Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Boston Hawks Hockey #9

The Score Keeper

Rate this book
Boston Hawks owner Scott Reland is my father’s biggest rival and the last man who should catch my eye. But when he does, I don’t look away.

We’ve circled each other for years, two outliers in a small club of NHL owners. We know the rules, manage similar pressures, and understand that this lifestyle — hockey over everything — isn’t for everyone.

Which is why I want out.

To prove to my father that I have a future beyond the New York Sharks, I score one for me and open a bakery in Boston, the city that reveres Scott.

It isn’t long until the dynamic and perceptive Hawk pursues me. And I’m entirely unprepared to be swept off my feet, cared for and supported after so many years on my own. Scott easily draws me back into the hockey life I thought I didn’t want.

But can our relationship survive the demands of this industry? Or will I always be keeping score, second to the game that dictates everything?

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2022

85 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

Gina Azzi

69 books817 followers
Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YVOGEO2

FOLLOW ME!
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/gina_azzi

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/gina_azzi

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ginaazziauthor

Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/gb346806/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
220 (46%)
4 stars
172 (36%)
3 stars
63 (13%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,552 reviews53 followers
March 4, 2022
I'm so sad to see this series ending. I've loved every one of them including this one. I loved Scott and Noelle's story. I especially loved Scott's character, that he wants the life the other guys have, now that they found their partner and have their own family. He can't help but feel lonely while he's been busy managing the team.

Then he encountered Noelle, his rival's daughter, who makes him want what he shouldn't. They've known each other for years, but this time she's in Boston to expand her business and maybe they could have their chance. It wasn't easy for them because Noelle knows how it feels like to fall second after hockey and that's not what she wants anymore.

I just loved their story and that they're more mature/older characters so they know what they want and they go for it without playing games. I'm going to miss this series but I also can't wait for what's to come from Gina.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,483 reviews56 followers
March 1, 2022
Well well - this was a nice surprise. Grown up acting like grown ups :)
The many ways this story could have gone wrong but once again it's proven that Gina Azzi is truly a great writer.

I loved the fact that both MC were mature adults who knew to try and communicate before making assumptions. Naturally nobody is 100% without flaw so of course they butted heads a few times before they came to realize that nobody is perfect and you need constant work (YES I said WORK) to make a relationship, especially one where both are a powerhouse in their own right, to work long term.

This story was an easy read, with not too much drama involved about two people finding home in each other's arms.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Donna.
322 reviews212 followers
March 3, 2022
"Can we create a forever? Or will hockey eventually come first?"

The Boston Hawks hockey series concludes with the story of owner Scott Reland, 44, and Noelle DiSanto, 34, daughter of the owner of the New York Sharks. Scott wishes for his own HEA but has too much experience with women treating him as a means to an end as they desire his money or social status rather than a forever. He and Noelle have moved in the same circles for years and share a connection Scott wants to pursue especially since he knows her intentions are true. Noelle, however, while attracted to Scott, wants an escape from the hockey world she grew up in as she grows and expands her bakery business. Noelle loves to bake and sees a great future in the baking industry but her father only wants her to continue his legacy with the Sharks. This holds her back from going all in to the possibility of a relationship with Scott.

Scott is older than his team's players, more mature and successful, while Noelle is still finding her footing as she works to gain confidence in herself. When they come together, the relationship is simply beautiful! Scott is the perfect book boyfriend, full of love and patience and kindness with such a big heart. He never gives up on Noelle despite her reservations, knowing they are destined to be together.

Noelle needs the courage to stand up to her father but fears his lack of acceptance of her goals and dreams. With Scott always standing behind her, I wish she would have faced her father sooner instead of doubting her relationship with Scott. While her father initially seemed unyielding and unforgiving, he and Noelle did share a beautiful father-daughter moment that brought tears to my eyes.

Although ninth in the series, this book completely works as a stand alone. While this is only the third installment I've read, I plan to go back and read the others to truly appreciate the entire story. A beautiful deep and true love with teasing tie ins to the upcoming Tennessee Thunderbolts series, this was the perfect series finale.

* 4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Goodreads *

** Special thanks to author Gina Azzi for sending me the ARC of The Score Keeper to read and review. **

** Available March 3, 2022 **
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,192 reviews220 followers
March 1, 2022
5 Star Review The Score Keeper (Boston Hawks Hockey #9) by Gina Azzi
 
Have you ever wanted to grab a book and dive in but at the same time dread starting it? That was me with The Score Keeper. Knowing this is the final book in what has over time become one of my favourite hockey series was bitter sweet. This book was everything I was hoping it would be and so much more. A fitting end to a wonderful series.

