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Delay of Game
On the sixth day of Christmas, the geese aren’t the only thing a-laying…
Patrick O’Reilly is known for two things. His skills on the ice and his skill off the ice. When an injury forces him to retire, he does the only thing that makes sense; he packs his wounded pride and his bags, and leaves memories behind.
Lorelei Cole thought she had everything together. Her Christmas Tree Farm was holding its own, and her flock of rescue animals was growing. Then, two pink lines showed up from a one-night stand and everything changed.
When a chance encounter at a small-town gas station brings Patrick and Lorelei back together, neither can deny that their past has collided with their future. Through ups and downs and a hard-won friendship with a flock of geese, both of them will find that the best miracles do come at Christmas time.
Patrick O’Reilly is known for two things. His skills on the ice and his skill off the ice. When an injury forces him to retire, he does the only thing that makes sense; he packs his wounded pride and his bags, and leaves memories behind.
Lorelei Cole thought she had everything together. Her Christmas Tree Farm was holding its own, and her flock of rescue animals was growing. Then, two pink lines showed up from a one-night stand and everything changed.
When a chance encounter at a small-town gas station brings Patrick and Lorelei back together, neither can deny that their past has collided with their future. Through ups and downs and a hard-won friendship with a flock of geese, both of them will find that the best miracles do come at Christmas time.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
58 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Evie Graham
5 books73 followersEvie Graham believes you can do all things with either food smothered in blue cheese dressing, earl gray tea or the right bourbon - especially the bourbon. She's a huge fan of all Boston sports teams, and lives for firing up the Duck Boats. Well known in her family for being a notorious bookworm and reading everything she could get her hands on, her love affair with romance started early. Evie lives on the lakeshores of New England with her husband, two kids and one grumpy old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 13, 2021
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL
A chance reunion with the man who gave her not only a seriously hot night, but also a permanent reminder, and suddenly this Christmas is looking up, for both Lorelei and newly retired hockey player, Patrick. Can he convince her he's going to be there for her and their soon to come baby, or is she doomed to raise their baby and run her farm by herself?
Awww I loved this one! Lorelei's flock of grumpy geese sure gave Patrick a run for his money, harassing him and driving him bonkers, testing his will to stick around. But it was obvious to me that he was all in as soon as he saw her again. This is one sweet and hot holiday second chance romance.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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December 6, 2021
Tis the Season for holiday romances and what’s better than a holiday, sports romance?!
Nothing!
Nothing is better!
Delay of Game is a one night stand, accidental/secret baby, holiday,hockey romance and I loved it! It’s also my first Evie Graham romance read and has me adding her other books to my TBR list.
This book was the best kind of read in one sitting romance. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Nothing!
Nothing is better!
Delay of Game is a one night stand, accidental/secret baby, holiday,hockey romance and I loved it! It’s also my first Evie Graham romance read and has me adding her other books to my TBR list.
This book was the best kind of read in one sitting romance. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
December 6, 2021
I loved the premise. I learned more about Christmas tree farming than hockey. I loved their initial meeting....very sweet and very funny.
A nice little read.
A nice little read.
December 7, 2021
Loved it!
The sweet heat between Patrick and Lorelei was so enjoyable to read. My first book from Evie Graham but not my last!
The sweet heat between Patrick and Lorelei was so enjoyable to read. My first book from Evie Graham but not my last!
December 13, 2021
This was a really cute story! Patrick and Lorelei are adorable together. The author has included many of my favourite things in this short and sweet Christmassy delight including Hockey players, babies, Christmas trees, and shower scenes! From the small town holiday charm to the terrifying geese on the farm, this was full of sweet and surprisingly funny moments.
