Beck

Blazers Hockey Romance #1

by Lisa Linwood

She’s a distraction he can’t allow, and he’s the scandal she can’t afford.

Beck Levesque has just weeks to lead his team to the top of the standings in the NHL. He doesn’t have time for distractions, certainly not from the likes of the smoking hot new marketing director, Hope Goodwin. As a newly appointed captain who’s been given an ultimatum for the success of the team, the allure of having the honey blonde capturing his every move for social media attention is the last thing he wants.

Hope Goodwin is determined to prove her value as the new marketing director for the Blazers. Promoted to the position after her predecessor was caught up in a workplace scandal, she vows to keep her head down and focus on the new marketing campaign featuring the sexy new team captain.

As they both warm up to the job and work together on the campaign, temptation rises with their growing attraction for each other. With both their jobs on the line, something has to give before they end up in the penalty box—permanently.

Genres: Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Workplace Romance, Novella

175 pages, ebook

Published March 7, 2022

About the author

Lisa Linwood writes hockey romance with heat, heart, and just enough stick-handling to keep things interesting. Her stories feature swoon-worthy players, fierce heroines, and emotional stakes as tense as the Stanley Cup Finals.

A longtime hockey fan and lifelong reader, she believes every shot on goal deserves a happily ever after. While plotting her next romance, she sips iced coffee and pretends it counts as hydration.

See all of Lisa’s social media and links at linktr.ee/lisalinwood

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ rounded up

Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, sports romance, hockey ~ NHL, slow burn, sweet, under 200 pages

Hockey romances are one of my favorites and I especially love it when the MC is sweet. In fact, both Hope and Beck are as sweet as mint double stuffed chocolate chip cookies. And guess what? ~~ he cooks too!! 🥩 🦃 🥧
Hope just got promoted to Director of Digital Media and Communications for the NHL team the San Jose Blazers. A job she loves and has worked hard for and absolutely cannot lose. Hope is devoted to taking care of the grandparents that raised her, so when her grandfather has a stroke she takes on all his medical bills when barely making ends meet for herself. So it's a no brainer when she signs a contract forbidding her from fraternizing with the players. When she is assigned the task of promoting Becktober and starts to get to know the hot Captain, she does her best to avoid catching feelings.

Newly appointed Captain, Beck, has to lead the team from last place to first place in only 8 weeks or he'll lose his Captain badge. He does not need any distractions, so when he meets Hope he vows to stay away. When the attraction intensify's that proves easier said than done, for both of them.

It's a slow burn, under 200 pages and told from dual perspectives. The story flowed along at a nice pace and all the characters were likable, except it wouldn't be a story if there wasn't a crazy ex to stir things up. There was a little bit of repetitiveness and lots of smirking and winking, but, all in all, this was a great start to a new series 🏒! I look forward to the next book that follows Chase and Emily ~ we already saw some tension, so I can't wait to see what's up with them. I was delighted to get the extra epilogue with the years later update too.

*Thanks to Lisa Linwood and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my review*

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[Destany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy hockey romance. I liked the characters, and the story was good. I enjoyed the side characters enough that I want to read the next book in the series.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck by Lisa Linwood is one sweet, sassy and very hot romance about Beck Levesque, the captain of a professional NHL team who is focused exclusively on bringing them the Stanley Cup when he is assigned to work with the newly appointed director of marketing for the team, Hope Goodwin. Both are forced to spend time together and try hard to ignore their sizzling hot attraction for one another. This becomes impossible when their hands inadvertently touch the other, and their bodies explode in reaction to the other’s proximity. They cannot pursue a relationship because Hope signed a non-fraternization contract prohibiting her from dating any hockey player from the team. Hope cannot lose this job because she is financially caring for her elderly and frail grandparents who raised her. And, although Beck is gobsmacked by Hope and the impact she is having on his emotions, libido, and general outlook on life, he keeps reminding himself that he does not “do” relationships with women. Beck is under serious pressure from his coach and worries that Hope will prove to be too big of a distraction which he cannot afford since he has been handed an ultimatum by his coach to bring the team to the number one spot by Thanksgiving or lose his captaincy. There are other nasty factors at play that they must navigate including Beck’s very jealous ex-girlfriend with benefits who wants him back, nosy neighbors who would sell their mothers for an extra dollar, jealous co-workers who wanted Hope’s promotion, and a mean boss who is trying to clean up the marketing department by interfering with Hope’s potential suitors. The love that gradually develops between Hope and Beck gently grows into a fiery crescendo that brings them together. You will fall in love with Beck and his teammates, and Hope is the kind of friend, employee, and granddaughter everyone hopes will be in their lives. Ms. Linwood’s writing style is very pleasant, easy-to-read, and her plotline makes it difficult to put the novel down. Beck and Hope’s story will bring a smile to your heart, but you will also need a cold shower by the end. So, RUN, do not walk to the store to purchase BECK!!