The Score Keeper is Boston Hawks owner Scott Reland and Noelle DiSanto’s story an oh what a story this was. Every time I finish one of these books I feel as though I have a new favourite and this book was no exception. I fell hard an fast for Scott, a determined, successful man who has a heart of gold; such a swoon worthy, protective and caring man.

Noelle is the daughter of the owner of his rival the New York Sharks. She has finally escaped the hockey world and opened a bakery in Boston. This book had me smiling, laughing and crying and there were certainly some emotional moments.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, and I loved the development of their relationship. For me Scott and Noelle are two halves of a whole, soul mates who were meant to find one another. I just loved their relationship and how Scott offered his support and gave her the courage to stand up to her father.

Catching up with the other members of the team and their significant others just added to my enjoyment of the story. It was also an introduction to Ms. Azzi's upcoming series the Tennessee Thunderbolts and I for one cannot wait.
Profile Image for Echo's Journey Through Books.
906 reviews82 followers
March 11, 2022
The Boston Hawks Hockey series has come to an end with Scott and Noelle's story and it was the perfect end for this beautiful journey that I may have not started from the beginning but have loved the entire way!

Scott and Noelle are so amazing together; from the chemistry and scorching moments to the raw feelings and beautiful love! They've been into each other for so long but Noelle being the daughter of Scott's rival hockey team they've both denied their feelings so I loved seeing them giving into the temptation! Gaah they are so swoony!

But not all is sunshine and rainbows with these two and they definitely have their stuggles and have to fight for their happily ever after but it's a beautiful journey!

"I'm playing for keeps, and if her heart is the prize, then I want to earn it with zero uncertainties between us."

*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Profile Image for Lasairiona McMaster.
Author 44 books858 followers
February 27, 2022
What a way to end a series! Scott and Noelle were the read I didn't know I needed. As always a well written book from Gina, she never fails to put out a great book with relatable characters and a great story.
Scott as the older man, owner of her father's rival team was every bit perfect for Noelle. I think everyone can relate to having an overbearing parent at some point in their lives, watching Noelle grow through the book and find her inner strength to own her choices was a thing of beauty.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,875 reviews213 followers
March 3, 2022




Amazon / Nook / Kobo / Apple / Google Play

Though she grew up in her father's hockey world, Noelle wants to distance herself from it now. She doesn't want to take over for him as he wants, no, she wants something completely different for herself - to open her own cupcake bakery. Does she dare step out of her father's shadow, and into her own life? She just may have an ally in one of her father's rivals - team owner of the Boston Hawks, Scott Reland. And she just may have a chance at love and happiness with someone who completely supports her and her dreams, even if they're separate from his hockey world.



Scott is wealthy, gorgeous, and wants...happiness and love. He's just never found either with the women he's met that inhabit his hockey world. Noelle is someone he's known for years, and has always found interesting and attractive, but he's never done anything about his feelings. Now in his 40s, he's really finding himself wanting to settle down and Noelle is the woman he wants by his side, forever. If she can find the courage to stand up to her father, and fight for their love, they could really have something beautiful.



Though I've only previously read the last two stories in the Boston Hawks Hockey series, I've quickly fallen in love with all the players and the people they've found love with. Now that the time has come for the series to end, I'm so glad Gina saved the best for last. Scott is truly the best guy in the series, and Noelle is so definitely his equal. I suppose it's because they're both more mature (he's in his 40s and she's in her 30s), so they behave like mature adults rather than immature 20 somethings, and I absolutely loved that about both of them. This is a sweet ending to an excellent series, I'm going to miss all these hockey couples.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
Profile Image for Jackie (Jackie's Book World) .
929 reviews60 followers
March 3, 2022
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

Rating: 4.5/5

Azzi concludes her Boston Hawks Hockey Series with The Score Keeper. This steamy sports romance between two hockey powerhouses will leave you wanting for more.

At forty-four-years old, Scott Reland has successfully made a name for himself and for his team, the Boston Hawks. As the owner of the team, he has also accumulated a lot of wealth and the attention of women who have very high expectations. It’s his money all they see and that’s not something he is interested in at his age. For Scott hockey is his life, even though that wasn’t how he was raised at the beginning. But it grew to something else the minute he played in high school and never looked back. He longs to experience something deeper with someone else and he knows exactly who is right for him. Having met over the years, Scott has always had an eye for Noelle DiSanto. They both understand the world of hockey and even though her dad is his biggest rival, Scott still has a soft spot for Noelle. Yet, it’s her desire to distance herself from hockey after seeing how consuming it is that has him question if she’ll ever be truly part of his world. They are made for each other and he willing to do anything to prove that to her.