November 5, 2021
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 stars *
I loved this super quick read from Evie Graham. A holiday novella, this centers around Patrick, a newly retired hockey player and Lorelei, a Christmas tree farmer. Their hot one night stand leads to so much more when Lorelei turns up pregnant. These two come face to face by chance once again and the story takes off from there. It's funny and sweet with just the right amount of sexy sprinkled in. Watching Patrick adjust to farm life was hilarious and I adored his scenes with Lorelei's geese. There are cameos by some of Patrick's former teammates featured in Graham's previous books which was a real treat. But this story reads as a complete standalone so if you haven't read her Lilac Harbor series you can jump right in here without any issues. This was a fun novella to get you into the holiday spirit. 5 stars
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 stars *
I loved this super quick read from Evie Graham. A holiday novella, this centers around Patrick, a newly retired hockey player and Lorelei, a Christmas tree farmer. Their hot one night stand leads to so much more when Lorelei turns up pregnant. These two come face to face by chance once again and the story takes off from there. It's funny and sweet with just the right amount of sexy sprinkled in. Watching Patrick adjust to farm life was hilarious and I adored his scenes with Lorelei's geese. There are cameos by some of Patrick's former teammates featured in Graham's previous books which was a real treat. But this story reads as a complete standalone so if you haven't read her Lilac Harbor series you can jump right in here without any issues. This was a fun novella to get you into the holiday spirit. 5 stars
November 6, 2021
It's been a minute since I've read one of Evie Graham's books, and I remembered only instantly why I love her books. I also am going to repeat for all my christmas reviews that I am obsessed with the Christmas Tree Farm books.
The best part of this book was that Lorelei ran a Christmas tree Farm on her own, which is spectacular and such a twist compared to the men always running them. Patrick and Lorelei are perfect for each other and they balance each out so well. Patrick never pushed Lorelei or tried to take over their life and Lorelei handled him coming back into her life so well!
The best part of this book was that Lorelei ran a Christmas tree Farm on her own, which is spectacular and such a twist compared to the men always running them. Patrick and Lorelei are perfect for each other and they balance each out so well. Patrick never pushed Lorelei or tried to take over their life and Lorelei handled him coming back into her life so well!
December 23, 2021
After losing out on a contract to sell her farm's Christmas trees to a major client in Boston, Lorelei Cole stops into a local bar to drown her sorrows. Shortly after she arrives, professional hockey player Patrick O'Reilly comes into the same bar for a drink following a tough loss. What begins as casual flirting ends in a one-night stand, but Lorelei sneaks out the next morning to return home to Maine. Eight months later, a newly retired Patrick decides to spend Thanksgiving with his best friend and former teammate in Maine. He stops for gas along the way and encounters a very pregnant Lorelei in the tiny rural service station. Recognizing her at once, as well as the fact that their night together had unexpected consequences, he follows her home, determined to be the father to his child that he never had.
This story was so sweet! I loved that Patrick took one look at Lorelei's pregnant belly and immediately became super protective of both her and their baby. I also appreciated that he didn't accuse her of trying to hide her pregnancy from him or question whether the baby was his, even though that was probably the exact opposite of what his agent and former team would have advised. Patrick really just wanted to be there for Lorelei and help out in any way he could, even if that meant dealing with her flock of stubborn geese. His constant struggle with the geese for dominance was so funny! I really enjoyed Patrick and Lorelei's banter too, as well as the way he and his friends joked around and teased each other. Finally, I loved the story's epilogue, which had me crying happy tears.
Overall, I adored "Delay of Game" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first story I've ever read by Evie Graham, but it won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story was so sweet! I loved that Patrick took one look at Lorelei's pregnant belly and immediately became super protective of both her and their baby. I also appreciated that he didn't accuse her of trying to hide her pregnancy from him or question whether the baby was his, even though that was probably the exact opposite of what his agent and former team would have advised. Patrick really just wanted to be there for Lorelei and help out in any way he could, even if that meant dealing with her flock of stubborn geese. His constant struggle with the geese for dominance was so funny! I really enjoyed Patrick and Lorelei's banter too, as well as the way he and his friends joked around and teased each other. Finally, I loved the story's epilogue, which had me crying happy tears.
Overall, I adored "Delay of Game" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first story I've ever read by Evie Graham, but it won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 8, 2021
This was a quick novella that made me LOL thanks to Lorelei’s flock of evil geese that terrorized Patrick from start to finish (this is the 6th book of the 12 Days of Kissmas, so the geese (a laying) make sense). This was a one-night-stand turned accidental pregnancy that our reluctantly retired hockey player found out about by accident even though our Christmas tree farmer tried to contact him through every channel she could think of but no one passed the news on.
I liked that he didn’t think the worst of her and just rolled with it 8 mos later but what did you think might happen if you have a one night stand with a stranger and don’t wear a condom? Isn’t that what not to do as a pro athelete 101? In the context of the US Supreme Court hearing arguments about the Mississippi case that could possibly overturn Roe v Wade, Lorelei’s choice to keep her baby hits differently and I don’t know how I’ll feel about this trope going forward.
