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Lauderdale Knights #1
Slap Shot
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter…
Vaughn:
I might be at the top of my game, but a fresh start feels like the right move at this stage of my career. Joining the Lauderdale Knights has been a great decision, and I’m ready to win this city over.
On opening night the crowd goes wild… and so does my slap shot. Knocking a fan unconscious wasn’t the introduction I envisioned. Especially when I lay eyes on my gorgeous victim. Problem is… she’s engaged.
Juliet:
Waking up with a concussion and amnesia has made me realize that when it comes to living life on my terms, it’s now or never. My big Italian family means well, but it’s time for them to stop calling the shots.
Now if I could just get rid of my fiancé, quit my job, and stop drooling over the hottie hockey player who knocked some sense into me, life would be perfect. Except nothing in my life is perfect… not even Lauderdale’s newest MVP.
Vaughn:
I might be at the top of my game, but a fresh start feels like the right move at this stage of my career. Joining the Lauderdale Knights has been a great decision, and I’m ready to win this city over.
On opening night the crowd goes wild… and so does my slap shot. Knocking a fan unconscious wasn’t the introduction I envisioned. Especially when I lay eyes on my gorgeous victim. Problem is… she’s engaged.
Juliet:
Waking up with a concussion and amnesia has made me realize that when it comes to living life on my terms, it’s now or never. My big Italian family means well, but it’s time for them to stop calling the shots.
Now if I could just get rid of my fiancé, quit my job, and stop drooling over the hottie hockey player who knocked some sense into me, life would be perfect. Except nothing in my life is perfect… not even Lauderdale’s newest MVP.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
448 people are currently reading
1237 people want to read
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March 12, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Slap Shot is book one in the Lauderdale Knights series by Kat Mizera. After I read Knight Before Christmas, I had to go ahead and read this first book in the new series. I didn’t get to see as much of Remy and Noelle from the previous book as I’d hoped but I am still so glad I read this!
Vaughn Elliott is twenty seven years old, and is about to play the first game of his third pro hockey team. Not only is it opening night, it’s the first ever Knights game, the first game of the season, and the first pro hockey game in South Florida! The Lauderdale Knights is a brand new expansion team and Vaughn was happy about the move, excited to make Fort Lauderdale his new home. His first game is going great, he’s playing his best, but a wild slap shot gets into the crowd and hits a poor woman in the head.
Juliet Cicero is twenty five years old, works at her family’s pizzeria, and is engaged. You know that saying, she needs some sense knocked into her? Well, for Juliet, it happened literally. She loves hockey so getting season tickets to their brand new team games was a given. But it was her head that wild puck ran in to. Next thing she knew, she was waking up in the hospital and didn’t know who she was or who this crazy bunch of Italians were that were all crowded into her room. She especially didn’t know who the man was that claimed to be her fiance. But, as soon as the huge, handsome as heck guy walked in carrying a gift bag, as soon as their hands touched, she felt calmer, like he was important to her in some way. She would soon find out that he was. It was his hockey puck that hit her!
Once Juliet’s memories do come back, it’s like she sees her life in a brand new light. She knows she doesn’t want to marry Carlo, that she is unhappy working at the family’s restaurant, that she wants more out of life. And, she knows that she wants to see Vaughn again.
Vaughn was just supposed to go to the hospital one time but he found himself returning. More than once. And when she told him she was no longer engaged, he knew he wanted to get to know her. He’d never felt this kind of pull towards a woman before and he didn’t want to let her slip through his fingers.
For both Juliet and Vaughn, though, their lives are a bit topsy turvy. Juliet’s huge family isn’t taking the end of her engagement well and can’t seem to stay out of her business. And a family member that Vaughn had long ago written off suddenly comes back into his life. So while they are trying to figure out what their future as a couple might look like, they are dealing with plenty of other outside stress at the same time. All the while, Vaughn is trying to play his best hockey but clearing his mind on the ice is getting harder and harder.
This was such an enjoyable book. I really liked these two together and was so sad at all they were having thrown at them at the same time. The next book, book two, is Juliet’s best friend, Chloe’s book and Vaughn’s teammate, Jude. It sounds like so much fun!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Slap Shot is book one in the Lauderdale Knights series by Kat Mizera. After I read Knight Before Christmas, I had to go ahead and read this first book in the new series. I didn’t get to see as much of Remy and Noelle from the previous book as I’d hoped but I am still so glad I read this!
Vaughn Elliott is twenty seven years old, and is about to play the first game of his third pro hockey team. Not only is it opening night, it’s the first ever Knights game, the first game of the season, and the first pro hockey game in South Florida! The Lauderdale Knights is a brand new expansion team and Vaughn was happy about the move, excited to make Fort Lauderdale his new home. His first game is going great, he’s playing his best, but a wild slap shot gets into the crowd and hits a poor woman in the head.
Juliet Cicero is twenty five years old, works at her family’s pizzeria, and is engaged. You know that saying, she needs some sense knocked into her? Well, for Juliet, it happened literally. She loves hockey so getting season tickets to their brand new team games was a given. But it was her head that wild puck ran in to. Next thing she knew, she was waking up in the hospital and didn’t know who she was or who this crazy bunch of Italians were that were all crowded into her room. She especially didn’t know who the man was that claimed to be her fiance. But, as soon as the huge, handsome as heck guy walked in carrying a gift bag, as soon as their hands touched, she felt calmer, like he was important to her in some way. She would soon find out that he was. It was his hockey puck that hit her!
Once Juliet’s memories do come back, it’s like she sees her life in a brand new light. She knows she doesn’t want to marry Carlo, that she is unhappy working at the family’s restaurant, that she wants more out of life. And, she knows that she wants to see Vaughn again.
Vaughn was just supposed to go to the hospital one time but he found himself returning. More than once. And when she told him she was no longer engaged, he knew he wanted to get to know her. He’d never felt this kind of pull towards a woman before and he didn’t want to let her slip through his fingers.
For both Juliet and Vaughn, though, their lives are a bit topsy turvy. Juliet’s huge family isn’t taking the end of her engagement well and can’t seem to stay out of her business. And a family member that Vaughn had long ago written off suddenly comes back into his life. So while they are trying to figure out what their future as a couple might look like, they are dealing with plenty of other outside stress at the same time. All the while, Vaughn is trying to play his best hockey but clearing his mind on the ice is getting harder and harder.
This was such an enjoyable book. I really liked these two together and was so sad at all they were having thrown at them at the same time. The next book, book two, is Juliet’s best friend, Chloe’s book and Vaughn’s teammate, Jude. It sounds like so much fun!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 27, 2023
El meet cute de la fan de hockey Juliet Cicero (25) y el jugador Vaughn Elliott (26) es lo menos cute que te puedas imaginar. Acaba con ella en el hospital y con un episodio de amnesia.
A pesar de las buenas vibraciones entre ellos, resulta que Juliet está comprometida para casarse y recuperándose del golpe, así que no parece un buen momento para darle la oportunidad a lo suyo.
Contemporánea contada en estilo NA. Aquí sí que diferencias las voces. Me resultó algo especial y no me digáis por qué.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
A pesar de las buenas vibraciones entre ellos, resulta que Juliet está comprometida para casarse y recuperándose del golpe, así que no parece un buen momento para darle la oportunidad a lo suyo.
