Bloqueio Duplo (Deuses do Hockey Livro 1)

Hockey Gods #1

by Xavier Neal

From bestselling romance author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, rom-com sports romance featuring a gorgeous goalie who can block any shot — except Cupid's...

Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.

Every other university wanted their team to be them.

Every chick who crossed their paths wanted to bang them.

Now?

Their clout on the ice is questionable.

Their competition cutthroat.

Their beds...

Well, there will always be puck bunnies ready to keep them warm. After all, no matter how well they do or don't do, they are the university's most important athletes.

However, when Remington Ronald Rutledge the 3rd, lands himself on the new head coach's bad side, which threatens his chances of playing for the season, he finds himself striking an unusual deal with a blast from his past he can barely remember.

Did she always wear these glasses?

Was her hair always this curly?

Has she always had a smile that makes him wanna smile?

What happens when the bad boy who makes all the rules is forced to play by someone else's?

Can this good-looking goalie let love score, or will blocking it be the biggest mistake of his life?

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2019

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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LIST OF BOOKS!


Standalones


Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff

The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw

Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz

Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf

Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw

Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ

Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl

Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L

Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F

Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3DKKrE2

Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
https://amzn.to/3gfgQsj

Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3KZt0U0

Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
https://amzn.to/3BnItLc

SERIES

(COMPLETED)
Senses Series
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Duched Series
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The Bro Series
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Private Series
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The Bennett Duet
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The Love Duet
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The Compassion Series:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3WL1Y4
The Free:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5S4SR5W

(OPEN)
Dalvegan Dragons-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS48MFW9
The Hockey Gods Series- https://amzn.to/31KBuXo
Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
Prince of Tease Series- https://amzn.to/2Iu3ZkA
The Just Series - https://amzn.to/2MBGDPi
Must Love Series- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HX1VK2
Hollywood Exchange Series- https://amzn.to/2WqmfFo
The Culture Blind Series- https://amzn.to/2K5hDOv
Camelot Misfits Series - https://amzn.to/2XfW5pn
Synful Syndicate Series- https://amzn.to/2K311Xw
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Reviews

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Can’t Block My Love
I have to start off by saying it was the blurb and the hockey that drew me to this book because Xavier Neal is a new author to me but now I’m left wondering what I haven’t read any previous books by this very talented author and as soon as time permits I will certainly be checking previous books out.
This book will appeal to lovers of sports romance as well as lovers of romance it’s a entertaining love story with just the right amount of humour added to the mix.
Rem is the goalie for the Vlasta Vipers and he is a character that is hard to like when you first meet him, he has made some bad choices and is irresponsible but the new coach is having none of it and tells him straight you need to earn your place on my team and that means getting out in the community as well as playing well. Ren is told to volunteer at the local animal shelter and that’s where he meets an old childhood friend Poppy or Hottie as he likes to call her.
Poppy is just the person to get Rem back on the straight and narrow but will Rem be ready to take a chance or will he throw it all away......
This is a well written entertaining read that captivated me, Rem is one of those characters we love to hate and it’s only as the story goes on that Poppie draws out the real man and that’s the one I’m sure like me you will fall big time for. This book ticks all the boxes, it will make you laugh it will make you sigh and at times you may well be screaming at your e-reader. Looking forward to more from Xavier Neal and the Hockey Gods.

[Linda Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable story!
I'll tell you, at the beginning I wanted to kick Rutledge's butt so hard with what a complete jerk he was being!
When I saw what Poppy's love and affection did for him, I started to soften toward him.
That may not have been the last time I wanted to give him a kick, but in the end, I absolutely loved this story!
Another hit from Xavier!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Block My Love is the very first book that I have ever read by Xavier Neal, and all I can say is that I certainly will be reading many more of her stories in the future!
Can't Block My Love popped up on my kindle with the most perfect timing. I had been reading one dark romance after the next. &While I love dark romance, every once in a while you need to switch it up, and this book was the absolute perfect switch up that I could've chosen!
Ren & Hootie's love story is the little bit of light that I needed, along with it's laughter inducing romance, Hootie's hilarious little quirks, & the perfect amount of steam, Can't Block My Love is now one of my favorite recent reads!