As the heiress to the New York Sharks franchise, Noelle DiSanto has grown up knowing that she will one day take over her dad’s hockey empire. But that’s not something that she wants. After chasing her dream and learning the art of patisserie, Noelle managed to open Primrose Sweets as her way of honoring the legacy that her mom left behind. While her dad was not trilled about it, she didn’t let that stop her from opening her first bakery. If anything it gave her the need to keep expanding to show her dad that her bakery can be successful. So when Noelle gets to decide where to open next, Boston comes up. That’s exactly where Scott Reland also resides. Her dad has never liked Scott, but he took her breath away the minute they met and is over the years that they develop a connection. Then everything changes when he offers her the opportunity to open up a pop-up shot at his arena and Noelle doesn’t know how her dad is going to react if he finds out. She has worked so hard to not be so involved when it comes to hockey, yet being in Scott’s world has her question what she truly wants.

I really enjoyed reading The Score Keeper! It felt more mature to me especially with Scott being older. He has been through so much and has made the Boston Hawks a very successful team from the ground up. He is protective over Noelle right away and he wants to show that his world is different from how she grew up. On the other hand, not having her mom with her has made it difficult of Noelle’s dad to understand that running a hockey team is not for her. Her dad has supported her in his way and it’s difficult for her to tell him what she truly wants without upsetting him. The chemistry is what completely did it for me, it’s instant and steamy! I loved the ending, it fit them very well. I do wish the author could have given us more insight on some details, but it still works out in the end. I would still highly recommend it. I cannot wait to read what other works Gina Azzi comes up with next! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,616 reviews92 followers
March 7, 2022
Noelle DiSanto. The daughter of his business rival, the one woman he can never have. And the one he can’t stop thinking about. Scott Reland is the successful owner of the Boston Hawks Hockey team, but something in his life still feels empty. He’s always been attracted to the beautiful Noelle, but has never dared to hope for more - until she looks his way.

When Noelle moves to Boston to pursue her baking business, Scott knows he should stay far far away. But something about her draws him in, and the more he gets to know her, the more he falls. But Noelle is determined to see her business take off, and she’s anxious about returning to the hockey life. Everything Scott has ever wanted is within his grasp… but will he be able to keep it?

This was such a beautiful conclusion to the Boston Hawks Hockey series! I’m so happy that Scott finally found love, even if it came with its own fair share of trials. This was a super cute, feel good book with just a hint of angst. Gina Azzi has quickly become one of my favorite hockey romance authors, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Scott. He buries himself in work because he doesn’t have a family to come home to. I was pleased to see that change when he gets more involved with Noelle. He’s also super swoon worthy - I loved him! Noelle. She’s such a sweetheart, and I felt so bad for her because of how dismissive her father was of her dreams. Noelle was a character I could personally relate to, and that made the book even better!

All in all, I recommend this book, the Boston Hawks Hockey Series, and Gina Azzi as an author.
Profile Image for Kaya.
626 reviews
March 3, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



This was a bittersweet read for me. I have always enjoyed the different love stories in the Boston Hawks series, and this final chapter is no different.

Scott Reland and Noelle DiSanto are on the opposite sides of two NHL dynasties. While Noelle's father is set to maintain the rivalry and pass it along to his only daughter, Noelle wants little to do with inheriting a hockey team AND keeping her distance from the attractive owner of the Boston Hawks.

When Noelle pursues her dream of owning a bakery and expands to a second location in Boston, Scott is more than happy to welcome her to town and support her ambitions. But Noelle's dad is not to be deterred with his own goals, too. Will Scotty and Noelle find a happily ever after, or will they end up being the NHL's Romeo and Juliet?

What I love about Gina Azzi's writing is that it is so grounded. We get a story about two mature adults who know what they want out of life. There is very little angst in this read, but we still get to enjoy Scott and Noelle's journey. I love that while Scott is obviously powerful and assertive, he respects Noelle and her dreams. He supports her and even stands up for her when she struggles to find a voice, but remains respectful of her boundaries and wishes.

I definitely enjoyed Noelle's character development. She goes from someone who is running away from her problems and sweeping them under the rug (figuratively) to someone who finds her own voice -- with Scott's encouragement.

Like I said, it is bittersweet to leave Gina's take of Boston, but I am incredibly excited to take a trip with her to Tennessee.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Gina Azzi and Wildfire Marketing for providing an ARC. **
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,120 reviews75 followers
February 18, 2022
Scott Reland is a gorgeous, sexy, kind hearted man and the owner of my book loving heart! Never have I ever wanted a man to get his happily ever after more than this man right here!

Well done Gina, well done!

