoding his character.
Kristen was nice. Although, I was put off at times by how she acted toward the guy who has this massive crush on her. I mean, I know it can be cumbersome to have guys falling all over you (not!), but please, be gentle with their feelings.
Overall, the characters were written nicely. The world building was done well. The pacing a tad slow for me, but otherwise the book had no execution problems to speak of.
But what I liked most about Unsportsmanlike Conduct wasn’t the characters, which is why I haven’t written much about them. Or the secondary characters, the cruise ship, or the relationship between any of them.
It’s that the author took on a condition that most would run from. She gave her heroine, Kristen, Cystic Fibrosis. And she didn’t just use it as a plot device. No, she went all in. Showing the ugly parts of the disorder, physical, mental and emotional. It was like CF was another character in the book.
I like to see authors who aren’t afraid to tackle the “ugly” parts of life. And when one does it well, like Henry has in Unsportsmanlike Behavior, it touches my soul in a way no other book can. And for that, this book and author get my recommendation.
Hey, everyone! Don't forget to check out my latest novel, The Stock, at Swoon Reads! You can read it for free, along with other great books! Then, cast your vote for it to when a publishing contract with Swoon Reads, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing. I'd be so grateful! Happy reading!
Read more of Michelle's reviews, including this one, on: These Words Tell a Story...
October 17, 2016
*ARC is obtained through Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ (4 hearts)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is definitely an entertaining read, delightful and dreamy.
I mean, hunky hockey player with a stunning Greek girl? SIGN.ME.UP!
About the story
Kristen Katsaros or KK is a stunning Greek girl with cystic fibrosis (CF) who is on a Caribbean cruise trip. She accidentally meets a deliciously-hot beefcake called Pasha and decided to have a fake-but-not-really-fake fling with him on the trip. Apparently, Kristen and Pasha then developed stronger feelings towards each other but decided to parted ways when the trip ends. However, Kristen later bumped into Pasha again only to learned he is actually Pavel Gribov THE hockey player, in which he hided that fact before. Kristen and Pasha later on have to make up their mind on whether they are willing to be with each other and makes their relationship works or separate and be miserable.
This book has certainly hooked me from the very first page and I truly enjoyed Kristen and Pasha's journey especially from the getting to know each other part, life-threatening adventures and all the way towards their HEA. In view of this, I have many things that I love from the book and surprisingly, I couldn't find anything that I dislike so in this review I will only make a list of Things that I love about the book and forgo the Things that I dislike about the book.
Things that I love about the book
How very sweet and understanding Pasha is about Kristen having CF. Kudos to him for not freaking out or be weird about that.
Kristen's determination and strong will in living despite having to go through the vest therapies, taking enzymes before every freaking meals and all the other stuffs because of the CF. I think that makes her so admirable.
Those steamy, panty-melting scenes of Pasha and Kristen. I mean, they were thoroughly well-written and made me fanning myself. A LOT.
All in all, I think Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a very delicious treat, one that you can enjoy either as up-all-night-bedtime-stories (that will makes you dreaming about it once you sleep) or even during the day which can make you daydream possibly about a Russian hockey player, Adonis and beefcake all combined. I would surely recommend it to contemporary romance lovers who have the affinity towards Russian, Greek and sportsman with well-defined muscles ;)
My review is also posted at my blog:
http://sweetheartreads.blogspot.com/2...
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ (4 hearts)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is definitely an entertaining read, delightful and dreamy.
I mean, hunky hockey player with a stunning Greek girl? SIGN.ME.UP!
About the story
Kristen Katsaros or KK is a stunning Greek girl with cystic fibrosis (CF) who is on a Caribbean cruise trip. She accidentally meets a deliciously-hot beefcake called Pasha and decided to have a fake-but-not-really-fake fling with him on the trip. Apparently, Kristen and Pasha then developed stronger feelings towards each other but decided to parted ways when the trip ends. However, Kristen later bumped into Pasha again only to learned he is actually Pavel Gribov THE hockey player, in which he hided that fact before. Kristen and Pasha later on have to make up their mind on whether they are willing to be with each other and makes their relationship works or separate and be miserable.
This book has certainly hooked me from the very first page and I truly enjoyed Kristen and Pasha's journey especially from the getting to know each other part, life-threatening adventures and all the way towards their HEA. In view of this, I have many things that I love from the book and surprisingly, I couldn't find anything that I dislike so in this review I will only make a list of Things that I love about the book and forgo the Things that I dislike about the book.