[DAC · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - written in passive voice - annoying and cheesy

Whoa - this book moves along at break neck speed. The attraction is VERY rushed.

And the book is written in passive voice instead of active. Why???? Don’t tell me “he had gone” - just say “he went”. If I have to “translate “ more than 2 words average per paragraph to active voice in my head, it’s an automatic DNF.

[Mary Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck Levesque is a NHL captain for the San Jose Blazers who are in a losing slump. His coach gives him the challenge to get the team to the top within 8 weeks. Along comes Hope Goodwin, a social guru who the coach and general manager have tasked with Becktober, a month long ode to Beck to give the fans an inside look into his life. Both Beck and Hope have decided to concentrate on their job and not relationships, Beck because of the challenge to get to the top and Hope because she was just promoted to director and can't afford to lose her job. But the chemistry between these two has other plans.
Beck and Hope finally give into the chemistry between them and try to keep the relationship a secret so that Hope does not lose her job. Ultimately, due to a conniving ex, the relationship is exposed which leaves Hope no choice but to make a very difficult decision, give up her dream job or give up her dream relationship. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. I loved the ending, it was so fitting and swoon worthy. I recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the series, Chase and Emily's story. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck Leveque, newly minted captain for the San Jose Blaze, has been given an ultimatum by his coach. He has to get their team to the top of their division by American Thanksgiving or he will be replaced as captain. Hope Goodwin, Director of Digital Media and Communications, is filling in for her social media assistant and taking pics of Beck for Becktober, a social media scheme for the GM. When Hope took the job she had to sign a no-fraternization policy due to her predecessor dating a hockey player and causing a media firestorm, causing her to be fired. Hope was raised by her grandparents and needs her job to help them after her grandfather’s stroke. Beck lost his father at a young age and was raised by his uncle. They each love their jobs and don’t have time for romance. Needless to say that is when love happens. They get to know each other during the month of October. Hope and Beck have to decide if their dreams mean more to them than each other. I felt for Hope and her worries about possibly losing her job and not being able to help her grandparents. I enjoyed the relationship developing between Hope and Beck. Emily was Hope’s best friend and Chase was Beck’s best friend. They don’t seem to get along and I can’t wait to read their story. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck is all about Hockey, he doesn't have time for hobbies or love until Hope comes along to do the media posts for Becktober and starts to have feelings he has locked away for a long time. There is a touch of slow burn as well as love, hesitation, rules and great characters which is perfect as it reals you in and you feel both the attraction they feel for each other as well as the hesitation Hope has as her job is on the line. Beck and Hope are the perfect match for each other, but with Beck never wanting marriage and children where as Hope does as well as her non fraternizing clause they both have a lot to work through and you are kept guessing if they will finally take the leap into love and be together. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and Beck's Story . . .

Beck Levesque has a tough task ahead of him as the new captain for the San Jose Blazers. The team is known as the worst hockey team. Beck has only 8 weeks to change them into winners or he will lose his Captain status. So having to work with Hope Goodwin is a distraction he definitely doesn’t need right now.

Hope was just promoted to the marketing director position at the Blazers’ headquarters after a scandal involving the person she replaced. She desperately needs the money for her grandfather’s medical bills after his stroke, so she can’t afford to mess this job up. She knows she is forbidden to date any of the team. Yet Beck and Hope can feel their mutual attraction. Will they resist each other? Or will they both fail at what they have been working for by losing their focus?

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-stars for Beck

This is a cute, steamy sports romance. Beck and Hope's connection which turns into so much more is felt through every page #BecksHope If you love sports romance this is definitely one not to miss.
While I did receive an advanced review copy, I also purchased the book / read with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited, voluntary review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. All the characters are wonderful. Beck and Hope are such a cute couple. I love how they both fight it but still find love. Their romance had steamy, humor and lots of romantic moments. Emily and Chase are next and I can not wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous.

This was a gorgeous light read. I so enjoyed Beck and Hope’s budding but forbidden romance. Great chemistry, deep feelings and a lovely HEA. My first read by this author and definitely not my last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck is the captain on the Blazer hockey team. There is a campaign for Becktober on social media. Hope is in charge of the social medial campaign.
Beck is focused on taking the team to a winning season or be replaced as captain. Hope has signed a non-fraternizing contract with hockey players for her job.
Both feel a pull and attraction. But both have reasons for not getting involved in a relationship.

Good story. With HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck is Captain to the San Jose Blazers and Hope is doing the "PR and social media for the team. She has to follow Beck around to do his social media but Hope can not date any player. Beck and Hop0e get close. Hope takes care of her Nana and Papa who has an stroke and is a wheelchair. They mean everything to her as they raise her since she was five and starting school. What happen when they get close and what about her job?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of my favorite hockey romances. I had a hard time putting the book down & just wanted to keep reading.

Can’t wait to keep reading this series.

[tburbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This was a great start to a new series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck Levesque plays hockey for, The San Jose Blazers. They ended last season at the bottom of, the national league standings. The GM’s solution is to hire new blood, one being a new coach. However, they did lose their first regulation game last night in a shut-out. He knew the coach would be calling him in, to yell and talk strategy. What he didn’t expect, is for the coach, to issue an ultimatum. That if he did get the players to play like a cohesive unit then he would have no problem taking his ‘C’ for captain away.

To make it more interesting the GM decided, to approve that the marketing department, follow Beck every day in, October. Calling it, Becktober on, the Blazers' Instagram profile. Hope Goodwin, Director of Digital Media, and Communications is who he’ll be working with. Already not happy. Why? She is a stunning woman. Hope reaches his chin. She’s about his age, thirty-two, with a delicate vanilla fragrance around her. It's inviting, and not overbearing like his soon-to-be ex. Need I say more?

Hope’s laughter tickles him, and so he rubs his chest when it happens which it has done several times already. Beck is thinking it‘s, an unpleasant feeling. Fans want, to know you as a person, and what your plans are for the team. They will be around each other a lot. Traveling to games, home games, fundraisers, signings, and appearances. Hope just needs to remember there is a no-fraternization contract, that she signed when Hope took over as director. The only one in all of, the Blazers organization due to her predecessor, to sign one.

It doesn't take long for them, to figure out they have chemistry, yet can’t do a thing about it. They learn in five years, Hope wants, marriage and children, and, Beck wants neither due, to the pain he endured as a child. Hope can not take the chance, of losing her job because she takes care, of her grandparents. But, the urge to have one small thing for herself, that no one knew about. Is too great, so they act on it.

I enjoyed this story, a whole lot. The characters are real, and not pretentious. You saw the walls, Beck hides, behind fall. For Hope, you saw her being able, to accept help and learn, to be okay with knowing she can't, do everything. Some are not meant, to be paid back. Just accepted, with love.

[Trisha Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and sexy romance that scores!

I really enjoyed this book. Beck and Hope were both well-drawn characters you wanted to root for—both individually and as a couple. What I especially loved about this book was how Linwood shows us “why” they fell for each other. A lot of authors tell you that the hero is kind, or the heroine is smart, but Linwood shows us in so many adorable ways. Beck’s interaction with his young fans shows us he’s kind and caring. And Hope demonstrates her knowledge (as does Linwood) of the game of hockey. Hope’s also a smart cookie when it comes to marketing, helping out Matt develop his own social profile. Hope’s sacrifices to help her granddad are heartwarming, illustrating she’s a woman who knows her priorities.

Secondary characters were well rounded, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Emily and Chase. There is obviously some pretty strong history between those two. Linwood gives us little teases without it overtaking the main couple’s storyline. And of course, there’s Puck, Beck’s little dog, and Houdini, Hope’s cat, who like to steal some scenes

I also loved how the main characters didn’t act immaturely. They faced things like adults, with each other and with their careers. Like I said, they’re characters you want to root for both individually and as a couple.

If you enjoy a good sports romance with strong, caring heroes and smart, compassionate heroines, I recommend you give Beck a try.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck Levesque is the newly appointed captain for the San Jose Blazers and is tasked with bringing the team back to the Stanley Cup. The new marketing director for the team is Hope Goodwin, and she is creating Becktober, a month-long opportunity to let the fans get to know the man, as well as the athlete. It's the perfect set-up for two professionals to get to the top of their respective fields, but it creates a horrible situation where they have to deny the feelings they're beginning to have for one another. Beck tries to remember that he just does not "do" relationships, and Hope can't possibly forget that her grandfather depends solely on her to pay his medical bills. They have a fairly slow burn but, when it develops, it explodes. Along the way, Beck and Hope are compromised by a vindictive ex and the truth comes out. This is a tremendous story that fuses the game with romance, and it works! 

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blazers Hockey #1

Beck Levesque is the new captain for the San Jose Blazers. He was given an ultimatum by his coach to bring the team up in the standings in 8 weeks or lose the captain status. Also he has to put up with #Becktober media postings, he's not happy.

Hope Goodwin is the Director of Digital Media and Communications for the Blazers. It's her job to post on social media sites items about the players. After an issue that happened to the prior director, Hope has to sign a no fraternization policy and if not followed lose her job. She plans on keeping her head down and doing her job since she needs the money to help out her grandparents.

What starts off as just doing her job and him barely acknowledging soon changes. There's an attraction between them that changes to more. But it has to be kept a secret or she loses her job and there's someone out to cause trouble.

4.25 stars

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck lives and breathes hockey, when his coach threatens his being captain it throws him for a loop. To add insult to injury the powers that be want him the focus of the month, Becktober, really, that is a distraction he does not need. He is forced to spend time with Hope from marketing, she brings all sorts of distractions.

Hope has recently been promoted to marketing director, the job is just what she needs as she is helping pay from her grandfather's medical bills. The job also required her to sign an agreement not to date any of the players. When she starts working closely with that hottie, Beck, it is so hard.

When the two start seeing each other in secret, will they be caught? Is dating Beck worth the possible cost of her job? I am looking forward to Chase and Emily's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and is Beck and Hope’s story. Beck is the new captain for a profession NHL team, and he has mere weeks to get the team to the top of risk losing his captaincy. Hope is the new marketing director for The Blazers headquarters, and she must work closely with Beck. There is an undeniable connection between these two, but neither can afford to lose focus on their careers. This is a well written, well-paced storyline with engaging and relatable characters, challenges, tension, emotions, secrets, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this book for an honest review. I enjoyed the story of Beck and Hope. She's a young woman assigned to work with the Blazer's hockey team and their social media accounts. She's had a crush on Beck for a while, she's not his type. When Beck is introduced to Hope, to work on Becktober, he doesn't realize his life is going to change for ever. They have crazy chemistry and a budding friendship, but because of a previous employee, Hope is required too sign a non fraternization contact, meaning she can't date a player. But rules are to be broken. Great HEA in the making .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck couldn't handle the new social media he had to endure with his hockey team but more than anything he couldn't help liking the pesky girl that came with it. Then she started making him feel things that neither of them were supposed to feel until it was to late. Eventually they both learn they are in love with each other but have to end it because of her jobs contract. Her grandmother helps her realize what she has to do so they can be together. She quits and their love and lives are set right forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dewey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seems to be a common plot in hockey romances. Beck is the hot hockey player with commitment issues and an annoying ex. Hope is the hot female, with her own family & financial issues. She's in charge of PR/media and has to follow him around; he hates it. Insta-lust on Beck's part which makes NO sense, especially since they barely have even talked. Not allowed to date players so, of course, that's what happens. Drama ensues followed by HEA. Problem for me is I have read this too many times. DNF

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

As captain of the team, Beck is determined and focus on getting on getting to the top, when is he is tasked to work with the director of marketing on a promotion. Hope is new to the team and cannot get involved with anyone on the team. The more time they spend together, the closer they get as the chemistry and pull is intense.


This is a sweet sports romance that grabs you from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rach H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story from Lisa that I have read and I really enjoyed it.
Beck and Hope were great characters, the storyline was well written and enjoyable to read.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Mcaleer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck

Great story!!!!! I’m going to like this Blazers Hockey series! They had to work together but he didn’t have time for a relationship and she could lose her job if she had a relationship with a member of the team. But their attraction was very strong, very strong. Loved this book, highly recommend it and can’t wait for Emily and Chase, just can’t wait!!!

[Chrissy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s cute. She works for the hockey team. He’s a player. She’s in charge of social media and has to follow him for a month. She signed a contract that she’s not allowed to date players so naturally they want to date. The spice level is….. besides him referring to his friend in his pants a few times, there’s zero spice description. It’s like some kissing and then use your imagination.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to this new series. The story flows well, characters are likeable and fit well together. This is the journey of Beck and Hope. I am looking forward to see where this series will go.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Characters are wonderful, well written storyline. Wonderful Hockey Romance. I recommend this book and author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.