The Score Keeper is book 9 of Gina Azzi’s Boston Hawks Hockey series and is team owner, Scotty’s, love story. In this book, the sexy silver fox sets his sights on the woman he has admired from afar for many years. Noelle is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside and completely off limits to him. Except, limits, are meant to pushed and push them he does.

Watching two mature people (he’s 44, she’s 34) following their hearts, without playing games, made this the thoroughly enjoyable, read in one sitting romance that it is.

I’m giving ALL the books in this series and The Score Keeper the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval. I urge you to read all of them as ASAP as possible. With this series, Gina has ruined me for all other hockey romances. Read them, trust me, you’re going to be thanking me later!
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,020 reviews52 followers
March 3, 2022
4.5 stars-Great Quick Read!

Sometimes these shorter reads that don't give you everything and the kitchen sink are the perfect fit and that is what The Score Keeper was for me. While it's the ninth book in the series and I'll admit to only reading two or three others, it read great as a standalone.

Not waiting with bated breath for this last book helped with the fact that I liked Scott and Noelle's story so much. I missed the build up from the previous books and really appreciated how they both took thier time getting to know each other a little better. Helps that Scott was in his mid-forties and knew how he wanted for the rest of his life to play out. It was great how they were both so driven, focused on thier businesses, yet realized they needed to make time for each other if they were going to have real time together.

The book is well written and other than Noelle's slight daddy issues, I really enjoyed it. Along with our main characters, we are briefed on former players from the other books and they hang around to help this new couple get off of the ground. Again, The Score Keeper reads nice as a stand alone with a little epilogue to peek into the future.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
696 reviews25 followers
February 27, 2022
Who doesn't love a good hockey romance? Gina Azzi definitely put one in the net with The Score Keeper. The main characters were so well written that I had no trouble believing in their dynamics. They had real-life problems that made me relate with them on a baseline level.

Noelle DiSanto has grown up with hockey being a part of her life. Her father owns the New York Sharks and he has great plans for her to manage the team when he decides to step down. Unfortunately, Noelle isn't interested in what her father wants. She has already started her own dream cupcake business, Primrose Sweets, in New York and she is thinking of expanding to Boston. Scott Reland owns the Boston Hawks hockey team. He loves hockey and runs his organization very differently than Noelle's father. He has known Noelle for years and they have been slowly dancing around their attraction for each other. When she makes the decision to finally open her second Primrose Sweets in Boston, Scott places an order for a team function. The two reconnect and discover that the flames haven't been put on ice and decide to see if it is possible to mesh their two lifestyles. Both of them are yearning for so much more than a life of being alone. Can they find a way to bring two busy enterprising lives together, hockey and baking? Life has a way of interfering in best laid plans, no matter how you prepare for everyday happenings.

Gina Azzi brought me to my knees at several points as I read this beautiful story. I laughed and cried as I cheered for Noelle and Scott to find their happy ending. I highly recommend this final book in the Boston Hawks series. You won't regret the time spent cuddling up with Gina and her characters.
Profile Image for Angels.
2,034 reviews17 followers
March 3, 2022
Another hit for us, we loved the story and its characters. From the moment Noelle and Scotty met, you felt that scorching chemistry between them. I loved the easiness between them, it felt so natural but, knowing full well they were both career oriented, we knew what they were planning wasn't exactly going to be all hearts and flowers.

This story was cute and fun and made you smile and laugh. We loved how Scotty was always supportive of all Noelle's hopes and dreams, as well as her passions. They way Scotty was with Noelle Swoon worthy for sure. Loved the chemistry between them, reminded me of the slow burn kind but, their relationship was fast and furious.

Love a story about hopes and dreams and Happily Ever Afters, some of my favorite reads...
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
March 3, 2022
Although her father is the owner of the New York hockey team that wasn’t the life Noelle wanted. Instead, she has tried to forge her own path away from hockey and has opened one bakery and is now expanding to Boston which brings Scott back into her life.

Scott met Noelle through her father as he owns the Boston Hawks and now that she is in Boston, he wants to pursue what they could have together. She has finally managed to distance herself from hockey, so she isn’t sure she wants to re-enter that world despite the chemistry and connection between them.

I really enjoyed Scott and Noelle together as he supported her dreams and didn’t try to mold her into someone else as they realized that they could have the life and love they always wanted with each other.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,123 reviews
March 3, 2022
The Score Keeper is the ninth book in the Boston Hawks Series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

The Score Keeper follows the story of Scott and Noelle. For years, life kept throwing Scott and Noelle together. But, Scott being Noelle’s dad’s number one competitor could only mean trouble. Despite the trouble a relationship between the two could cause, a passion like theirs is too hot to ignite….