Things that I love about the book
How very sweet and understanding Pasha is about Kristen having CF. Kudos to him for not freaking out or be weird about that.
Kristen's determination and strong will in living despite having to go through the vest therapies, taking enzymes before every freaking meals and all the other stuffs because of the CF. I think that makes her so admirable.
Those steamy, panty-melting scenes of Pasha and Kristen. I mean, they were thoroughly well-written and made me fanning myself. A LOT.
All in all, I think Unsportsmanlike Conduct is a very delicious treat, one that you can enjoy either as up-all-night-bedtime-stories (that will makes you dreaming about it once you sleep) or even during the day which can make you daydream possibly about a Russian hockey player, Adonis and beefcake all combined. I would surely recommend it to contemporary romance lovers who have the affinity towards Russian, Greek and sportsman with well-defined muscles ;)
My review is also posted at my blog:
http://sweetheartreads.blogspot.com/2...
October 18, 2016
After having read all the previous books in The Pilot Hockey Series by Sophia Henry, I can honestly say I did not see this book coming. Like the previous books, this book had a unique, emotional storyline that steps outside of the typical sports themed romance genre. Reader's were introduced to both the leading characters in the first book, Delayed Penalty. Although they were secondary characters, they each had interesting dynamics to their personalities. Readers were left with some distinct impressions that were definitely misleading once their true personalities are exposed in Unsportsmanlike Conduct. I walked away with a bad impression of Pavel in the first book and fell for him in this book. I didn't have a lasting impression of Kristen in the first book but walked away from this book with a lot of respect, compassion, and admiration of her character. I admired her inner strength and honest outlook of her life.
Kristen Katsaros has a mantra of making every moment worthwhile. She lives every day like it is her last. She has very validating reasons for living life the way she does. She has dealt with a debilitating disease all of her life. She has to manage her health every moment and be prepared for the worst. Those good moments are the ones that count.
A gift of a cruise from her parents is just what she needed until she finds out that the guy they want her to marry is also on the cruise. She doesn't need a husband, she needs the freedom to explore all the possibilities her life has to offer. When a gorgeous guy pretends to be her boyfriend throughout the cruise, it makes it a vacation of a lifetime.
What happens on vacation quickly bleeds into the everyday realities of life. Pavel/Pasha and Kristen are connected in more ways than a vacation romance. The realities of Kristen's life are not going to change Pavel/Pasha's course. He knows what it takes to go all the way, he's determined to win Kristen's complete heart, and will do everything within his power including Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
Although this book had some heavy subject matter, it was still a charming romance. I walked away with a different perspective of the characters. I also walked away with more compassion of those who suffer from CF.
September 6, 2016
This is another book in Sophia Henry’s series revolving around members of a minor league hockey team in Detroit. I’ve read and enjoyed all the earlier books in the series, but I didn’t remember them that clearly so I think it would be fine to read without having read the earlier books. There are references to those characters and what happened earlier, but the reader can basically get what’s going on without having read or remembered what went on.
This is about two young people who, for different reasons, have built up walls to prevent themselves from having a meaningful relationship with someone. But a one-week Caribbean cruise seems to provide enough of an escape from real life for Kristen and Pasha to fall for each other.
It’s not much of a spoiler that the heroine, Kristen, has cystic fibrosis. Knowing that she might not have a normal life span has led her to devote herself to living her life to the fullest. She is also afraid to have a real relationship because she fears forcing someone she loves to have to suffer through her early death. Pasha has had a rotten life because his father was abusive and then both parents died suddenly in a car accident. He fears that he could become abusive like his father, but he’s actually, deep down, a very sweet and sensitive guy. And a very hot guy with an extremely active sex drive.
So Kristen and Pasha spend a wonderful week together without her knowing who he really is. He doesn’t tell her because of something rotten that he tried to do to her best friend. What are the chances that a guy who had been nasty to her best friend would end up on the same singles cruise and run into her (literally) on the first day? But we have to suspend disbelief or there wouldn’t be any novel.
This is a very rewarding book. I would not have thought that I would enjoy a book about a girl with CF, but Henry tackles that with sensitivity. Kristen refuses to be defined by her disease and Pasha also refuses to see her as a diseased woman. I enjoyed the book much more than I expected to, especially considering that there is no sports in what is, ostensibly, a sports romance. But there is a very nice romance where the complications come from the plot and not her illness.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is about two young people who, for different reasons, have built up walls to prevent themselves from having a meaningful relationship with someone. But a one-week Caribbean cruise seems to provide enough of an escape from real life for Kristen and Pasha to fall for each other.
