It was love at first sight for me: the second Victoria Newhouse took my hand, I was stuck.
Except I’m not allowed to want her.
Her father made it very clear, and if I want to keep my contract with the Minnesota Raiders, then I’ll do whatever he says.
Fast forward nine years and Tori now sees me as the grumpy Russian. I play well, I keep my head down, and I make sure to stay out of trouble.
Still, trouble seems to find me, and fate throws me and Tori together again and again. It’s getting too hard to keep my hands off of her.
Especially when she starts to kiss me back.
The sparks are still there, but between the threats of the past coming back to haunt us, I know I need to keep my distance, for her and for my kids and yet, I don’t want to be the strong and silent one anymore. I want Tori today, tomorrow, and always. Still, I know a guy like me isn’t allowed to get what they want.
This was a good read. Alexi and Tori have liked each other since the first time they met. However, her father ruined things. To make matters worse she is helping him against his mother in law. Thankfully everything works out and they get their happy ending.
The third book in the series is Last Shot. In this story, we follow the newest owner of the Minnesota Raiders, Victoria Newhouse. And longtime player Alexi Griffith. Both characters came up in the Raiders franchise together, and they do not like each other. Well, they do but, they don't. Their story starts nine years before the series. At their first meeting, on their first day. Tori is the daughter of Elijah Newhouse, owner of the Raiders, and is starting in the PR department. As a way to spend more time with her father. Alexi, son of deadbeat parents, is working to prove that he is worth it and will be a good investment for the franchise. To do that, he is issued an order by the owner Elijah Newhouse: stay away from his daughter. With romance forbidden, Alexi goes out of his way to make Tori hate him but, all of that comes to a head when someone threatens Alexi, his children, and the team.
My Take
I thoroughly enjoyed the series. Pippa Green delves into deeper topics (boss vs. employee relationships, single parenthood, interfering parental units, etc.). But, the stories still manage to be fun and have a nice flow. The characters are easy to relate to, even if you're not a super fan of hockey. For a hockey romance series, there is a surprising lack of hockey.
I did have a complaint, and it mostly takes place in Snap Shot. The manufactured drama is a little unbelievable. You have Mitch and Morgan; they are on opposite sides of their drama, and there is a very "easy" solution to the problem that neither of them brings up. I'm not going to spoil it, but it did take me out of the story. The conflict really should have been figured out midway through the story. There is a fine line an author has to flirt with when writing a series. They need to have a new drama for each book. But, the longer the series goes, the harder they have to work to manufacture that drama. I'll be interested to read the next book when it is released.
Another observation I had - and this extends to other stories that I've read - is that family and friends in romance novels are super pushy. Now, I'm familiar with passive-aggression, and I recognize that messed-up family dynamics lead to more drama. But man, sometimes, I want to smack friends and family for not being supportive. I couldn't imagine if I fell in love with a friend of one of my brothers that they would act like that was the worst thing in the world. It's a familiar trope to have a sister fall for their brother's best friend (or a brother fall for a sister's best friend). But, if it is not well written, it can come across as hypocritical - notably, when the story revolves around a younger sister. In this series, you have two different brothers who are opposed to their sisters dating their best friends. He's good enough to be your best friend but not to date your sister. To me, it is irritating (almost as annoying as Grammarly). That may be the feminist in me.
Would I Recommend?
Yes, if you're looking for a sports romance series, I highly recommend the Minnesota Raiders series (there is even a new book dropping on February 22, 2022). Sure, you can read each story on its own but, I don't recommend it. All of the story's build on each other, particularly the prequel and the first three stories.
Overall I give each book 4.5/5 stars. I like the stories but, sometimes the manufactured drama pulls you out of the story.
If you found my review at all helpful or enjoyable, please feel free to check me out on my blog: Gypsy Reading.
Sometimes life is nothing more than twists, and, turns that we travel. All to learn from. Some roads are bumpy, and some are smooth. No matter what, we will see some beautiful things, along the way, to help our hearts flourish. Yet, don't go thinking, everything will be wine, and, roses imagine how boring that would be. You will encounter thorns, too.
That is exactly what happens, to Victoria (Tori) Newhouse, and, Alexi Griffith, the Russian newly signed, Raider Hockey player. You see for them, it is love at first sight, as they both wait outside, Tori’s dad’s office. When he sees them, shaking hands upon introductions, and holding a beat too long, her father gives him the speech.
The ‘You’re not good enough, for my daughter, and never will be. If you choose, to get together with her, I will trade you. Alexi left the meeting, with his head down, not even acknowledging, Tori. He felt just as smarmy, as he did when he still, lived in Philly. He worked so hard, to get away from, his home life. His parents worked, to support their drug habits, and nothing more.