Overall, I found this book to be a quick and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the ease of Scott and Noelle’s relationship. Neither one of them was really looking for a relationship, but when you have chemistry like these two do, you can’t help but explore it.

Despite being Noelle’s father’s rival, Scott is a real standup guy. He’s older, more mature, and isn’t afraid of going after what he wants. When he’s into something, he gives it 110% of his support. And then we have Noelle. Noelle is desperately trying to make it on her own. She loves her father but doesn’t want to be a part of his world. She wants to pursue her own passions.

The road to happily ever wasn’t an easy one for Scott and Noelle. They had not only their careers to figure out, but also the obstacle of Noelle’s father. Seeing these two try to work together and overcome their issues had me rooting for them to find their way towards a happily ever after.

The Score Keeper is a fun and sexy sports romance. The characters are easy to relate to and root for. I was invested from the first page and was excited to see how everything would come together in the end. All in all, this was a great book to spend my day getting swept up in.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
March 4, 2022
I loved Scott and Noelle. She was a bit of a daddy's girl and Scott was grown up man. Still it's a sweet romance
Profile Image for diann bryan.
534 reviews
March 3, 2022
A big shout out to Gina Azzi for bringing us these fun characters who we love to read!
( Noah & Indy-Easton & Claire-Torsten & Rielle-Austin & Chloe-James & Bella-Panda & Abbi- Declan & Vivi- Eddie (Theo) & Sophia and Scott & Noelle!)

The last book in the Boston Hawks Hockey series is here!
Scott is the owner of the Boston Hawks and after the eight stories before his, he finally gets his shot at love.
Noelle’s father owns the New York Sharks Hockey team and can’t imagine living her father’s dream in place of her own.
Scott and Noelle have a wonderful connection and this story was a great way to end this series.

With every ending, there is a new beginning, Tennessee Thunderbolts here we go!
Profile Image for Emily.
94 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2022
I’ve recently become a fan of Sports Romances and this one is no exception.

Noelle is a 34 year old daughter of the owner of the New York Sharks Hockey team. After living in the hockey world her whole life she wants out and has a bakery that she owns.

Scott is the 44 year old owner of the Boston Hawks Hockey team. They have known each other for a few years due to both being in the hockey world. When Noelle mentions that she wants to expand the bakery, he suggests she opens one in Boston.

The growth of their relationship is one that I feel like I haven’t read before due to the fact that he is everything that she wanted to get away from. The more she gets to know him, the more she realises that he isn’t like everyone else that she knows in the Hockey world

This may feel a little instalove but once you realise just how long they have known each other and the fact they have kissed before but didn’t let it go any further, it feels more like a second chance romance than instalove.

I loved the writing in this book and just fell in love with the characters. I can’t wait to read the previous books in this series to get to know the other characters that were mentioned in this book

Profile Image for MNHockeymomreads (Heather).
393 reviews30 followers
March 3, 2022
The Boston Hawks have quickly become some of my favorite hockey romance books. But Scott Reland might take the cake or cupcake as my favorite Hawk man! Scott is the owner of the Boston Hawks and while he has thoroughly enjoyed watching and supporting the players on his team fall in love and find happiness he is still waiting for his chance at love. At an event he runs into the beautiful and seemingly off limits Noelle DiSanto and she catches his eye, but not for the first time. These two had a chance encounter years ago. Noelle’s father, owner of a rival NHL team, is insistent that Noelle take over the family business, and find a man in their circle. That is not Noelle’s dream. She is a successful small business owner and is looking to expand her bakery. Circumstances are in Scott’s favor and the beautiful and talented Noelle finds her way to Boston where she opens another bakery. Scott immediately becomes one of Noelle’s biggest supporters. I really appreciated how their friendship morphed into an amazing romantic relationship. While these two had amazing chemistry and lit the pages on fire, their friendship and support of each other was my favorite thing about them. Because Noelle is familiar with the demands of a team owner and a hockey schedule, and in turn Scott understands what it takes to get a business off the ground and grow so they are able to support each other in a way that another partner may not be able to. What made Scott major book boyfriend material is the way he effortlessly moves into fully supporting Noelle and her bakery, encouraging her to think about different ways to grow her business. I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing Hawks WAGS. These amazing and diverse group of women are always willing to step in and help one another and quickly pulled Noelle into their fold and were there to help with no questions asked. This was one of my favorite hockey books to date. The maturity of the characters and the way the full cast of Boston Hawks characters play a role in this book made my reader's heart happy. Gina did an amazing job pulling it all together without crowding the page, and keeping our focus on Noelle and Scott.