Contemporánea contada en estilo NA. Aquí sí que diferencias las voces. Me resultó algo especial y no me digáis por qué.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
January 21, 2023
I kinda hoped there would be more with building this new team, instead we started at the start of the season, the first home game, where things got a bit out of control. I felt for Juliet, getting hit like she did and then all the drama in the hospital after. Now that the book is done, getting hit was the best thing for Juliet, made her reevaluate her life and make some long needed changes. I loved how happy she was at the end, but it was tough getting there. She fought her family every step, the only good thing was Vaughn.
I liked that when both Juliet and Vaughn felt the chemistry they went with it. They slowly built a relationship that was good for both of them, gave them a safe place to talk about their family issues, a good thing as Vaughn was having issues, vastly different ones than Juliet. Vaughn having to look back at his life in a different light really seemed to throw him. I was glad when he got his issues worked out too, he deserved to be happy too.
I liked that when both Juliet and Vaughn felt the chemistry they went with it. They slowly built a relationship that was good for both of them, gave them a safe place to talk about their family issues, a good thing as Vaughn was having issues, vastly different ones than Juliet. Vaughn having to look back at his life in a different light really seemed to throw him. I was glad when he got his issues worked out too, he deserved to be happy too.
March 22, 2022
Kat Mizera + new series + hockey = yes, please :)
Listen, the meet-cute with this story is so fresh that I instantly loved this story just on that. I am still giggling to myself thinking on it. It made for a perfect set-up for not just growth with the characters but also a bond between our leads. Genius I say!
I really enjoyed the storyline between our leads, but I could have done with a little less of the outside drama. The plot point, or rather incident, that brought these two together carried enough force of conflict for the story and I just found some of the other drama a bit twitchy. But that’s just an opinion and honestly, even all that was well written LOL The story made sense and tha’'s really what matters at the end of the day.
There’s not a whole lot of hockey perse as part of this story but I think that was a perfect choice, not just because it’s the first in the series and there’s a whole lot that needs to be set up but also it left character growth open to be fleshed out as it should. This storyline called for that and Kat was wise enough to know that so props for that :)
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this story and if you’re a fan of the author already, this will add to your enjoyment of her work and if you’re a newbie, where have you been?
Available on All Platforms ➡️ https://geni.us/SlapShot
Listen, the meet-cute with this story is so fresh that I instantly loved this story just on that. I am still giggling to myself thinking on it. It made for a perfect set-up for not just growth with the characters but also a bond between our leads. Genius I say!
I really enjoyed the storyline between our leads, but I could have done with a little less of the outside drama. The plot point, or rather incident, that brought these two together carried enough force of conflict for the story and I just found some of the other drama a bit twitchy. But that’s just an opinion and honestly, even all that was well written LOL The story made sense and tha’'s really what matters at the end of the day.
There’s not a whole lot of hockey perse as part of this story but I think that was a perfect choice, not just because it’s the first in the series and there’s a whole lot that needs to be set up but also it left character growth open to be fleshed out as it should. This storyline called for that and Kat was wise enough to know that so props for that :)
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this story and if you’re a fan of the author already, this will add to your enjoyment of her work and if you’re a newbie, where have you been?
Available on All Platforms ➡️ https://geni.us/SlapShot
March 17, 2022
5 Star Review of Slap Shot (Lauderdale Knights #1) by Kat Mizera
I was excited when I heard that Kat Mizera had a new series releasing. If Slap Shot is anything to go by, then she has another winning series on her hands. When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to see how this story played out.
I fell hard and fast for Lauderdale Knights Vaughn and Juliet the woman he accidentally hits in the head with a puck at his teams first game. Asked to visit her in hospital , Vaughn steps up and is shocked when he gets there to learn that Juliet has amnesia thanks to her injury.
I adored Vaughn, he is such a wonderful man and how he treated Juliet and was there to support her no matter what just about melted my heart. I loved the chemistry and friendship that developed between them and the banter between them was witty .
Vaughn is torn knowing that Juliet has a fiancee (even if she can’t remember him) and yet the connection he feels to her is immediate and impossible to ignore. Juliet has always put her crazy Italian family first above her own needs and wants and I loved how Vaughn supported her when she finally stood up to her family. Juliet’s growth throughout this story was heart warming.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
I was excited when I heard that Kat Mizera had a new series releasing. If Slap Shot is anything to go by, then she has another winning series on her hands. When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to see how this story played out.
I fell hard and fast for Lauderdale Knights Vaughn and Juliet the woman he accidentally hits in the head with a puck at his teams first game. Asked to visit her in hospital , Vaughn steps up and is shocked when he gets there to learn that Juliet has amnesia thanks to her injury.
I adored Vaughn, he is such a wonderful man and how he treated Juliet and was there to support her no matter what just about melted my heart. I loved the chemistry and friendship that developed between them and the banter between them was witty .
Vaughn is torn knowing that Juliet has a fiancee (even if she can’t remember him) and yet the connection he feels to her is immediate and impossible to ignore. Juliet has always put her crazy Italian family first above her own needs and wants and I loved how Vaughn supported her when she finally stood up to her family. Juliet’s growth throughout this story was heart warming.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
September 24, 2024
I don't know what to think of this book because the beginning was got like the first like 50 percent was good the plot was good and we got introduced to the characters after that I dont know what happen like just randomly they became boyfriend and girlfriend then they were moving in with each other and even in such a small book there was a third act break up and I was like huh then they were back together this book is only 2 stars because I flew through it .
March 20, 2022
It was nice, and Vaughn was a great book boyfriend. But like a broken puzzle, all the pieces didn’t fit together. I saw four elements that didn’t mesh perfectly: Juliet and her overbearing Italian family, Vaughn and his father, Juliet’s amnesia after Vaughn accidentally threw a puck to her head, and the whole wedding fiasco. Separatly, they were great, and well written, but they didn’t work as well together.
Juliet is clearly the focus of the story. Sure, Vaughn also undergoes some changes, but it’s a complete turnabout for Juliet, and her growth is satisfying to watch. In the few ‘before’ chapters, we see she isn’t happy with her life–her career, how her family treats her, her fiancé. After the incident, she becomes more in touch with who she is and what she wants. That her family doesn’t accept that is an interesting plot device. It forces her to make decisions and grow into her own skin.
That also makes her relationship with Vaughn even more interesting. Their meeting is unconventional, but they quickly feel a connection. For Juliet, Vaughn is a choice, maybe the first of her new self, and one that creates a fault between her and her family.
The result of all that is Juliet breaking her engagement, and her family–and her ex–fighting her every step of the way until it threatens her relationship with Vaughn. Though it kind of made sense in the context of the story, I didn’t really like this part. Personally, I wouldn’t have put up with all that, and it detached me from the character.
I understand the need to give Vaughn a backstory, but his parents’ story made little sense. Apart from the fact that he resented his father, but still needed him, it didn’t bring anything interesting to the story, nor to Vaughn’s background.
My last complaint is that, despite being the reason for the whole story, Juliet’s amnesia and the direct effects of the accident were quickly forgotten. I doubt such an accident didn’t have lasting effects on the victim.
Still, I enjoyed this book. Juliet and Vaughn were cute and sexy together. There wasn’t a lot of hockey, but that’s okay because the team was new and we mostly got to see them connecting. Nice read.
Quickie
- Series: Lauderdale Knights #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #friends to lovers #family #Italian family #amnesia
- Triggers: family bullying, is that a thing?