Nine years later, he is dealing with the wrath of his deceased, wife’s mother. She is a publicity whore, who is using her, daughter’s death, to boost her reality show, and business. As she does that, she is accusing, Alexi of murdering, or at least having a hand, in her death. What she counts on, is that she has this real sense, of being able, to orchestrate, the press, and, have them in her pocket. What she doesn’t have, is Tori the PR queen.
You see, a lot of people look at professional athletes, as dumb jocks. However, more and more, are not single and, doing the partying thing. They have seen, too much of the fallout play out on national TV or in the rags. Security is a must, like video cameras everywhere, recording meetings with anyone, who feels shady, and other things. So, when, Tori can use the illegal said, footage of the ex-mother-in-law, assaulting her, while she is also trespassing, this pisses the older woman off.
This is such a good book. There are several twists and turns. Tori’s dad is a jerk. She is such a help with both of Alexi’s children but especially, Aubrey.
This book has all the feels of a long standing attraction that the couple is fighting against. Alexi is a single dad and an ice hockey player who has been attracted to Tori since the first day he saw her. But her father was the owner of the team and threatened to fire him if he did anything about that attraction, as Alexi's background is not glamorous. He thought it best to minimize temptation and to be rude so Tori wouldn't want anything either. So things have been tense for Alexi and Tori ever since . Now she's in charge of the PR efforts of the team, and they have a common worry, as Alexi has been sued and the plaintiff is causing a lot of PR trouble. He is worried about his daughter who has not been talking at school lately due to all the stress, but Tori is able to connect with her. And the attraction between Alexi and Tori is still there, stronger than ever.
The book is part of a series that I haven't read but can be enjoyed as a standalone. I liked the children, Alexi's gruff but emotional character, the author's writing style and the flow of the plot. The book has an alternating first person point of view and some bedroom scenes. I received an advance copy via Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
Victoria, the daughter of the owner of the Minnesota Raiders and their PR guru, felt an instant attraction with new player Alexi, but couldn't understand how hostile or broody he could be around her. She doesn't know that her father threatened to destroy him if he ever touched her. As a single father of two young children, Aubrey and Adam, he couldn't afford to mess up. His wife was killed in an auto accident and Alexi is being sued by his mother-in-law who's only out to destroy him, take his money and rebuild her brand. His daughter has totally shut down and isn't talking at home or at school. A breakthrough occurs when she spends time with Tori and this "family" finally begins their journey to togetherness.
This book is full of emotion from the undue stress of the lawsuit, the selective mutism of his daughter, and the sparks flying everywhere when the main characters are together. But it's also a fast-paced sports romance just filled with action from his fellow teammates. These authors write well together and know just when to drop in a bombshell, or two. Tori's secrets are... wow! Great ending. Now I'm ready for the next book in the series!
I love a good hockey story and this is incredible! Alexi is one of the great members of the Minnesota Raiders team. He's been there for 10 years now. He is also a widower with two young kids. A 2 year old son and a very quiet 7 year old daughter.
He has secretly been in love with Tori the team's owner's daughter since he signed on the team. They had a huge spark then Tori's dad immediately shut him down. Not only threatening to fire him but also to get him out of the NHL forever. So Alexi did what he could to stay away from her.
Now Alexi's mother in law is claiming he is responsible for his wife's car accident that killed her. This horrible woman is even going after her grandchildren.
Tori runs PR for the team and she has always had feelings for Alexi and now his young kids too. Even if he didn't want her, she will do all that she can for her team.
Total combustion when these two come together! So hot and wild! But no one can find out, especially Tori's dad. Can these two continue or should Alexi give up Tori to save his job and his family?
I am glued to this series! Reading at least one book a day! So glad there's more! Add these steamy, hot stories to your to be read pile too! Enjoy!
4-stars for Last Shot by Pippa Green Last Shot is an emotional read that I enjoyed reading and would recommend especially those who love storylines centered around the sports romance genre. Last Shot pulls you in, as if you too are part of the Minnesota Raiders family. There's more emotion, more angst, even more love than either book 1 or book 2 in this series. In an attempt to cool off the smoldering heat when Alexi & Tori are in each other's orbit, they both take a penalty to 'cool off', only to find the years in the sin bin did nothing but ignite their passion, one look, one kiss and poof; Alexi & Tori begin their journey not only to a HEA but it's the start of their family, a family they both long for but only realized recently. I personally hope Pippa Green has more books planned for this series! Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited, voluntary opinion with this review.
Alexi and Tori felt an instant connection when they met. However, once he found out who she was, he knew he couldn’t have her. Now years later, he has to work withTori as he is being sued by his mother-in-law. As they spend more time together, the chemistry between them ignites and overwhelms them. There are so many obstacles preventing Tori and Alexi from reaching their HEA, that you wonder if they will make it. I have really enjoyed this series so far and felt for both Alexi and Tori.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Last Shot (A Minnesota Raiders Novel) by Pippa Green. Alexi has had feelings for Tori since the first time he met her, she is forbidden as long as he wants a shot with the MN Raiders hockey team. So he does what he thinks is best and stays away from her. Skip to years down the road and now he needs her help with his daughter and still feels the connection instantly. This time he’s not giving up on what may be his last shot. Fast paced action packed sports romance with a good story line and head-strong, charismatic characters. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexa was warned off of Tori the same day they met. Tori's father is the owner of the Minnesota Raiders and used that to threaten Alexi that he would ruin him if he went near his daughter. Fast forward 9 years and Alexi is a widower with two children and Tori is in love with him but never admits to it. Alexi feels the same way but he is keeping it to himself still remembering the threats. Now he is being sued by his mother in law for wrongful death. Interesting story with a couple of triggers and a few roadblocks but they finally get their much deserved HEA.
Alexi and Tori had an instant connection but outside forces interfered. When they finally connected, sparks flew.
This was another great book by the author. We finally got to see why the grumpy Russian was so grumpy. Alexi is such a complicated character. He’s grumpy and sunshiny and aloof. Tori is sunshine all the time. Watching them love each other from afar thinking no one could tell was epic.
The author again brought us into this world and added so much to it. I love how she gave us on-site into the world and makes the readers want more.
I loved Alexi and Victoria’s story but a couple story specifics annoyed me. First, Alexi is the son of Russian Immigrants but his last name, Griffith, is Welsh. With all the Russian surnames to chose from, why use a Welsh name?
Editing needs work. At one point, the nanny Mrs. Armstrong was called Mrs. Anderson. Some word choices were incorrect, too. Example titled was used when it should have been tilted. Spell check may have okayed but the context in the sentence was wrong. Mistakes in details is why I rated book a four otherwise it would have been a five.
On Alexi's first day at the Raiders, he bumps into Tori and the insta-attraction is off the charts. Seconds later, his career depends on staying away from her.
After years of tension, banter, and general grumpiness, everything has changed. Tori and Alexi can't hide their attraction to each other anymore, but will acting on it ruin everything? Or will it save them both?
The third installment of Eden Dunn's Minnesota Raiders series is intense, a little forbidden, and where realty may be better than both their wildest dreams.
Alexi was just given a position with the Minnesota Raiders. Victoria had just started in the PR department. When they met, there was a instant connection, but when he's warned to never be with her, he is destroyed. Victoria didn't understand him and the way he acted or treated her. So when things happen, can they find a happily ever after together forever? I loved Alexi and Victoria, just wish he would have tried harder for them in the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found it impossible to put this work down. It was such a fantastic read and I really enjoyed reading Alexi and Tori's story. I loved it and the emotional journey I went on with the story. The plot was fantastic and the emotions the author put into the work was fantastic. A great read over all. I can't wait for the next installment and to meet the next team mate.
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in this Minnesota Raiders series. This is the story of Alexi and Tori and their journey to their happily ever after. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. Looking forward to read more from this author and series.
Alexi and Tori's story is about grabbing your chance on love, after tryingso hard to stay apart and fight the attraction and their feelings for each other. It is a very romantic story, has lots of emotional moments and is very well written that I enjoyed reading very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love at first sight doesn’t mean shit if you’re working together. And his boss made it very clear that if he wants to keep his NHL contract, it’s hands off his daughter. Victoria. No matter how hard he tries to keep his hands clean, trouble finds him. It was an intriguing, fun read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
I love ice hockey rom coms, those beefy hot AF guys and all that steam. This book was well written, loved the twists and the characters. Loved how protective Tori was of the kids and basically the e tended ‘team’ family. Overall this was a great read
Alexei and Victoria. Both wonderful characters, they both have issues from the past that is holding them back, but their chemistry and heat cannot stop their love, even though it took years for them to have their HEA
I loved this story of forbidden love! I LOVE Alexi and Tori! This couple has been brewing for an explosion this whole series! The heat of the sparks these two throw off could start a forest fire!
Much more enjoyable, filled with tension caused by outside sources (Tori’s father) and a past that just won’t go away (Alexi’s wife’s accidental death and her selfish, narcissistic mother out to destroy him). It’s a wonder that these two ever had a chance.
This is definitely my favourite book in the series so far. How fun that they just get better and better. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and didn't want it to end.