I am so sad to see this series come to a close, because this group of players and women have captured my heart. All that being said, I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of these characters, and I am so excited for what Gina has in store for us in Tennessee!
Profile Image for Jela  Heneghan.
359 reviews19 followers
March 4, 2022
Sweet, Steamy, and filled with lots of swoon-worthy moments, The Score Keeper is definitely a must read for sports romance addicts. The characters in this story are possibly my favorite of the series, and I didn’t want this book to end.

Book nine in the Boston Hawks series focuses on the team owner Scott and Noelle, the daughter of the rival New York Sharks NHL team. They’ve known each other for years because of the business and even had a flirty something more a few years back, but it takes Noelle expanding her bakery business to Boston to get them to take their mutual attraction further. Things aren’t just totally straightforward with them though, since they’ve both got so much going on professionally and personally. This story traces their relationship from acquaintances to friends to more.

First of all, I love a strong heroine, and Noelle is exactly that. She’s a business owner and moreover takes charge of her life by doing what’s right for her and not necessarily what’s expected. She challenges what’s deemed appropriate for her to do, and that female strength is something I adore about this series. The heroines are always formidable, and it’s a refreshing attribute to see in specifically sports romances where some of the male characters can be a touch brutish (though not the case here).

And then there’s Scott, and he’s just so wonderful. He’s sweet and encouraging of not only Noelle but everyone in his life. He’s this solid presence and admirable in everything he does, too. Scott’s sweet and caring and certain in what he wants. It would be impossible to not fall in love with him. He’s the sort of character that knows what he wants and goes after it, which that confidence and sureness is enough to make him swoon worthy.

Together, Scott and Noelle complement each other perfectly, and the way their relationship progresses is utterly sweet. There’s a tenderness to their interactions that’s mixed with this palpable attraction, and I couldn’t get enough of them together. They’re basically relationship goals, and I can’t say enough good things about the sort of characters Azzi has created in this series.

The Score Keeper is a fantastic addition to this series, and it sets up for the next series that will follow the Tennessee Thunderbolts. You don’t need to have read the other books in this series to have this book make sense, but really I think you’ll want to just because of how good the rest of it is.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,041 reviews67 followers
March 3, 2022
Leave it to Gina to give us the best of the best for her last book of the Boston Hawks Hockey series, The Score Keeper. We finally get Scott Reland's story and it is amazing. Gina of course has his love interest being Noelle DiSanto, the daughter of his biggest hockey rival. Gina, you outdid yourself with this one. The chemistry and the push/pull relationship were great. Can they be the couple that they want to be or is being a DiSanto going to get in the way?

Scott is the owner of the Boston Hawks and is happy in his life but something is missing, family. When he meets up with Noelle again sparks do fly but they live in different states. When Noelle opens a bakery in Boston, this is his chance to have a relationship with her, but will she want the rival of her father to be her boyfriend? Scott is every bit the gentleman and shows her that this relationship could work. He does everything that he can to support her but when things blow up, will he stick by her or decide that maybe it wasn't going to work?

Noelle does not want to run her father's hockey team or even be involved with hockey or anyone that is in hockey. Well, that changes when Scott comes back into her life. She opens a bakery in New York, with no support from her father, and then expands to Boston. She is doing well and is loving being in Boston. It also helps that Scott is there and they have a bit of a history together. When he does everything to get her to go out with him, she caves but tells him that she is not interested in a relationship with anyone in the hockey world. Can she let him in? When he pulls out all the stops to support, will she see that he is worth the chance? When she has to confront her father about his team and what she wants, how will it go?

I was excited when Gina released this book but at the same time, this is the last one in the series. Although each book is a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order to get a better understanding of how the characters are involved with each other.
Profile Image for Dotti Elrick.
1,372 reviews17 followers
July 4, 2022
The Score Keeper
Scott and Noelle
Friends to lovers/age gap (10 yrs)

This was a quick easy read. Two people who move in the same social circle, giving into their mutual attraction for each other. And putting in the work to make a meaningful relationship.