The very first character that we are introduced to is Ren. &To be completely honest, it certainly was NOT a good first impression. BUT, this did not turn me off this story whatsoever. In fact, it actually made me want to continue reading. I don't care how cliche and unoriginal this sounds, but, for some reason, I have and will continue to love romance stories where the bad boy changes for the girl that they love. Ren absolutely had rough edges when this story started, but, with the important people in his life, those rough edges were on their way to smoothing over.

Cant Block My Love starts with Ren and his brand new hockey coach speaking. Ren had been making bad choices and acting very irresponsible, and his coach let him know that it may have been ignored by the prior coach, but he would no longer be getting away with anything. Along with a scolding, he tells Ren that he must complete community service if he would ever like to place hockey the upcoming season.
Poppy (Nicknamed Hootie by Ren) just so happens to be the manager of Petropolis, the shelter/daycare that Ren is assigned to volunteer at.
&In good old Ren fashion, he wants Poppy to sign off on his paperwork, without him having to actually stay and do work. So, they make a deal with one another. Ren must get Poppy a date with one of his team members, & Poppy must sign off on Ren's volunteer paperwork, stating that he has been attending and actually volunteering.
&This is when things start to not go as planned. Especially because Poppy & Ren know one another...Ren just doesn't remember!

So, if you are into New Adult/College &Sports Romance, with a little bit of Second Chance Romance throw, in there, then, I think that Can't Block My Love is going to be a perfect read for you. It brought all the laughter, great relationship build up, STEAM, and SO much more.
&The 5 star rating I decided to give, it was well deserved. Like I said earlier, this book fell in my lap at the most perfect of moments, and it seriously was JUST what I needed! Give this story a chance, and let it be JUST what you needed, as well!

[DarkDamsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hootie Hoo!

5 Amazing Stars for this bwwm second chance childhood friends to lovers laugh out loud sports romance. In this story, we get to know Poppy and Ren who have a past we see unfold. Poppy never forgets her best friend Ren and the connection they once shared as children. Years later, we meet Poppy again as a young woman who stays true to herself unlike Ren who is constantly trying to prove his worth to an absentee father. Although Ren is a serious alpha asshole; his alter ego is a literary genius who speaks to Poppy’s soul. This is a wonderfully, funny, romantic and hot read! I definitely recommend to XT fans everywhere!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy holds nothing back, “I didn’t wanna start the sandwiches until I knew what kind of cheese you wanted on yours, you have a lot of cheese in there, just so much cheese, like who eats that much cheese and isn’t constantly constipated?” Ren knows his woman well, “don’t get sassy with me.” Ren shakes his head slowly. “Go get your *** a snack. Last thing I need is to come home to you hangry.” I liked this book, I loved Poppy amd Ren.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren is a completely and total jerk. You know those guys that use women that think they are above everyone else and their pop doesn't stink-- that is Ren at his finest. He is not likeable in the least, right? Xavier Neal does a great job of creating a character that you feel will NEVER be likeable and then completely screwing with your head and changing all of your previous thoughts- talk about talented writing!!

This book was freaking excellent. I love NA sports romances and this one was sometimes gagworthy, but then had hilarious, sweet, and SUPER HOT moments. This is my first book by the author, but I can freaking guarantee that it will not be the last. I usually connect way more with the female lead in romances, but I couldn't help but feel a connection with Ren. Even though it was told dual POV, I definitely liked his the best!

There are some interesting things that are thrown out in the book that you aren't expecting and it made this book a solid 5 outta 5. It kept me guessing, wondering, and flipping through my kindle almost manic to figure out what is going to happen next. If you like NA sports romances with humor and a splash of sweetness- you cannot go wrong with Can't Block My Love!

PS: I want to give a HUGE thanks to Xavier Neal and Social Butterfly PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to voluntarily read and review honestly. I definitely have a new favorite author!