- Main couple: Juliet Cicero & Vaughn Elliott
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Juliet’s change of life was interesting
- – her family was too much
Juliet is clearly the focus of the story. Sure, Vaughn also undergoes some changes, but it’s a complete turnabout for Juliet, and her growth is satisfying to watch. In the few ‘before’ chapters, we see she isn’t happy with her life–her career, how her family treats her, her fiancé. After the incident, she becomes more in touch with who she is and what she wants. That her family doesn’t accept that is an interesting plot device. It forces her to make decisions and grow into her own skin.
That also makes her relationship with Vaughn even more interesting. Their meeting is unconventional, but they quickly feel a connection. For Juliet, Vaughn is a choice, maybe the first of her new self, and one that creates a fault between her and her family.
The result of all that is Juliet breaking her engagement, and her family–and her ex–fighting her every step of the way until it threatens her relationship with Vaughn. Though it kind of made sense in the context of the story, I didn’t really like this part. Personally, I wouldn’t have put up with all that, and it detached me from the character.
I understand the need to give Vaughn a backstory, but his parents’ story made little sense. Apart from the fact that he resented his father, but still needed him, it didn’t bring anything interesting to the story, nor to Vaughn’s background.
My last complaint is that, despite being the reason for the whole story, Juliet’s amnesia and the direct effects of the accident were quickly forgotten. I doubt such an accident didn’t have lasting effects on the victim.
Still, I enjoyed this book. Juliet and Vaughn were cute and sexy together. There wasn’t a lot of hockey, but that’s okay because the team was new and we mostly got to see them connecting. Nice read.
Quickie
- Series: Lauderdale Knights #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #friends to lovers #family #Italian family #amnesia
- Triggers: family bullying, is that a thing?
- Main couple: Juliet Cicero & Vaughn Elliott
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Juliet’s change of life was interesting
- – her family was too much
March 21, 2022
Another New Series, Another Winner
I have loved this author with her rock romance series and now she has a new hockey romance series that has me hooked.
Vaughn meets Juliet in a most interesting way by having to visit her in a hospital since she was at his hockey game and she was hit in the head by the puck from his slap shot. I know a little crazy but this author knows how to make this work. Juliet has amnesia so when she makes a connection with Vaughn, the fiancé that she has, is not even a memory.
Juliet is ready to live her own life now because she sure wasn’t happy with her life, her fiancé or her family as it was. This is her time and she wants Vaughn to be in her life. It’s time for her family to back off.
I loved the interaction between Vaughn and Juliet and also the backbone she found from what had happened. This is the start of a series I am definitely going to follow.
I have loved this author with her rock romance series and now she has a new hockey romance series that has me hooked.
Vaughn meets Juliet in a most interesting way by having to visit her in a hospital since she was at his hockey game and she was hit in the head by the puck from his slap shot. I know a little crazy but this author knows how to make this work. Juliet has amnesia so when she makes a connection with Vaughn, the fiancé that she has, is not even a memory.
Juliet is ready to live her own life now because she sure wasn’t happy with her life, her fiancé or her family as it was. This is her time and she wants Vaughn to be in her life. It’s time for her family to back off.
I loved the interaction between Vaughn and Juliet and also the backbone she found from what had happened. This is the start of a series I am definitely going to follow.
December 26, 2023
Juliette & Vaughn
So, I read the sample for this story at the back of Knight Before Christmas, which is about Remy & Noelle, the owners of this team, and introduced Toli, the head coach. That sample left out a major plot point in this story, which was kind of annoying to discover.
Anyway, that plot point is a major thread, and it in itself also annoyed me. It was ridiculous - or, the way it was handled was. Idk, it just felt very one-dimensional/only there to be the drama, but didn't make sense to me. And it caused an SOB (SEEMINGLY OBLIGATORY BREAKUP) that also didn't fit for me.
Despite that, I loved Juliette & Vaughn, love that he gets a second chance with his dad, and thought that part of the story was done really well. And when they're together, Juliette & Vaughn work very well as a couple. I like their conversations & how they are with each other.
I don't think I'll continue with the series right now, even though I loved getting to know them & do want them to have their HEAs! I may revisit it later for that reason. I just haven't been a fan of the breakups in the two I've read, so I'm shelving it for now.
😍
So, I read the sample for this story at the back of Knight Before Christmas, which is about Remy & Noelle, the owners of this team, and introduced Toli, the head coach. That sample left out a major plot point in this story, which was kind of annoying to discover.
Anyway, that plot point is a major thread, and it in itself also annoyed me. It was ridiculous - or, the way it was handled was. Idk, it just felt very one-dimensional/only there to be the drama, but didn't make sense to me. And it caused an SOB (SEEMINGLY OBLIGATORY BREAKUP) that also didn't fit for me.
Despite that, I loved Juliette & Vaughn, love that he gets a second chance with his dad, and thought that part of the story was done really well. And when they're together, Juliette & Vaughn work very well as a couple. I like their conversations & how they are with each other.
I don't think I'll continue with the series right now, even though I loved getting to know them & do want them to have their HEAs! I may revisit it later for that reason. I just haven't been a fan of the breakups in the two I've read, so I'm shelving it for now.
😍
March 21, 2022
Slap Shot is a sweet, fun hockey romance and a perfect start to the new Lauderdale Knights series! It was so easy to fall for both Vaugh and Juliet and I really enjoyed their story.
Vaughn Elliott is part of the new Lauderdale Knights expansion team and on opening night a puck flies up into the stands and hits Juliet. She now has a concussion and amnesia, but when Vaughn goes to visit her in the hospital they seem to find an easy connection. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship even with the complications of her recently breaking up with her fiancé and his dad suddenly reentering his life that seem to get in their way. But in the end love wins out!
Vaughn Elliott is part of the new Lauderdale Knights expansion team and on opening night a puck flies up into the stands and hits Juliet. She now has a concussion and amnesia, but when Vaughn goes to visit her in the hospital they seem to find an easy connection. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship even with the complications of her recently breaking up with her fiancé and his dad suddenly reentering his life that seem to get in their way. But in the end love wins out!
July 30, 2023
I was very intrigued by the premise of this book, and while in theory it should have been at least a 4 star for me, it fell a little flat for me, but I can’t quite put my finger on why. I am definitely interested in continuing with the series though.
January 18, 2023
Idk it was okay, but the main couple had no chemistry IMO 😩
March 20, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading Slap Shot (Lauderdale Knights #1) for a few reason and if Vaughan and Juliet’s story is anything go by, Ms Mizera will certainly have yet another hit series on her hands. Their story was everything I expected and so much more, it touched me on so many levels and it ticked every single box. From the moment I met this couple I was intrigued, I was captivated and there was no putting down until the final word was read.
Vaughan and Juliet meet when she finds herself in hospital with a head injury after his wayward puck hits her in the head in the first game if the Knights season. When the team ask Vaughan to visit Juliet he doesn’t hesitate and from the moment these two meet sparks fly but she has a fiancée (she can’t remember) but the connection is so strong Vaughan finds himself visiting Juliet more than the team required or asked. What starts off as a friendship soon turns into so much more and that means standing up to Juliet’s Italian family who had her life mapped out for until a puck to the head and Vaughan arrived. So can this couple map out their own future ir will family pressures ruin it all…..
I loved this couple so big, I fell hard and fast for Vaughan, I adored Juliet but it was the support he gave her as she stood up to her family that really melted my heart. A wonderful start to a new series, a wonderful read that I highly recommend and now I’m really excited for what’s to come from the Lauderdale Knights.