Scott. The owner of the Boston Hawks hockey team. A great boss, always there for his players. Wanting to be “one of the guys”. He’s watched his guys build happy relationships with their women, and is envious of what they have. He wants the happy house full of family and friends, Christmas traditions, quiet time with the woman he loves.
Noelle. Grew up in the hockey world. Her father owns the New York Sharks hockey team. He’s been grooming her for years to take over the team. Trying to marry her off to a “Shark” man. She knows how the business runs, watched her father work night and day to be successful. She wants nothing to do with hockey. Her passion is baking. Expanding her business, opening more bakeries.
When Noelle opens her second bakery in Boston, it gives Scott a chance to spend time with her. As friends first. Then more.
Noelle has watched Scott. She’s seen the way he runs his organization. It’s a warm, friendly, inviting environment. The polar opposite of the way her father works. She soon realizes Scott is not her father. He listens to her, encourages her, he helps her.
They make time for each other. They communicate.
They were a great couple.
There are a few hiccups along the way but neither jumped to conclusions. There were hurt feelings, but they were quick to apologize and work things out.
Theirs was a great story to end the series with.
My only disappointment was, I was hoping for more information about the past couples. There really was no movement with most of them. They are all in happy relationships, but no weddings, no babies, not even any engagements. They were just left in limbo.
We do learn a couple of players are taking on a new adventure in Tennessee. This sets up the next hockey series.
Dual points of view
No cheating
HEA

Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,929 reviews49 followers
February 28, 2022
I am so happy that finally, Scott Reland got his book and his HEA. And what a firecracker of a woman that she is. Noelle Disanto is 10 years his junior and the daughter of the owner of his biggest rivals the New York Sharks. Noelle is everything that Scott needs and more. I loved the chemistry that these two share. I love their passion and that they want to help build each other up and support them unconditionally to achieve their goals and dreams.

It's insta love and a perfect story to set up where I feel this author will take these stories but enough about that. I just love the easy flow of this story, there is not a huge amount of drama apart from Rick Disanto and his pig-headed ways. I won't say anymore in that matter, just go and read and enjoy. I know it's all very vague but that's just the way this review has to be. No spoilers here.

I really recommend this great book and series. It's totally fantastic and one I'm so glad I took the chance on reading.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*



For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
Profile Image for Reba Pennell.
Author 3 books8 followers
March 2, 2022
Gina Azzi, I don’t have enough words to say how much I love this book. The Score Keeper follows Scott Reland, owner of the Boston Hawks hockey team, and Noelle DiSanto, whose father owns the New York Sharks and is one of Scott’s rivals.

Noelle grew up around hockey and convinced herself that this isn’t the life that she wants. She opens her own bakery and expands to Boston where she sees Scott on a regular basis, and they explore a relationship with together.

One thing that I loved in this book was the presentation that a relationship isn’t perfect. They explore conflict, not just once in the book but over the course of the book. It was a real relationship with conflicting schedules and trying to balance your work life and your relationship. I loved how neither Scott nor Noelle went into the relationship and then lost themselves in it.

Seeing them work on their relationship and the conflict that arises was a breath of fresh air. It didn’t feel like there was only one conflict and then boom it was solved. There was more depth which I really enjoyed. That’s what a real relationship is all about and Gina wrote it perfectly.

I found myself laughing, crying when something tore them apart and holding my breath hoping for them to get the happily ever after that they both deserved. This book can be read as a standalone and is the last one in the Boston Hawks series. I have only read a few books in the series but will be going back to read the rest because if this one especially is any indication, Gina Azzi is becoming one of my favorite authors and this one of my favorite series. If you love a good sports romance book, this one is for you!
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,174 reviews70 followers
February 17, 2022
I loved how we remained in the hockey world of the Hawks, yet we go to finally see the woman worthy of Scott’s love and time! He and Noelle had a few hurdles, such as the fact that she’s the daughter of a rival, and busy schedules that get in the way of even the best intentions, but it’s all in the work you’re willing to do that makes a relationship work. The real question is, can Scott and Noelle make it work?

I loved how neither of these two played around. They knew what they wanted and they went for it. Sure, Scott made the first moves, but he’s a confident and mature man who isn’t afraid of making the effort for Noelle because she’s worth it. And Noelle is happy to give this thing between them a shot, but she’s afraid she’ll always come in second to the big H that runs both Scott’s and her dad’s world. And when it seems that the stars are aligning against these two finding a way to forever, I definitely worried for a minute. Not because they don’t try. They do. But when one disagreement becomes a few broken plans and things appear much more deceitful than they are, Scott and Noelle need to decide what’s truly important.

I adored how both Scott and Noelle take the time to actually thing through their feelings and try to figure out a way forward. And the fact that Noelle’s dad needs a bit of enlightenment makes their tasks that much more difficult. But as I’ve come to expect from this author, the magic of communication and love save the day for us all. And I look forward to a new team full of chances for love and happiness in Tennessee now, too!
Profile Image for Rachel (Rrbookreviews).
605 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2022
🏒 ARC REVIEW 🏒
Review: 4/5 ⭐️
Steam: 2.5/5 🔥

#thescorekeeper by @gina_azzi is the final book in the #bostonhawkshockeyseries

Scott is the owner of the Boston Hawks. For being in his 40s, he is very accomplished. The one thing he’s noticed since seeing all his players grow into a life of love, he sees what he’s missing. He knows there’s a woman out there for him, but she’s just out of reach. Until she comes to Boston. This is his chance to get his happily ever after. To bring a woman into his team and family dynamic. But will his team take over everything before he has the chance for true happiness?

