Balance

by A.B. Marie

Follow Morgan on his journey through single parenting, balancing hockey and his three kids, and figuring out how to survive again so late in the game. His contract is coming to an end after the current season. Should he continue to play? Or retire and move on? __________________ Lily has to hell and back, literally. Well, okay, I guess figuratively. After her long-term boyfriend fires her from her teaching job and leaves her homeless, she jumps in her car and drives across the states from California, all the way to Minnesota. Will she be able to find another teaching job? Or will this nanny thing pan out?

__________________________________________ Balance is the second book in a series of standalones that follow the fictional Minnesota Mavericks. Love hockey? Love? What about romance, suspense, and beautiful HEA's? You've come to the right place. This book is intended for readers over the age of 18. There may be triggers for sensitive readers, including, strong language, mature adult content and situations, surrogacy, and sexual assault. Also nanny to lovers, nanny romance, sports romance, MF romance, and drama. Enjoy!

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2022

About the author

Author of romance books. Eater of tamales. Mother of demons.

Email: abmarie_author@outlook.com

Website: https://abmarie.godaddysites.com

Keep in touch!

Reviews

[Amee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 30% Slow moving, with not much going on.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Balance and was genuinely impressed by A.B. Marie’s ability to combine heartfelt romance, sports drama, and personal growth into a single, compelling narrative. The story follows Morgan, a professional hockey player navigating single parenthood and career decisions, while Lily faces personal upheaval, including career loss and homelessness, as she travels across states seeking stability. I’ve also posted a review on Goodreads to help introduce more readers to your work.

What sets this book apart is its layered storytelling:

Realistic Sports Context: Morgan’s hockey career and contract dilemmas add authenticity and tension, appealing to sports romance fans.

Emotional Depth: Lily’s struggles with job loss, displacement, and personal reinvention provide a rich emotional core.

Character Chemistry: The romance unfolds naturally with well-developed emotional stakes, making their journey to love and balance deeply satisfying.

Adult Themes: The book handles mature content surrogacy, trauma, and intimate relationships with care, creating a story that resonates with readers seeking realism alongside escapism.

Market Potential:

Sports romance enthusiasts and fans of contemporary romance with mature themes.

Readers of series like the Minnesota Mavericks who enjoy complex, relatable characters.

Opportunities exist for social media campaigns, Goodreads promotions, and targeted romance reader engagement.

a heartwarming, engaging, and emotionally rich sports romance that combines romance, life challenges, and family dynamics in a truly compelling way.

Nicole B.

[Meggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lillian and Morgan!

That was a sweet story and I really loved the girls. The side characters are also very well rounded and intriguing. I absolutely adore Nolan. I cannot get enough of him, so finally seeing him get his HEA book next makes me extremely happy!

Lillian was a strong, intelligent, and independent woman, although I wanted to 🤦🏻‍♀️ a little about her crossing the line with her boss again. It was Morgan, though, and I love him and his love for his girls, so I was OK with it obviously.

I loved their bumbling miscommunications, but obvious caring. I kind of wish we got more of Lillian’s past, but I know it was probably very dark and would have brought the mood down a lot.

************************SPOILER*********************

I loved that Brittany actually got help. There was no ulterior motive. So often the ex is simply painted as evil and none of the reasons or problems that led to their behavior are ever addressed. I’m glad she got help and was able to be a good mother and a friend to Mackenzie and Lillian. It was a refreshing change from the norm.

Now I’m ready for some Nolan love! 🥰

[Jordan Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read

I feel bad giving it 3 stars instead of 4, but it’s just not as good as book 2.

I loved the characters and getting more information on the people from book 1 but I still have questions. I hate when a book just ends and then there’s more pivotal information in the epilogue. Without the epilogue, it would be a terrible ending.

Very decent ending. Hoping to see more of Nolan and Landon.

[Veronica Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartfelt and enjoyable hockey romance with plenty of emotion.
I loved watching Morgan and Lily find their way through life’s unexpected challenges.
The balance of romance, family, hockey, and drama kept me invested from beginning to end.
The characters felt genuine, and their connection developed in a really satisfying way.
A sweet, emotional read with plenty of heart definitely a five star story!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balance

I liked the story and it had some great moments, thought it could have done with a bit more drama. At one point she's wondering if she should give him a chance and could she really have this life but i thought they were already together so maybe i assume too much lol