What was also interesting to me was how Graham put Lorelei’s financial hardships on the page - she owns and operates a Xmas tree farm and animal refuge by herself(!) and is clearly living on the financial edge where one unforeseen expense could be the end. Her farmhouse is run down and she balked at making a trip to the ER because she clearly doesn’t have insurance and can’t afford a visit, but Patrick with his hockey money puts his foot down and off they go. I love that this was on the page, and that they had to navigate their differences. Really enjoyed this (seriously, the geese are hilarious!) and I’m looking forward to reading more about Patrick’s BFF Cam in Graham’s debut.
I liked that he didn’t think the worst of her and just rolled with it 8 mos later but what did you think might happen if you have a one night stand with a stranger and don’t wear a condom? Isn’t that what not to do as a pro athelete 101? In the context of the US Supreme Court hearing arguments about the Mississippi case that could possibly overturn Roe v Wade, Lorelei’s choice to keep her baby hits differently and I don’t know how I’ll feel about this trope going forward.
What was also interesting to me was how Graham put Lorelei’s financial hardships on the page - she owns and operates a Xmas tree farm and animal refuge by herself(!) and is clearly living on the financial edge where one unforeseen expense could be the end. Her farmhouse is run down and she balked at making a trip to the ER because she clearly doesn’t have insurance and can’t afford a visit, but Patrick with his hockey money puts his foot down and off they go. I love that this was on the page, and that they had to navigate their differences. Really enjoyed this (seriously, the geese are hilarious!) and I’m looking forward to reading more about Patrick’s BFF Cam in Graham’s debut.
December 7, 2021
Why I love series
I am a prolific reader who suffers from frequent bouts of insomnia. It’s December 6th and I am well within my goal of reading 1000 books this year. I have quite a few favorite authors but still find myself having to fill space so series and anthologies are a great way to stumble upon a new favorite author and that’s what happened here.
I started this series because Mae Harden and Kat Baxter had books in it. For this most part (One DNF for an early stinker), I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the stories in the 12 days of Christmas. I’ve never read anything by Evie Graham before and I am so glad this series lead me to her.
Such a sweet story with amazing characters. Very well written and, if there were any spelling or grammar mistakes (huge pet peeve of mine), I missed them because I was so engrossed in the story. Funny, sweet, and romantic without being OTT and I didn’t roll my eyes once. I did however laugh out loud several times.
Well done Evie! I can’t wait to devour other works by this author.
I am a prolific reader who suffers from frequent bouts of insomnia. It’s December 6th and I am well within my goal of reading 1000 books this year. I have quite a few favorite authors but still find myself having to fill space so series and anthologies are a great way to stumble upon a new favorite author and that’s what happened here.
I started this series because Mae Harden and Kat Baxter had books in it. For this most part (One DNF for an early stinker), I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the stories in the 12 days of Christmas. I’ve never read anything by Evie Graham before and I am so glad this series lead me to her.
Such a sweet story with amazing characters. Very well written and, if there were any spelling or grammar mistakes (huge pet peeve of mine), I missed them because I was so engrossed in the story. Funny, sweet, and romantic without being OTT and I didn’t roll my eyes once. I did however laugh out loud several times.
Well done Evie! I can’t wait to devour other works by this author.
December 21, 2021
I jumped at the chance to read this series, because well there are some of my favorite Authors in it as well as a few new ones that I can promise I will be reading more of. Well thought and put together. Thank you for allowing me to review these wonderful books.
Delay of Game is a hockey, Christmas romance that has remarkable characters that had this reviewer going out and picking up book one and two of the Lilac Harbor series by Evie Graham.
Lorelei is such a delightful heroine, even though she is alone in the world this woman has the most wonderful life balance. Patrick now here was a surprise for me this hero, has been burned so many times he almost doesn’t recognize when someone is being genuine. I wanted Delay of Game never to end engaging characters, small town feel this book had it all.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
Delay of Game is a hockey, Christmas romance that has remarkable characters that had this reviewer going out and picking up book one and two of the Lilac Harbor series by Evie Graham.
Lorelei is such a delightful heroine, even though she is alone in the world this woman has the most wonderful life balance. Patrick now here was a surprise for me this hero, has been burned so many times he almost doesn’t recognize when someone is being genuine. I wanted Delay of Game never to end engaging characters, small town feel this book had it all.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
November 20, 2021
A perfect Holiday novella with laughter and a little bit of pain but at the end you can't help bubbling with happiness.