Noelle is young and determined. She’s trained with the best chefs and has opened her own bakery in NY and it’s thriving. Wanting to spread her wings and see where her business takes her, which is how she ends up in Boston. Having the support of her fathers rival makes her see what she really wants in life. Can her father accept that she doesn’t want to follow in the families footsteps of owning and running a team or is he going to push her away from the life she loves?

As this is the final book in the series, I thought it was the perfect wrap up. Ending with Scott who we have seen through the series tied it all together. I loved seeing some familiar faces and especially what the future holds for some of the guys we’ve come to love. I loved that Noelle had followed her dream, even if she had to push through some hurdles with her dad. I don’t usually like an age gap, but these two worked well. Can’t wait to see what’s next in the hockey world.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,338 reviews13 followers
March 3, 2022
Boston Hawks owner Scott has been interested in rival owner's daughter Noelle. They could never be together because of this but that stop him from getting close to her.

Noelle's interests lie outside of hockey and with bakery business that she is expanding into Boston. Her father doesn't support her, wanting her to work for him. Expanding into Boston is a challenge but one she is not afraid of. Scott is so supportive of her dreams and aspirations and provides her with opportunities to enable that to happen. This belief in her is what Noelle needs.

There are many challenges to the growing relationship, including their busy working lives, her father and his attempts to match-make, poor communication, but it is obvious that these two are meant for each other.

I loved how Scott supported Noelle without expectation and without hesitation. What was important to her was equally as important to him. Scott was a real genuine guy, who has created a family atmosphere in his team. This was obvious from the way the team members respect him and seek his opinion. Noelle hasn't really had much support since her mum passed away but she has shown tenacity, courage and determination in following her dreams and stepping away from her father's wishes. It is this that I like about her.

This was another great addition to the series and I am a little sad that we have reached the end. The characters have all been awesome and I have loved each and story about the Boston Hawks team.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,221 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2022
This was such a refreshing read for me. As someone in my late thirties, it's nice to read about characters who are in the same stage of life and not having too much drama. I really enjoyed this last book in the series, and the only thing better would be getting another epilogue to see this couple in the future.

Scott Reland is the owner of the Boston Hawks, and he's devoted his life to his career. So much so that he hadn't had time to form a family of his own. Noelle DiSanto also comes from a prominent hockey background, as her father owns the New York Sharks. He's been grooming and waiting for her to take over, but Noelle's love is baking. It makes her feel closer to the mother she lost when she was young, but she just can't stand up to her father. As her mother once encouraged her to make her father happy, Noelle's afraid to stand up to him and let him know her own dreams, as she's afraid that it will ruin and possibly sever their relationship. Meeting Scott encourages Noelle to break free from her insecurities, as he supports her, encourages her, and loves her. As they're both mature and grown adults, I like that how they both pursue their own dreams but also try to make time for each other. Of course, there are problems, but they both learn to resolve them like adults and move forward.

Honestly, this book makes me want my own Scotty. I appreciate the low drama and low angst in this one, and thought it wrapped up this series well.

"This is your dream. This is your goal. This is your life."
Profile Image for Jenn .
745 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2022
The Score Keeper is the last book in the Boston Hawks Hockey series by Gina Azzi, and while it can certainly be enjoyed as a complete stand alone, I think this book has the most impact and is enjoyed the best after reading the other stories in the series.

What do you get when you combine a sweet and swoony Hockey team owner with a rival hockey heiress that would rather chase her own sweetly baked dreams? You get Scott Reland and Noelle DiSanto's captivating love story. These two... I loved them. From the very start, Scott and Noelle had this connection and chemistry that felt easy despite all the circumstances around them making it anything but.

I've said it before but it still remains true, Gina has made some seriously swoony men in this hockey series. Scott is successful, supportive, sweet, funny, thoughtful and he can throw down in the bedroom- what more could you want? Noelle is driven, kind and while she has no interest in her hockey roots she understands its importance to Scott. And while these two compliment each other in their relationship, they each have insecurities that get the best of them from time to time causing pain and heartbreak. Luckily for us, these two came to their senses and find their HEA.

I've had a lot of fun falling in love with much of the Boston Hawks team and I'm really excited for the upcoming spin-off series of the Tennessee Thunderbolts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.