[Kori Dicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Block my love

This was a great novel! Sports romance has always been a favorite of mine and i am so happy that Xavier Neal decided to write one. Ren is your Typical Alpha asshole who has a whole other side to him. Poppy or Hootie as he likes to call her, was a childhood friend who he tossed to the side many years ago. Now they are forced to be around each other and they both remember why they were friends in the first place. But while some things are the same, so much has changed since that childhood friendship. Obstacles get in their way that might just be too much for their relationship to overcome!

Great read with some really funny wit and humor! Loved it and definitely recommend it!

[Sheri Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier Neal's latest masterpiece takes us on quite a journey. We meet Remington Ronald Rutledge III and his childhood friend, Poppy. But really the story is about 2 couples but each couple are the same people. One couple is Ren and Poppy, who have known each other from childhood, and then we have Rutledge and Hootie. Confused yet? We all have different sides of our personalities and we show certain people certain sides, same as Rem and Poppy. But wouldn't it be wonderful if all the sides of our personality fell in love with all the sides of our significant other's personality??

Is that what happens here? Well you'll have to read the story and find out. I highly recommend Xavier's latest - it's a page turner!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Can’t Block My Love (Hockey Gods #1) by Xavier Neal

Xavier Neal is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is. So when the opportunity to read and review book one in a new series came up, I jumped at the chance.

Remington Ronald Rutledge III, (Rem) is a goalie for the the Vlasta Vipers hockey team and lands himself in trouble he needs to do something to sort it out before it is too late. That’s when an old childhood friend Poppy (or Hootie as Rem calls her) comes along to help him.

Much to his shock, Rem is drawn to Hootie and cannot get her out of his mind. There were times that Rem seem a bit too arrogant to be likeable but thanks to Hootie, who drew out another side to Rem, it made it easier to like him and relate to them both. The banter between Rem and Hootie was great and I found myself laughing at times as their relationship developed.

The big question is will Rem take a chance on love with Hootie or will he throw it all away? Once click and find out.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s very few books I’ll give a five star to. I’m generous with fours. I haven’t read anything from this author in a hot minute, but I got an ARC of this and I absolutely LOVED it. I truthfully knew damn near nothing about this book before I started reading it. The whole jock and nerd trope is one of my favorites. Their banter is fabulous. The way their relationship develops is great. It didn’t feel rushed to me at all I thought it was a great book. If you’re on the fence, you should give it a shot. I thought it was well worth it. And I read it in a day, so... yeah...

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remington Ronald Rutledge the 3rd. Sound pretentious? Spoiled? Entitled? Yep, he's all of those and then some wrapped up in a package made of complete and total jerk. I seriously almost stopped reading this book several times, and that was just in the first couple of chapters. I could not stand Rem. But - oh, yes, there's a but - the beauty of an unlikable main character is when they're redeemable, and Rem does have some redeeming qualities. It's hard to see them at first, but Poppy does manage to pull them out of him. Rem and Poppy have terrific chemistry, and their journey to each other is one crazy ride. I may have started this one with some skepticism, but before long I was all in and couldn't get enough of these two.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren alphahole, rude, and hiding something from the world.
Poppy nerdy, insecure, and has had a crush on ren since she was 8.
This one will take a hold of you right from the beginnin, and have your emotions all over the palace. It takes you on an intense read full of questions, lies and and finally truth. Poppy and Ren will pull at your heart and head, and have you wanting to figure everything out to not wanting it to end. Can't wait to read more from this author

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love
All the feels
Ready for more Hootie and Ren
Intense emotional broken heart stopping cant put it down
More more more

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 3 out of 5]

besides the questionable writing and even more questionable dialogue i did think this was pretty good but idk the dialogue just got so annoyed over time

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports romance novels are my favorite genre. I try to read as many as I can get my hands on. In doing this, I come across many new to me authors.
This is the case with Xavier Neal. I am happy to say that I have found another author that I would love to read every one of their books. As there is a massive back catalogue I have plenty of reading to do.
Ren & Poppy’s story had me laughing throughout the book. But what had me hooked on this book was Ren himself. What a fantastic character. The things that came out of his mouth was shocking at times but just as funny.
If this is the start of a new series sign me up for any and all books to come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier has made me want to turn back time, and goto collage. The young love, experience, and crazy friends you make seem to make life better! This freaking story did that for me. I got lost between the pages, and I needed every little thing I could get out of these two. Ren is a pampas prick that has had everything handed to him. His namesake is his legacy, and he always gets what he wants. He is something else, but he has this lighter side of him that stays hidden, so he’s really at war with himself.
Poppy is freaking amazing, and I need a friend like her in my life! She is hard working, cause she was raised that way. Her heart is pure gold, and the fact she has a way with animals makes my heart soar! When life challenges these two to work together, things get interesting real quick! I swear I wanted to punch them both for being so oblivious to what was going on around them. But, I’ll give Poppy a break cause she’s not a social butterfly. The two are like a crazy rollercoaster ride. But in an odd way they really do help each other out, and they learn so much from each other. It’s one of the things I loved most about this book. I would love to see this made into a TV movie or something!!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and thought it was simply amazing. Ren and Poppy's story had me laughing, crying, swooning and ready to deliver a often desperately needed kick in the pants. I think one of the things I always enjoy when I read books by this author is the unique and extremely relatable characters. I could connect with Poppy so easily. Her nerdiness, her anxiety and her passionate love for animals, made me not only feel for her but to see mysef in her. I'm going to be honest, Ren sent my emotions into a tailspin. I started off hating him and then proceeded to waffle back and forth between wanting to gift him that kick I was talking about and wanting to hug him and tell him it was all going to be OK if he just stopped trying so hard and just embraced who he was. These two were beyond perfect for each other. Drama, humor, sweetness, intense emotions, angst, steam, heartache and joy are woven throughout the captivating storyline and help to capture and hold your attention easily. A wonderful book hat should not be missed! I'm already impatiently waiting for book two! This is my frank, freely posted review.

[Sabrina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a brand new series.

I'm a sucker for a sports romance book, particularly hockey, and this book may just be one of my top 5 reads this year!

This book has absolutely everything you could possibly want in a book.

Ren and Poppy are absolute dynamite together. Their chemistry is combustible. They are both witty and sarcastic which really makes the book even more enjoyable. Ren is a guy that you just hate yourself for rooting for him. He is a grade A jerk but with a heart buried somewhere deep. Poppy is the most perfect heroine. Flawed, damaged, yet independent and loyal. Her quirks make her even more relatable.

Ms. Neal has such a way with her characters, she writes them so 3 dimensional, they are so life-like. Her books are always well thought out and articulate. I absolutely adore the little easter eggs she throws in. The dramatic climax of the story is always believable and gut wrenching.

This book is a MUST read for any sports romance fans or enemies to friends to lovers fans.

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ahhh, no. I just can't bring myself to read a book about an entitled white boy, one who things the world should bow down to him because he plays hockey good and his family is very wealthy. The first chapter had be grinding my teeth and laughing at every bitch slap the coach gave this boy. I liked how by the end of the chapter the boy knew he was screwed and had to abide by what was going on. Chapter 2 slowly picked up, I liked the girl right up until you could tell she had a crush on the boy from when they were kids and her dad worked for the rich family and they went to school together. He came into where she was and steam rolled over her to get "credit" for his volunteer time, which he wasn't about to do. There is no way that I can bring myself to continue reading, I don't care if this boy redeems himself and gets the girl, she deserves better. This one just isn't for me.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are No Rules at least not for Ren, until he meets his No Nonsense Hockey Coach, who has rules and lots of them! And Ren quickly learns he can't blur the lines to fit his agenda! Doesn't stop him him from trying. Poppy on the other hand, is happy with her pups, she follows the rules and keeps to herself. Or she did. When Ren is sent to work with Poppy, he didn't recognize his old childhood friend, until he did...Then things get really interesting! Xavier again hits it on the head! Witty, silly, fun and serious all blend to make the perfect story!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a sweet, fun to read hockey romance then Can’t Block My Love will be a story you will want to read!
I like the two college age main characters. They have good dialogue and are fun together as they challenge and balance each other out. The storyline is enjoyable and engaging as they deal with the pressures they have to face between school for both Poppy and Ren, work for Poppy and sports for Ren. Now they have the added challenges of a new relationship.
I love Ren’s inner dialogue with himself as he battled his public persona, Rutledge, with the private one he wanted to share with only Poppy, Ren. The more time he spends with Poppy the more Ren seems to be on the winning side and this is the side that is willing to wait patiently for her to take their relationship to the next level. She is bringing out feelings in him he has never had and he doesn’t know what to make of them. He is willing to share his secrets with her and in turn Poppy is sharing and opening up to him. What they don’t realize is that they are both finding something in each other that they have always needed and have never been able to find anywhere else. It’s called acceptance to be who they truly are with all of their flaws, secrets and dreams. But, will Ren throw all of this away?

[Mariana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book with hot God like hockey stars, sexiness, wit, romance and good humour... look no further. Xavier has yet again delivered a really well written must read book. The characters are brilliant, Rem and Poppy are great together. Rem is everything you expect an arrogant hockey player to be, he is one of those characters you’ll love to hate. Poppy is somewhat shy and down to earth young woman who thinks her life is pretty much on track to what she believes it should be, she’s honest an holds nothing back. Rem of course can’t remember meeting or even being friends with poppy when they were children. This story made me laugh throughout and sometimes I couldn’t believe the things Rem was saying, although funny. Loved their journey into friendship and then more. Hope to read more of this series as the other character seem worthy of their own book.

[Brandy Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rem and Hootie are a fantastic couple and I love how Xavier always makes her characters relatable and funny. Rem is cocky and Hootie pretty much brings him back down to the real world. I love when the cocky guy falls because when they do it's hard.

[Nerdread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren was a hard character to like at first but in the end I actually appreciated his character growth.

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Not For Me Star
I can’t abide the hero & I didn’t find it funny. I honestly couldn’t get past the first chapter.
Onto another book.

[eyes_on_words · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,25 ⭐️

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. Rem and Poppy are are in college and are around each other because Rem has to do some community service. The fact that he has to do community service should tell you a few things about him. He is an entitled, rich, jerk who thinks money can do anything. Poppy is a sweet anxiety ridden girl who agrees to help him. I can honestly say despite this being my least favorite trope to read I enjoyed this book. Both main characters grew as people and I loved that. Pick this book up you will thoroughly enjoy it.

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Block My Love is funny, and a romantic second chance romance. Read to find out how the entitled jock and the anxiety ridden nerd handle community service and love in their quirky own way. Be prepared for college drama, hockey team teasing, funny antics and even some loving moments that will make you smile.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fun and amazing read!! I love sports romances, and this did not disappoint!! Ren and Poppy have great chemistry and banter (which I adore!!)! Overall great read!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE THE NEW UPDATES AND COVER TO THIS BOOK!!!

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 Stars

Xavier Neal has a game-winner with Can't Block My Love (Hockey Gods #1). Vlasta Vipers hockey goalie, Remington Ronald Rutledge the 3rd (Ren) gets in trouble with his new hockey coach and is forced to do community service if he wants to stay on the team. He tries to bully the pet shelter volunteer coordinator, Poppy Diesel, not recognizing her as his childhood friend. The two strike a bargain, while their friendship rekindles. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult readers. The story takes place in Vlasta, Wisconsin.

Can't Block My Love is a thought-provoking and entertaining read. Xavier Neal does a fantastic job showing the transformation of Rem’s character. Remington Ronald Rutledge the 3rd is a jerk. That’s not really how I would describe him, but I want to keep my review clean. As he hangs out with Poppy, he transforms into a better person. He starts to act like the man he wants to be and not the person his father raised him to be. Poppy is a sweet heroine. She is abandonment issues, is introverted, and loves animals. The two are perfect for each other. They challenge each other, causing them to develop into happier people.

I enjoyed the plot. There were a lot of fascinating things that happened in the novel. Poppy and Ren have relevant challenges to overcome. The team dynamics were interesting. I like how Coach Stiles handled the athletes. Being an animal lover, I appreciated Poppy’s loyalty to the dogs and shelter. This is the first book that I have read by Xavier Neal. I really enjoyed it and plan and following this series. I recommend this book to people who enjoy sports romances. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book.