After being forced to retire due to his injury Patrick chooses to spend his holiday with his best friend Cam. But an unexpected stop at a gas station in wilderness gets him the best Christmas present.
Lorelei is strong, independent, loving and has a heart of gold.
Reading Patrick adjust to the farm life was fun.
Patrick and Lorelei are worlds apart but they share sizzling chemistry.
The flock of geese make the read filled with laughter.
It's a fun read😁.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.
After being forced to retire due to his injury Patrick chooses to spend his holiday with his best friend Cam. But an unexpected stop at a gas station in wilderness gets him the best Christmas present.
Lorelei is strong, independent, loving and has a heart of gold.
Reading Patrick adjust to the farm life was fun.
Patrick and Lorelei are worlds apart but they share sizzling chemistry.
The flock of geese make the read filled with laughter.
It's a fun read😁.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.
November 29, 2021
This is a great holiday novella from Evie Graham that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Patrick, is a recently retired hockey player that’s looking for a quiet change of pace.
Lorelei, a Christmas tree farmer and is a strong independent woman.
This is a second chance romance with a few surprises thrown in. This books is swoony, funny, hot and heartwarming.
The geese steal the show…and watching city boy Patrick adjust to farm life is funny!
I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
Patrick, is a recently retired hockey player that’s looking for a quiet change of pace.
Lorelei, a Christmas tree farmer and is a strong independent woman.
This is a second chance romance with a few surprises thrown in. This books is swoony, funny, hot and heartwarming.
The geese steal the show…and watching city boy Patrick adjust to farm life is funny!
I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
December 23, 2022
This story was sweet and touching. Patrick is strong, funny, and gives 100% to everything he does. Lorelei is an independent, strong woman who makes the best of situations. After a one-night stand, Lorelei finds herself pregnant and unable to contact Patrick. She decides to go in alone until fate intervenes and Patrick is thrust back into her life. Patrick is shocked at first but dives headfirst into the role of caregiver. This story had warm fuzzies and was perfect for the Christmas season.
December 20, 2023
What a really sweet story! I loved how Patrick and Lorelei met and how the story progressed from there. Patrick’s introduction to Lorelei’s tree farm and animal rescue is funny and endeared Patrick from there out. Parts of the story deal with some obvious issues between our main characters, but watching them navigate is half the fun. This was my first book by Evie Graham and I have already added her Lilac Harbor series to my TBR list. I can’t wait to read about the other hockey players from Patrick’s old team.
December 6, 2021
Great Holiday Read!
If you are looking for a fun and charming holiday read, this is the book for you! A perfect novella that has the character depth of a full length novel but is fast paced and interesting. Perfect book to get a reader into the holiday spirit.
While this includes characters from Evie's Lilac Harbor series, it can be read as a complete stand alone. Though, I'd definitely recommend checking out the other books in this series, as they are also a fantastic read.
If you are looking for a fun and charming holiday read, this is the book for you! A perfect novella that has the character depth of a full length novel but is fast paced and interesting. Perfect book to get a reader into the holiday spirit.
While this includes characters from Evie's Lilac Harbor series, it can be read as a complete stand alone. Though, I'd definitely recommend checking out the other books in this series, as they are also a fantastic read.
February 16, 2022
Love me some hot hockey players
Lorelei owns a Christmas tree farm on the verge of failing. Patrick is a famous hockey player who, after a particularly bad loss, is thrilled to meet someone that doesn't recognize him. Sparks fly and then Lorelei disappears. Eight months later they find each other again and surprise they're going to be parents. Read their journey to love and parenthood in Delay Of Game.
Lorelei owns a Christmas tree farm on the verge of failing. Patrick is a famous hockey player who, after a particularly bad loss, is thrilled to meet someone that doesn't recognize him. Sparks fly and then Lorelei disappears. Eight months later they find each other again and surprise they're going to be parents. Read their journey to love and parenthood in Delay Of Game.
November 10, 2021
Evie Graham has done it again with a charming and laugh-out-loud Christmas novella. The story is short and sweet, perfect for reading in front of a fire on a bleak evening in the year of our lord 2021. I never knew I needed- or could love- a flock of cantankerous geese so much. Pick up a copy of the book, tear through it in an evening, and fall asleep with your heart feeling filled to the brim.