It’s not much of a spoiler that the heroine, Kristen, has cystic fibrosis. Knowing that she might not have a normal life span has led her to devote herself to living her life to the fullest. She is also afraid to have a real relationship because she fears forcing someone she loves to have to suffer through her early death. Pasha has had a rotten life because his father was abusive and then both parents died suddenly in a car accident. He fears that he could become abusive like his father, but he’s actually, deep down, a very sweet and sensitive guy. And a very hot guy with an extremely active sex drive.
So Kristen and Pasha spend a wonderful week together without her knowing who he really is. He doesn’t tell her because of something rotten that he tried to do to her best friend. What are the chances that a guy who had been nasty to her best friend would end up on the same singles cruise and run into her (literally) on the first day? But we have to suspend disbelief or there wouldn’t be any novel.
This is a very rewarding book. I would not have thought that I would enjoy a book about a girl with CF, but Henry tackles that with sensitivity. Kristen refuses to be defined by her disease and Pasha also refuses to see her as a diseased woman. I enjoyed the book much more than I expected to, especially considering that there is no sports in what is, ostensibly, a sports romance. But there is a very nice romance where the complications come from the plot and not her illness.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2016
"Unsportsmanlike Conduct" is the 4th book in Sophia Henry's "Pilot Hockey" series and the first book I have read of hers.
I'm really glad I was introduced to this series. I like the flow of the author's writing and I really love the humor. Normally I avoid books with any kind of medical drama/issues going on. I read to escape and I simply want none of that in a book I read. That being said, I'm glad I didn't know ahead of time that this book included that as the author made it a fun read in spite of some of the more serious aspects. It might have been that the h's condition is Cystic Fibrosis which I am familiar with. From having a childhood friend with CF to now 20 years later having a friend who's daughter has CF I can see the leaps and bounds medical science has made. The author did a great job of bringing this disorder to light in an interesting and humorous way while still being honest and respectful.
Since I hadn't read any of the earlier books I didn't go into this with a preconceived notion of Pasha, who was apparently a total jerk in previous books. I can see why he didn't want to tell Kristin who he was initially and how he wanted to prove who he truly was deep down. I liked that Kristin made him work for it, that she didn't just immediately fall into his bed. They were sweet and funny together and I could feel the chemistry.
Pasha was a bit of an idiot not to fess up after the cruise but I could see how he felt the need to punish himself. It was a bit silly for them to draw the drama out so long. I don't like when books suddenly jump from present time, to three months later, to a month later, to two months later, etc. That's just too much freaking time with them avoiding each other. Glad they came together in the end. I just wish it had happened sooner.
I'll definitely be picking up some of the other books in the series. I'm looking forward to some more laugh out loud moments.
I'm really glad I was introduced to this series. I like the flow of the author's writing and I really love the humor. Normally I avoid books with any kind of medical drama/issues going on. I read to escape and I simply want none of that in a book I read. That being said, I'm glad I didn't know ahead of time that this book included that as the author made it a fun read in spite of some of the more serious aspects. It might have been that the h's condition is Cystic Fibrosis which I am familiar with. From having a childhood friend with CF to now 20 years later having a friend who's daughter has CF I can see the leaps and bounds medical science has made. The author did a great job of bringing this disorder to light in an interesting and humorous way while still being honest and respectful.
Since I hadn't read any of the earlier books I didn't go into this with a preconceived notion of Pasha, who was apparently a total jerk in previous books. I can see why he didn't want to tell Kristin who he was initially and how he wanted to prove who he truly was deep down. I liked that Kristin made him work for it, that she didn't just immediately fall into his bed. They were sweet and funny together and I could feel the chemistry.
Pasha was a bit of an idiot not to fess up after the cruise but I could see how he felt the need to punish himself. It was a bit silly for them to draw the drama out so long. I don't like when books suddenly jump from present time, to three months later, to a month later, to two months later, etc. That's just too much freaking time with them avoiding each other. Glad they came together in the end. I just wish it had happened sooner.
I'll definitely be picking up some of the other books in the series. I'm looking forward to some more laugh out loud moments.
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