Vaughan and Juliet meet when she finds herself in hospital with a head injury after his wayward puck hits her in the head in the first game if the Knights season. When the team ask Vaughan to visit Juliet he doesn’t hesitate and from the moment these two meet sparks fly but she has a fiancée (she can’t remember) but the connection is so strong Vaughan finds himself visiting Juliet more than the team required or asked. What starts off as a friendship soon turns into so much more and that means standing up to Juliet’s Italian family who had her life mapped out for until a puck to the head and Vaughan arrived. So can this couple map out their own future ir will family pressures ruin it all…..
I loved this couple so big, I fell hard and fast for Vaughan, I adored Juliet but it was the support he gave her as she stood up to her family that really melted my heart. A wonderful start to a new series, a wonderful read that I highly recommend and now I’m really excited for what’s to come from the Lauderdale Knights.
January 27, 2024
A quick and easy read.
The setup was fun. Juliet is a hockey fan who takes an accidental puck to the head during a game when star player Vaughn sends it flying into the crowded stadium.
Asked by team management to visit the injured fan in hospital, Vaughn is surprised by the almost instant connection he feels with pretty Juliet.
Juliet had a fleeting episode of amnesia caused by the trauma, but it was used for mostly meet-cute purposes and barely had any impact on the overall storyline.
Juliet's brush with death causes her to re-evaluate her people-pleasing attitude and tendency to be steamrolled by her family and fiancee.
Both the MC's have some issues to deal with. Juliet starts to stand up for herself and what she wants. Vaughn starts to patch up his relationship with his absentee father, motorcycle gang member Buzz.
I felt like Juliet's family was all over the place; very overbearing, and her mother, in particular, vacillated between pushing Juliet to get back together with her ex, then ingratiating herself to Buzz for no apparent reason.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
The setup was fun. Juliet is a hockey fan who takes an accidental puck to the head during a game when star player Vaughn sends it flying into the crowded stadium.
Asked by team management to visit the injured fan in hospital, Vaughn is surprised by the almost instant connection he feels with pretty Juliet.
Juliet had a fleeting episode of amnesia caused by the trauma, but it was used for mostly meet-cute purposes and barely had any impact on the overall storyline.
Juliet's brush with death causes her to re-evaluate her people-pleasing attitude and tendency to be steamrolled by her family and fiancee.
Both the MC's have some issues to deal with. Juliet starts to stand up for herself and what she wants. Vaughn starts to patch up his relationship with his absentee father, motorcycle gang member Buzz.
I felt like Juliet's family was all over the place; very overbearing, and her mother, in particular, vacillated between pushing Juliet to get back together with her ex, then ingratiating herself to Buzz for no apparent reason.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
March 20, 2022
The Lauderdale Knights are going to be the next great hockey team to hit the romance world! 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 is the first book and it starts us off with a sexy bang and the promise of more great reads to come!
Not gonna lie. I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I loved Juliet and Vaughn and their incredible story. But I hated her family and wanted to reach into my kindle and tell them all to back.the.fudge.off. Family issues aside, I was totally invested in the evolution of their relationship. From the moment Juliet takes a puck to the head, to the moment they say 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, I was hooked. It was truly a wonderful story. It drew me in and kept me glued to my kindle.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and have a feeling that the Lauderdale Knights are gonna become one of my favorites! I’m giving 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Not gonna lie. I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I loved Juliet and Vaughn and their incredible story. But I hated her family and wanted to reach into my kindle and tell them all to back.the.fudge.off. Family issues aside, I was totally invested in the evolution of their relationship. From the moment Juliet takes a puck to the head, to the moment they say 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, I was hooked. It was truly a wonderful story. It drew me in and kept me glued to my kindle.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and have a feeling that the Lauderdale Knights are gonna become one of my favorites! I’m giving 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
March 18, 2022
Hockey, rebound relationship, family issues, and loads of HOTT chemistry. This book was an amazing mix of it all. The main heroine is engaged at the beginning of this book, that usually is a huge turnoff for me. But I love this author and her hockey books so I gave it a try, and I am glad I did. I loved how patient the hero was and how his attraction/love to the heroine was so strong. They felt so deeply! Definitely give this book a try!
This book is the first book in the series and can be read as a complete stand alone. HOWEVER, many of the secondary characters we have met in her previous hockey series. But you do not need to read those to enjoy this book, there will just be lots of fun updates on the previous characters and easter eggs.
This book is the first book in the series and can be read as a complete stand alone. HOWEVER, many of the secondary characters we have met in her previous hockey series. But you do not need to read those to enjoy this book, there will just be lots of fun updates on the previous characters and easter eggs.
March 23, 2022
I'm so excited for Kat Mizera's new series, especially because it's a hockey series. I'm always up for that. And Vaughn and Juliet's story is a great start to the series. These two definitely kept my attention, especially after the way they first met. That was an interesting first meet-cute. There was an instant connection and attraction between them despite what happened to Juliet. I don't think anyone can help falling for Vaughn, the way he takes care of Juliet was just so sweet. Cue the swoons! I think their story is sweet and heartfelt, I had so much fun reading their story. I loved these two together.
November 20, 2025
Vaughn and Juliet story was absolutely brilliant. I just adored these two. Their meet cute was not something you see. But honesty it made senses. That night changed everything for both of them. They came into each other’s lives at the right moment.
January 5, 2026
3.5 stars
March 26, 2022
On the night of their first game, Vaughn Elliot hits a slap shot into the stands and knocks out a spectator. Juliet gets hit in the head with a hockey puck, rendering her unconscious with post-traumatic amnesia (retrograde amnesia which typically happens after a significant head injury). It’s where one recalls things from a long time ago, but everything leading up to the incident is forgotten.
Vaughn and Juliet’s meeting is highly unconventional, but they quickly form a connection. Initially, he’d gone to visit her at the hospital out of a sense of responsibility because his Coach had asked him, to deliver a gift basket, an exercise in damage control. He found her easy to relate to, and be with…and he wanted to go back, which he did. Dating a woman in a relationship with another man, is a fine line he refuses to cross.
Finally her memories return with a vengeance and she’s overcome with emotions.
She was getting married in three months.
~ She hated her wedding dress (railroaded by her mother into purchasing).
She remembers everything and is furious with herself for allowing her family and Carlo, her fiancé to ride roughshod all over her with regard to the wedding. She hadn’t gotten a single concession on HER wedding or reception. The day of the accident, Carlo and herself had an epic fight about it. She’d called him selfish, and he’d called me spoilt. Then she’d told him she was having second thoughts before storming out of the restaurant and heading for the game. Suddenly her confusion made sense. She hadn’t been able to remember any details, but something wasn’t right with Carlo and herself and she understood the reason. She’d been hesitant to say anything to anyone other than Chloe because she knew her family would become unhinged. The argument they’d had before she got hurt had been intense. Carlo was a good guy, but he could be old-fashioned and overbearing, much like her family. The difference was that she wasn’t marrying her family.
Juliet is unhappy with her life choices, career, fiancé, wedding arrangements, the cake…you name it. Her family overrides all of her major and minor decisions and she is resentful of the way they continuously treat her.
She is overrun by her family but finally gains some gumption. Engaged to a man she doesn't love and her family lacking respect for her decisions, thinking that they know what’s best for her, refusing to accept her decisions. Her family’s lack of understanding and ignoring her feelings forces her to reevaluate her life.
Carlo and herself had been together a long time, since their senior year of high school. They’d been arguing more, simply living separate lives. She mentioned taking a break about eighteen months before, but he showed up with a ring, proposing in front of the whole family, and after losing her father recently, it was like this big, happy occasion after the rough year they’d had. She’d felt pressured to accept.
They went to a cake tasting. They’d been arguing about other aspects of the wedding, but it was mostly stupid stuff. She wanted something fun and traditional—big multi-tiered cake with flowers and maybe white chocolate something or other. Carlo decided, for the first time in his entire life, he wanted to buck tradition and get a chocolate ganache wedding cake. Then, he literally told the rep from the bakery that we were going with the chocolate ganache, got up, and walked out. She followed him, there ensued a huge fight. Admitting defeat, she gave in, but something snapped that day, and she knew she didn’t want to marry him anymore.
It was much more than flavours. Her family adores him. Her mother and his mother have been friends since they lived on Long Island, and they’re excited about officially becoming family. Carlo is like an extended family member, but her mother believes that the head injury is the reason for her discontent.
“Okay, I need everyone to step into the hall so I can evaluate the level of Juliet’s amnesia. You can all come back in a few minutes.”
“She needs us here,” Mom cried dramatically.
“We need to know what’s going on,” Tony added.
“She has to eat, and I think the bandage has to come off. The stitches need to breathe.”
“I don’t—” I began, but my family was on a roll, talking over both me and the doctor.
The family she doesn’t recognise is looking at her as though she’s sprouted wings.
“All right, everyone out. And no more than three visitors at a time. This is a lot of chaos for her right now. Thank you.”
“You can’t kick me out!”
“Mrs. Cicero.” Dr. Montrose fixed her with a look. “Please. Five minutes.”
“Ma, come on.” Tony finally took her arm, and they all reluctantly filed out with Jackie closing the door behind them.
It was a relief to have some peace and quiet. The doctor quickly reassures her that her symptoms are not that unusual having sustained a head injury, most likely her memories will return a little at a time. An ideal opportunity to reevaluate her life and implement changes.
Old-fashioned and overbearing didn’t work for her in a relationship, and whilst she’d remained silent, something inside of me was warring. Maybe it was her near-death experience. Maybe it was the fact that she’d met her family and fiancé under unique circumstances and had become overwhelmed. Or perhaps the impact to the head had knocked some sense into her, but whatever the case was, nothing felt the same anymore especially after regaining her memories.
Despite regaining her memories, she felt differently and her quiet acceptance to everything in her life. The old version of herself had been a pushover, allowing her family to control almost every aspect of her life, from the guy she’d been engaged to, to the place she worked. Other than Chloe, she didn’t have girlfriends, it had taken a puck to the head to make her realise how lonely she’d been. In a large family, it was easy to get lost and become the reliable afterthought. Everyone took her for granted especially when they didn’t pull their weight. But her family either didn’t notice, didn’t care, or a combination of both.
Juliet ends her engagement, with her family and Carlo and even his mum resisting her every step of the way.
For Juliet, Vaughn is a choice, maybe the first in her newly discovered independence, one that creates friction between her and her family. She tries to forge a relationship with Vaughn, if only everyone else would stop meddling and trying to reconcile her with Carlo. Their interference threatens the delicate balance formed with Vaughn.
Vaughn asked her to move in with him but she declined saying she wasn’t ready, she wanted to be certain they weren’t rushing their relationship. Vaughn interprets her hesitation as a lack of commitment and a sign that she may return to Carlo (insecure much). He breaks off things unable to deal with the drama in her life (few people could). She never got around to emailing the dress shop, she’s still getting calls about the bridesmaid dresses and the cake; her brothers won’t let up intersecting with Carlo’s frequent visits.
Vaughn further undergoes changes with his father, his leaving town catapulted his breaking things off with Jules at the same time. He asked his father to stay. He told him they’d find a way to sever his ties with the club, after his house was vandalised. He reassured his father that he could handle himself, and he even offered to let him move in. But Buzz refused, unwilling to take the risk. He sees their actions as rejection.
Juliet needed to learn that in order for her needs to be met, she must first develop the strength to take what she wants from life and not just what is expected of her by her family. This is her chance to follow her dreams.
Buzz and Maria (Juliet’s mum) develop a close friendship.
Vaughn and Juliet’s meeting is highly unconventional, but they quickly form a connection. Initially, he’d gone to visit her at the hospital out of a sense of responsibility because his Coach had asked him, to deliver a gift basket, an exercise in damage control. He found her easy to relate to, and be with…and he wanted to go back, which he did. Dating a woman in a relationship with another man, is a fine line he refuses to cross.
Finally her memories return with a vengeance and she’s overcome with emotions.
She was getting married in three months.
~ She hated her wedding dress (railroaded by her mother into purchasing).
She remembers everything and is furious with herself for allowing her family and Carlo, her fiancé to ride roughshod all over her with regard to the wedding. She hadn’t gotten a single concession on HER wedding or reception. The day of the accident, Carlo and herself had an epic fight about it. She’d called him selfish, and he’d called me spoilt. Then she’d told him she was having second thoughts before storming out of the restaurant and heading for the game. Suddenly her confusion made sense. She hadn’t been able to remember any details, but something wasn’t right with Carlo and herself and she understood the reason. She’d been hesitant to say anything to anyone other than Chloe because she knew her family would become unhinged. The argument they’d had before she got hurt had been intense. Carlo was a good guy, but he could be old-fashioned and overbearing, much like her family. The difference was that she wasn’t marrying her family.
Juliet is unhappy with her life choices, career, fiancé, wedding arrangements, the cake…you name it. Her family overrides all of her major and minor decisions and she is resentful of the way they continuously treat her.
She is overrun by her family but finally gains some gumption. Engaged to a man she doesn't love and her family lacking respect for her decisions, thinking that they know what’s best for her, refusing to accept her decisions. Her family’s lack of understanding and ignoring her feelings forces her to reevaluate her life.
Carlo and herself had been together a long time, since their senior year of high school. They’d been arguing more, simply living separate lives. She mentioned taking a break about eighteen months before, but he showed up with a ring, proposing in front of the whole family, and after losing her father recently, it was like this big, happy occasion after the rough year they’d had. She’d felt pressured to accept.
They went to a cake tasting. They’d been arguing about other aspects of the wedding, but it was mostly stupid stuff. She wanted something fun and traditional—big multi-tiered cake with flowers and maybe white chocolate something or other. Carlo decided, for the first time in his entire life, he wanted to buck tradition and get a chocolate ganache wedding cake. Then, he literally told the rep from the bakery that we were going with the chocolate ganache, got up, and walked out. She followed him, there ensued a huge fight. Admitting defeat, she gave in, but something snapped that day, and she knew she didn’t want to marry him anymore.
It was much more than flavours. Her family adores him. Her mother and his mother have been friends since they lived on Long Island, and they’re excited about officially becoming family. Carlo is like an extended family member, but her mother believes that the head injury is the reason for her discontent.
“Okay, I need everyone to step into the hall so I can evaluate the level of Juliet’s amnesia. You can all come back in a few minutes.”
“She needs us here,” Mom cried dramatically.
“We need to know what’s going on,” Tony added.
“She has to eat, and I think the bandage has to come off. The stitches need to breathe.”
“I don’t—” I began, but my family was on a roll, talking over both me and the doctor.
The family she doesn’t recognise is looking at her as though she’s sprouted wings.
“All right, everyone out. And no more than three visitors at a time. This is a lot of chaos for her right now. Thank you.”
“You can’t kick me out!”
“Mrs. Cicero.” Dr. Montrose fixed her with a look. “Please. Five minutes.”
“Ma, come on.” Tony finally took her arm, and they all reluctantly filed out with Jackie closing the door behind them.
It was a relief to have some peace and quiet. The doctor quickly reassures her that her symptoms are not that unusual having sustained a head injury, most likely her memories will return a little at a time. An ideal opportunity to reevaluate her life and implement changes.
Old-fashioned and overbearing didn’t work for her in a relationship, and whilst she’d remained silent, something inside of me was warring. Maybe it was her near-death experience. Maybe it was the fact that she’d met her family and fiancé under unique circumstances and had become overwhelmed. Or perhaps the impact to the head had knocked some sense into her, but whatever the case was, nothing felt the same anymore especially after regaining her memories.
Despite regaining her memories, she felt differently and her quiet acceptance to everything in her life. The old version of herself had been a pushover, allowing her family to control almost every aspect of her life, from the guy she’d been engaged to, to the place she worked. Other than Chloe, she didn’t have girlfriends, it had taken a puck to the head to make her realise how lonely she’d been. In a large family, it was easy to get lost and become the reliable afterthought. Everyone took her for granted especially when they didn’t pull their weight. But her family either didn’t notice, didn’t care, or a combination of both.
Juliet ends her engagement, with her family and Carlo and even his mum resisting her every step of the way.
For Juliet, Vaughn is a choice, maybe the first in her newly discovered independence, one that creates friction between her and her family. She tries to forge a relationship with Vaughn, if only everyone else would stop meddling and trying to reconcile her with Carlo. Their interference threatens the delicate balance formed with Vaughn.
Vaughn asked her to move in with him but she declined saying she wasn’t ready, she wanted to be certain they weren’t rushing their relationship. Vaughn interprets her hesitation as a lack of commitment and a sign that she may return to Carlo (insecure much). He breaks off things unable to deal with the drama in her life (few people could). She never got around to emailing the dress shop, she’s still getting calls about the bridesmaid dresses and the cake; her brothers won’t let up intersecting with Carlo’s frequent visits.
Vaughn further undergoes changes with his father, his leaving town catapulted his breaking things off with Jules at the same time. He asked his father to stay. He told him they’d find a way to sever his ties with the club, after his house was vandalised. He reassured his father that he could handle himself, and he even offered to let him move in. But Buzz refused, unwilling to take the risk. He sees their actions as rejection.
Juliet needed to learn that in order for her needs to be met, she must first develop the strength to take what she wants from life and not just what is expected of her by her family. This is her chance to follow her dreams.
Buzz and Maria (Juliet’s mum) develop a close friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
Voto 3,5
.
Romance Reader - per RFS
.
Oggi vi parlo di uno sport romance la cui trama mi aveva incuriosito parecchio. Purtroppo, però, la storia non ha pienamente soddisfatto le mie aspettative.
Andiamo con ordine!
Vaughn è un giocatore professionista di hockey che arriva in una nuova squadra, i Lauderdale Knights, pronto a conquistare città e tifosi. Peccato che l’impegno e l’euforia lo portino a far schizzare via il disco dal ghiaccio fino a colpire alla testa una tifosa, Juliet, la quale si risveglia in ospedale con un trauma cranico e un’amnesia che le fa rimettere in discussione parecchie scelte della sua vita… in particolare il suo imminente matrimonio!
Superato il periodo di convalescenza in ospedale, Juliet torna alla sua vita con una nuova consapevolezza e si trova davanti al bivio tra ciò che vorrebbe e ciò che dovrebbe fare. Vaughn si sente attratto da questa ragazza dolce e solare, ma sapere che lei è fidanzata non gli permette di approcciarla come vorrebbe.
Può una botta in testa rivoluzionare la tua intera vita? O è meglio dar retta alla famiglia, alle persone che ti conoscono meglio, e che ti dicono di continuare il tuo percorso senza ripensamenti? Qual è il limite tra il seguire i suggerimenti e il lasciare che gli altri prendano decisioni al posto nostro?
La storia in sé non è male, anche se la trama è un po’ troppo lenta e lineare; alcuni passaggi ripetitivi potevano essere tagliati.
Inoltre, ho trovato alcuni comportamenti della famiglia di Juliet piuttosto prevaricatori e questo non mi è proprio piaciuto.
Cosa salvo? Il doppio pov (punto di vista) in prima persona che permette al lettore di conoscere in maniera più ampia pensieri ed emozioni.
.
Romance Reader - per RFS
.
Oggi vi parlo di uno sport romance la cui trama mi aveva incuriosito parecchio. Purtroppo, però, la storia non ha pienamente soddisfatto le mie aspettative.
Andiamo con ordine!
Vaughn è un giocatore professionista di hockey che arriva in una nuova squadra, i Lauderdale Knights, pronto a conquistare città e tifosi. Peccato che l’impegno e l’euforia lo portino a far schizzare via il disco dal ghiaccio fino a colpire alla testa una tifosa, Juliet, la quale si risveglia in ospedale con un trauma cranico e un’amnesia che le fa rimettere in discussione parecchie scelte della sua vita… in particolare il suo imminente matrimonio!
Superato il periodo di convalescenza in ospedale, Juliet torna alla sua vita con una nuova consapevolezza e si trova davanti al bivio tra ciò che vorrebbe e ciò che dovrebbe fare. Vaughn si sente attratto da questa ragazza dolce e solare, ma sapere che lei è fidanzata non gli permette di approcciarla come vorrebbe.
Può una botta in testa rivoluzionare la tua intera vita? O è meglio dar retta alla famiglia, alle persone che ti conoscono meglio, e che ti dicono di continuare il tuo percorso senza ripensamenti? Qual è il limite tra il seguire i suggerimenti e il lasciare che gli altri prendano decisioni al posto nostro?
La storia in sé non è male, anche se la trama è un po’ troppo lenta e lineare; alcuni passaggi ripetitivi potevano essere tagliati.
Inoltre, ho trovato alcuni comportamenti della famiglia di Juliet piuttosto prevaricatori e questo non mi è proprio piaciuto.
Cosa salvo? Il doppio pov (punto di vista) in prima persona che permette al lettore di conoscere in maniera più ampia pensieri ed emozioni.
August 9, 2024
3.5⭐️
Im def going to be reading the rest of this series. I know a lot of ppl complained about Juliet’s family being overbearing and unrealistic but they just felt super Italian (Greek, in my case) to me.
My guy, game one, has a slap shot sending a puck right to a fans face causing her amnesia. When he goes to visit in the hospital, something clicks into place. This whole thing was presh.
Did we go a little off track with the side story of a MC? Yes. Also, let it be noted that I *loathe* mc romance so thank fuck this author didn’t make it part of the actual story more than the side character.
My favorite part of this is how the MMC and MFC spoke to each other. No pretense, just gently and directly.
Im def going to be reading the rest of this series. I know a lot of ppl complained about Juliet’s family being overbearing and unrealistic but they just felt super Italian (Greek, in my case) to me.
My guy, game one, has a slap shot sending a puck right to a fans face causing her amnesia. When he goes to visit in the hospital, something clicks into place. This whole thing was presh.
Did we go a little off track with the side story of a MC? Yes. Also, let it be noted that I *loathe* mc romance so thank fuck this author didn’t make it part of the actual story more than the side character.
My favorite part of this is how the MMC and MFC spoke to each other. No pretense, just gently and directly.
March 20, 2024
The writing was basic, conversations not believable, and the steamy scenes were not steamy. If you're using the word "induced" during sexy time, that is a big nope for me. The main characters lacked personalities beyond their frustrating family dynamics and I didn't pick up on chemistry at all. The beginning was great, the "meet cute" was priceless, but beyond that, there wasn't anything to keep my interest.
February 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book. You have to love a hockey romance really. The characters were likeable and I found it easy to read and work through the storyline. I recommend giving this one a go.
March 24, 2022
The Fort Lauderdale Knights is a brand new series brought to hockey romance lovers by Kat Mizera. And let me tell you the weather isn’t the only thing that is hot. This group of guys that Kat has curated has it all. There are some familiar names and faces from her previous series but a lot of new ones, too. First up is league veteran Vaughn Elliot. Vaughn is lonely. He is in a new city working to get his bearings and just wants to play hockey.
Juliet is a rabid hockey fan and was ecstatic when a brand new expansion team ended up in her hometown. She quickly becomes a season ticket holder and is ecstatic when the season begins. In an unfortunate twist of fate she is injured at the game.
I wasn’t sure the direction that Mizera was going to take this book when we first met Juliet and Vaughn. But their ‘meet cute’ was definitely memorable. What I enjoyed the most was not only the way the characters described how they felt around each other, she clearly showed us by their actions.
Juliet is a woman that handles everything for her large family's business. And when she is not there it all falls apart. When she is struggling to bounce back after her injury her family continues to put more and more pressure on her. Once again, Mizera masterfully made us simultaneously love and loathe her brothers. As a sister myself I completely related her relationship with her brothers. They rely on her for so much but also are fiercely over protective of her and struggle to allow her to make her own life decisions.
Then there is Vaughn. He definitely wants the world to see him as a tough guy, but he has such a gooey soft side. Sweet sweet Vaughn is genuinely a nice guy, and friends he is lonely. As he is working hard to settle in a new city, build new friendships, he realizes that he is alone. After losing his mother. After being absent most of his life his father makes a reappearance. Vaughn definitely isn’t sure how he feels about that on top of his feelings for Juliet.
Book lovers, if you are not sure how you feel about an amnesia book but are also intrigued then this is the book for you! It is really well done and I love how Juliet comes into herself and stands up for what she wants. And the family dynamic both blood and found is wonderful. I adored getting to know Juliet’s crazy loud and overbearing family and how they blended with Vaughn's family both found and biological. I am so looking forward to more of the Fort Lauderdale Knights!
Juliet is a rabid hockey fan and was ecstatic when a brand new expansion team ended up in her hometown. She quickly becomes a season ticket holder and is ecstatic when the season begins. In an unfortunate twist of fate she is injured at the game.
I wasn’t sure the direction that Mizera was going to take this book when we first met Juliet and Vaughn. But their ‘meet cute’ was definitely memorable. What I enjoyed the most was not only the way the characters described how they felt around each other, she clearly showed us by their actions.
Juliet is a woman that handles everything for her large family's business. And when she is not there it all falls apart. When she is struggling to bounce back after her injury her family continues to put more and more pressure on her. Once again, Mizera masterfully made us simultaneously love and loathe her brothers. As a sister myself I completely related her relationship with her brothers. They rely on her for so much but also are fiercely over protective of her and struggle to allow her to make her own life decisions.
Then there is Vaughn. He definitely wants the world to see him as a tough guy, but he has such a gooey soft side. Sweet sweet Vaughn is genuinely a nice guy, and friends he is lonely. As he is working hard to settle in a new city, build new friendships, he realizes that he is alone. After losing his mother. After being absent most of his life his father makes a reappearance. Vaughn definitely isn’t sure how he feels about that on top of his feelings for Juliet.
Book lovers, if you are not sure how you feel about an amnesia book but are also intrigued then this is the book for you! It is really well done and I love how Juliet comes into herself and stands up for what she wants. And the family dynamic both blood and found is wonderful. I adored getting to know Juliet’s crazy loud and overbearing family and how they blended with Vaughn's family both found and biological. I am so looking forward to more of the Fort Lauderdale Knights!
March 24, 2022
There’s a new expansion team in the NHL and it’s in Fort Lauderdale.
Juliet is super excited to finally have hockey in her hometown. What she wasn’t expecting was to be hit in the head with a puck on opening night and wake up with temporary amnesia, making her rethink everything about her life, including her job and her upcoming wedding! Through it all, the only thing she is sure about is the man who never felt like a stranger even though he set her world upside down!
Vaughn is excited about the upcoming season and is ready to take his career to the next level as a Lauderdale Knight! He’s not looking for distractions, but he definitely finds one in the gorgeous woman he knocked out with his slap shot. There’s just one catch . . . she’s engaged and her big Italian family wants it to stay that way.
Kat Mizera, I am so excited for this series! First of all, I loved that it has some favorite characters such as Tess and Toli as well as Zach and Tiffany showing up as part of the new expansion team! There seem to be some awesome new characters as well and now I am pumped up to get to their books!
I adored Juliet! Talk about a woman with a ridiculous amount of demands on her life and time. It literally took her being injured for her to be able to take a step back and start reclaiming who she was and what she wants out of her life. While her family means well, I loved watching her stand up for herself and assert herself.
Vaughn had so much going on as well . . . especially when his estranged father reappears in his life. He was the perfect foil to Juliet. Calm and easy going and pretty much the opposite of her family. Their first few meetings were so sweet and their chemistry immediate and undeniable. I did love, however, that he wasn’t perfect and struggled with his family situation as well as had insecurities as well.
Slap Shot was a lot of fun and this couple is one of my new favorites from Kat Mizera! 5 stars!
Juliet is super excited to finally have hockey in her hometown. What she wasn’t expecting was to be hit in the head with a puck on opening night and wake up with temporary amnesia, making her rethink everything about her life, including her job and her upcoming wedding! Through it all, the only thing she is sure about is the man who never felt like a stranger even though he set her world upside down!
Vaughn is excited about the upcoming season and is ready to take his career to the next level as a Lauderdale Knight! He’s not looking for distractions, but he definitely finds one in the gorgeous woman he knocked out with his slap shot. There’s just one catch . . . she’s engaged and her big Italian family wants it to stay that way.
Kat Mizera, I am so excited for this series! First of all, I loved that it has some favorite characters such as Tess and Toli as well as Zach and Tiffany showing up as part of the new expansion team! There seem to be some awesome new characters as well and now I am pumped up to get to their books!
I adored Juliet! Talk about a woman with a ridiculous amount of demands on her life and time. It literally took her being injured for her to be able to take a step back and start reclaiming who she was and what she wants out of her life. While her family means well, I loved watching her stand up for herself and assert herself.
Vaughn had so much going on as well . . . especially when his estranged father reappears in his life. He was the perfect foil to Juliet. Calm and easy going and pretty much the opposite of her family. Their first few meetings were so sweet and their chemistry immediate and undeniable. I did love, however, that he wasn’t perfect and struggled with his family situation as well as had insecurities as well.
Slap Shot was a lot of fun and this couple is one of my new favorites from Kat Mizera! 5 stars!
March 19, 2022
I am a HUGE Kat Mizera fan, it doesn’t matter which series I read by this author! I love her books because her writing makes it so easy to quickly connect with her characters and to eat swept up into the story.
Another huge plus with her writing is you can read her books generally as standalone books and really enjoy them without feeling like you are missing out on part of the story. But, the more books by her you read, in a series or multiple series, the continued glimpses you see of characters as they are part of her canvas is so fun. It’s like visiting with longtime friends and meeting a few new friends to make the get together even better.
So a few months ago when I read a book in a series by different authors that included on by Kat, I knew I’d love her book but was a little unsure of the storyline premise. Kat proved me wrong of course because it was a stellar read and introduced her faithful readers to the launch of a NHL expansion team and the launch of a new hockey series by Kat. After reading Knight Before Christmas
(Romancing the Rink#4/Lauderdale Knights #0) I have been obsessed with wanting to read Slap
Shot.
Hockey, a big Italian family who can’t stay out of each other’s business, an Italian restaurant and a really unique introduction of the two main characters- sign me up! I am happy to say this book lived up to all my expectations and more. The characters and their families (real and chosen) drive the storyline. Both Vaughn and Juliet have family issues to deal with and they become each other’s safe zone, supportive and able to nudge the other into facing what needs to be faced.
This is another must read series by Kat Mizera and I am so excited to see what she brings us next. I received an ARC from the author Elle Woods PR; and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another huge plus with her writing is you can read her books generally as standalone books and really enjoy them without feeling like you are missing out on part of the story. But, the more books by her you read, in a series or multiple series, the continued glimpses you see of characters as they are part of her canvas is so fun. It’s like visiting with longtime friends and meeting a few new friends to make the get together even better.
So a few months ago when I read a book in a series by different authors that included on by Kat, I knew I’d love her book but was a little unsure of the storyline premise. Kat proved me wrong of course because it was a stellar read and introduced her faithful readers to the launch of a NHL expansion team and the launch of a new hockey series by Kat. After reading Knight Before Christmas
(Romancing the Rink#4/Lauderdale Knights #0) I have been obsessed with wanting to read Slap
Shot.
Hockey, a big Italian family who can’t stay out of each other’s business, an Italian restaurant and a really unique introduction of the two main characters- sign me up! I am happy to say this book lived up to all my expectations and more. The characters and their families (real and chosen) drive the storyline. Both Vaughn and Juliet have family issues to deal with and they become each other’s safe zone, supportive and able to nudge the other into facing what needs to be faced.
This is another must read series by Kat Mizera and I am so excited to see what she brings us next. I received an ARC from the author Elle Woods PR; and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2022
Vaughn is a star hockey player for the Fort Lauderdale Knights. On opening night, Vaughn's slap shot goes into the stands and knocks a woman unconscious. Juliet is a huge hockey fan and goes in with members of her family to buy season tickets to the Knights. Juliet is from a large Italian family and helps run the family restaurant. When Juliet wakes up in the hospital, she is overwhelmed by her loud family and the fact she has amnesia. Juliet only feels at ease when a handsome man, Vaughn, shows up to see her. Vaughn feels an instant attraction to Juliet but knows he needs to forget her since she is engaged. As Juliet slowly remembers her life, she realizes she hasn't been happy for a long time with her life. Juliet breaks up with her fiance and tells her family things need to change. Vaughn and Juliet can't stay away from each other and begin seeing each other. While Juliet deals with her family, Vaughn's father shows up wanting to reconnect with his son. Will Juliet finally stand up to her family? Will Vaughn accept his father does love him, and his parents sacrificed to protect him? Will Vaughn walk away when he lets his frustrations with his father and Juliet's family get the best of him? Will Juliet and Vaughn be able to get past their baggage and find their happily ever after? Slap Shot is a great story with amazing characters. I loved watching Juliet grow into a woman who knew what she wanted and started standing up to what her family thought was best for her. Vaughn is a really sweet and honest man who struggles with his crazy chemistry with Juliet. I loved Slap Shot by Kat Mizera! I would highly recommend getting Slap Shot and any other book by Kat Mizera. I received an ARC copy of Slap Shot, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 18, 2022
If this book is anything to go by, this new series is going to be a winner. The Lauderdale Knights are the expansion team just set up in Florida by Remi Knight. On the night of their first game, their star player, Vaughn Elliot, hits a slap shot into the stands and knocks out a spectator. Hoping to do damage limitation, Vaughn goes to the hospital to deliver a gift basket. When he walks into the room, Juliet is surrounded by lots of family members and as she has amnesia, she assumes that the man who just stepped into her room, that sets her heart aflutter, is Carlo, her fiance. She grabs his had for comfort and the chemistry between them is electrifying. But dating a woman in a relationship with another man, is a line Vaughn won't cross. As Juliet gets her memory back, she comes to realize how close she came to being seriously injured, but also that she really doesn't want to marry Carlo so she breaks it off. This is her chance to follow her dreams and forge a relationship with Vaughn, if only everyone else would stop trying to get her and Carlo back together. As the youngest child and only girl, Juliet's big, loud, Italian family continue to interfere and on many occasions over step all the boundaries that Juliet tries to put in place. But as Juliet tries to be the peacemaker, Vaughn sees her actions as a lack of commitment and a sign that she may go back to her ex. Juliet needs to learn that her needs are important and she has to stand up for what she wants from her life and not just what is expected of her by her family.
This is a great first book and I am so excited for the next book in the series.
This is a great first book and I am so excited for the next book in the series.
March 17, 2022
Lauderdale Knights, the newest NHL expansion team is about to play their inaugural game on home ice. Vaughn is excited to be on this new team as one of the most experienced players. The coach is one of the most innovative leaders in the league and the owner is a former player as well. All the players were pumped, they were wining the game. Vaughn took a shot that went wild and it hit a fan, knocking her out.
Juliet was so excited to see this first game of the Knights. She had lived in New York City until she was 10. She loved hockey and was thrilled to finally be able to see games in her hometown of Ft. Lauderdale. The Knights were winning and the next thing she can remember was being in the hospital but without a memory of her name, family, Fiance!!
They say it was the trauma to her brain but what fearful situation. In walks a handsome man, bearing gifts. It was Vaughn, the player whose puck hit her. The two struck up a conversation while also fueling the fire of attraction between them.
Juliet realizes as her memory returns that this accident would be the push she needed to finally stand up for herself and choose the direction of her life included whom she wishes to love.
Vaughn is drawn to Juliet and also to the feeling of comfort and stability he has when he is with her. They seem to be able to provide each other with this sense of peace that they have both been searching for.
I was drawn to this story from the first chapter and now I need to see where KatMizera plans to take us next.
Juliet was so excited to see this first game of the Knights. She had lived in New York City until she was 10. She loved hockey and was thrilled to finally be able to see games in her hometown of Ft. Lauderdale. The Knights were winning and the next thing she can remember was being in the hospital but without a memory of her name, family, Fiance!!
They say it was the trauma to her brain but what fearful situation. In walks a handsome man, bearing gifts. It was Vaughn, the player whose puck hit her. The two struck up a conversation while also fueling the fire of attraction between them.
Juliet realizes as her memory returns that this accident would be the push she needed to finally stand up for herself and choose the direction of her life included whom she wishes to love.
Vaughn is drawn to Juliet and also to the feeling of comfort and stability he has when he is with her. They seem to be able to provide each other with this sense of peace that they have both been searching for.
I was drawn to this story from the first chapter and now I need to see where KatMizera plans to take us next.
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