December 6, 2021
My first holiday book of the year and it was so good. I stayed up late so that I could finish it because I was hooked. I’m not really a fan of kids, babies, pregnant women, in my romance novels, but if it’s from an author I’m a fan of I will give it a shot. This was sweet and funny with some spice. Based on the setup from the synopsis, I was expecting a very different story, and what I got was so much better. Lorelei is sassy, feisty, and independent; Patrick (who has a cameo in the first Lilac Harbor book) is grumpy and growly, which is my favorite type of hero. In addition to all of this wonderfulness, Cam and Cora from Cross-Checking make an appearance.
December 13, 2021
4 Stars
This is Lorelei and Patrick’s story. Forced to retire he packs and heads away from his dreams. She is working her tree farm and saving animals. Two pink lines changes everything. When they meet up they have to figure what to do about the future and how they both see things happening.
I recommend this book.
This is Lorelei and Patrick’s story. Forced to retire he packs and heads away from his dreams. She is working her tree farm and saving animals. Two pink lines changes everything. When they meet up they have to figure what to do about the future and how they both see things happening.
I recommend this book.
January 22, 2022
So cute you'll love it.
I don't write many reviews. But I had to this time. This book is so cute and funny. I was laughing threw it. My favorite is the geese. The H and h meet at a bar and have a wonderful night together. The h learns later that she's pregnant and can't get in touch with H. Highly recommend it.
I don't write many reviews. But I had to this time. This book is so cute and funny. I was laughing threw it. My favorite is the geese. The H and h meet at a bar and have a wonderful night together. The h learns later that she's pregnant and can't get in touch with H. Highly recommend it.
September 20, 2022
Loved this!
Wow does this 7 chapter novella pack a punch! Romantic, hilarious-attack geese are so freaking funny! Patrick and Lorelei are such great characters. This is my first read by this author and I want more! I’m going to go download Cam’s story now! I don’t celebrate Christmas but am loving this series so far
Wow does this 7 chapter novella pack a punch! Romantic, hilarious-attack geese are so freaking funny! Patrick and Lorelei are such great characters. This is my first read by this author and I want more! I’m going to go download Cam’s story now! I don’t celebrate Christmas but am loving this series so far
December 8, 2021
Surprise pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes and this one crushed it! It was fun, steamy, and had two people that chose not to waste any time on any drama when life through them an unexpected curve. I love the animals too 😊
December 13, 2021
Awesome!!
This is a first time read from this author for me and I’ve already downloaded additional books. I mean….hockey, Alphamale who steps up, sweet heroine, very smexy scenes and a perfect HEA…I am here for it. Lorelei and Patrick’s story is fabulous….LOVED it!
This is a first time read from this author for me and I’ve already downloaded additional books. I mean….hockey, Alphamale who steps up, sweet heroine, very smexy scenes and a perfect HEA…I am here for it. Lorelei and Patrick’s story is fabulous….LOVED it!
December 14, 2021
I’m really enjoying the books in this series. They are totally getting me in a cherry mood for Christmas. There is something about a big burly guy running from small loud creatures. Patrick needed something to give him direction since he was injured and Lorelei was the perfect distraction.
December 17, 2021
Okay
This book was okay but not on my list of favorites. Honestly, I really didn’t like Patrick at first. He seemed like a bit of a man-whore it he did eventually redeem himself with Lorelei and it had a nice ending.
This book was okay but not on my list of favorites. Honestly, I really didn’t like Patrick at first. He seemed like a bit of a man-whore it he did eventually redeem himself with Lorelei and it had a nice ending.
December 22, 2024
For reading this in one afternoon, I was surprised at how not rushed the story felt. Sometimes these shorts feel like you're skimming a full novel, but this did not. New to me author and now I'm going to have to check out her other books
November 8, 2021
A wonderful and heartwarming Christmas story with a touch of heat and a beautiful happy ever after. Totally perfect for
holiday lovers and fans of Christmas stories.
holiday lovers and fans of Christmas stories.
December 7, 2021
This story was cute. I loved Patrick’s grumpiness and the geese scenes were too funny.
December 10, 2021
A sweet and charming novella filled with likeable characters and troublesome geese lol. A fun Christmas story to get you in the holiday spirit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews